Despite Newsweek/Time Blip Polls Are Even Within MOE- Is Panic Over?

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As a result of the compromised, weighted media polls (backed by hollow reports of Kerry weakness and Bush strength) there were calls here and elsewhere for Kerry to abandon his strategy of a issues first campaign in favor of a mud battle. To be fair there were also more reasonable calls for Kerry to both present issues and attacks together.

I watched his Labor Day rally on c-span and I see the same forceful, substantive appeal that I have witnessed all along from John Kerry, albeit laced with the new talking point attacks: 'W' is for wrong etc.

The polls (independent ones) show the numbers inching his way again. I see evidence that his approach, with some tweaks, some more focus, is working as it has all along, keeping him competitive with an incumbent, 'wartime' president, despite the August doldrums and the constant attacks from Bush and his cabal. I see no significant evidence that the Bush team has knocked Kerry too far off of his stride for him to overtake the president and outdistance him in the months ahead.

Again, he must be doing something right, despite the naysayers and carpers who have been screaming for him to go nuclear. As for those that want a blend of attacks and substance, stay tuned (to the campaign, not to the daily rag reports). Kerry will 'tell the truth and they'll think it's Hell'.