From The Hotline Latest Edition for Thursday, May 15,2008

Hezboll-What?

Thu. May 15, 2008


So much for the whole "politics stops at the water's edge" deal.

Pres. Bush's charge and Hitler/Nazi references - a not-so-subtle attack on Obama's foreign policy creds, in front of the Israeli Knesset, no less - is sure to roil what has, until now, been a slow but steady move among Dems to an Obama coronation. It also takes some of the bounce (if there was one to get) from the Edwards embrace. Or, could it help? Nothing galvanizes the Dem base like a shot fired by this president.

-- Conspiracy theories abound over the timing of Bush's remarks. Was it designed to help keep the focus on Obama's weaknesses, ensuring an HRC-Obama fight into June? A sign that despite previous suggestions that he'd steer clear of weighing in, Bush is happy to go on the attack?

-- Combined w/McCain's comments on Obama and Hamas, it's clear that the GOP playbook today is the same as it has been since 9/11: Attack Dems as soft on terror.

-- Can this work in '08? Bush's unfavorables are well known, his credibility at an all-time low. But since '02, the perception of the GOP's s handling of terrorism has plummeted. In '02, GOPers had a 36-pt lead on which party would best deal with the issue. Today, Dems have a 1-pt advantage. Still, given the current enviro., this is about the best they've got going for them. And, apparently, they're planning to use it.

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