[mountaineer]

The Republicans got a bounce out of their convention. The Democrats did not. Why? The Republicans had something to say. The Democrats did not. Something always beats nothing.

The Democrats purposely chose a candidate with a 22-year history in elective office entirely barren of any distinction. The Democrats chose a candidate known for political calculation, a talent for nuance and an unswerving dedication to swerving to avoid political risk. In other words, they chose a cipher.

Not a bad strategy at a time when the news for the Bush administration - the Iraq insurgency, Abu Ghraib, the 9/11 hearings - was awful. Pick a cipher and make this a referendum on the President. A plausible idea, but it does leave everything up to the other side.

Some people will weigh the results of President Bush's three years and approve. Others will not. But at least his record bears scrutiny and debate. Read the rest of Charles Krauthammer column.

[Timeout]

The Republicans got a bounce out of their convention. The Democrats did not. Why?

My theory is much simpler:

If you watch him on the campaign trail, Bush is always smiling.....BigTime! Kerry looks dour and serious while Bush smiles and looks like he's really enjoying himself.

I think that's making a big difference.