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Bruce Lindsay ReportingUtah has seldom been in the political spotlight as it is this week, with two senior cabinet members visiting today and the President of the United States tomorrow.
In a nutshell, the future of Congress is at stake for this administration. The mid-term election looms 10 weeks away. The House Republican majority could be in play.
Kirk Jowers, Hinckley Institute of Politics: "The war is dragging republicans down across the nation. And unless the administration can get in front and give people more hope and more reason to support it, it will have a huge impact on the 2006 elections."
Kirk Jowers of the Hinckley Institute of Politics sees a White House fall campaign to build greater support for the war. The strategy goes beyond speeches to the friendly American Legion crowd. It extends to showcasing a softer side of Donald Rumsfield,
Defense. Sec. Donald Rumsfeld: "It was a privilege and honor for me to have a chance to visit with them."
He spent time today grieving with the family of a fallen soldier and celebrating humanitarian efforts associated with the Iraq war.
Defense. Sec. Donald Rumsfeld: "It says a lot about our county, it is a generous country probably the most generous country on the face on the earth."
Hardly a casual drop-by, Rumsfield's visits were orchestrated by handlers, for cameras to convey a message.
Kirk Jowers , Hinckley Institute of PoliticsL: "They want CNN and FOX to be able to show cheering crowds for their message."
Condoleezza Rice , Secretary of State: "It does take time, it does take commitment. But it will be a Middle East and a world that is much more secure for us as well. A secure Iraq will make for a more secure America."
With that media blitz the administration today framed the discussion on Iraq, in advance of the anti-war demonstrations expected in Salt Lake, later this week.
