If there's another 9/11, what would happen to the race for the Wh? [View All]

[Skwmom]

Let's assume sarin gas is released, killing hundreds or thousands two months before the election. The Repubs will argue that it is the type of attack that is impossible to prevent (versus an airplane attack or an attack at our unguarded nuke plants where it would be easier to hold the Bush administration accountable).

Under this scenario, what do you think our chances of winning the Whitehouse will be if we don’t have a Dem candidate that is perceived as being very strong on national defense? Notice I said “perceived” not “is” because in the game of politics perception seems to be everything. I think that under this scenario it would be critical to have a commander in chief pres candidate who is very strong on defense.

On the other hand, if there is no attack I believe the economy will be front and center during the 2004 election and it will be important to have a candidate who is strong on economic issues.

I think Clark has both bases covered – he is strong on national security and has a background which can make him strong on the economic issues.

On edit. I'd like to add that I think Kerry would also fit the bill.


I really think Clinton considered the possibility of both of these scenarios in pushing Clark to enter the race.