Kerry also blundered with a weird attack on an $84 item in the Bushes' federal income tax return, supposedly from a timber business.
"I own a timber company? News to me," said Bush, adding engagingly in what was the most natural moment in the debate, "Need some wood?"
It turns out that Kerry relied on an Annenberg Internet Web site that later admitted it had been confused, which left the Democratic candidate out on a hardwood limb.
Bush was too much the gentleman to point out, now that their income taxes were in dispute, that Mrs. Kerry paid only 11 percent on her $5 million income, while the Bushes paid 28 percent.
On this Bush has to STOP being a gentleman. Bush has to hit this thug in the gut in front of everyone.!
I think he is right, though, not to push the percentage the Kerry's paid on their taxes. That could backfire. I suspect their income is largely dividend income and Kerry can come back and say that he, in fact, opposes the tax law changes that reduced the tax rate on dividends. He can then use his own personal situation as the perfect argument that Bush has helped the rich avoid taxes.