corrente

Here is an interesting data point on the bounce from Kerry's speech. Sure, it's from Republican pollster Frank Luntz, who's doubtless hoping to cut himself a big slice of the millions of dollars of Roveian spewage we're about the endure during the month of August—but it's interesting nonetheless:

As another barometer, consider Frank Luntz, the Republican pollster who helped plot Newt Gingrich's conservative congressional takeover. Luntz ran a focus group Thursday night, talking to 20 swing voters in the swing state of Ohio, and was stunned by their remarks. They had just watched Kerry's speech, and loved it - to the point where four Bush-leaning voters announced they were switching to Kerry.

"It was one of the strongest positive reactions I've ever seen in a focus group," said Luntz. "Kerry didn't lose anybody. Most importantly, he was able to convince [the Bush defectors] that he is presidential, that he would be tough yet open-minded. They now see him as a credible commander-in-chief."

Bottom line, however, is that the race - aside from being a referendum on Bush and his record - is also a reading on Kerry's qualifications to command. And the first big test has been met; in Frank Luntz's focus group, where 14 of the 20 swing voters supported Bush four years ago, only four are still with the President.

"There is now a real issue of credibility in this election, and John Kerry is driving it," Luntz said. "For Bush, the pressure is on."
(via our own Inky)

Pressure on Bush, eh? Questions the media won't ask: "How long has the President been taking medication for his injuries?"