It's kind of a mystery to me how anyone can still be undecided in this election. The facts are out there, the differences are large and obvious. I suppose if you vote entirely on character and are looking only at ads you might be disgusted with both, but relying on ads is stupid, whether you are talking about goods and services or democracy.

Policy



• Both will continue the war in Iraq. Bush is more likely to extend the conflict to other countries such as Iran and Syria. Kerry is more likely to expand the coalition. Neither will give allies or the UN a hard veto, but Kerry will give the opinions of allies more weight. Bush will have more freedom to act (but his emphasis on consistancy limits his options) while Kerry will have more cooperation from allies. Which do you think is more effective in fighting terrorism, military action with less restraint, or more international cooperation? Bush: more war. Kerry: more deals.
  Judgement call, in my opinion. But a definite difference.
  
• Bush will maintain and extend tax cuts at the top. Kerry will reduce the deficit and possibly reduce taxes at the lower end. Which do you think is better for the economy? Keep in mind that either way, spending must eventually be paid for, and neither candidate seems likely to reduce spending. Kerry is a Democrat, Bush spends like one.
  

Personal History



• Military stuff: there is a certain amount of deliberate confusion going on, but this much is clear: Kerry served Over There, Bush took the easier, safer option. Nobody on either side disagrees with that. There are arguments about exactly how heroic Kerry's service was, and just how completely Bush satisfied the absolute minimum requirements. Assuming all accusations against Kerry are true, Kerry showed up in the general vicinity of combat. Assuming all accusations against Bush are false, Bush fulfilled the minimum requirements for an honerable discharge. Does this matter to you, or is it ancient history? For me, it isn't directly relevant but speaks to character.
  
• Since then: Bush has been mostly in the private sector, with a few years in the executive position in Texas. Kerry has been mostly in politics, in the legislative section. Bush has more executive experience, Kerry more political. Which do you prefer? Each has value.
  

Style



• Bush takes a simple position and sticks to it. Kerry takes a detailed position and refines it as new facts come in. Bush focuses on principles, Kerry on facts.
  

Even if you ignore all the differences, there is still something to decide on: Bush's job performance. If you consider it good or at least adequate, vote Bush. If not vote Kerry.

Personally, I see the Bush administration so far as a complete disaster. Even if Bush and Kerry were exactly the same, I'd vote Kerry, for three reasons:

1. The transition between administrations would at least be a little disruptive. On the highway to hell, a pothole is a blessing.
   
2. Having different branches of govornment controlled by different parties provides gridlock, also known as checks and balances.
   
3. An excuse to re-examine and correct the war effort and alliances. Allies who were blown off by Bush can approach Kerry without being perceived as backing down.