Why John Kerry Lost
In my opinion, the Democratic Party leadership (but not all Democrats) has one goal for the Iraq War: That it be remembered as a failure, as the Vietnam War is usually remembered.

Then the Presidency of George Bush, whom they despise, will be remembered as a disaster, and the Democrats will be regarded as the sages who warned America of the impending debacle, thus restoring their prestige and winning future votes as the only party with enough wisdom and foresight to be trusted with the power of the Presidency.

What's more, the left-wing of America has dug themselves such a big hole with their overbearing and unconstructive criticisms, that if Iraq turns out to be a success, they will look completely ridiculous. So Democrats find themselves in an uncomfortable position -- every piece of good news out of Iraq is cause for alarm and consternation.

Today's WSJ editorial captures a succint example:

On Sunday, some eight million Iraqi citizens risked their lives to participate in parliamentary elections--as vivid and moving a demonstration of democratic ideals in action as we've seen in our lifetimes. Whereupon Senate Democrats Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy and John Kerry took to the airwaves to explain that it was no big deal and that it was time to start casting about for an "exit strategy."

Mr. Kerry: "No one in the United States should try to overhype this election.... It's hard to say that something is legitimate when a whole portion of the country can't and doesn't vote."

Mr. Kennedy: "While the elections are a step forward, they are not a cure for the growing violence and resentment of the perception of American occupation. . . . The best way to demonstrate to the Iraqi people that we have no long-term designs on their country is for the Administration to withdraw some troops now . . ."

Minority Leader Reid: "We need an exit strategy so that we know what victory is and how we can get there. . . . Iraq is clearly important, but there are so many bigger threats to our national security . . ."

So what is the Democratic Party's message on this inspiring exercise in Iraqi self-determination? First, that the election's legitimacy is questionable. Second, that its effects will be minor. Third, that America's presence in Iraq is doing more harm than good by generating terrorism and anti-Americanism where none previously existed. Fourth, that the U.S. has better things to do. Fifth, that American sacrifices in Iraq are best redeemed not by victory, but by the earliest feasible departure.

To be blunt, the Democratic Party as a whole has no interest in the Iraq War succeeding. They need failure. They want failure. (Failure meaning simply bringing the troops home before success is assured.)

In November 2004, enough Americans intuitively understood this that they did not hand over the reins to John Kerry who, at least subconciously, was looking for defeat in Iraq. And so George Bush defeated John Kerry in a relative land-slide.

- posted by The Dutchman @ 8:58:00 AM