[Solson]

I too am optimistic and agree about the rampant pessimism at FR. One note about that pessimism, some is sincere concern, some more is sincere hope Bush loses.

Here's what will happen... As we've seen today, Bush is already back on top of Kerry even though it has been 24/7 Kerry on the news and in discussions. Furthermore, Kerry only pulls in the 40's in Democratic caucuses. That means, unless Kerry veers further left, his base will stay home, especially the youth vote that Dean counted on so much. Dean lost in Iowa because his supporters didn't show...IMO.

As we move into the summer, the GOP will have a significant cahs advantage and will be able to spend primary $$ until their convention in September. The Dem convention is in July...way too early...and thus must start spending general election $$ as soon as it is done. That cash advantage, along with the capture of bin Laden, the transition to an Iraqi government and great timing on the economy will result is a nice safe 55% win for Bush.

This election, as much as some people hope, will not be close.

[reformedliberal]

Don't count on the cash advantage. Soros and Lewis and the Hollywood millionaires will give Kerry all the money needed. We will be lucky if we have an equal warchest.

[Owen]

To win Missouri, we need to rent all the rentable vans around St. Louis for election day. If they are already reserved, rent them a few days before and return them late.

We take those vans and drive to Veteran Nursing Homes and pick up retired vets. Maybe the same one over and over. We get the double whammy of getting GOP voters to the polls and denying the Dems the vans to drag homeless into them, bribe them with donuts and cigs and take them to the polls with false ID.