[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.

[mountaineer]

Put another way, Bush's message exhibits hope and optimism; Kerry's is nothing more than "everything's terrible, so you'd better vote for me."