[Hombre]

Just because the tape is validated to be from a known terrorist doesn't mean there really is an attack coming before the election. I think the terrorists are smart enough to know an attack now would help Bush. In fact, I think airing of this tape would help Bush!

[ClearCase_guy]

I envision the ABC news report from Nov 3: "ABC reports that John Kerry won the election by a narrow margin. With the election over, we now feel that it is ethical to show the terrorist tape. Roll the tape:

"You stinking Americans! George Bush has crippled our organization! Al Quaeda is in tatters! We are down to only a few fighters! But the 12 of us who are left will not give up! The streets of America will run with blood ..."

[PLK]

I think the terrorists are smart enough to know an attack now would help Bush. In fact, I think airing of this tape would help Bush!

Exactly. So does ABC. That's why they are reluctant to air it.

Bush is the "tough on terrorism" President.
Kerry is the "we need to fight a more sensitive war on terror" candidate.

It's a no-brainer and ABC knows it. This tape will be in a lockbox until after the election.