The Kerry Comeback

How it could happen

Things are looking pretty grim for John Kerry as I write in mid-September. A few polls have him trailing President Bush by double digits, with Bush way ahead on national security and pulling even on traditional Democratic issues such as health care and education. During the summer it looked as though Kerry might be able to win Ohio, West Virginia, and other states that had backed Bush in 2000. Now Bush is raiding Democratic territory: He is leading in Wisconsin, and probably tied in Minnesota. Not a day goes by without talk of a shake-up in the Kerry campaign. Some Democrats have decided not to wait until election day to start their recriminations.

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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How it could happen

Things are looking pretty grim for John Kerry as I write in mid-September. A few polls have him trailing President Bush by double digits, with Bush way ahead on national security and pulling even on traditional Democratic issues such as health care and education. During the summer it looked as though Kerry might be able to win Ohio, West Virginia, and other states that had backed Bush in 2000. Now Bush is raiding Democratic territory: He is leading in Wisconsin, and probably tied in Minnesota. Not a day goes by without talk of a shake-up in the Kerry campaign. Some Democrats have decided not to wait until election day to start their recriminations.