Den, thanks for posting the entire Ron Suskind article. I don't spend much time on cut and paste excerpts from any kind of article because it is too easy to take something out of context and create a misleading message.
That said, here are some "reality-based" thoughts:
--Suskind is the author of a book he is promoting.
--Suskind writes for the NY Times, a left wing liberal news media outlet.
--The article is written to appeal to those inclined to vote for Kerry or to persuade undecided voters to vote for Kerry.
--This type of article could be written for any sitting president or presidential candidate and postured in a negative way.
--A right wing conservative media outlet could write a similarly disparaging article about Kerry and his extreme left wing liberal positions and they probably have done so many times already.
--Both parties are hostage to extreme portions of their parties which leaves out the "silent majority" represented by moderates in both parties.
--The article, in general, if written a bit more objectively, would be viewed as a positive article by voters in the south, the middle of the country, Reagan Democrats and most moderates.
--The article plays to its audience, the east and west coasts and hard core liberals. It is slanted to promote the election of John Kerry.
--The media is not to be trusted. It is the age of misinformatinon, promoting agendas, and forcing personal opinions on others. Both sides are guilty of this.
--You are responsible for creating your own brand of truth and justice. You can't count on anyone else. If you believe Ron Suskind then you are voting the way this author wants you to vote. If you happen to agree with him anyway, no harm no foul but if you are looking for "reality-based" information then this is no more reality-based than something from Ann Coulter.