The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 3 of 8)

br> Vero Beach, Florida /p>

The author states:

"Now, for things the White House should do to help its own cause: First, change the subject from immigration as fast as possible."

Oh, that's good. That makes a lot of sense. Let's just sweep the issue under the rug and not deal with the most pressing domestic problem of the day.

p>With thoughts and principles like these the author ought to run for office. br> -- Chuck Vail /p>

Like many in the GOP, I have never been totally happy with the President. Most of the political problems he faces today are of his own making. The White House never did put together an effective communication team. Nor did the White House ever assemble a strong legislative team to work with Congress. Even in the realm of fighting terror, the President usually waits until events force him to say a few words about a subject that is always on people's minds. We may in fact be making progress in Iraq and Afghanistan, but you won't find the White House admitting it. Ditto for the economy. Reagan, when he was President, couldn't stop talking about the economy.

I think Quin made some good suggestions save the last one concerning an Iraqi offensive timed for the elections. This would be a terrible idea. It harkens back to the LBJ days when the White House micro-managed the War. The field commanders would hate it, and the idea would probably get leaked to the press beforehand. Here are my suggestions:

Do a 180 on spending. Veto, Veto Veto. Make Congress negotiate spending restraints. Take your message on the road. This will not only put the GOP big spenders on the ropes, but the Democrats as well. People like Senator Clinton are getting a free pass by getting to the right of Bush on the deficit. The President spoke about oil addiction; he needs to lecture Congress on spending addiction. Remind the voters that the Feds are now spending close to $3 trillion a year. This theme needs to be hammered away at weekly if not daily.

Another area that voters will back the President on is energy. The President needs to drop the ALGORE lecture on oil addiction, and force Congress to remove restrictions on oil refinery construction as well as energy exploration. Again, this will put many in the GOP majority on the defensive. But, it will certainly hurt the Democrats even more. Consumers who pay nearly $80 a week in gas will appreciate the gesture. If Congress stabs the President in the back on energy, the President should let the voters know.

National security is the President's best issue. The President needs to begin linking Saddam and terror in weekly speeches. Iraq for now is the cornerstone. Iran looms large. The American people need to be reminded of this. Visits to Iraq highlighting successes would remind the people how much we owe this administration. He needs to stress in detail the progress that has been made. He also needs to remind America of the threat that looms in weapons proliferation vis-a-vis Iran. These silly side bars such as the NSA wiretap stories will disappear as a result. Any future leaks from the DOD, CIA, or State will be seen not as whistle blowing by the voters, but treason.

Other areas that need obvious help are communications. The White House should have proxies deployed to all of the MSM outlets. They should be debating, arguing, and making the President's points on a nightly basis. The President should also have men like Jack Kemp on the talk show circuit reminding the voters who well the economy has performed since 9/11.

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