But it points out that the Democrats cannot play unfairly as well as the Republicans. When it comes to dirty politics the Republicans are unchallenged. Here I am wasting yet more blogging space and mental effort defending Kerry and denouncing Bush on the topic of Kerry's war record?!? Talk about leading the popular bull by the nose. We should be griping about Bush's screwing of the economy, screwing of the environment, screwing of the military, screwing of the American people but - no! - it's about Kerry's purple hearts.

I have a great idea. Let's have a no-holds barred, bare knuckle fistfight between Bush and Kerry for the Presidency of the United States. That will tell us who's fit and worthy. Seriously. The event can be televised live. It'll bring in income. It'll show the world that our candidates are tough SOBs and not to be trifled with. Heck, the winner can go up against that North Korean dude - yeah!

Starting odds: Kerry 3:2 over Bush. Kerry has his military experience tempered by his war wounds. Bush has a more youthful vigor and sports ability tempered by his lack of military experience (he may not know how to fight dirty).

Nader, you'll note, would get his ass kicked easily by either candidate.