Letters

John Kerry is intelligent and rational and can think for himself [Feb. 9]. He has the conviction to stand up for what he believes in and the principles to take the right actions, including those necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of this nation. If I were in a fire fight, I would want him at my side, and that's more than I can say for anyone in the current Administration. I eagerly look forward to the leadership Kerry will bring to this country in January 2005. REGAN GILL Berkeley, Calif.

Kerry's lackluster years in the senate show that he would be the worst kind of President--drab, passive, waffling and doing whatever his liberal Democratic friends in Congress tell him to do. DEX NILSSON Huntsville, Ala.

Kerry seems to be the acceptable choice of the Democratic establishment, but that's the problem. Kerry isn't credible as a true populist. Federal records show that he has taken more money from lobbyists than any other Senator over the past 15 years. Those facts only confirm what many of us feel: anybody but Kerry. The Democratic base is so stirred up about getting Bush out of office, it is in danger of losing its head over a relatively unexamined candidate who only claims to represent the true interests of the people. Despite what Kerry wants voters to think, he is not "the Real Deal." DARCY CROSMAN Richmond, Calif.

What kind of president would Kerry be? One of the best. As a thoughtful Democrat, he would bring jobs, health care and compassion into his Administration. And never underestimate the power of a woman. Teresa Heinz Kerry's understanding of many world problems, through her background and her fluency in five languages, would add a dimension to Kerry's presidency that is sadly lacking in Bush's military-industrial complex. TRISH HOOPER Portola Valley, Calif.

A John Kerry--John Edwards ticket would win not only my vote but also my confidence in a brighter future. George W. Bush is an honorable man doing his best, but he is one of the worst Presidents in modern history. In today's climate, America's President must be, above all else, a visionary and a diplomat of the highest order. Bush is neither. His my-way-or-the-highway attitude doesn't fit U.S. foreign-policy concerns or domestic issues. That's why I'm happy the Democratic Party finally seems to be getting its act together. CHUCK KNOWLTON Danville, Calif.

Senators rarely get elected president because their voting records are easy targets for the opposition. In the past 80 years, only one sitting Senator has been elected to the presidency: John F. Kennedy. While John Forbes Kerry may boast the same home state and initials, he is no Kennedy. BRIAN W. EXNER Santa Cruz, Calif.

Kerry's real-life experience and intelligence convince me that he will heal the damage done by the Bush Administration. If anybody is going to beat Bush, Kerry will. When he wants to improve something, Kerry doesn't just say he will do it. He gives a full explanation of how he will. OLIVIA KUCHAR Indiana, Pa.

Erroneous Information

Re "So Much For The WMD" [Feb. 9], your report on how the CIA misjudged Iraq's ability to produce weapons of mass destruction: There are two distinct issues--how the CIA gathered intelligence and how President Bush acted on it. Neither the CIA nor Bush can be squarely blamed for the intelligence failure. It was probably the result of a communication problem. The CIA views the world in shades of gray, but the President sees things as black or white. JOEL TENDON Cortaillod, Switzerland

Did americans go to war in Iraq because of a massive failure by our intelligence agencies or a giant blunder by the Bush Administration? In either case, we should be appalled. The war has cost the lives of hundreds of young men and women. Any sane and humane society should consider it criminal behavior. DANIEL A. WELCH Rochester Hills, Mich.

Regarding intelligence on Iraq's WMD, Bush Administration weapons inspector David Kay told a Senate committee, "We were almost all wrong." Almost all, but not quite. On the eve of the war, chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix reported finding no evidence of WMD stockpiles in Iraq and asked that the search continue. GENE BRYANT Nashville, Tenn.

What Are Bush's Chances?

In "Why Bush Isn't A Shoo-In" [Feb. 9], columnist Joe Klein wrote that the President "has spent the past three years packed in political bubble wrap, sequestered from the realities of the public sphere." Wasn't Bush's father criticized during the 1992 campaign for being out of touch with mainstream America? Our current President's habit of being fed information mainly through his handlers keeps him not only out of touch with the mainstream but also willingly in the dark about issues and opinions other than those his close advisers believe he wants to (or should) hear. There is no excuse for Bush to close his mind to contrary ideas and complex issues. Bush's behavior demonstrates the lack of an essential leadership quality: critical thought. LYNNE STEBBINS Port Washington, N.Y.

Klein's view that Bush can be beaten failed to take into account the factor that trumps all others: national security. The American people will want Bush, much more than Kerry or any other candidate in the Democratic field, to remain responsible for their safety. KENNY SUTTON Waterbury, Vt.

Deaniacs Never Say Die

RE Andrew Sullivan's "Why I'm Rooting for Dean" [Feb. 9]: The Democratic presidential primaries are battles between the party's soul and its fear. Howard Dean represents the soul and John Kerry the fear. I am sick and tired of wimpy Democrats allowing Republicans to define our party and making us run scared for fear of being branded card-carrying liberals. We need someone with fire in his belly, like Dean, who's going to fight back and give as good as he gets. KIRSTEN WALSTEDT New York City

As a lifelong democrat, I certainly don't need Sullivan's advice on my party's presidential candidates. Sullivan is not a Democrat and certainly not a liberal. He is being completely disingenuous when he claims he's "not cynically trying to engineer a Bush landslide." That's exactly what Sullivan would like to do, if only he had the influence. Fortunately, Democrats are well aware of Sullivan's neoconservative leanings and will discount his views. CHRIS BOWLING Slater, Mo.

The Value of One Man's Vote

Your article "Howard's End?" [Feb. 9], On the problems of Howard Dean's campaign, included a statement incorrectly attributed to me. I never stated that I "could hold [my] nose" and vote for Kerry. I will not just give my vote to whoever the Democratic nominee is. My position is that of many Dean supporters, if we are forced to choose between Kerry and Bush. A candidate will never inherit my vote; he must earn it. My vote is priceless; it is too important to give away. CHARLES GRAPSKI Gainesville, Fla.

A Celebration of Great Filmmaking

In his rundown of who is likely to win what at this year's Academy Awards [Feb. 9], Richard Corliss noted that in the Best Picture category, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King "plods a bit" but Master and Commander "soars." Although there are thrilling moments in the latter film, its slow beginning and almost complete lack of character development (especially compared with Patrick O'Brian's books) left me feeling let down. But The Return of the King had unforgettable images, amazing heart and a thrilling conclusion. It is a stunning example of literature brought successfully to the screen and a celebration of great filmmaking. If that isn't an Oscar-worthy film, then I don't know what is. JACKSON MAHANEY Lebanon, Ind.