Catherine

I keep thinking: wasn’t there a graceful attempt that could have been made?

It’s an interesting question. I was discussing this very thing last night with my (Democratic) son, in the context of Lincoln’s problems with Fremont, when he was caught between the abolishionists and the Union-loyal slaveholders in the last tier of border states. Lincoln’s response was superb, and it’s clear that his outstanding political skills were necessary for the preservation of the Union. Few people could master the Democrats’ current dilemma, probably not including Kerry.

As I see it, the problem with Kerry is Kerry. The way the message sounds to me is: “Vote for me, I’m a big strong anti-American war protester. (Did I say that out loud? Who turned the microphone on?!? I don’t turn microphones on!! I don’t fall, he pushed me!!!)”

It’s a pretty tough sell.