re: Terrorism and politics
Could you give some examples of "The Left" making that claim, let alone evidence that denying an electoral connection was the reaction of _most_ liberal-leaning analysts, pundits, bloggers, or whomever it is you mean when you say, "The Left dismissed..."?
I'm sure there are some examples, but from what I recall reading, most left-leaning writers had no problem seeing the rather obvious connection in timing. I have no idea who it is you're talking about, other than setting up yet another "The Left" strawman to tear down.