A year ago, Kerry was widely viewed as the Democrat most likely to emerge as the campaign's early front-runner. But Dean assumed that role — his staunch opposition to Bush's push for war with Iraq won him a loyal following among Democratic activists.
Kerry, like several other Democratic contenders, has been forced to explain his vote in favor of the congressional resolution last year that authorized force against Iraq.
Kerry on Friday dismissed his deficit in the New Hampshire polls, saying, "This race is there to be won."
But if Kerry is to make up much ground, observers say, he must begin to show momentum soon.
"There's sort of a growing sense of inevitability about a Dean win," Wrighton said. "That heightens the urgency for the other candidates, and I think that urgency is reflected in the new Kerry campaign."
In his speech, Kerry said he faced "a tough political fight now," and he vowed to "work hard every single day to fight back and win."
That effort would include, he said, a series of "24-hour campaign days to meet voters where they live and where they work."
The Kerry campaign also is beefing up efforts in Iowa, adding about three-dozen new staffers, including veterans of Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign.
Iowa's precinct caucuses Jan. 19 are the first key battles in the primary contest. Recent polls in the state have shown Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri with a small lead over Dean, and Kerry running third.
latimes.com |
