Election Recycling: A Funnel Coming to a Head
• McCaindefendsKerryagainst attacks on national defense, continues to supportBush: "I think we ought to have open and honest debates on those issues. I think the president has led this nation with clarity since September 11th. I'm supporting his reelection. But I would certainly hope that we could raise the level of this debate. Otherwise, we're going to have very low voter turnouts in November." [WP and NYT ]
• Kerryis gaining speed in fundraising because Democrats are united and usingBush'sstrategy of encouraging donors to raise money themselves. "It's like a funnel coming to a head to supportJohn Kerry.I have no doubt in my mindJohn Kerrycan raise between $80 million and $100 million. In my career I have never seen people join together this fast and furious," said a supporter. [ WP ]
•With about 200 electoral votes each,Bush and Kerryhave similar starting points on their battle for the White House. [ LAT ]
• Richard Foster,the threatened chief analyst of Medicare costs, believes the directive for intimidation of Congressmen came from a senior advisor in the White House. [ WP ]
•On anniversary of invasion,Bushvisits troops: "The 101st Airborne has known greater losses than any other division-sized unit. Each of these Americans brought pride to our country. We pray for their families. We will honor their names forever."Bushwore an army jacket and lunched with soldiers. [ WP and NYT ]
• Kerry,on vacation in Idaho, snowboards and drinks vitamin-enriched water. [ NYT and BG ]
• Dean'sDemocracy for America will support progressive candidates and rally voters to defeatBush. Deanwill formally endorseKerrynext week. [ WP and NYT ]
•ADeanendorsement can bring money, support, and controversy. "I thinkKerryshould be real careful withHoward Dean.[He] is best when he's talking off the cuff often about his ideas and perspectives, but it got him in trouble in the campaign and it could getKerryin trouble," says political scientist. [ USAT ]
•Candidates pick slogans and run. "We're living in an age of branding, and there are political calculations behind every one of these words. [Campaigns] seem quite prepared to match slogan for slogan, phrase for phrase as they try to be the first to make their brands stick," says professor. [ USAT ]
• Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad- who said "Jews rule the world by proxy" - endorsesKerry,who won't accept it. [ LAT and WT ]
•25 years ago today, C-SPAN began coverage of the House.Brian Lamb: "My argument was that this was a service the cable industry ought to provide. And the business folks said: 'What are you talking about? We'll never make a dime on this!' But there were people in the industry who thought it might be good PR, at a time when cable TV was a new product. And there were people who just wanted to provide a public service." [WP and WT ]
Dude! Photo: AP Photo/Elise Amendola ]