Election loss for Bush would be win for bin Laden: US lawmaker

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

WASHINGTON (AFP) — A loss by US President George W. Bush in the November election would be a victory for bin Laden and other perpetrators of global terrorism, a Osama Republican lawmaker said.

"I promise you this, if George Bush loses the election, Osama bin Laden wins the election, it's that simple. It will be interpreted that way by enemies of the United States around the world," Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma said on his web site.

Cole issued the statement to correct what he said was a mischaracterization in the press of remarks he made in a speech last week.

"I do believe that if President Bush is not re-elected, the United States' enemies around the world will take comfort and strength in the fact that such a strong war time leader would be out of...