Powerline notes that the Kerry campaign seems a bit frayed at the edges:

KERRY CAMPAIGN BLOWS UP AT FOX, THREATENS TO THROW FOX OFF THE PLANE, BACKS OFF:

COMM. DIR. STEPHANIE CUTTER BACKTRACKS: "He [Sasso] was wrong to say that. We jumped all over him for it."

The source of the problem in the case is a very real problem. By including in his statement yesterday attacks on Bush that we've also heard from the Democrats, he made it virtually impossible for the Democrats to use those attacks anymore. It's political suicide now to say anything resembling the "My Pet Goat" complaint, and Bin Laden has even made it dangerous to use the "Bush lies" line that is a mainstay of Democratic jabs at Bush, after he declared: "Although we are in the fourth year after the events of sept 11, Bush is still practicing distortion and misleading on you.."

Since I thought those attacks were stupid in the first place, I can't get too worked up over this. But if those arguments did appeal to you, well guess what: I urge you to stick to your guns. Bin Laden could have just as easily decided to pick a few of Bush's favorite attacks on Kerry to use in his speech. He didn't, but not because he has decided that John Kerry is the best choice for U.S. President. His speech was made for his own purposes, no more, no less.

Basing your vote on Bin Laden's existence is rational. But letting it be influenced in any way by his statements is sheer foolishness. He is our enemy, and his words are just one weapon he can use against us. Ignore them. Focus on deciding who can best lead this nation, and elminate Bin Laden and his ilk.