How can Kerry deal with the "War on Terror" head on?

[Armstead]

I think part of Kerry's problem is that he is letting the Bushites dominate the dialogue on the War on Terror. That is one reason Kerry is being perceived as weak and nebulous.

As obnoxious and stupid and brutal as they are, the Bush Gang are in control, and their tough talk makes a lot of scardey cats feel "safer" knowing they are in charge.

IMO Kerry has to take the "War on Terror" head on as a theme of his campaign. Somehow strike the balance between making it clear he will be tough and resoulte towards terrorists, but also defuse the fearmongering and stupidity of the Bush docturne.

Somehow he's got to get real plans and strategies out and get it across that fighting terrorists and protecting national security is not the same as charging around the world like a psychopathic bull elephant.

Maybe if Kerry can make that conmtrast, he might actually make people feel like they'd be safer with him in charge.

[SoCalDemocrat]

1. Deflate terrorism

Part of what we need to do in the next three months is make people less afraid of terrorism. The more they are afraid, the more they turn to Bush. Polling has confirmed that unfortunate fact.

The reality is, we are more likely to be killed by lighning than by terrorists. Maybe not Kerry, but our party needs to start selling this point hard. There is no reason to live in fear of terrorists. They are not a serious threat.

It's going to be tricky to sell that message and still be strong on terrorism, but it can be done. Maybe beat them up over their terrorist scare warnings. A campaign attacking their fear tactics would probably be best.

People really shouldn't be so afraid, but Bush wants them afraid to stay in power and he's going to do what he can to keep them afraid.

[Armstead]

3. I basically agree, but Kerry's got to start saying something

He talks aboutn Iraq, but he lets them, get away with their nonsense about the War on Terror.

Somehow, he's go tto get it across that being both tough and smart about it will make people safer. He can do it if he tries. But he can't keep glossing it over. It's got to be part of the package.

[rooboy]

2. Keep running ads with pictures of * holding hands with Bandar Bush. n/t

[Armstead]

4. Kick

IMO this problem is one of the elephants in the room that is being ignored.

[moondust]

5. Three years later and al Qaeda's #2 man is still threatening us.

Mr. Bush has had 3 full years, the vast U.S. intelligence apparatus, the best trained and equipped fighting forces anywhere, a blank check from Congress, and a "Coalition of the Willing" and we are STILL being threatened by the same people responsible for the attacks on 9/11/2001. You're no terror fighter, Mr. Bush.

[Dangerman]

6. Well Kerry can...

Not exposing undercover agents and moles hunting for Al-Qaeda.

Like Bush does.

[Armstead]

7. Yeah, that's a shadowy one

I've heard Randi Rhodes talking about that. It's kind of confusing, but if there is truth to it, that certainly is damming.

[Armstead]

8. Yeah, that's a shadowy one

I've heard Randi Rhodes talking about that. It's kind of confusing, but if there is truth to it, that certainly is damming.