Political Playbook. The 9/11 Commission Report is perhaps the single most influential thing in shaping American politics in this election year.
Age Against the Political Machine. The average age of American poll workers is 72. That has some people wondering if age alone could be a problem in a close election this fall. (USAToday)
Preaching to the Choir. Conservative churches are serving as surrogate campaign organizations for the Bush/Cheney Campaign. I told you last week how Jerry Falwell was hosting seminars for pastors to get around tax rules while campaigning for President Bush's re-election. Guess they figure Kerry/Edwards don’t have a prayer. (NYT)
The Anti-Kerry Crew. Swift Boat Veterans for Truth claim to be nonpartisan. But they ain't too swift when it comes to covering their political tracks. It turns out that two of its three main backers are old deck hands at contributing to GOP causes and candidates. Texas homebuilder Bob Perry has given $100,000, and Dallas real estate executive Harlan Crow has given Republicans $25,000. (USA Today)
Frank Talk. The general who engineered American victories in Afghanistan and Iraq is standing up for Kerry’s military record. General Tommy Franks called the swift boat vets’ claims political hyperbole and says Kerry is “absolutely” qualified to be Commander –in-Chief. General Franks refuses to say if he'll endorse President Bush for re-election. (USA Today)
Kerry’s Gunning for NRA Votes. Even as the NRA takes aim at John Kerry’s campaign, Kerry’s TV ads in swing states show the Massachusetts Senator blasting everything that moves on a hunting trip. (WashPost)
Flip Flop. Rep Rodney Alexander (D-LA) or (R-LA) switched from Democrat to Republican Parties at the last minute before the ballot closed in Baton Rouge. You’d think a change of heart like that would be called a “flip-flop” by President Bush. But Bush rang him up to thank him. (USA Today)
