It could be true, but why is Kerry acting so desperate? Maybe he is going for broke because he thinks it is so in reach or maybe his campaign's internal polls aren't that rosy.
I think the best measure as to how Kerry is REALLY doing is to watch his closest flaptraps.
After seeing McAuliffe nearly disintegrate and unable to even force a smile with Sean Hannity, I suspect the tea leaves aren't looking very good.
Every spokesperson for Kerry that I have seen in the last week has been frenzied, shrill and suffering from an extreme case of talking-point-itis. It says a lot, IMO.