Slumping George

Here's a novel way for Democratic presidential candidates to win: Don't campaign. With John Kerry and John Edwards and Howard Dean and all of the rest off to the side, George is alone atop the political world. The spotlight is solely on his record and his proposals. The American people don't like what they see.

An AP-Ipsos poll released today shows Bush's approval rating is down to 44 percent, from 49 percent in January. (Congress is down to 38 percent from 41 percent in January) Bush's slide isn't surprising to those who saw through him during his first term. Gas prices are still climbing. Good-paying jobs are rarely being created. And all George and the gang want to do is take a wrecking ball to Social Security. Thanks. That'll help.

My favorite quote in the AP story on the new poll is from Scott Lindsey, a Republican who lives near Memphis, Tenn.:

"I don't know that the exit strategy in Iraq is completely thought out. And I don't know that all the Social Security options have been explored. But I think President Bush is doing a good job."

Okay. Iraq is a mess. His solution to Social Security doesn't address the financial problem with the system. He's ignoring health care costs, gas prices, job creation. And he's continuing to tear up environmental regulations. Give yourself a pat on the back, Mr. President. And don't forget, it's been a few years since he knocked himself out eating a pretzel.

It does seem ironic, though, that George falls in the polls when he doesn't have an opponent. For all of the talk during the campaign that Kerry had more anti-Bush voters than pro-Kerry voters, it appears the same is true of George. Now -- without an opponent -- W. has no one to accuse of being soft on terrorism or eager to raise taxes. The old campaign slogan "I suck" but Kerry "both sucks and blows" isn't applicable anymore.

Yes, it appears the Democrats confusion over what missteps to take next is a brilliant tactical move.

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