Analysis: Bush Walks a Tightrope on Iraq
P H I L A D E L P H I A, Aug. 2 -- George W. Bush is getting a nice bounce in his presidential campaign this week, thanks to a nearly conflict-free Republican National Convention here in Philadelphia.
But 10 years ago today, George Bush the elder was about to get the mother of all bounces in a presidential campaign — a successful war, one in which American voters rallied around the commander in chief as he stared down the evil Iraqi President Saddam Hussein — and won.
But did he?
A decade later, with Saddam still firmly in control and the United States unable to halt his reported development of weapons of mass destruction, the Bush campaign is having to walk a tightrope on the Iraq issue.
George W. Bush and the Republican Party want to capitalize on the strong sentiments still evoked a decade later by the mere mention of the words “Desert Storm.”
But the son can’t play in to Gulf War patriotism without, at some point, having to explain to voters why Saddam remains in power. This, despite a major war launched by his father, and aided and abetted by his father’s generals and advisers — generals and advisers now playing prominent roles in the 2000 GOP presidential campaign.
Featured prominently at the podium on the first two nights of the convention were two of the most prominent Desert Storm generals: Colin Powell on Monday night and a special appearance by “Stormin’ Norman” Schwarzkopfvia satellite from a battleship, surrounded by men and women in uniform.
Even more significant is the selection of former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, one of the key players in deciding when Desert Storm would begin — and when it would end.
Media Addresses the Issue
Several critics have said the war ended too soon, without the destruction of the Saddam regime. The Denver Post raised this issue, noting in an editorial: “Cheney’s chief accomplishment was his role in winning the Persian Gulf war. But the victory was incomplete. Saddam Hussein remains in power.”
Related Stories
ABC News Live