I'm kind of a pragmatic person, without the eloquence of so many who post diaries here, so I hope you'll excuse the bluntness of this diary.
I have an idea for a campaign strategy that would effectively answer the Republicans' claim that we're safer now than before 9/11. It's simple, I think it would be effective, and if it were used by every candidate at every whistlestop and rally it would take hold in the public's mind.
More below the fold.
Start with this basic question:
Who has been in charge of the government for the last 6 years, Republicans or Democrats?
The crowd yells "Republicans!"
Then warm the crowd up with a list:
Five years after 9/11 the cops still can't talk to the firemen. Are we safer?
Five years after 9/11 our ports are still not secure. Are we safer?
Five years after 9/11 our chemical plants and nuclear facilities are still not secure. Are we safer?
Five years after 9/11 cargo loaded onto passenger planes is still not fully vetted. Are we safer?
Five years after 9/11...
You get the idea. Make it a good long list, and at the end of each question point the mike at the audience while they yell "NO!" (or Hell No, depending on the audience.)
At the end, ask again who has been in charge all this time.
I think this could be very effective over both the short and long term, and if enough candidates used it consistently it might really start to sink in to the public's conciousness. It's the old KISS theory: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Keep it up all the way through to '08. If it really caught on it could be our version of "Where's the Beef?"
What do you think??? Too simplistic?