AS JOHN KERRY stepped down from his campaign plane at Youngstown airport in Ohio en route to a rally Sunday, an enterprising reporter shouted out an excellent question.

“What’s a “global test,” Senator?” he called. The response, delivered with a winning smile, was the trademark Kerry thumbs up; the big digit protruding ever so slightly above the clenched fist. But, for what it said about his willingness to answer the question, it might just as well have been a raised middle finger. With a breezy wave, the newly pumped-up senator was on his way.