[BOBTHENAILER]

Having baggage to carry doesn't necessarily doom a candidate. Clinton had plenty of baggage and, to clear-thinking people, that was a reason, among others, not to support him.

Point taken, but Kerry's baggage consists of year upon year of voting records that will be shoved down his throat.

We've already seen his tortured attempts at explaining his votes. IMHO, this baggage will carry greater weight and help increase his negatives.

[chimera]

Very true, and Bush needs to keep up the pressure on this front. It will have legs with people who think things through, and certainly cement the negative perception that is growing for Kerry among centrist and undecided voters. This is where the battle will be won or lost. If the Republicans can effectively point out that Kerry's voting record puts him at odds with the positions of a majority of voters, it will be tough for him to counter. Once it's on the record, it's harder to bury (although Kerry and the Rats and the media will try).

[PhilDragoo]

KERRY-DEAN ~ 2004

Anti-defense! Yeah!
Anti-intelligence! Yeah!
Anti-American! Yeah!
Full of gas! YEAAAHHH!