Wonkette

• Bush worries about security, says Iraq will be independent: “When we say we transfer full sovereignty, we mean we transfer full sovereignty.” [WP and NYT]
• Kerry says tax code is too complicated, wants answers about prison abuse scandal; repeats “I’m running for president because…” Answers include, “I want an economy that strengthens and expands the middle class, not one that squeezes it.” Bush: “I guess if you want to try to find something to be pessimistic about, you can find it.” [WP and NYT and LAT]

• Bush defends stem-cell position: “Life is a creation of God, not a commodity to be exploited by man.” [NYT]
• Bush’s priorities sliced by Republican-controlled Appropriations Committee. [WSJ]
• Bush’s bounce from rebound may “dilute” because 30% of new jobs go to immigrants, a larger share than the overall market. [LAT]
• Candidates balance optimism about economy. Axelrod: “There is a trap for Kerry in that he doesn’t want to be pegged as pessimistic and negative. But there is a trap for Bush in that he doesn’t want to look oblivious to people’s real pain.” [LAT and WT]
• Kerry runs new slogan: “Stronger at home, respected in the world.” [WP]
• Niche cable channels, TiVo, caller ID challenge campaign tactics. [WP]
• NRANews radio program begins tomorrow, bypasses election rules. [NYT]
• Teresa switched parties after attacks on Cleland; Kerry says she’s “saucy, sexy, brilliant.” [LAT]
• In NJ, Kerry behind Gore, possibly Bush. [WT]
• Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor, a Bush supporter, calls for Kerry to quit Senate. [BG]
• Effect of “Fahrenheit 9/11″ to be determined. [BG]
• LAT, GOP debate poll findings. [WT]
• Military ballots still a mess. [WSJ][AP Photo/Jeff Chiu]