This is my first diary and I must confess that most of the time I am content to read the well researched and wonderfully written diaries by the rest of the community. However the other day I heard something on NPR about the Military plans against Iran and I have been stuck with one repetitive thought.
All I could think about was the fact that once military action is taken against Iran (and sadly I am beginning to think this is inevitable) the American people will fall in line and support the President in a patriotic sense. I have noticed this phenomenon before most notably Iraq where before the invasion Approval ratings for invasion were low but once the go ahead was given there was an immediate show of support and solidarity by the American people.
So the first thing that runs through my mind is that we are going to invade and Bush's approval will go up. The SECOND is that the American people have a very hard time Electing new leadership during a military conflict. It is the old don't change horses in mid stream logic. I personally believe that it played some role in helping George W. Bush get reelected in 2004. Now I know that GWB is not up for reelection in '08 (thank god) but that brings me to my final thought about the conflict with Iran.
John McCain, who has already shown himself to be a close ally of the current administration's military ambitions will assume the mantle of Flag bearer for this conflict and ride the "don't change horses mid stream" sentiment to the election. In addition, politicians who oppose conflict with Iran (which they should) will be labeled as unable to manage a conflict that they did not support.
I absolutely hate being this cynical and over the years I feel that this is more and more the case because every time you think the Republicans won't stoop so low, They do, and more. So to sum up I am interested in seeing what other folks around here think about the Buildup toward Iran.
Let me know what you think