In a startling turn of events, the once-considered long shot John “comeback kid” Kerry pulled off a significant upset over his fellow contenders in last week’s Iowa caucus. Yet, more attention was given to what many consider to be the processional implosion of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.
According to a Jan. 7 Iowa poll, Dean led all candidates while Kerry sat in third place and Sen. John Edwards, D-NC , sat in last. After the Iowan electorate caucused in its 1,994 respective precincts, it was clear that the tide had turned. Kerry took 38 percent of the vote, Edwards a stunning 32 percent and Dean stooped to an underwhelming 18 percent.
Mudslinging directed at Dean from the other candidates plausibly accounted for part of his swan dive. But perhaps other reasons are to blame. Could it be Dean’s hard-hitting leftist rhetoric and disdain for President George W. Bush that caused Iowa to shy away? Perhaps such bold comments such as America not being a safer country since the capture of Sadaam Hussein didn’t sit well with Democrats from Iowa. It was even suggested that Dean stop tearing down his neighbor, Bush, and address contentions with more civility and class.
This is not to suggest Dean doesn’t have the right to address his concerns; he certainly does. Rather, it simply brings attention to Dean’s common method of dealing with criticism, using anger. Perhaps Dean will learn a lesson from the two senators ahead of him who seem to have a better grip on channeling their anger.
The Democrats may be coasting down a road that ultimately leads to a dead end. Some wonder if democratic issues and concerns are enough to penetrate the heart of the American electorate and force Bush out of the White House.
In a brief victory speech, Kerry presented a list of issues addressing Bush’s shortcomings as president, noting that he is willing to take the president head-on regarding national security. As most people probably know, Kerry proudly served his country during Vietnam and was extolled as an American who saved the life of a fellow soldier. In and of itself, this is a remarkable and commendable accomplishment from a decorated hero who deserves appreciation and respect. But this alone is not the basis for qualifying oneself as a military leader capable of handling the most powerful army in the world. Being a model of order-taking is worlds away from being the person who gives the orders. And today, America requires a president who understands the latter.
Understanding America and its current needs is a vital part of the presidency, and all too often liberals forget that less than three years ago, U.S. national security was breached and all Americans’ lives changed forever on a gloomy day in September. The majority of this country seems to understand that national security takes top priority over other liberal agendas that are often overemphasized, as is evidenced by Bush’s 60 percent approval rating for his third year in office.
But what is odd and blatantly hypocritical are the vicious attacks from democratic candidates dealing with issues that plague their own party. For example, Kerry’s boldest statement in his victory speech addressed the need to rid the White House, and Washington, of controlling interest groups. Yet one couldn’t help but notice the sea of Kerry signs flailing in the audience with that all-too-familiar Planned Parenthood logo proudly printed on the bottom.
Liberals are notorious for playing the game of blaming all of society’s problems on the president. From the sad truth that poor people live in this country to the fact that people are out of work, it always comes back to the president’s failure to take action. Leftists love to ignore this country’s recent quarterly review indicating it to be the most productive growth in the past 20 years of our country’s economy.
It is time to remember that the United States’ ability and privilege to hold such caucuses cannot happen unless a freedom exists that is preserved and protected. No campaign has any merit whatsoever unless it is grounded in that fundamental truth. Bush understands that truth in his heart. Some call him a liar. Others appreciate his leadership. All should admire his courage.
Kerry told those watching on Monday night that some person brought him a four-leaf clover, and from there, everything seemed to pick up the pace. Maybe those who support a Democratic nominee should consider a good luck charm for their favorite candidate. But be mindful of the fact that it will take more than luck to stop Bush this November.