From the post—election edition of Newsweek we learn that Kerry was willing to outsource the role of Commander in Chief to John McCain if the latter agreed to run on the ticket as the vice—presidential candidate:

The "Outlandish" McCain Offer.  Kerry's courtship of Senator John McCain to be his running mate was longer—standing and more intense than previously reported.  As far back as August 2003, Kerry had taken McCain to breakfast tosound him out to run on a unity ticket.  McCain batted away the idea as not serious, but Kerry, after he wrapped up the nomination in March, went back after McCain a half—dozen more times. 

"To show just how sincere he was, he made an outlandish offer," Newsweek's Thomas reports.  "If McCain said yes he would expand the role of vice president to include secretary of Defense and the overall control of foreign policy.  McCain exclaimed, 'You're out of your mind.  I don't even know if it's constitutional, and it certainly wouldn't sell.'"

Kerry was thwarted and furious.  "Why the f——— didn't he take it?
After what the Bush people did to him...'"

To those of us who saw Kerry as a narcissistic fabulist, this provides no small measure of validation. He was willing to pose as President in the Oval Office while his vice president did his job.
 
This would have left us with a President who could have concentrated on 1930's economic solutions which are devastating Europe .
 
Thanks again to the Red States for saving this nation.

Clarice Feldman   11 7 04