] relatively insignificant controversies from the
] candidates' youth will drown out discussion of the
] momentous issues that will confront the commander in
] chief in the coming four years. Mr. Bush's precise
] whereabouts in 1973, and whether Mr. Kerry threw away his
] medals or his ribbons -- these seem to us to matter
] somewhat less than how the two men might differ in policy
] toward Iraq or North Korea.

[ A good point in this WaPo editorial, though not a new wish. I think all of us would like both sides to approach this battle honestly and address their contentions on factual bases rather than exaggeration and ideological posturing. Alas, i don't see it happening. The day Bush condemns a repub senator for maligning Kerry isn't likely to be soon. -k]