Kerry Should Say That Bush Sr. Used the Global Test

[On the Road]

in the first Iraq War, and that's why it was so successful. Egypt, Syria, and other other Arab countries even sent troops. The second Gulf War shows the contrast when global consensus is not sought.

It will have the further benefit of enraging GWB by referring to his father again.

Just a suggestion.

[jbond56]

1. keep it simple

Global Test = Credibility

We know it is Hard for you to Understand.

[LTRS]

2. He should never use the phrase without....

adding "credibility" to the end of the phrase. As in "global test of credibility."

That will put an end to the Bush meme.

[unfrigginreal]

3. Good Idea

and dovetail Edwards statement from last night: "It is critical that we be credible to the world"

[kattenstoet]

4. Kerry Doctrine

Kerry doesn't need to reference Bush, Sr. He should just explain that the Kerry Doctrine is very simple - do whatever you have to do to keep America safe. And the global test that every action needs to face is "Does it make America safer?".

Sometimes keeping America safe requires going to war (e.g. Afghanistan), but sometimes the best way to keep America safe is not to go to war, especially if the war alienates our allies (who we need to help keep us safe) and is being waged on someone who was not a threat.

[On the Road]

5. Yes, But Bringing in the First Gulf War

has the advantages of:

(1) illustrating the point with a positive example,
(2) tying it to Republicans (not to mention the president's father),
(3) highlighting the vast differences between the first and second alliance, and
(4) juxtaposing the success of the first war with the failure of the second.

It also reinforces Kerry's reference to Bush Sr. in the first debate. I don't know, it just sounds like an effective way of scoring points.

[newyawker99]

10. Hi kattenstoet!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[drbtg1]

6. sorry, but this could backfire

If Mr. Kerry wants to say The Gulf War passed the global test, the Republicans can ask why did Mr. Kerry vote against it.

It would be better to say it's akin to a "smell test". A "common sense" test, not a UN veto.

[jbond56]

8. true but

that is sept 10th menality

[unfrigginreal]

9. Good point

[Doohickie]

7. YESSSS!!!!

It was when Kerry quoted from Sr's book that * got itchy and twitchy. Bring up the old man again and watch * come over the podium at Kerry!

And even if Bush brings up Kerry's negative vote, Kerry could counter that Sr showed him the importance of being able to trust the president, which is why he later voted to give * the authority to go to war, and how disappointed he was in * that he didn't have the same judgment as his dad.

And THEN * would come over the podium!

Maybe they should recruit Jerry Springer as co-moderator; he's good at breaking up fights.