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A friend of mine today voiced the theory that this late in the game, all the folks who claim to be undecided are really inclined to vote for Bush, but they just can't admit that to the people with whom they regularly associate. The question is, can we get these timid folks to the polls?

I think that theory has a lot of merit. Many Democrats are not excited about Kerry...he just does not have the charisma anywhere close to Clinton (who they will blindly adore through thick or thin)... it's no surprise that in many polls, the enthusiasm for Kerry by his supporters is much lower than for Bush by his. These Democrats also do not hate Bush enough to make themselves vote for Kerry. Some of them will vote for Bush, but will be quiet about it. For some reason, dissent or independent thinking is less tolerated in their party. We are beginning to see that in higher than expected votes for Bush among African Americans. The timid ones will very likely stay home and not vote. Either way, Bush comes out ahead. This is just my opinion, which I think has basis if you look at what Kerry is still doing late in the game... still shoring up support among his base... while Bush is doing that plus inviting discerning Democrats - Americans nonetheless, to join the mainstream.