Can Democrats Crack the GOP Solid South?

On The Campaign Trail: South Carolina :: Intervention Magazine

“I think there was something personal in this, with Bush going only after Hussein.” Shila's large eyes search my face for a response. I nod my head. “Only Hussein,” she says slowly, “why did Bush go after only Hussein? There are many bad leaders in the world, why only him?”

“But what can you do?” she sighs. Then her eyes grow narrow, her back straightens, “And now we’re spending all that money over there.”

Whether the national economy strengthens or weakens, whether the Iraq War goes better or worse for the Administration, what will continue to disturb Americans -- especially centralists and right-wingers -- is the pouring of U.S. taxpayer money into Iraq. For a Democratic presidential candidate to win a Southern state or possibly two, which is the key to defeating George Bush, he should hone in on the economic give away to Iraq.

Opposing the war will not win a single Southern state, but opposing U.S. taxpayers money being wasted in Iraq just might.