POLITICS -- All We Have to Fear is the Next 69 Days

Well, He is the Expert on the Law. A top lawyer for the Bush/Cheney camp admits he advised the independent group running the swift boat ads. The Kerry/Camp camp jumped on the admission as proof the President and the Swifties are in cahoots. Federal law bars political campaigns from coordinating efforts with independent groups. But the lawyer, Benjamin L. Ginsberg, claims lawyers are exempt. (They can also walk through walls and on water, no doubt). (WashPost)

Beating out 60 Minutes. John Kerry’s first exclusive sit down during the Swift Boat flap didn’t come on any traditional news show. He appeared on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” (CNN)

The Reviews are In. If you missed it, MSNBC’s review says you didn’t miss much. They claim Kerry should keep his day job. (MSNBC)

Turn Barney Fife Loose on ‘Em. Small town mayors and police chiefs are getting pretty tired of the Presidential campaign. In battleground states hardly a day goes by without President Bush or Senator John Kerry showing up in some small town. And it’s costing the local police departments dearly for security. The Bush campaign used to help foot the security bill – but now they’re returning bills unpaid and pointing to the Secret Service to pick up the tab – with tax dollars. When Bush and Kerry showed up in Davenport, Iowa on the same day earlier this month, robbers took advantage of the distraction to rob three banks.

Politics of the Pump. The latest Bush/Cheney ad accuses Senator John Kerry of voting 10 times to raise gasoline taxes. Of course, gasoline prices have gone up 50-cents this year without any taxes tacked on.

Critical Decision. For whatever reason, Elizabeth Edwards, Vice-Presidential nominee John Edwards’ wife, wanted a country music critic to interview her. It was during a visit to Tucson and she requested the Arizona Star send it’s music critic for the interview they requested with her. An editor killed the idea. (Arizona Star)

Sign of the Times. Around 350 Kerry yard signs have been stolen from around the Pensacola, Florida area. Either someone doesn’t like the Senator, or someone’s going to have the gaudiest yard in Florida. If you don’t want your yard signs stolen, don’t put ‘em in the yard. (AP)