Several polls out this week showed a significant (even if probably temporary) jump in people who said that the U.S. is safer now that Saddam has been captured and that his arrest represents progress in the war on terror. It occurs to me that this is more than anything an example of desperate wishful thinking on many Americans' part. I think more people are experiencing a constant low-grade anxiety than ever before since 9/11 and they're just looking for someone who can make them feel safer and more secure (hence Bush repeating this phrase ad nauseum at his post-Saddam press conference).
In fact, I believe that this will be the theme upon which Bush will base his campaign: "Vote for me, because I'll make you feel safe." (The subtext of this message, of course, is that the world is a fearful place and the voters need protecting.) My question is: What theme should the Democratic nominee choose in contrast to this? Something short, concise and positive that appeals to people at the gut level and differentiates him from Bush. I myself can't think of any at the moment (Friday before the holidays, don't you know), but I'd be interested in hearing what Dean or Clark should present to the American people, assuming one of them is the nominee. Any thoughts?