Quick note

Kerry's statement, linked below, is really quite remarkable and should serve as an early test of whether his supporters were only anti-Bush or whether Kerry has gained in lasting appeal and influence. I suspect that if the petition drive is successful, and if Kerry can succeed in at least getting the Senate to debate his plan to grant all children health insurance, Kerry will begin the year with far more influence as a Senator then he had before, and at this point Democrats need all the help they can get to frame up the issues for '06 and beyond.