The republicans like to claim that the Brown Water Ratfinks have made difference in Kerry's polling numbers...I'm not so certain. I think that Kerry and his lackluster responses to the vicious attacks by the 1600 Crew, his wanting to remain the collegial and gentle man he is has kept him from getting into the Rovian Gutter and flinging shit around. It's time to stop tht tactic...and it looks like he's going to do it, with some new additions to Team Kerry.

After huddling with top staff in recent days in Nantucket, Kerry is planning a more aggressive campaign style in the final 63 days -- starting with Wednesday's speech, aides said.

Joe Lockhart, the former White House spokesman for President Bill Clinton who was hired to sharpen and simplify Kerry's message, is taking a prominent, some say the preeminent, leadership role in a department largely bereft of advisers with considerable presidential-level experience. In an interview Wednesday, he promised that no attack would go unanswered.

Of more concern to the Kerry campaign, former president George H.W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush this week said the attacks on Kerry seemed like fair game. Lockhart said Kerry may respond to these charges himself in the days ahead.

When Kerry wins, one of the things that gets to see some sunshine are records of Iran-Contra, and another shrubbery-monikered ex-president's dealings with that subject...probably not a good conversation starter at the Kennebunkport Kompound.