Could anyone give me a rational reason why someone would obscess over such an insignificant issue for so long? Democrats in Texas tried to run the story both times Bush ran for governor and it went no where. They tried again when he ran for president, to no effect. Then they tried yet again earlier this year. Do they think the 5th, 6th, or 7th time will be a charm? Are they that obscessed? One definition of mental illness is doing the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different outcome.

In 2000, both Bush and Gore were being evaluated for the presidency. Gore had the advantage of 8 years as Vice President. Issues from their past behavior were relevant to judge how they might behave in office.

This year, we have Bush's 3.5 years in office to judge how he handled the presidency, like it or not. Events from over 30 years ago are insignificant compared to his record in office.

Kerry, like all challengers to incumbent presidents, has to demonstrate his suitability for the job. All we have to judge Kerry is his behavior as a candidate, his Senate track record, and the other events in his life.