Kerry has the momentum, the “global test” flap isn’t working, and GOP-driven rumors that Kerry “cheated” during the debate were more ridiculed than believed. What’s the Bush campaign to do? Announce a “significant speech” for tomorrow.
President Bush, stung by the erosion of his lead over Sen. John Kerry in post debate polls, has abruptly scheduled a major speech for tomorrow in hopes of halting Mr. Kerry’s momentum.
In a rare, last-minute alteration to the presidential schedule, Mr. Bush has scrapped a planned talk on medical liability and instead will give what the White House called a “significant speech” about the two central issues of the campaign — the war on terrorism and the economy.
This follows a pattern set, oddly enough, by the Clinton White House. Whenever they’d find themselves in a jam, Clinton aides relied on a winning strategy: put the boss out in front of people. More often than not, it worked — Clinton was able to help turn the tide his way through a combination of persuasion and personality.
Bush, however, doesn’t have quite the same strengths. Indeed, putting Bush before the public has been a 0-for-4 endeavor this year: The State of the Union flopped, Bush’s Meet the Press interview in February was a disaster, his prime-time press conference in April was embarrassing, and last week’s debate has given Dems everywhere new hope. In each instance, Bush was hoping to seize the spotlight and bolster his support. And yet, every effort was unsuccessful.
And now a “significant speech” is supposed to help shift the momentum? I wonder what Plan B is.
The speech is scheduled to be delivered in Wilkes Barre, Pa., and will reportedly “rebut Mr. Kerry’s attacks…especially those that came during Thursday’s presidential debate.”
First, the timing seems odd since the campaign is shifting into a focus on domestic affairs. Second, this invites more criticisms. As my friend D.V. put it, “No, Mr. President, it won’t look good if you try to answer debate questions a week later, after your people have had time to write your response.”
And finally, if Bush is still “rebutting” Kerry’s criticisms from the debate a week after the fact, BC04 obviously must believe the charges have had an effect. In other words, the Bush campaign is even more nervous than they’re letting on.