For conservatives, Kerry is not one of the traditional, sincerely genuine US patriots; but he is truly to be reckoned with—most seriously. He is smart, influential, seasoned, wealthy, savvy, and ready to fight. So there!

Conservatives are well aware that both he and Massachusetts US Senator Ted Kennedy voted NO on the flag-protection amendment. And the two voted NOT to support passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997. They both voted NO on pro-life issues, which obviously means they voted YES on pro-baby-murder issues.

Kerry does not agree in most instances with Bush regarding taxes, education and Social Security.

While on this theme of Kerry and Kennedy housed in the same political boat, that is one obstacle Kerry knows he has to overcome. It may be the major one. His entourage admits that. Kerry will be labeled freely and readily—as well as logically—as one of the typical, practically predictable liberal political boys from New England, which indeed he very well may be, if his past is any prediction of his future.

It is that stereotyping that Kerry is trying to undo by appearing as individualistic as possible, carving out his own persona rather than carrying around the shadow of Kennedy’s large frame. However, why should he not be considered a Kennedy shadow when he voted in agreement with Kennedy 93 percent of the time?

His perspective and voting history on most items do coincide with Kennedy in such strategic alignment that it will be easy—and quite tempting—for Republicans to chant mercilessly that a vote for Kerry is a vote for Ted Kennedy in the White House. True, Kerry has voted somewhat right-leaning on free trade and the deficit, but still his liberal stripes are showing all too frequently.

As part of his public relations effort to be "all things to all people," Kerry has belabored his high regard for Americans having the right to make their own "choices." Nevertheless, when it has come to Kerry’s own choice-making, it has been far far far too liberal for most thinking conservatives, hence the very arduous task ahead for Kerry.

But back to the patriots, Kerry has emphasized his allegiance to America, siting his going to war—three Purple Hearts and Bronze and Silver Stars. "I served in the armed services — I love this country," he said. "I have a great sense of what this country can be and what it is." With such declarations, Kerry tries to erase the present image held by some conservatives that he was indeed opposed to the Viet Nam War.

So, mark it down, this fellow is smart. John McCain has said that Kerry is at the top when it comes to intelligence in the US Senate." You may accuse him of a lot of things, but not knowing the issues is not one of them." Though, McCain allows, "sometimes he has a tendency to over-explain the issues."

Nevertheless, to political eggheads, that can be a plus; it means that Kerry knows the intricate issues in fine-line detail. He thrives on specifics. "I want this to be a contest of ideas," Kerry says of the pre-election political dialogue. Along with his refined ideas is his comfortable speech delivery, not a hallmark trait of President Bush.

However, one obvious characteristic that Bush has over Kerry is Bush’s ability to be the "guy next door"—friendly, open, easy to talk to, candid, humorous, walking alongside you.

Kerry, in contrast, can appear aloof, sophisticatedly preoccupied, a part of the elitist clientele. He’s 6 feet 4 inches, standing straight, son of a US diplomat and part of the wealthy Forbes clan. That, in the populace’s conclusion, can add up to be snobbery, plainly put. Not good. Remember Adlai Stevenson? Thinker. Splitting-hairs conceptualist. Loyal American. Yet political loser.

Nevertheless, Kerry declares: "On almost every issue facing the country, I think there's a better choice for this nation (than the administration's policies)."

And on that, time surely will tell. If Bush’s popularity wanes, if Kerry’s icy façade melts and if his exceedingly liberal voting record can be brushed under America’s rug, then perhaps Kerry has a chance.

But I don’t think so.