Terror and Campaign Woes
Reported by Eleanor - September 9, 2004 -
Shep Smith on Studio B (Sept. 9, 3:00 p.m.) reported new terror threats with a tape by Al Zawahiri, Bin Laden's #2 man that concerns a call to arms. The tapes might precede an attack on the U.S, and before 9/11 the chatter was similar to what we're seeing now.
The terror alert details pointed out that it's only two days before the 3rd anniversary of 9/11. Homeland Security is urging schools to be prepared, reminding us of Columbine and the recent events in Russia. 80 organizations in 56 states are a part of National Preparedness month.
There was some speculation about why Osama bin Laden is not on the tape. Maybe he can't communicate - something is keeping him from appearing before the camera. In the discussion of the tape, there was a quote that the insurgents in Iraq fighting the U.S. have turned the U.S. plans for that oil rich country "head over heels."
The Bush National Guard issue was covered with interviews of Richard Goodstein, democrat, and Bill Simon, republican. Goodstein said that Bush made suggestions about his Guard service that are falling apart; he was ordered to take a physical; and he had a drinking problem. Shep vigorously intervened with, "Drinking caused a problem. He stopped drinking. How long are we supposed to talk about this?" Goodstein added that his Dad pulled strings - he got special treatment, and Bush released records as the result of a lawsuit.
During the Bill Simon interview, polls were discussed that show Bush ahead of Kerry 57% - 34% with vets after the swift boat ads aired. "So now democrats are using a similar strategy." Simon said Kerry should move on. Shep said he can't move on. "There are questions." Simon said it won't grab hold. People are tired of this debate. Shep asked if Bush wants to talk about domestic issues that are leaning toward Kerry. And, "the president was caught in a direct contradiction." Simon replied that the issue was debated four years ago, and during Bush's run for governor of Texas. The campaign should not be based on 30 years ago. Shep stated that McAuliffe says it's an issue of the president's credibility, and that Kerry made Viet Nam an issue in his own convention.
Comment: Kerry did not anticipate that people would come forward and lie about his record. If Kerry had lied about it himself, Viet Nam would NOT have been mentioned in his convention. He was - and is - proud of that service. Since Bush wants to move on now, it seems that Bush doesn't have the same advantage.
