WASHINGTON -- It is frustrating being a fan of one of the two main contenders for U.S. president. I find the level of disgruntlement at an all-time high among both Republicans and Democrats.
The Republicans are frustrated by the mess that President George W. Bush has made of the Iraq situation. They also do not like the size of the federal government and the national debt that he has created. Civil libertarians among them are scared to death of the Bush/Attorney General John Ashcroft attitude toward constitutional rights and privileges. Moreover, Republicans are angry because it looks as if Bush is throwing away his chance for a second term.
The Democrats are frustrated by the way Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry's campaign seems to be sagging. Sure, he's ahead or within the margin of error in most national polls, but with the kind of news the president has had to deal with, Democratic loyalists think he should have a 20-point lead.