The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

John Kerry met again with senior advisers to look over the speech he will make later today in Nashville to the American Legion, and to continue preparing for the coming presidential debates. /p>

According to Kerry insiders, the candidate will attack his Swift Boat Veterans for Truth critics, by claiming it was he who stood up for veterans and the missing in action during his days in the Senate. "This is going to be the big pushback," says a Kerry adviser. "He will take this Swift Boat guys on, and then put the debate to rest. He isn't going to let this spin out of control for days on end. We won't let it."

That some inside the Kerry campaign believe they can still set the debate or at least the discussion from day to day on their terms shows how some Democratic insiders may still underestimate the power of the Swift Boat ads and message, as well as the palpable downshift in the campaign momentum.

"The Republicans have had three good weeks. Let's be realistic and honest about this. Just three good weeks," says the Kerry adviser in Washington. "We've had three good months. Once their convention is over, the American people will be able to size up the candidates and the issues. Our guy will win that comparison."

p>Kerry intends to renew his campaign, with a new message and tweaked stump speech almost immediately following the conclusion of President Bush's acceptance speech. Kerry will be in Ohio with veep candidate John Edwards and their spouses to begin two-day bus tours in the pivotal state. br> /p>

topics:
Television