Back to the original thread question, I found this of interest, from this site:

Some analysts see the steadiness of the Bush opposition as an explanation of why his campaign has run so many ads attacking his rival. It may be easier to convince swing voters that Kerry is not fit to be president than to convince them that Bush has done a good job. Yet ultimately, the outcome of the 2004 election, most everyone agrees, will come down to voters judgment not of Kerry, but of the man who has occupied the presidency for the past 31/2 years.

"This is an election between Bush and Bush,'' Genovese said.

kat