DodgeGlobe.com:Harris: Kerry’s message needs to be ‘It’s America, stupid’ 09/25/04

The real message is that Bush’s obsession with Iraq has left America off the radar in terms of our security, economy, health care and the rest. If Kerry can drill this point home, even if things improve in Iraq – and there is no indication that they will – things will get worse for Bush as voters react not with gratitude but with a wholly reasonable – and selfish – question: “What about us?”

Kerry can argue convincingly that for every dollar spent improving the lives of Iraqis, an American state, town or family has been shortchanged. And if terrorists strike again before the election, the ultimate effect of Bush’s misdirection of effort and money will be vividly apparent. Kerry will not have to say a word.

In short, Kerry’s message should be “It’s America, stupid.” It’s short, sweet and memorable, and it pivots well off the enduring ambiguity many Americans feel about the shifting justifications for the war in Iraq. …

In essence, Kerry should attempt to convince voters that he and Bush are effectively running for two different offices: Kerry for president of the United States, Bush for president of Iraq.