billso.com

USA: W’s belated stand against the Swifties indicates more panic in the campaign. The convention is next week, and he’s calling out the 527s. The truth is that the 527s have been very effective against W, and he wants to neutralize Moveon.org and other Kerry supporters before the campaign really starts. Meanwhile, the Swifties can’t agree on what really happened in the Delta, and Bob Dole backs down after his weekend bluster. And Susan Arceneaux is outted.

Tech: Windows XP SP2 is causing major headaches on university campuses. The download is huge, and many universities are banning the service pack until it can be tested thoroughly. The release date did not help matters, as most US universities have little student staffing in early August. IT departments often schedule updates to systems in August, as well as prepare for the return of students and faculty. Microsoft isn’t helping matters. MS is telling universities not to distribute SP2 on CD, unless the universities are prepared to pay extra license fees. So I won’t be passing out SP2 CDs in my classes this fall. Universities that have ordered update CDs won’t get them until early September, which is after many universities start their fall terms.

USA: Bob Herbert in the New York Times discusses GOP dirty tricks against Democratic vote organizers in Florida. W’s brother is getting desperate, and is being watched carefully. I previously discussed Paul Krugman’s coverage of this issue in the same newspaper.

USA: W will not stay overnight in New York City during the GOP convention. After his acceptance speech, he heads to Pennsylvania. Good choice, W. You’re at least 10 points behind in New York State, and the grand plan to have you at 9/11 ceremonies has been scuttled because the families don’t want you there. People are leaving down to avoid you and your friends.

USA: Undecided? Play the Presidential Match Game. It might help you decide which presidential candidate is best for you.