The issue of Iraq is one of the most divisive in the 2004 presidential election. Success or failure in rebuilding post-war Iraq, including the handover of power from the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority to an Iraqi-led government, directly impacted who won this year’s presidential election. Americans were nearly evenly divided over whether going to war was the right decision. The Democratic and Republican presidential candidates were divided on their stance of the war. Senator John Kerry believed that going to war with Iraq was a mistake, while Bush defended his invasion of Iraq believed that it made the world a safer place.
Mexican American War Thing
The United States' current involvement in Iraq is deeply rooted in events dating to the 1980s. Between then and now the U.S. and Iraq have turned from allies to enemies. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, disagreements between Iraq and the United States intensified. Leading the U.S. at that time was Republican George W. Bush. President Bush is a conservative who projects himself as a strong leader in times of war. His Democratic opponent, Senator John Kerry is considered a liberal on domestic issues, but a moderate on foreign policy. Because of Kerry’s moderate views regarding foreign policy, it is easy to see why although the candidates disagreed about parts of Iraq foreign policy, they did have some similaries.
During the campaign, President Bush stood strong on his belief that a preemptive attack on Iraq was best for the American people and the world. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Bush targeted Iraq, along with Iran and North Korea, these countries were considered an “axis of evil”. This “axis of evil” instilled fear into many Americans because it was assumed these countries presented a threat to homeland security. Although not yet found, Bush claims that weapons of mass destruction are housed in Iraq. “ When asked about what link there...