I am something of a fundamentalist – not religiously, but when it comes to presidential politics. In presidential campaigns, fundamentals – incumbency, war and peace, the economy – matter most. While the fundamentals cost John Kerry the ’04 election, they bode well for the Democratic nominee in 2008.

I am something of a fundamentalist – not religiously, but when it comes to presidential politics.In presidential campaigns, fundamentals – incumbency, war and peace, the economy – matter most. While the fundamentals cost John Kerry the ’04 election, they bode well for the Democratic nominee in 2008.As professor James Campbell wrote, “The fundamentals are the cards dealt to the candidates.