Sunday Images:

Sy Hersh and Bob Woodward were on Russert this AM. Hersh pimps new book on Abu Ghraib. Woodward refused an interview with Kerry to find out exactly and in detail what he, as president, would do in Iraq and this, according to Woodward, is a major vulnerability for Kerry.

C Span televises the anti Kerry veterans protest on the Mall in Washington live. These guys lambast Kerry and the image of their outrage is disseminated across this country. A couple of points.

- C Span is a highly respected resource, well watched around the country. People have a deep sense of pride in it.

- This event does not play as a Bush generated event, this is a protest by Viet vets who waited for this opportunity to pay back Kerry. The president’s name is hardly mentioned.

- This event will play well out in the hinterlands. People watch and this will have its effect.

- Kerry is the issue. He is characterized as bringing shame to the Vietnam War effort.

The power of imagery can not be understated in this campaign. The network shots show the president in his blue shirt, tie off, barging on stage, grasping hands, bent over the lectern talking passionately about terrorism.

The War Hero mumbles with a micro in his mouth – like a rock star – repeating the same tired old saws America has heard for ten months in the same old Ivy League lock jaw tones.

Marshall McLuhan wrote about the medium being the message; the president is hot, the War Hero is icy.