The media steps up to fill out the Kerry profile

Teresa is Newsweek cover girl and today that Washington Post has a long story about Kerry's "likability." As dubious as I was at first, the article airs all of the cliche criticisms of Kerry and then proceeds to knock them down by explaining what Kerry's appeal is all about. In the end, it's a not altogether unflattering portrait and perhaps, if we're lucky, will put some of these cliches to rest so we can move on to a real debate about the future of our country.

Here is an excerpt:

One of the persistent raps against Kerry during his career has become a recurring cliche of the 2004 election: that the Democratic nominee-in-waiting has "likability" problems. That he is "aloof." That typical voters would rather have a beer with George W. Bush -- if Bush still drank beer -- and that this could hamper Kerry as it did Al Gore in 2000.

Like all caricatures, this is a shallow rendering of a complex man. Interviews with people who have known and worked with Kerry reveal a personal and political bearing that defies easy characterization. Senate colleagues from both parties say Kerry can be a "good friend" (even in a place where that term, like hair spray, is badly overused). They also acknowledge his reserve, occasional social clumsiness and the catalogue of stories that have animated the caricature over the years.

"The idea that John isn't fun to hang out with is nonsense," says former Nebraska Democratic senator Bob Kerrey. "He has a range of interests and a capacity for introspection that most who have taken the time to know him love. Is he a backslapping, glad-handing butt-kisser? No, but he is terrific company."