Did anyone out there see the Frontline documentary, The Choice 2004, last night? The movie rather brilliantly, I think, juxtaposed the history of the two candidates starting from their days at Yale up to the race for the presidency. It was a startling contrast between the two candidates in so many substantive ways. If you missed the 2-hour long program, it should be on again on a PBS station near year or you can watch it online. It's well worth the 2 hour investment just to become a more informed citizen.

For me, the most interesting aspect of the film was when they showed a tiny part of Kerry's speech on the floor on the Senate during the debate on going to war in Iraq.

The fascinating part is that what he said then is exactly what he's saying now and been saying all along:

Let me be clear, the vote I will give to the President is for one reason and one reason only: To disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, if we cannot accomplish that objective through new, tough weapons inspections in joint concert with our allies.

In giving the President this authority, I expect him to fulfill the commitments he has made to the American people in recent days--to work with the United Nations Security Council to adopt a new resolution setting out tough and immediate inspection requirements, and to act with our allies at our side if we have to disarm Saddam Hussein by force. If he fails to do so, I will be among the first to speak out.

If we do wind up going to war with Iraq, it is imperative that we do so with others in the international community, unless there is a showing of a grave, imminent--and I emphasize "imminent"--threat to this country which requires the President to respond in a way that protects our immediate national security needs.