The Kudzu Files

This idea of Kerry delaying acceptance the nomination...

Of all the bad ideas by Democratic presidential candidates the past 4 years, this is maybe the worst. Yes, the Republicans have a huge advantage in campaign funding. But the Democrats had to know, when they chose dates in July, that there was a chance there would be a significant delay before the Republican convention. In fact, it's not at all uncommon: in 1964, the Democrats held their convention 41 days after the Republicans; in 1972, the Republicans were 41 days later; in 1976, the Republicans were 34 days later; in 1984, again 34 days between the Democratic and Republican conventions; and again in 1992. American politics has become filled with chicanery, and this would be just another, although potentially more serious. John Kerry needs to begin concentrating on the rationale for voting him into office, not a rationale for voting George Bush out of office, and not on circus acts to offset Republican money. In March, many people, me among them, were worried that the American voting public would be so sick of political campaigning by fall that they would simply opt out. Now, many are wondering if there will even be a Democratic campaign. George Bush seemingly has one campaign plank - "Stay the course". Perhaps John Kerry is simply waiting, hoping that Bush's one line speech becomes an absurdity. But if that's all we'll get from Kerry, I may want to give Howard Dean another shot.