Election Recycling: I Am Not Concerned About Osama
• Kerry, Bush, in dead heat, battle over domestic issues in final debate.Bush: "A plan is not a litany of complaints."Kerryrefers toMary Cheney: "We're all God's children." [ WP , NYT , LAT , WSJ , BG ]
•Candidates use simple stereotypes, jabs that will echo until election day; both candidates seemed to play offense. [ USAT , BG ]
•Domestic security, safety of America's families top topic last night. [ USAT ]
•Both candidates comfortable. Kindler, gentlerBushavoids scowls; edge given toKerry.Bushfrequently uses liberal charge,Kerryrepeats theme that president is out of touch. [ WP , NYT , NYT , LAT ]
•Rampant use of false figures and out-of-context statements, including: Pell Grants were underfunded fromBush's promise in 2000;Bushmet with CBC in his January, 2001;Kerryoverstated his health care plan;Kerry's so-called 98 votes for higher taxes was misleading. [ WP , NYT , USAT , LAT ]
•Personalities shine through as both candidates talk up faith, family values. [ USAT ]
• Shales: Strong performance byKerrybuilds narrow edge over "oddly giggly" president;Bushwas "as smiley as Clarabell the Clown." [ WP ]
•No major gaffes or knockouts; no excitement. Debates helpedKerryestablish level playing field entering final stretch. [ NYT , LAT ]
• Bushin 2002: "I'll repeat what I said. I truly am not that concerned about [Osama]. I know he is on the run. . . we shoved him out more and more on the margins." [ LAT ]
•CBC refused to leave White House unlessBushmet with them. [ LAT ]
• LynnecallsKerry's reference toMary"a cheap and tawdry political trick," saysKerry"is not a good man." [ WP ]
•Pundits, bloggers raised stakes, then mostly sided with their choice. [ NYT , LAT , WSJ ]
• Edwardsjumps onSnow's comment that job loss, surplus loss are "myths";CheneyquestionsKerryability to fight war on terror. [ NYT ]
• KE04releases two ads to counter attacks on health care plan: "It'sBushthat let insurance companies overrule your doctor." [ WP ]
• KE04puts emphasis on Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada, Iowa, Florida, Pennsylvania;Devinepromises "campaign of substance." [ BG ]
•SBVFT adds anti-KerryPOWs to group and name; many are interviewed in documentary to air on Sinclair stations. [ WP ]
• Bushbenefits from terrorism fears in New Jersey. [ WP ]
•RNC-linked group charged with destroying Democratic registrations in Las Vegas. [ WP ]
•44,000 supporters attend post-debate rally forBush. [ USAT ]
•Dems request FCC investigate Sinclair's anti-Kerrydocumentary. [ LAT ]
•NRA to spend $20m in 10-15 states to reelectBush. [ LAT ]
•Parties have recruited over 300,000 college-age volunteers. [ USAT ]
•Lawsuits already under way in Florida. Scholar: "Both parties are playing the pre-emption game as much as the reactive game this time out." [ NYT ]
•Door-to-door canvassing yields most votes, according to new study. [ NYT ]