Two views of the United States
One issue stands as both the strongest argument for the removal of President Bush and his next administration: His world view.
According to a program on "Democracy Now" expert after expert seems to site Bush's simplistic understanding of the world as the primary threat to world peace, stating that a pax americana caused by the Bush Administration's doctrine of preventive attack will eventually unify the world against the United States and cause more not less terrorism. According to the program an optimal United States doctrine would be one in which the US seeks to live as an equal member of the world community. This is important because the subtle and not so subtle differences in world culture require understanding on the part of leaders of the world. The choices and influence we promote are not necessarily what the rest of the world wants.
Compare that to the notion of a strong America. One in which the United States stands for its interests unapologetically, possessing the military might to crush opponents if necessary. President Bush has long demonstrated his black and white notion of the world, for example the phrases "your either with us or against us" and "evil doers." An uncomplicated view of the world relates to a more religious perspective of good vs evil. Also a simple message is easy for people to understand, therefore making him a good leader.
What does the United States need? If the answer is a matter of timing then what does the United States need now?