An endorsement of Kerry from the NYTimes wasn't a surprise, but what was a surprise to me was that the op-ed piece lacked much-needed substance in endorsing Kerry. Plenty of facts against Bush, but nothing more than prospect and potential for Kerry. Indeed, the Times instead unapologetically cast a light on the Democratic candidate as merely a better than the incumbent because the incumbent was, well, a horrible failure. If you go by column inches, much of the piece was spent Bushbashing.

We look back on the past four years with hearts nearly breaking, both for the lives unnecessarily lost and for the opportunities so casually wasted. Time and again, history invited George W. Bush to play a heroic role, and time and again he chose the wrong course. We believe that with John Kerry as president, the nation will do better.

True, a lot of voters are voting ABBA (Anybody But Bush Again), but to be fair to both candidates, they're both lacking in character and record for what these times need. Record deficits, alliances in shambles, a war America didn't need, Bin Laden still a fugitive, the Supreme Court, women's rights, gay rights, healthcare and the environment at stake, and Big Business and the Far Right in charge.

What America needs is someone who can rally the people with charisma and firmness, charm her friends back, and know when to apologize for bad behavior. What America needs is someone who has unquestionable leadership qualities, true gumption and an economic acumen that can reign in the largest economy in the world. Someone who cares for the environment, the middle class and can lower crime. Someone who can stand up for stem cell research, gay marriage rights and the rights of women to choose. Someone who understands the law, can work with a partisan congress and understands that one's ability to bend under pressure is just as important as not cracking beneath it. Someone who won't put Rummy, Tom Ridge and John Ashcroft anywhere near government. Someone who won't flip-flop on key issues and weaken his position. Someone who can speak up a storm, never stutter and never have embarassing underarm wetness.

Re-elect Bill Clinton for President. And get Madeline Albright her old job.