In NZ, Kerry would be centre - to the right of our govt.
I felt that Bush had more of a presence than Kerry. I'm not talking what they talked about, just how they acted in front of the camera. Bush has a way of smiling at the camera that seems genuine whereby Kerry always has this serious look.
That is so far away from how I felt (I have now seen the tv coverage). Bush smirked almost constantly - it is almost like he can't believe what he is saying
(edit) on reflection, Kerry is a liberal - but he is still centre economically etc. He believes in striving for equality, eradicating poverty, some degree of affirmative action, etc etc. That is liberal.
It is a mischaracterisation of the word to use it to describe someone who doesn't choose tax cuts.
Also note - the Aussies just re-voted in their liberal party (your coalition partner in Iraq), which is right of their labour party.
Face it - liberal is a centre sort of thing.