Why does Bush still poll over 50% on the terror issue?

[CatWoman]

his numbers are in the toilet on all other issues but this.

He hasn't confronted terrorism -- he's made it worst!!

[BrklynLiberal]

1. See this thread for a good possible answer.

It is called Belief and the Brain.

It gives one theory why people are more likely to believe lies when under stress.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3987195

[punpirate]

10. The other simple reason...

... is that all the tough talk by Bush, and the suggestions that Bush'll be everyone's daddy, coincide with the absence of any attacks on American soil since 9/11.

The routine is to keep the public fearful, but assure the public it is safe because Daddy Bush is on the job. Cheney said as much shortly before the election.

Another attack utterly destroys that filmy sense of security and the fear underlying it turns to anger at Bush.

The terrorists don't want that to happen, because Bush is actually helping them maintain the level of fear domestically--and they've been able to continue to operate in Iraq because of Bush's ineptitude. They really want the man to stay around as long as possible. He's made it possible for them to exist and function and flourish.

It's a very symbiotic relationship. Before 9/11, Bush's polls were in the toilet (imagine what they'd be today without that event happening!), and his greed and stupidity enabled a war in which terrorists now have a major presence and an opportunity to swing a formerly secular state into the camp of the Islamists (as happened in Afghanistan). They need Bush as much as Bush needs them. That's a principal reason why there's been no further attacks on the continental US.

[marmar]

2. If you spew enough bravado and talk enough shit...

the people, most of whom aren't terribly informed on what's really going on, will believe it. Most people don't know to much, nor do they really want to - apathy is killing this country.

[nikraye]

3. Maybe people misunderstand the poll question...

When asked "Do you trust President Bush to do a good job on terror?" maybe folks are thinking, "well, hell, he DID pull off the biggest terror attack in the history of the world, so, yeah, I guess I trust he's doing a good job...and he's sure done an even better job pulling the wool over the eyes of the American people, making 'em believe a comic bunch of bearded zealots are to blame."

[Comicstripper]

4. The reason:

IT happened on Bush's watch. The Big One. As our leader, we ran to him for comfort and strength. We still associate him with this feeling. Regardless of his ineffective and even detrimental policies regarding terrorism, he will always be "the terror president."
And you know what?
They know it.

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Stockholm Syndrome

[indepat]

6. 'Cause he has made us safe?

[killbotfactory]

7. Because we haven't had any more attacks on the fatherla--

er I mean homeland. We're attacking them over there instead of over here, you see it's all part of a brilliant plan made up by OH SHIT RED ALERT GRAB THE FUCKING DUCT TAPE AND PLASTIC SHEETS

[LightningFlash]

8. Just more bullshit rigged polls.

Rasmussen polls almost all neocons....And then Diebold takes the rest..

[mzmolly]

9. Because we haven't been effective in destroying the Bush = protective

father myth.

[carolinayellowdog]

11. Because otherwise Tinkerbell will die

Media Whores Online (RIP) came up with the "Tinker Bell Effect" to explain the leap in Bush approval after 9/11. It still applies on this one issue but no other thanks to the fear level.

[CatWoman]

12. speaking of the Horse

I sure miss them!!!!

[Beaverhausen]

13. Come on, we haven't been attacked since 9/11! He IS strong on terrorism

:eyes:

That is the logic out there.

[Geek_Girl]

14. Because 50% of the American people

are idiots!

:dunce:

[SammyWinstonJack]

15. bush** zombies.

They will stand behind him beside him no matter what! Scared of their own shadows much like bush** was on 9/11. And remember, there hasn't been an attack since 9/11. :silly: No reasoning with bush** zombies! It does not compute! Danger Will Robinson, Danger!

[liveoaktx]

16. I think it's because there's no one to compare him to

If there were some other very charismatic Democrat who looked and acted tough but talked sensibly, in comparison Bush would look like the coward he is.

[laureloak]

17. Because Bush responds to terrorist threats BOLDLY.

I don't remember seeing this boldness in any President since Kennedy . Right or wrong, he gives the impression that he is going to fight when we need to. I think this makes some people feel safe.

[kittenpants]

20. and don't forget he'll fight when we don't need to...

he's just itchin' to pull out his six-shooter & fight--you lookin at us funny, Syria!?

[Beetwasher]

18. It's Psychological, People DESPERATELY WANT TO BELIEVE They Are Safe

They desperately want him to really be protecting us. It's projection of a sorts.

[pinto]

19. Honestly, I think any prez would. That said, I think the "terror" issue is

a red herring. The "hunt" is on, but who are we hunting? A little bit of reality would help here, thank you Mr. Bush.

[Kazak]

21. Because he's so good at it...

:shrug: