Campaign strategy 101 - the women's vote. Military can't keep us safe.

One of the great disappointments in this election has been the derth of real debate and discussion of how we can really keep America safe.

Dem politicians, pundits and campaign strategists have virtually ceded the argument that the best way to keep America safe is to use the military to kill all the "terrorists". This is folly.

There has been almost zero discussion in the campaign of the root causes of terrorism, the valid grievances held by the third world, and how America needs to step up and deal with fundamental issues of fairness and equity.

As a result, the election comes down to how many former soccer moms are now "security" moms, and still believe that Bush is the strongest candidate on security issues because he is the most belligerent and militaristic candidate. Kerry makes the relatively weak argument that he can run military affairs better than Bush can, without really addressing other important ways to make those "security" moms feel better.

Kerry's call for more multilateral support is a step in the right direction, but he needs to more strongly make the case that even well run wars are still just wars, and war is not the answer.

It is not too late to make this case. I hope we hear a little of this in the debates.

I get tired of people who think that it's never enough. Bush has had 4 yrs to address this. Kerry can't get much airtime so he has to go on talk shows to be heard and your finding the one thing that you didn't hear and whining. Nice.

was that "Whining?" Are you glad he finally did? Do you think hearing from a million bloggers saying the same thing might have finally made a difference?? Does it matter what is suggested here, or is this just a place for cheer leaders?

Well, I do think it matters. Party loyalists have suggestions to make to this campaign and people do pay attention to these blogs.

Kerry critique of Bush on the war is finally now AAA+++.

His plan for getting out of the mess in Iraq is still a C-, and could be improved. And there is time to improve it.

And his campaign strategy for winning the women's vote still has a way to go too. I simply am saying a way to that is to spend a few minutes in every stump speech talking about the "root casuses" of terrorism and how to deal with fundamental issues of fairness and equity. What's wrong with that??

life is filled with uncertainty.

'security moms' should be ashamed that they are so easily cowed by cheney's rhetoric. who's more likely to draft their sons? how safe will their child be sitting in a 'permanent base' outside tell afar?

moreover, how could kerry do WORSE? 9-11 happened under who's watch?

kerry, please dismantle president fuckwit in the debates. the world is counting on you.

interesting campaign strategy, but so far I still like my idea better.