Are We There Yet? Some Quick First Impressions

· Kerry'svictory rally makes us wonder: Isn't there a law by now to prohibit the use of U2's "Beautiful Day" at a rally of any sort? No? We would vote for the candidate that promised to legislate this. [  ]

·Speaking of things that sounded good the first time we heard them,Edwardsdelivers that great stump speech "up to six times a day." He's now fighting "a war of attrition." [ FT/Yahoo ]

· Clarkhas dropped out, though we defy you to look at his speech and find any indication of this. It's all "thank you" and "It's time we reclaimed the mantle for a better America." Whatevs. Official announcement today. [ CNN and Clark04.com ]

· Deancontinues to pretend he has a chance, now talking to the only ones he may actually convince: "In questions with some of the roughly 75 children and teenagers at the youth center, Dean underscored how important Wisconsin's Feb. 17 primary is for him." [ AP/Yahoo ]

· Kucinichgot some votes. We think his new ads are cute. [ Kucinich.us ]

·Who's surprised thatSharpton(who also got some votes) is a craven opportunist? His former campaign manager, that's who! "I said we should have nothing to do with this ultra-right-wing sleazeball." Ha ha. [ Village Voice ]

And, just in case you think the nomination's all sewed up, Chris Matthews puts it all in perspective: "You could have sex tonight! And the baby would be born! Before November!"

We'll end for now on that note.