Reply #6: Probably hurt him

[Zero Gravitas]

ON one hand there is the "rally round the flag" effect, but on the other hand it would only underline Bush's poor decisions on the so-called "War on terrorism". Assuming an al Qaeda attack it would only beg the question "why are there only 10,000 US troops in Afghanistan, where AQ is based and 130,000 in Iraq, a country that never had any connection with AQ?"

However Bush's support is strongest amongst the least informed, people whose ignorance allows them to believe Bush's lies. So his core support would be strengthened in their resolve, but anyone with half a brain or the smallest clue about the world outside the US would be more likely to wake up to the harsh reality that Bush is an incompetent fool propped up by lies and propaganda (if they haven't already.)