Actually, you have it backwards.
The Vice President is the typical attack dog so the President can remain above the mud.
Kerry is erring badly by falling for CHENEY'S attacks, showing he is not only petty, but considers the VP his equal.
Well - yeah - that's what I was trying to say - didn't articulate it well, but I was trying to say Kerry is attempting to fight at a level below what he is aiming for in the election.
AND he isn't winning that battle either - which just demonstrates that he isn't capable of even the VP role let alone POTUS.