USC political scientist Bob Oldendick
COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Now that the U.S. has taken down the most wanted man in the world, some are trying to gauge the political impact Osama bin Laden's death could have on the 2012 Election.
Most expect a big boost in the President's approval ratings.
However, the long term impact could be much different. The same kind of patriotic high happened to President George Bush after Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990's.
His approval ratings soared, but eventually the high wore off and some domestic issues took center state.
USC political scientist Bob Oldendick expects the same to happen again after what he calls the rally around the flag movement.
"Long term, its impact on next year's election, I really don't think there will be a lingering impact," Oldendick explains. "It's 18 months away. In the interim, all the problems will come back up. Later this week, we'll be talking about budget deficits, the debt ceiling, the unemployment rate, the kinds of major problems that are facing the country."
The first GOP presidential debate takes place Thursday in Greenville.
What do you think will be the long term political impact of the U.S. killing Osama bin Laden? Leave your comments below to weigh in.
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