Last week, we got a hint that the Bush campaign was getting a little nervous about defending the disaster in Iraq, especially as John Kerry became more aggressive and assertive in his criticisms.
“[Bush officials] are clearly worried that this could take a nasty turn,” said one senior Republican strategist who joined a conference call on Monday about how to respond to Mr. Kerry’s counterattacks. “The headlines are getting to them.”
In case you were looking for proof about just how “clearly worried” they are, consider that Bush hosted a “Focus on Education” event in Ohio yesterday, but glossed right over education policy to talk about the war.
The Carpetbagger “tale of the tape”:
Bush mentioned “education” six times.
He also mentioned “Saddam Hussein” six times.Bush mentioned “No Child Left Behind” seven times. He mentioned “Iraq” 15 times.
Bush referenced “my opponent” eight times — more than “education” or “NCLB” — but none of the references related in any way to Kerry’s position on education.
I think Bush is feeling a little defensive. Next up, a “Focus on Health Care” symposium in which Bush emphasizes how brave he was to visit New York after 9/11.