High Noon For George Bush And Cindy Sheehan

The Moderate Voice Blog discusses the showdown's impact on various ideological factions: "It has given the floundering anti-war movement a focus, direction, and what Hollywood likes to call a 'high concept' symbol to press its case against the war. There are all kinds of images that Mr. Bush's foes will be reminding voters of for several years, such as GWB's motorcade going past the demonstrations and not stopping, taking GWB to a fundraiser. Or of him working out with his trainer or running but not having the time to meet with Sheehan. Sheehan's supporters will discount criticism of her likely message to Bush, arguing the point is [sic] he was too afraid or uncaring to meet with her. The net result could a boost to the left and anti-war movement. But there is a danger here, as well. If the spotlight on Sheehan and the people around her reveal a drift towards radicalism then the political center will align with Bush."

The blog discusses how it has impacted the Right and steadfast war supporters: "It has again provided an instance where the rapidity of conservative response to Bush problems has been impressive. But it could prove a net NEGATIVE to right and steadfast war supporters. The vehemence of the criticism aimed at Sheehan (who, as you can see is no political shrinking violent) is bound to have a backlash in some quarters. Why? Because this kind of massive effort in going after someone who takes on the administration has happened many times before. Rightfully or wrongfully, the image that's coming across is that if you cross the administration, whether you deserve it or not, you could get nailed to the cross. And that's the danger: Sheehan's foes are giving her the image of a martyr. Can they counter this by grieving mothers who support Bush? It won't have the same news value. It's not news that most military mothers support the war and don't hold Bush personally accountable. The counter demonstrators will only PERPETUATE intense media coverage of this story."

And how the White House has handled it: "A team more politically professional would have found way to defuse Sheehan's vigil. Even a statement earlier by Bush would have helped. The image of Bush driving past demonstrators, clearing brush, exercising in Crawford and ignoring Sheehan won't help the White House except among Bush partisans. And the irony is: what Sheehan is asking now and the way she is asking it locks the White House — due to its own early ham-handedness — into a nonaction reaction. If Bush meets with her, it'll be seen as yielding to political pressure — something he doesn't like to do. And if he meets with her it could set a precedent where people on other issues can camp out and gather supporters until the President sees them."