I’ve never understood why public perception has generally said Republicans are strong on national security, while Democrats are weak on national security.
Yet, that seems to reflect the way public perception has gone for some time. According to a new survey from a Democratic study group, voters favor Republicans over Democrats on national security — but 44 percent feel the GOP is better; 41 percent the Democrats. The kicker here is this: That’s down 29 points on the Republican side. So, say the survey organizers, this is a great opportunity for Democrats to take advantage of public perception to gain some high ground over the GOP regarding national security.
I’m truly puzzled about this concept. What, I wonder, do voters thing would happen under Democratic leadership that would be somehow worse or more threatening than the mishandled mess in Iraq and Afghanistan the Republicans have made in the last six or seven years??
I seem to recall that FDR — the quintessential modern Democrat! — did pretty well with, oh, what was that little skirmish — WORLD WAR II! JFK didn’t fare well with the Bay of Pigs fiasco, but he certainly pulled the world back from the brink of nuclear disaster during the Cuban missle crisis.
Democrats or Republicans — whom do you trust most with national security? Why? Personally, I’ve always perceived the Democrats as a bit more willing to THINK before they act regarding wars and rumors of war. I’d trust them, generally and in most matters, over the Republicans.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
Technorati Tags: national security, Republicans, Democrats, world leadership, war, just a guy who reads the papers