This is an exceptional cast even for us. People are pretty energized by all the personalities and personal histories involved.

George Bush has staked his reputation on the notion that his singular goal is to protect the American people--from terrorism, from crisis or whatever--that he has the strength and the vision and the leadership skills to do that. But there is a significant number of Americans right now who feel the crisis-manager president didn't act quickly enough, didn't act decisively enough, didn't put the right people in charge. If that view were to fester, that would be devastating to the rest of the president's term and his legacy.

I'm not that involved in personal grooming. But I try not to be offensive to people.

You have to remember that talking about faith and values comes naturally to Alabama politicians.

If he can answer questions about being a flip-flopper, show that he will be strong fighting terrorism, show he has a plan and will stick to it -- more than any sound-bite or witticism, that could make a difference in this election,

He's a rock star of the Christian right.