Mickey Kaus looks at Kerry's weasly factor.

Repetition is the key to effective communication: "Front runner" John Kerry has adopted his latest weaselly, posturing, straddle on the issue of whether he'll use his wife's fortune in the campaign. (His "intention is to try" not to, but he could "put a certain amount into it," and he's "reserved the right" to use his money to respond to personal attacks. That enough loopholes for you?) ... Executive Summary: Let's see ... 1) Was Kerry Irish? It was hard to say! 2) Did he throw his medals over the wall? Hard to say! 3) Does he support or oppose the Iraq war? Hard to say! 4) Is he for dividend double taxation? Hard to say! 5) Is he rethinking his support of race preferences? Hard to say! 6) Is he opposed to the death penalty? Hard to say! 7) Will he use his wife's money? Hard to say! ... I sense a pattern! ... Bonus question: Has he ever taken a clear stand on an issue when it might have cost him enough votes to threaten his career? ... On the other hand, alleged straight-talker Howard Dean's been doing some wafflin' of his own, on the issue of whether he'll tone down his criticism of Bush during the war. (The latest compromise: He'll stop "red meat criticism." .. "Chicken criticism" is presumably O.K.. )...