[WI Conservative 4 Bush]

pabianice,

I think you hit on something important. Many independents vote based on likability. I think Senator Kerry comes off as not very likable. On top of that, he's sooo boring. His speeches are so nuanced, that I think most people will react by saying wow this guy is such a professional politician. In the end, President Bush will come out on top, I'm pretty sure of it.

The dems are making hay out of any issue they think they can exploit. As far as I can tell, those issues are actually few and far between.

I love issues, I study issues thoroughly. On issues, the President should wipe the floor with his opponent. However, swing voters, I believe, don't base their votes on a deep understanding of issues. I think, when it gets right down to it, these all-important voters make decisions based on who they think they like and trust. We are very fortunate that President Bush also shines in these areas. Again, IMO.

[WOSG]

You hit is about right. Bush wins on key issues - economy/taxes, war on terror, culture issues - with most people. Bush also wins on the stump to the muddled middle, so long as he stays "loose" and likeable/friendly, and Kerry comes across as the flipflopping grandstanding bore that he is.

[BrynS728]

I think Senator Kerry comes off as not very likable. On top of that, he's sooo boring.

That is so true! Every time I hear Kerry speak, all I can think of is the scene in the movie "Ferris Beuhler's Day Off", where Ben Stein is droning on and on in class, and the kids are all asleep at their desks, and he keeps repeating, "anyone?....anyone?..."