One final thought: It has occurred to me that, in some sense, Bush has been a victim of his own success in fighting terrorism on our shores. With no further attacks, Americans have forgotten how likely we feared another onslaught was in the wake of 9/11.

The latest warnings may at least have the salutary effect of reminding everyone that we are not at peace, we are at war. And we need a real wartime President. Make sure that any friend of yours that insists (wrongly!) that Kerry is "better" on domestic issues remembers this.

more tomorrow.