Posted 12:30 AM by Robert

Even Adam Nagourney ...

... is moved to disabuse the Kerry-Edwards spinmeisters:

The numbers also mean that the two cleanest shots Mr. Kerry had for presenting himself to the American public until Election Day - his choice of a vice president and his acceptance speech - have passed without producing any dramatic change in the contours of the contest.

For all of the Kerry aides' efforts to play down expectations, Democrats were looking for him to break through the long deadlock and allay concerns that voters were reluctant to embrace Mr. Kerry, even if they were unhappy with Mr. Bush.

Going into the convention, Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic National Committee chairman, predicted that Mr. Kerry would enjoy an eight-point gain in support after the convention. Mr. McAuliffe did not return telephone calls on Monday.

Mr. McAuliffe did not return telephone calls on Monday? Well, we understand. The man needs to be alone with his feelings and thoughts for a while. Yes, it's all so sad, but so understandable, considering. Understandable in the same way it is understandable that Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today!

On the other hand, Terry McAuliffe actually works for the Clintons, despite his nominal designation as Democratic National Committee chairman. So maybe he was out quietly celebrating.