MJT

I agree, it was absolutely hilarious and having spent a few days myself on K St. it carries special meaning. In truth both parties quit being the "party of the common man" a long time ago but make no mistake, Kerry can't even come close to faking it.

I admit I am rather partisan, but as I see it the Republicans have mastered the art of running thematic campaigns based on one big idea, or just a few big ideas, and hitting those ideas over and over and over, with clarity. And I believe those themes resonate with Americans because the Republican Party, rhetorically at least, upholds the ideas that most Americans know in their hearts are the essence of our greatness : principally individual liberty and individual responsiblity. If you are not responsible for yourself first, then nothing else matters.

Democrats on the other hand cannot run thematic campaigns based on one big idea or philosophy in oppositon to the Republican themes, because to do so would be to oppose what most Americans know is right. Republicans have cornered that market largely because Democrats abondoned it in favor of pandering to "groups" of people with grievances, rather than appealing to noble ideals which we all hold in common and know are correct, even though we do not always admit it.

To be fair, Democrats are partly victims of their own success. 60 years ago we did not have much of a "safety net" or environmental protection. Now we do. So what is left for Democrats to do ? An additional problem for Democrats though, is that many of the entitlement programs now cry out for reform, but the Democrats who originally created most of these programs resist making reforms, because to do so would alienate the base of the party, in spite of the fact that such reforms would be best for the country as a whole in the long run.
Kerry is not advocating any significant reforms in Medicare or Social Security because he does not want to piss of his base. He can't afford to. So even on their own turf, Democrats are, by default, ceding territory to Republicans, who want to reform these programs.

I do not see how the Democrats get out of this trap they are in. I think the Democrats are in big trouble, regardless who wins in November.

I'm laughing out loud at the thought of anybody laughing out loud at that belabored attempt at humor.

The Dems are in big trouble, especially surrounding the forged Bush air national guard docs. I think Kerry has one shot to claw out of the whole, he needs a Sister Soulja moment, stat. Or he is toast.