] Though the "swift boat" controversy is a convenient foil,
] and can't have helped Kerry, the shift looks to represent
] broader assessments. The Massachusetts senator has lost
] ground on unrelated items ranging from "a vision for the
] future" to trust to handle health care and education.

I think you are right - the press's darling has been chosen. I saw more air time to old mean looking white people waving flip flops last night than to the thousands and thousands on the streets outside protesting.

ABCNEWS.com : Poll: As Convention Opens, Bush Has Edge