Drudge is reporting that Kerry is preparing a response to the allegations he posted earlier on his website that Kerry had an extramarital affair with an intern (see our earlier post here.)

Daily Kos says the allegations pertain to relationship Kerry had with another lawmaker's intern while he was between marriages. In other words, sex as a single guy. Drudge alleges the relationship was in 2001.

The U.S. papers are not, as yet, covering the allegation. The U.K., Scottish and Irish papers are reporting it, but have no details other than a regurgitation of Drudge. (check Google news)

A reporter on CNN tonight said that Howard Dean said today he will go back to Vermont and consider what to do next if he doesn't win Wisdonsin--which is different than his earlier statements first that he would drop out if he lost Wisconsin and later that he would stay in if he lost Wisconsin. If this new statement is accurate, we think it unlikely that the Kerry story is driving his decision.

Our prediction: The Kerry story is going to fizzle.

Update: Joe Conasen on Drudge's smear campaign.

Is American politics suddenly returning to the bad old days, when Washington journalism became frenzied with sheet sniffing and keyhole peeping? That seems to be the default program of the right-wing media machine whenever Republican poll numbers sink into the red zone.

Late Thursday morning -- with George W. Bush's credibility damaged on several fronts as reporters demanded answers to questions about his National Guard service that should have been asked years ago -- the Drudge Report defamed his leading Democratic challenger with a "world exclusive" smudge of personal dirt.