No, Really, We're Looking for Suggestions: It Could Even Be Along the Lines of "ElectionWatch" Editon
• Kerry takes off blue blazerto look for running mate and raise money: "We're going to raise as much as we can as fast as we can." [ WP and LAT ]
•NewBushtelevision spots highlightstrength, safety, economic empathywith images of America at work and 9/11. The next round will "takeKerrydown a couple notches," says a strategist. [ WP and NYT ]
•Vying for California,Bushspeaks aboutKerry: "In fact, Senator Kerry has been in Washington long enoughto take both sides on just about every issue" and "seems to be against every idea that gives Americans more authority, more choices, and more control over our own lives." [ WP and LAT ]
• Deanspokesman, on campaigning/thetextbook definition of sociopath: "You've got to get into the zone somehow, andthe way you do that is by putting the reality of the situation out of your thinking, or at least in another part of your brain." [ WP ]
• Kerrycamp beginslooking for running mate; could announce a selection by May. [ WP and NYT ]
• Kerryis first presidential candidate to support full and equal protection for same-sex couples; he looks for"a prominent homosexual to serve as his conduit"to the gay community. (We will restrain the impulse to make a reference to Kerry's own giant conduit. . . er, too late.) [WP ]
• Kerryfinds himself in "stronger political conditionat this stage of the campaign than any Democratic challenger of the past two decades."McAuliffesays Democrats are energized. [ WSJ ]
• Kerryand DNC plan to raise over $100 million by the convention. [ LAT ]
• Edwardsends candidacy speaking highly ofKerryand remaining optimistic: "I have never loved my country more than I do today. All my life,America has smiled at me, and today I am smiling right back." [ LAT and NYT ]
•Jim Johnson, head ofKerry'srunning mate selection, has been a working Democrat since age four. "He's the consummate pro. He examines things from every angle. He is the ideal Democrat to vet Democrats. He is totally objective, not terribly sentimental, andhe has an unbelievable Rolodex," saysReagan'schief of staff. [ LAT ]
•In California vote,Kerrysupport was strong across the board but weak among independents. [ LAT ]
• Sharptonto announce a decision today abouthis political future: "I won half the black vote, and I won delegates in six Congressional districts in New York." [ NYT ]