Bush's Popularity Temporarily Boosted by Iraq War Effort, Says Edwards

Strategic Insights -

Senator John Edwards asserted on Sunday that President Bush's recent poll gains were fleeting, as Americans would soon see a stark contrast between the Bush administration's policies and those of the Democratic ticket. Edwards pointed to debate opportunities and the contrast in policies on Iraq, Iran, North Korea, job losses, and healthcare costs as key factors that would shift public opinion in favor of Kerry and Edwards.

Key Takeaways:

  • Edwards believes Bush's popularity is only temporarily boosted due to the Iraq war effort, which will inevitably decline as Americans see clear contrasts between the two parties' policies.
  • Edwards and Kerry have a "plan and a clear vision" for moving forward on domestic and foreign policy issues.
  • Bush's administration, Edwards claimed, has created a "mess on the ground in Iraq," neglected to address Iran's and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and ignored domestic problems such as job losses and healthcare costs.
  • Edwards seized on Vice President Cheney's comments linking Saddam Hussein and the 9/11 attacks, which Edwards felt conflicted with the 9/11 commission's findings and President Bush's earlier stance on the issue.
  • Edwards demanded that the Bush administration cease implying a connection between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, calling it misleading.

Statistics:

  • Polls taken after the Republican National Convention showed Bush leading Kerry by 6 to 9 percentage points.
  • Edwards made his public comment after receiving an impromptu news conference before speaking at a festival sponsored by labor unions.
  • Edwards said that by Election Day, Americans will see sharp contrasts between the two parties' policies through debates.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Edwards Attacks Bush's Iraq Policy, Saying He Has Created a 'Mess on the Ground,'" August 31, 2004.
  • NBC News, "Meet the Press" transcript, featuring Secretary Colin L. Powell, August 29, 2004.
  • Interview with Kevin Madden, Bush campaign spokesman, August 29, 2004.