Editorial: Bitter battle looms between Kerry and Bush

LONDON - With Senator John Kerry's decisive victories on Super Tuesday, the stage is now set for a US presidential campaign that will be among the longest, and probably the most bitter, in recent American history. No Democratic candidate who was not an incumbent president has been able to claim his party's nomination so early. This gives Mr Kerry an advantage in consolidating the ranks of the party behind him in good time and planning his campaign. The corollary is that no Republican president has had so long to prepare the case against his opponent as George Bush and his famously assiduous dirty-tricks machine.

Mr Kerry's second asset is the incandescent anger that Democrats across the board reserve for George Bush. His third asset has been his chief rivals, each of whom added something to his campaign that broadened its appeal. And his fourth is his presidential manner and the impression he gives of deep seriousness.

There are nonetheless questions hanging over Mr Kerry's prospects. He needs to loosen up in his presentation or he could come close to resembling the wooden Al Gore. And while plodding statements of the obvious appeared almost a strength against rival Democrats, they could appear less impressive against a nimble and practised George Bush.

And there is his record. Mr Bush has already started attacking Mr Kerry's "liberal" voting record as though it was a cause for shame. His first salvo was fired at his votes against higher defence spending: as President, Mr Kerry might imperil national security. This is a very gentle beginning, but Mr Kerry must ensure that his defences are impenetrable before he goes into battle proper.

- INDEPENDENT, London