Abstract

Kerry: He's Peaking

Right now some polls show Kerry a few points ahead of Bush. But at time of writing, February 18, trend lines in other polls show Kerry slipping behind Bush after peaking on February 15. Karl Rove has yet to launch the Shock and Awe barrage that will explode over Kerry's head sometime in late summer, after the Democrats have got their boost in Boston. Rove's targeting plans will obviously include such easy but telling hits as The author argues that there is little difference between John Kerry, the likely Democratic nominee for the presidency, and incumbent U.S. president George W. Bush. Kerry's support for Bush's tax cuts for the rich. Kerry agrees with Bush about the tax cuts. He agrees with him about the Patriot Act. He agrees with him on trade. He agrees with him on the war. He's never once, in three Senate terms, offered legislation to inconvenience the "special interests" at which he's lately launched a few pop-gun attacks. This is where the timid legions of the left, cowed by furious bluster about their treachery in deserting the Democratic standard back in 2000, might ask some serious questions, and maybe even threaten desertion again. All Kerry can offer is superior management of the imperial bandwagon at home and abroad. The War on Drugs? National security advice? Kerry has Rand Beers, who served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs under Presidents Bush and Clinton. But isn't Kerry at least a living reproach to the horrors of the Vietnam War? Not really. He's got his medals back up on the office wall.