Whatever the case, you would think that somewhere in the Constitution it says that "there shall be only two political parties." Democrats have erupted with both hurt and indignation at Nader's candidacy. Do they really think that voters will think it is 2000 when they walk into the voting booth, there to hang a chad or two? Do they think that Nader is some form of crack cocaine that you and I could not possibly pass up? The whole thing is insulting.

-- Richard Cohen [my take]

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Law Stuff: A lot of interesting if somewhat minor Supreme Court cases were announced; see a summary here. I take on those who make cheap shots about Edwards being a lawyer (him not having political experience and/or perhaps knowhow is a more valid issue) as well as national attempts to limit civil jury discretion (in gun and medical malpractice lawsuits in particular) here.

"If we are to prevent the meaning of marriage from being changed forever, our nation must enact a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in America," he said.

... sorry Mr. President, culture change won't be blocked by misguided constitutional amendments; I'm a bit cynical, on the other hand, about Andrew Sullivan apparently just figuring out how anti-gay the administration and its friends tend to be when push comes to shove. btw Andy, the sky is also blue.

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Politics: Right after I posted yesterday's entry, I checked Legal Fiction out, and he noted Kerry is getting better at the rhetoric game. On the other hand, I think he placed to much faith on one good example, and Kerry again used anger as a predominant emotion (the whole anti-Bush thing). As LF earlier said, it is foolhardy to base one's hope on the idea that 51% of the public hate (replace with properly modulated word) the President. I don't like the guy that much, and am tired of the negative tone of Kerry's primary message (again, primary as strongest). Dean didn't just offer anger, he offered a different way, and that is why many of his supporters are going Edwards' way. Heck, the fact neither arguably had enough experience in presidential matters perhaps only helps in some people's minds. Outsiders are better than the dweebs in office now.

And, I'm tired of the Kerry as "warrior" meme ... this time around we are supposed to truly care that the opposition was not a "warrior." It gives one whiplash. I get that the times make his service a good thing and that some of the slimy people now bashing Kerry did not (if you miss the point with his "band of brothers" like some HBO special ... for those who think I'm overplaying my hand, okay, but it's just TOO much for me) serve, but at some point not only the other side say "hey, are you suggesting every criticism is a slam against your patriotism? are you saying civilians can't be commanders in chief?"

Update: Though only Utah really had a decent number of voters participating, Kerry won (of course) in Idaho, Hawaii (Kucinich came in second with 981 votes), and Utah, winning around fifty percent of the vote in each case (49-55%). The delegate count was trivial, but it's a bit symbolic ... even in conservative Idaho and Utah, apparently there is no contest. At times, it seems pro forma.