[kabar]

I don't think the OBL tape necessarily helps Bush directly, but the last thing MSNBC, CNN, et al, want to be talking about is OBL. Doing so doesn't help Kerry.

Of course it helps Bush tremendously. The American people will rally around the CIC in time of war. UBL attacked Bush by name threatening new attacks. Do we (USA) cave into the craven, mutterings of a twisted zealot by electing a new President? Dobut it.

UBL's threats also places the focus back on the WOT in the closing days of the campaign. That has to help Bush, since he is seen by a large margin to be the best person to wage the WOT. Bush would have won anyway, but this removes all doubt IMO.

[Cold Heat]

My wife, who is not at all political, said that people at work, all dems are saying it is now not a good idea to change presidents during this time.

The tape reinforces that thought, as you stated correctly.