The following headline and story from today's news made me think about the political truism (so far) that no sitting U.S. president has ever been reelected when challenged from within his own party.
Republican Congressman Says Iraq War Was Mistake: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Breaking ranks with the White House and his Republican leaders in Congress, Rep. Doug Bereuter of Nebraska has said in a letter to constituents the U.S. military action in Iraq was a mistake."To date that has meant someone challenging him for the party's nomination. But if this blast isn't an equal challenge, I don't know what is then. I wonder if this counts?
Personally, I agree with Mr. Bereuter. And I will also admit that Iraq was a problem. But there were and are many other more pressing problems in the world today. Like what? Check BBC NEWS | Africa anytime and you'll probably find examples of genocide, famine, political coups, AIDS/HIV run rampant, and dictators. Yes, dictators. I seem to recall Iraq had one of those. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad he's gone, but American priorities were askew on that call.
I'm not sure that either John Kerry, the Democrat's candidate, or George Bush, the presumed candidate for the Republicans, can get our priorities realigned. No single nation can be the policeman of the world. Certainly that hasn't stopped America in the last 200 plus years, but one day we may learn that truism, too.
