Forget the bandaids, forget the TV ads, forget all the lies.....

[kentuck]

What does your heart tell you? Are we better off as a nation than we were 4 years ago? Do you expect us to be better off 4 years from now? Or are you filled with anxiety about the direction we are headed? Welcome to the majority of America.

Republicans and Democrats and all of America are concerned about the "war on terrorism" but they are also concerned about the direction we are headed. It's a tough decision for any voter to make. Do they cast their vote for perceived safety and go against what their hearts and minds tell them is waiting in the future? Or do they vote against fear and terrorism and vote for optimism, hope, and courage? This election will speak volumes about the American people.

[Spiffarino]

1. What people say in polls and what they believe...

...are separate things. For instance, when asked directly, a person will readily state that he is all for taking the high ground and only cares about issues. But after viewing a false negative ad, that same person will often state that the ad was "believable" and helped change his mind about a candidate.

It's all about how the question is framed. Most of us have great intentions, and that's all the first question - would you rather take the high road? - is asking. The second question - did the ad work? - is far more telling. And what it's telling us is that we have to fight on their terms if we are going to persuade the persuadable.