A war fought in the age of 24-hour news programs and instantaneous high-speed updates is all about perception. For the President of the United States, the key to launching a successful armed conflict is to control that perception. The success or failure of a leader’s legacy and chances for re-election have, for many years, been determined by the ultimate outcome of the war and by the critical perception throughout the conflict that the United States would emerge victorious.
Thus, in times of grave discord, a unified endorsement from the American people has varied greatly throughout history. While our involvement in World War II solidified Franklin D. Roosevelt’s revered presidency, the Vietnam War left palpable blows on the single terms of Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon.
Today we once again find ourselves on the brink of a new and perilous journey. The terrorist attack of Sept. 11 marked a defining moment for our sitting president–the beginning of his own war-torn legacy. His execution of and his ability to lead our country during this difficult time will have lasting affects on not only the outcome of this horrendous ordeal, but on the outcome of his political future as well. So far most Americans and much of the world have rallied around President George W. Bush. His popularity is soaring–with support from both sides of the aisle. This is important. In a war, Bush must project a variety of attributes–strength, compassion and determination, to name just a few–in order to reassure our allies and incite deadly fear in our enemies.
During the difficult times ahead, we urge our president to continue to act decisively and with the best interests of Americans as the guiding force behind his crucial decisions. For a rookie leader, heavily criticized by the political left and engulfed by widespread concerns throughout the country about his sincerity and interest in the well-being of average citizens, Bush must continue to rise to the occasion.
When Americans lose their lives on national television and the pictures are broadcast on the Internet, our concerted faith in the president will surely be tested. Then more than ever, Bush’s handling of the situation is key. To defend democracy and protect those doing the defending. To listen to opposing points of view and to reach a conclusion that represents the best of a variety of informed sources. To preserve our country’s spirit, hitting those who hit us and defending those who didn’t.
