One more note on that Pew
poll that I mention below. It gives some evidence that Kerry's
"botched joke" is hurting Democrats, at least marginally:
In addition, Sen. John Kerry's "botched joke" about
the war in Iraq attracted enormous attention. Fully 84% of voters
say they have heard a lot or a little about Kerry's remarks with
60% saying they have heard a lot...Most voters say Kerry's
statement is not a serious consideration in their vote, but 18% of
independent voters say it did raise serious doubts about voting for
a Democratic candidate.
That 18 percent may not seem like a lot, but if even a small
percentage of independents break toward the Republican candidate in
close races, it could make a difference. Control of the Senate will
be decided by tossups in four red states (Montana, Tennessee,
Virginia and Missouri).