Barone's prescient. There's nothing original about this guy except his being a vessel for those who hate Bush. In 46 minutes he contributed nothing to showing why he deserves to be elected President. This is one of those that won't take. Trust me, if John F*ckin' does get a bounce out of this convention it will be evaporate in a matter of days. As for the content of the speech, there's nothing in it that registers as presidential.
I stated before the convention that I thought he would end up losing ground. I stand by that prediction.
The hate in the speech will not translate to a lasting bounce. The only positive he *might* have gained is that he showed his base that he can still be that extreme Leftist of the 'Nam era. Until now they have despised Kerry. Ludicrous as it may seem they believe he is a lite alternative to Bush.
I think what Kerry did tonight more than anything was shore up his base. Only that is the problem. To shore up his base he has to advance angry rhetoric that turns off the voters conventions are supposed to appeal too.
What happens when Kerry starts flipping toward the center again? Will his base remain energized or think this hate rhetoric was a fluke?
Tonight was one of negative passionate emotion. It may help him in the short term, it could be detrimental by the time the Republican convention begins.