Can Kerry beat Bush in 2004?

Some questions I have about Kerry...

1. Why was Kerry trailing Dean in MA, during the last few months of 2003?
2. Can Kerry go after Bush on the Patriot Act and the Iraq War without looking like an hypocritical opportunist?
3. Can Kerry convincingly defend his "no" vote for Iraq War 1?
4. The media helped move Kerry from 1st to 5th during summer 2003... can we expect more of the same for summer 2004?
5. How will Kerry appeal to less-government, fiscal conservatives?
6. Will Kerry be able to defend himself against charges that he is anti-gun?

Although I'll definately vote for Kerry if he's the nominee.. I have serious doubts about his electibility.  Please convince me (specificly, by responding to the six questions above) that Kerry has what it takes to beat Bush in November.