Part II:
URL:http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/00...
Choice, Not an Echo
From the January 12, 2004 issue: The country is split on the most fundamental choice facing it and the bulk of one party is opposed to the president's policy. The opposition deserves a chance to take its argument to the country.
by William Kristol
01/12/2004, Volume 009, Issue 17
Increase Font Size
Printer-Friendly
Page 2 of 2 < Back
It is to Bush's credit that he has committed to staying in Iraq until the job is done, and that he is committed to pursuing the war on terror comprehensively and unsparingly. In doing so, he has ruled out the easier path to victory taken by his predecessors in 1972 and 1984. It won't be "peace with honor," or morning in America, in 2004; it will be war on terror with honor, and something more like high noon in America. This puts a far greater burden on Bush to explain and justify his policies. But it also means his victory--if he achieves it--will be of greater significance, and more richly deserved.
Winston Churchill's admonition, "Deserve Victory," has always been a good guide to behavior. Churchill's father's slogan, "Trust the People," hasn't been bad advice either. But even if some in the Bush administration were tempted to fake victory, or to try to pull the wool over the eyes of the people, it wouldn't work. The most practical political advice for President Bush in this election year is to do the right thing, and let the electoral chips fall where they may.
--William Kristol |
