David Yepsen reports Sen. John Kerry was back in Iowa over the weekend. While it goes against the conventional wisdom, Yepsen uses his column to make the case for another Kerry White House bid in 2008.
In summary:
He came close, oh so close, in 2004. Bush got 51 percent. Kerry got 48 percent. Only 120,000 more votes in Ohio, and you wouldn't be reading this column.
Kerry's been vetted. He's been through the crucible once, and the lessons he learned would be useful again.
He was a classy loser. Unlike Al Gore, who skulked off to grow a beard, Kerry withdrew quickly and honorably.
Kerry understands why he lost. Strategists in his camp say if he does run again, the campaign will be more nimble in responding to attacks than it was in 2004.
One more point: "Democrats hindered Kerry by nominating him a month before Republicans re-nominated Bush... It's a mistake Democrats won't repeat."