Newsweek Poll has Bush Leading Kerry by 11

The latest Newsweek Poll has Bush leading Kerry by 54 to 43. But it's the internals of the poll that shed some light on the situation.

"In comparing the two presidential candidates, more registered voters think President Bush has strong leadership qualities than Kerry (65% vs. 47%), is more honest and ethical (62% vs. 47%), says what he believes and not just what people want to hear (66% vs. 42%), would trust him to make the right decisions during an international crisis (57% vs. 44%), shares their values (54% vs.42%), and is personally likeable (67% vs. 59%). In addition, more registered voters think President Bush would do a better job than Sen. Kerry on various issues: terrorism and homeland security (60% vs. 32%), the situation in Iraq(55% vs. 37%), foreign policy (54% vs. 38%), taxes (52% vs. 38%), economy (49%vs. 43%), education (48% vs. 42%), and gay marriage (44% vs. 36%). More people say Sen. Kerry would do a better job than President Bush on healthcare,including Medicare (45% vs. 43%) and the environment (50% vs. 36%)."

And this is the conundrum for the democrats. Failing to "state his case" in an easily understood way, the Kerry campaign dithered away time and opportunity. How could a candidate be so ill-defined after a convention? His team has decided to hit back harder. And he has. But who is listening? Could Clinton's heart problems be yet another Carl Rove Creation? It's time for the Kerry camp to get organized and on message. If they can get any one's attention.