From David Broder’s column:
We knew much less about Kerry because his work as a senator from Massachusetts for almost two decades had not really merited careful national analysis. The positive qualities he has displayed — this year and in the past — are an ability to dig deeply into a subject and master its details, to formulate and articulate reasonable-sounding if untested proposals, and a knack for exploiting political openings while avoiding political threats.
But we also know much more about his liabilities: a tendency to overstudy issues, procrastinate and avoid hard choices; a willingness to be swayed by conflicting advice; an awkwardness in dealing with colleagues and staff; and a frequent impression that decisions are being guided by opportunism rather than firm beliefs.
[…]
Viewed in this light, the choice for the country becomes one of confirming an executive with visible and even fundamental shortcomings or entrusting the presidency to a man whose habits of mind and of action are far removed from the challenges of the White House.
Hat tip: Powerline
Broder is far from a right-wing ideologue.
Waht Broder leaves out is that Kerry takes determined and decisive action on what is right, regardless of polls and popularity, once he sees the right course.