If you watched Kerry's speech with the Innocents Abroad checklist (stolen, of course, from William Kristol and William Safire), you were sorely disappointed. The speech was rather short on substance. As far as trying to prove their patriotism, the Democrats showed that they have to play by the terms set by the Republicans. It's possible that Kerry will win, but it seems to be less and less likely with each passing day. The speech certainly didn't help him. It's hard to imagine why Hugh Hewitt rates such insincere hawkishness a "solid single." Even David Brooks thought the speech was good initially before coming to his senses. Perhaps more conservative pundits were initially flattered by Kerry's professed patriotism.