Only Democrats Are Allowed to Exploit a Crisis

Do these people have the slightest clue how silly they look? It's painfully obvious how weak and ineffective Democrats are at fighting terrorism, so why on earth would Republicans not use such weakness to their advantage? Sure, they may not openly campaign for it since the media bed-wetters would flip out, but why should it be off limits? I suppose the GOP should all stand and cheer the bumbling incompetence.

Whatever the merits of their argument -- and, where terrorism is concerned, it is prudent to keep cockiness at bay -- there is a political imperative at work as well. "Democrats are always suspect on national security, and anything that makes them look weak on national security creates an opportunity for Republicans," said Whit Ayres, a GOP pollster.

Well, this now has the juice-boxers with their panties in a knot.

Ayres is the GOP equivalent of prominent Dem pollster Stan Greenberg of Democracy Corps or John Podesta of the liberal Center for American Progress. If Greenberg or Podesta had explicitly said after the capture of the Shoe Bomber under Bush that it presented Dems with a political opportunity, you can bet that some folks would have made a lot of noise about it.

Yeah, I can barely remember any criticism of Bush and his terrorism policies.

Another pantload hysterically weighs in.

This is part of the larger issue of the politicization of foreign policy, including the war on terror. The Republicans have decided to make hay with any and all issues, in the hopes of destroying the President and winning back the Congress, and then the presidency. It doesn't matter to them if they ruin the economy (opposing the stimulus), our health (opposing health care reform), or our national security (constantly trying to undercut the President on foreign policy). What's interesting, and troubling, is that the media keeps reporting the he-said-she-said, rather than calling the GOP on their bull.

Good grief. Someone get him a Valium and a warm saucer of milk.

It's as if these people don't know who the architects of exploiting a crisis are. To refresh their memories: