Terrorists in Iraq are idiots

If there is any doubt in your mind that the terrorists in Iraq are mental defectives, consider this news flash:

Putin: Terror Attacks Aimed at Bush
Mon Oct 18,11:16 AM ET

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that terrorists are aiming to derail U.S. President George W. Bush's chances at re-election through their attacks in Iraq. "I consider the activities of terrorists in Iraq are not as much aimed at coalition forces but more personally against President Bush," Putin said at a news conference after a regional summit in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. International terrorism has as its goal to prevent the election of President Bush to a second term," he said. "If they achieve that goal, then that will give international terrorism a new impulse and extra power."

I do not doubt Putin's observations. This is further evidence that the terrorists understand absolutely nothing about the U.S. or its people. Bush supporters are fearful people. They are afraid of the terrorists, and they are afraid that Kerry is not strong enough to fight them. Bush himself is harping on that theme, accusing Kerry of being wishy-washy and not decisive enough to be the Commander in Chief of U.S. Armed Forces. Terrorism in Iraq or, worse yet, another attack in the U.S. would solidify the belief that Bush needs to be re-elected because of the "war against terror."

Up until a few months ago, I believed that the surest way to get Bush re-elected would be for peace to break out in Iraq, the kind of peace that would lull the U.S. into thinking it's safe to bring the troops home before November, 2004. The time for that is long past. A cease-fire on the eve of the election isn't going to happen but if it does, it will be viewed cynically and will have no effect on the election. If the terrorism continues or escalates, that would only help Bush.