Quin, I agree with nearly everything you say. I would just add
one thought. In a week in which conservatives dreaded the President
stepping on the lines of a much more persuasive and articulate
spokesman for the war --Gen. Petraeus -- there is a good reason to
put emphasis on a candidate who is articulate, persuasive and needs
little re-write/"clarification" after he addresses key issues. If
Bush taught us anything it is that excellent communication skills
are not window dressing but are essential to a successful
president.