Will Bush change tune tonight?

One of Kerry's most effective messages so far has been that Bush lives in a fantasy world, particularly in regard to Iraq, of which he has painted an absurdly rosy picture.

The Bush campaign knows that that Kerry will make this point again tonight. And they might just play defense on the issue, and have Bush trot out his worn-out slogans.

Or, they could have Bush state right at the beginning that things are not going well, and somehow spin that in his direction-- by saying, for example, that we need to be firm, not change horses, etc.

This would be the more risky, and possibly more rewarding maneuver. Will they go for it? How will Kerry respond, if so (I hope he has something prepared for such an occurence)?

Whatever happens, I'm glad Kerry gets the first question.

•  rosy rosy rosy

  My prediciton:

  Bush will admit there are problems in Iraq, say we're staying the course, then return to the tedious attacks:  "What would Senator Kerry do differently?  I'm not sure Senator Kerry knows.  One week it's this, the other week it's that." Over and over again on message with canned lines about the flip flop shit.  Kerry respond, points out Bush's own flip-flops in a clever way. Back and forth.  Ad nauseum.  

  Result:  Conservative pundits eat up Bush's smirks and canned lines.  Liberal pundits like Kerry.  "Neutral" pundits declare no clear winner and the media keeps the horserace going.

  by markymarx on Thu Sep 30, 2004 at 12:22:29 PM PDT