With seven months left until the presidential election, the likability of Massachusetts senator John Kerry has finally expanded past whether a voter enjoys snowboarding or not.
We kid. Kerry's politics have been formally and informally well-known for months now, from his stance on the Iraq war to his plan to eliminate tax cuts for the wealthy. His image primarily has been based on how he's different from President Bush in theory and practice, and the rhetoric has confirmed that over and over again.
But until now, Kerry was short on one thing - promises. As any smart Democratic (or Republican) candidate knows, promises become the fuel on that long voyage to the middle and the glowing coals that an officer is held over once the promise fails or flourishes.
Especially for a challenger, the promise is a feast or famine. Voters don't have the benefit of seeing how the incumbent's promises have fared, and votes essentially are cast in good faith or on the basis that the incumbent's promises haven't been successful. It's put up or shut up on the grandest stage with the brightest lights and the most temperamental audience.
We believe it's absolutely imperative to keep that in mind when examining any candidate's platform, especially when looking at Kerry's economic plan as announced on Friday in Detroit.
Kerry has pledged to create 10 million jobs in a four-year term, "reignite" the economy and dissolve tax loopholes that give corporations incentives to move jobs to other countries.
In line with this divisive race to the White House, Kerry's plan picks up the pieces where Bush's promises have fallen flat. According to Kerry, Michigan lost 1,000 jobs per month under Bush, the economic motor of the state - Detroit - is stalling and refrigerator-maker Electrolux moved from Greenville to Mexico. Three promises, three situations exactly applicable to the state in which Kerry unveiled his plan.
Soon thereafter, Michigan Republicans decried Kerry's record on flip-flopping, which was countered by the United Auto Workers endorsing Kerry's candidacy. Michigan still is a swing state, the polls still are close and Kerry seemed to escape Michigan this weekend with a draw. But in a race for president like this one will be - and based on 2000's as well - a draw could be as good as a win.
It's difficult to call Kerry's economic plan lip service. Kerry is a successful politician who knows what people want to hear. He's playing all the right cards to distance himself from Bush yet still merge to that likable lane in the middle of the road.
Kerry has gone on record in saying he is against more oil exploration within U.S. borders and wants more fuel-efficient cars, yet the UAW gives their full support. It's hard to find Kerry's pre-election promises devoid of any lip service whatsoever.
But like presidents before and presidents to come, the promises of March, April and May result in a win in November. If Kerry loses, his plans go up in smoke. But if he wins, he'd best hope the coals aren't glowing as scorchingly hot as they are right now.
