Are Democrats being played like a fiddle?

Rove and Co. act as if Bush winning in 2004 is a given (it doesn’t matter that he cuts veterans benefits, runs astronomical deficits etc). I am worried that Rove and Co. have an ace up their sleeves to ensure they stay in power in 2004. I felt the same way after Bush first took office -- he did whatever he wanted without fear of how it would play to the electorate in the 2002 elections. Then came 9-11 and we all know what happened then (people threw judgment out the window and jumped on the Bush bandwagon).

Therefore, I ask myself; what is the ace they have up their sleeves?

1. Another 9-11. Maybe, however, I think it is debatable whether this would help or hurt Bush in 2004. While some may feel the need for a “strong Republican” leader at the helm (like it or not the Democrats are perceived as week on defense), others might feel that Bush was asleep on the job and failed to protect the American public. Of course, the corporate media talking heads will help Bush by repeatedly emphasizing how no one could have possibly prevented the attack.

2. Rigged voting. This definitely plays a part in Bush & CO. feeling free to act without impunity but I not sure if this alone is what they are relying on in 2004 (especially considering the recent publicity surrounding bbv).

3. Weapons of mass destruction are found/planted. Recently there have been rumors that WMD have been found – Bush and Co. are just waiting for the right time to release that info. Are they giving some of the Democratic candidates enough time to hang themselves? For example, lets assume Dean, who has been very anti-war, wins in the primary election. Will he be toast if WMD are found? I know some of the candidates have been strongly criticized for “riding the fence” on their support for the IRAQ war but could it be because their campaigns are trying to guard against such a “surprise” from Bush and Co.?

I know the powers behind the Repubs are excellent long-term strategists (just look at their track record to date - Bush as acting Resident, control of the media, bbv, etc). It seems like the Democrats never know what hits them until it's to late. I really hope this is not the case for the 2004 election.

LOL... These idiots always find away of screwing it up!

For being idiots, it's amazing what they've accomplished.

to pull out of the hat in the wings. In fact, there are probably multiple rabbits to fit various situations, i.e., war, economy, presidental candidates, etc., etc.

Trying to guess this would take all our time and energies. We just have to focus on the truth and registering everyone!

Keep voter registration forms with you and if someone isn't registered, hand them a form! Help them if they need it and keep addressed envelopes with stamps available to put them in!

by a complicit media and ineffective opposition.

Are the American people being played like a fiddle? If any of the 3 scenarios come about and the public actually falls for it, then I'll have to say fuck them and they deserve whatever they get.

Another 9/11: all it can mean is that the Bush Admin cannot protect this country, plain and simple. After bloating the defense budget, invading countries left and right, and throwing every Ahmed they can find in jail, if another major attack happens it means this govt is totally inept (but most of us here already know this).

Rigged voting: theyve done it before, will they do it again. Hopefully the SCLM will have its eyes open this time.

WMD: If anyone believes that voila! after months of occupation and searching we suddenly found a large cache of WMD hidden under a rock then moron is too kind a word for that person. Even the few Repugs I know concede that WMD were not in Iraq at the time of the invasion.

Another 9/11: Bush would take the most heat if it were another airplane attack. However, for instance if a suitcase nuke went off, they would repeatedly say (like they have since day one) that another attack was inevitable - the government can't possibly guard against all contingencies. Our only hope is to invade other countries to take out the terrorists.

Rigged voting: Before Palm Beach County, Florida bought the touch screens MIT released a report, which said the touch screens were worse than the punch cards. But that didn't keep the Democrats from approving their purchase (even though JEB Bush and K.Harris cheerleading the purchase should have given them another clue that something was wrong). I don't know if our voting system will ever be straightened out.

WMD: Repubs hate being wrong. They'll jump right back on the Bush bandwagon

DHS is for changing colors on that stupid terror thing according to how it will help Bush, with helping out in redistricting issues as a secondary function.

The Justice Department is for arresting terrorists and then announcing them at times that make Bush look good. If they can't find any terrorists, they can just get some guy like a former gang member that no one will defend except the ACLU.

Treasury dept. is for issuing reports showing that Bush's policies are helping the economy.

Etc. etc.