One merit in having a Kerry rather than a Bush (or their equivalent in other countries) is that, once you've got a Kerry in, it's a lot easier for people to recognise the limitations of that kind of politics. The argument can move on to a different level. While you've got a Bush, inevitably it stalls at an anyone-but-Bush level.

Sometimes people argue that the increased injustice associated with doctrinaire right-wing rulers can force a kind of political education that radicalises its victims. However, even aside from the cyncial callousness involved, that doesn't actually seem to work.

It's when things start getting better that people start to recognise where they are still being cheated, and push for further change. As times get worse most people are more likely to turn their back on that kind of stuff, and concentrate instead on just getting by.