You are right. Bush never says a word in defense or rebuttal. If OBL is not dead, then maybe he is incarcerated somewhere and Kerry knows it, too. But, if the story is that OBL had been dead or captured---it would be a HUUUUUGGGGE story and any Kerry dishonesty would be irrelevant.
I posted on another thread how curious it was that Presdent Bush did not slam dunk kerry on this issue. After a while, it dawned on me that kerry (as a Presidential Candidate and member of the Intelligence Committee) may be privy to such info.
If that is the case, he knows he would be free to lie and lie and lie knowing full well the President was unable to answer the charges.
Not saying this is a surprise issue--although it is curious bin laden has popped up in the news columns these past few days.