Here's why Kerry doesn't have a bigger lead right now:

[AP]

What this election will come down to is this:

If voters think the war on terrorism is the most important issue, the election is going to be very close and you have to give a slight nod to Bush (unless something that really shifts the political plates comes up).

If voters think that the flow of political and economic power up to a very wealth, very narrow group of Bush cronies is the biggest issue and if they want to see power flow down to themselves through having good jobs, better public education, more economic opportunity, a fairer, more progressive tax code, then Kerry wins.

So what has been going on in July? We've had the Dem convention, the Olympics and the Republican convention. And what is the first think you think of when you contemplate (and contemplated) these events as they happen (and happened)?

"WILL THERE BE A TERRORIST ATTACK?" (thanks to the media).

If you were thinking not about security and about the events themselves, that would help the Democrats.

This is why you'll hear so many stories about security in NYC.

Now, I don't know what will come up in September and October, but I suspect that the frame of the security threat will dissipate significantly (and hopefully nothing really fucked up will happen in the world). So, things should get better for Kerry after the Republican convention.

However, I think it's an imperative for Democrats to be conscious of this framing of the public's perception of what's going on in the world and do what they can to make sure that threats of terrorism is not the lens through which every event in America is perceived over the next two months.

[liberal N proud]

1. The bush regime will have something planned for post convention

in the way of national security threat.
There will be reports of possible attacks on different areas based on information or events that were scheduled to happen last winter.
This is all mapped out to keep fear in everyones heart and mind.
Then Super dubya can come to the podium and proclaim that he has and can keep you safer.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

2. Here's my story about security in NYC

I have never experienced such an otherworldly feeling about this city aside from the day after 9/11 itself.
There are more cops than people in some places.
Seventh Avenue is closed to all traffic for a dozen blocks.
Penn Station/Plaza is cordoned. Heavy concrete barriers with steel fences atop have been temporarily erected all around it.

There's something going wrong in the WOT if this is what they have to do.

[prodigal_green]

3. Expect an attack on Iran

They'll trump something up, then strike Iran to get that shit started. Who's going to elect a new president with a new war in the works?

Remember Somalia? That was George I's parting gift to America.

[Larkspur]

4. I think Bush Co will attack Iran regardless of whether he wins or loses

on Nov 2.

[Karenina]

5. "Here's why Kerry doesn't have a bigger lead right now:"

*CORP MEDIA MANIPULATION. They need a "hor$e race" to keep their "rating$$$" up. THEY ARE DESTROYING AMERICA!!! You, who are under their $pell, are the ONLY ONES IN THE WORLD WHO CANNOT SEE IT!!! :puke:

[Comicstripper]

6. Kerry's lead is dwindling because...

HE'S FREEZING HIS SPENDING TIL AFTER THE GOP CONVENTION!
Caaaaaalm down...

[lancdem]

7. Yep

It's hard to maintain a lead when you're spending nothing and the other guy is spending $50 mill.