Ice Buster, As usual, you're right on top of things. I would, however, like to add that the pipe dream that a Kerry win will cure all ills is just that; a pipe dream. Even if Keery should win the Presidency, still a toss up as of today, the House of Representatives shall still remain in Republican hands; the Senate, highly probable.

How this reality endows Mr. Kerry with carte blanche, escapes me. Divided government shall still remain. Tax increases, aka Bush rollbacks, are not automatically guaranteed. (The congress is not world-renowned for hasty legislation.)

I can still take some solace in this fact. So, if one is under the delusion that a "floor for the poor" is on its way, all I can say is, keep dreamin' Alice!