Ok, what's the 2 punch to follow the OBL tape? Is there one?

[bacchant]

Cuz if the tape isn't intended as a prelude to something else, then it's point is lost on me. I'm beginning to agree with the folks who believe it's been provided simply as a diversion from other news. Another national chain jerking.

[TwilightZone]

1. Have you considered the possibility that it is legitimate?

And that the choice of timing was bin Laden's?

[bacchant]

2. I'm considering it, but

given the fact that something like a tape, a beheading, or a terror alert pops up to dominate the news every time Bush is in hot water, my gut says no.

[TwilightZone]

4. Ignore the media spin. This is not good news for Bush.

It places Bush's failure to capture or kill bin Laden front-and-center.

The fact that Rove and co. came out almost immediately and claimed that this is good for Bush proves that it is the exact opposite.

[bacchant]

11. Maybe so. I hope you're right, but the proof is in the pudding

If this somehow ends up being a windfall for Bush, I will never again question my tinfoil vibes.

[TwilightZone]

12. Keep in mind - Republicans will claim this is good for Bush.

And they will use it to "rally the troops", but I cannot see this being a positive in the minds of anyone who isn't already adamantly pro-Bush.

The simple fact that bin Laden is able to make a tape like this in the first place shows what a disaster Bush's "war on terror" has been. He hasn't caught the one guy that he should have, and he's started a $225 billion war to distract us from noticing.

[greekspeak]

10. Well since ShrubCo had time to sit on the tape and edit it

I would assume that Bin Laden wasn't the only one who chose the timing. Am I a dunderhutz or what?

[TwilightZone]

13. It doesn't sound like they had a lot of time, however.

According to press reports, they were putting a lot of pressure on the embassy that had the tape to not release it at all.

So, I don't really think they had much say in the timing, at least not more than a few hours.

[Polly Glot]

3. Pretext for another terra alert?!? eom

[Nikepallas]

5. This is not good for Bush at all

We are going to see a Terror alert of Red. I'd be surprise if they just raised it to orange.

I wouldn't be surprise either if Bush REALLY snaps and tries to delay OR stop the election all together.

Marshal Law possible.

[newyawker99]

14. Hi Polly Glot!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[RafterMan]

6. Diversion?

This tape is a Bush-killer. Two wars, 250 billion dollars and the guy who did it is sitting there laughing at us.

Enough of this fool.

[RevCheesehead]

7. Yeah, and it MAY postpone the touted assault on Falluja...

...when everyone says "why are we doing this? Why did my son or daughter die for this?"

Add the missing ammo/weapons, and it's a disaster any way you look at it.

[SpiralHawk]

8. The 2 is coming, and so is 3 and 4

I would bet a whole-wheat, maple-glazed doughnut on it.

It ain't over till it's over.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men (and women) are afraid of the light." - Plato

[ElsewheresDaughter]

9. Osama not caught because bush sidestepped into Iraq