Letters to the Editor
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Polls, Kibitzers & Incompetence
Early in the article, the results of Poll question #6 are displayed. The question concerns who would do a better job of "handling" various issues, and the results of the poll show the Dems trouncing the Repubs on most issues.
Later in the article, another small table is shown which indicates that the Dems have taken quite a hit on their efficacy rating at handling things since they regained control of Congress.
Unless things are going spectacularly and unambiguously well--which is hardly ever the case--there is an inherent bias in poll question #6 that favors the out of power choice, the choice that is not currently responsible for "handling" things: in this case, the Dems.
Although if I were polled, my answer would tend to be congruent with the poll results, I also know how much easier it is to be the kibitzer on the outside telling the one with the responsibility on the inside how things could be better done. (I'm certain, for example, I could have done a better job of play calling than the Patriots' Offensive Coordinator in yesterday's game to mitigate the Giants' pass-rush.) =)
Ideologies aside, the Bush Administration has demonstrated its administrative incompetence, particularly in its strategy and management of the Iraq war and its benign neglect regarding the oversight of the credit/financial system.
They've presented on a silver platter two gourmet issues for the Dems to feast on: Foreign Policy (national security, wars without end) and Domestic Policy (the Economy, stupid.) And the main ingredient in both these delectable morsels is Gross Incompetence.
If the Dems manage to snatch defeat out victory in November, it won't be because they're wrong on the issues. They can only lose if they nominate someone whose patent insincerity and dishonesty transcends the real issues.
Who could that possibly be?