Let’s get this straight: I don’t care what Sen. John Kerry did during the Vietnam War. As much as I might joke about child- and early adulthood indiscretions, I really don’t care what President George W. Bush did 35 years ago either.

My guess is most voters agree.

What are the candidates doing and saying now? Is Bush’s plan for the economy working? If not, does Kerry’s plan, whatever that is, put the country on better financial footing?

Iraq seems like a mess from this side of the world. Does Kerry have ideas for minimizing U.S. casualties, while at the same time stabilizing that country? Do those ideas make more sense than Bush’s?

What about health care, education, our massive trade deficit with China?

What about Darfur, the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iran?

Honestly, give the voters something more than sound bites to take to the ballot booth.

Kerry may have put more varnish on his military record while carving it up for a campaign plank. That hardly means he shot himself to get a medal, as I’ve heard conservative talking heads selectively imply.

Bush may have gone missing in his Guard service, save for that faithful dentist appointment. That hardly means that, after religious and alcohol interventions, he’s unfit for the presidency.

Great. Let’s move on, and talk about issues – not herrings.