Bush has used language like "crusade" and "wanted: dead or alive"... if he expects to form a coalition with other countries he should be cautious with words that he uses, tone it down, be more diplomatic, quit sounding like a west texas cow poke! Is he too blunt? Emotions run high, I know that, but if he doesn't think before he speaks, he's gonna end up not having as many countries support him. just an observation rH
I don't think Bush should tone down his language. Personally, I think he has shown great restraint. Bin Ladin issued a "fatwa" calling for Moslems to kill Americans (even though Bin Ladin is not authorized to issue religious edicts). Bin Ladin committed an act of war against our people. I think "wanted, dead or alive" pretty much sums up the general attitude of the American people.
Actually, that was the subject of a couple of reports I heard today on radio. I've personally been paying attention to this fairly closely. Since last Tuesday, the rhetoric from everyone (Powell, Rumsfeld, Fleisher, Cheney, etc) except the pres has come down significantly. On a couple of reports today, privately even Republicans are cringing at Bush's off-the-cuff remarks. One Republican insider said it made Bush sound like a sheriff rather than commander in chief. Some Republicans fear that he is making it difficult for the US to do its job in building a coalition around the world because much of the rest of the world including the EU were not particularly thrilled when Bush was elected fearing the very sheriff mentality we've seen. Personally, I think it is tough for a guy who is not a tremendous communicator to work off the cuff as much as he has. He's doing what he can but he isn't Regan or Clinton who were both masters at knowing just exactly what to say, how much and when to say it. By the way, the reports said that others including Powell, Cheney and Rumsfeld were thus far receiving universal support privately from both parties. I agree with them on that.
Experts warn Westerners away from word 'crusade' WASHINGTON -- President Bush calls it a "crusade to rid the world of evildoers." But using such a term as "crusade," loaded with historical baggage about religious wars, could alienate moderate Muslims the United States needs, some experts caution. Houston Chronicle link
