"For a politically polarized nation, a campaign pitting President Bush against Sen. John F. Kerry presents the starkest of choices -- and almost certainly a close election," the Washington Post reports.
"The policy lines are clearly drawn, with sharp disagreements already expressed on the conduct of war and diplomacy, the management of the economy and such volatile social issues as abortion, gay rights, guns and the death penalty.
"On the personal level, moreover, the onetime Texas oilman and the diplomat's son from Massachusetts have little liking for what the other represents."
The New York Times says Kerry "now faces a grueling eight-month campaign against President Bush."