[C210N]

The Madrid attack was just a few days prior to their balloting day. I would expect AQ to be "smart" about things, and time both the attack and "leaked" info for maximum effect.

Therefore, I'd surmise that the actual attack would be closer to Nov 2. I'd surmise that any leaked info or chatter to aim at something earlier to get our defenses up earlier so that as the weeks drone on without an attack, defenses get slowly eroded and the public has a longer time window for fear to spread.

[nina0113]

...as the weeks drone on without an attack, defenses get slowly eroded and the public has a longer time window for fear to spread.

And the Dems have more time to spread the idea that Bush raised the terror alert for political reasons.