[TomGuy]

So, ultimately we're at the point where the choices are "Really, really bad" and "Absolutely ghastly".

It would seem so. Elections seem to end up being the lesser of two evils. Could Kerry have done any worse? I doubt it. The best we can hope for at this stage is gridlock in 06. Maybe someone better will emerge by 08, but from the GOP's baker's dozen+a couple more wannabes, none really seem likely.

[JeffAtlanta]

Could Kerry have done any worse? I doubt it.

At this point I agree with you. With a democrat in office, the GOP senators would have acted like conservatives again and put severe restraints on Kerry.