Catherine,

It is quite possible that your husband is in the process of using his reason to follow your intuition regarding Bush. The “fickle” factor in women that you questioned me on is answered far better by Knuckleheads example than by me(although I will never allow my valet to speak to him).

The “security mom” is governed by the two trains of thought that Knucklehead describes, she is thinking of her children (and her husband) in terms of what best keeps them from harm now and possibly in the future. She would probably cheer (or offer to help) if the opportunity arose to flay the Beslan terrorists alive but she would be fearful if she had a child (or husband) charged with hunting that terrorist down. Women tend to be against war unless there is really no other possible viable alternative. I really believe that is the reason that the Beslan massacre was not highlighted by the MSM. They know damn well that pictures of dead babies killed by terrorists means votes for Bush.

Dennis,

I agree in great part with your analysis but I do believe that in time we will learn that the internal polls of the DNC showed antipathy rising toward Kerry from the moment he gave his acceptance speech. By Aug. 10th they knew he had no chance and the Swiftvets just accelerated the downward trend. The DNC is trying to stave off the apathy that will lead to a really disastrous defeat downticket as well as for Kerry. I’m figuring a 1 seat pickup in the Senate for every point above 50% that Bush gets. And I’m shifting my target range to 55-58% based on the Dem panic I see.