Dont assume Bush's money means victory in 2004. The GOP always has more money than Dems in nation-wide races, and often the best-funded candidates fall on their faces.
However, it will mean that anti-Bush forces are going to have to be united, very determined and never-ever give in or allow the stream of Bush BS to go unchallenged.
I'm more optimistic. I'm a bit worried about Dean (for now) but once Kerry wins the NH primary, Dean should fade a la Paul Tsongas. I just hope a far-left third party candidate is not a factor. A suicidal left is not out of the question.
Again, it will probably come down to Florida again, and that's why Bob Graham is running (for vice president). Bill Richardson (hispanic) and Wesley Clark (military) are two other Veep candidates who could cut into Bush's advantages in a few key states. If Dems can't carry Florida, they'd need Arizona, Nevada, Arkansas and New Hampshire to compensate. But Florida will probably be the deciding state, assuming it's a close race, as I believe it will be. Current polls show no more than 45% say they will vote for Bush even though his approvals are about 15% higher. And if the economy isn't doing well next year, those numbers could sink. |
