Why Did Bush Win: Security, Organization, A Clear Message

A few days after the defeat of his chosen candidate, Bill Clinton gave a speech on the presidential election and showed - despite the image that most right-wingers like to paint of him - that he really does understand the people of America beter than most.

Clinton also said that Democrat John Kerry was hurt by the polarizing issue of gay marriage, which was legalized by Massachusetts' top court and put on the ballot in 11 states, and the surfacing of a tape from Osama bin Laden in the final days of the race. Reminded of terrorism by the bin Laden tape, voters decided they didn't want to "change horses" during a time of heightened concern over national security, Clinton said in a speech to the Urban Land Institute at the New York Hilton..."The Republicans had a clear message, a good messenger, great organization and great strategy," he said. Clinton said Bush should use his second term to move toward less dependence on foreign oil. "This election presents a great opportunity for President Bush and a great opportunity for Democrats, and the two are not necessarily in conflict," he said.

I will admit here that I have always disliked Clinton on a personal level. I did not vote for him in 1992 or 1996, and during most of his presidency tended to give him little to no credit. But this shows the man who was a Rhodes Scholar really does have something behind his "meaning of the word 'is'" lifestyle. And it shows that at least one Democrat understands that the way to the nation's heart is not always through conservatism. It is through a positive message, new ideas, and a real heart for the people. Of those three, Bush had all three and Kerry had only the last one.