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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels August 31, 2004 Is the presidency in his pocket? Could be, for John Kerry, that is. George Bush comes over so scripted at times his facial expression appears to arrange itself to suit another part of his speech. In short, when campaigning, he looks inept. Kerry on the other hand, is deep-voiced and a natural pulpit-like orator, one who does not need notes, or memorized scripts, and above all, one who wears a pained expression of sincerity on his face. And it shows. When he speaks, stabbing out that long finger, it really does seem to come from his heart. Far better were it his head, but unfortunately this is the age of television; to succeed a contender must put on a act worthy of an Oscar. But when you strip off the showmanship, is there left content significantly different enough to warrant a change? That is the question. Remembering his family's enormous wealth, does he really genuinely understand 'what people are going through,' whatever that is, other than the stock market being on its buttocks, which analysts say would not be helped by his election. Another factor in Kerry's favor, possibly more so even than the for mentioned, is the monumental political error Bush made in giving tax relief to the richest - even though those 5 percent who pay 50 percent of the total tax. Many in that bracket were astonished when this handout happened. Indeed, were the first to say they didn't need it. And Kerry of course, being very much at that level himself, along with running-mate Edwards a tier or two down, smartly joined in that chorus. Bush speaks ardently enough (more so than Kerry), but lacks bite and clarity that comes from a thorough understanding of what one is espousing. And when he hesitates (arh.. mmm) one can feel the need to change channels quick. That aside, like his Dad before, he is in danger of losing a second term through not showing enough care for the middle class. Unless that is - dare I say it - he reinvents himself. He has one last chance to do this, to influence the critical center to vote for him, through a resoundingly sincere, cutting-edge speech at the GOP Convention. He must hit Kerry head on. Address the tax-break-for-the-rich issue. Either give a believable explanation for it, or say that part of his tax bill will not be made permanent. Stanley Jones Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams