Unfortunately, I'm on deadline with a project today, but I did want to make this quick point: the cliche that describes the veep selection as a nominee's first presidential decision is more than a little true. And the thoughtful, deliberative process through which John Kerry arrived at the best choice for his country and his party speaks volumes about what kind of a leader he is. It also stands in sharp contrast to then-Gov. Bush's non-decision decision to stand back and let Dick Cheney pick himself four years ago.

Think about that the next time you ask yourself how we got into this mess in Iraq -- and who's going to be able to fix it.

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