Do you honestly think that a Senate Democratic leader would go on the campaign trail by bashing the troops? Sorry, but that is mind-numbing logic.

No it’s obvious what he meant. He was clearly referring to the military. He was speaking the truth. So why “apologize” for clearly articulating what you think? Regardless, it only reminds Americans what they have always suspected which is that Dems have open disdain for the military and don’t really support the troops as they often assert. Kerry is truly the “gift that keeps on giving.”

Gregg

Don’t get me wrong — Kerry should apologize for even leaving the impression that he meant the troops– and I stand by my first statement about Kerry and humor, and add that any political adviser that lets him even think about telling a joke should be fired immediately.

Optimist: “My side?” I’m a registered independent! So I don’t know what you mean…

Both sides are “chock” full of “people” who insult the “military” and have no respect for the “accomplishments” of the “military.” (it is fun using quotes around random words for no apparent reason.)

Kerry should be condemned for saying a very stupid thing. So Gregg, I am in violent agreement here with you. I believe Kerry is an elitist snob, but still gets my respect for being a combat veteran (but I sure as heck ain’t voting for him or want to have a beer with him. Ever.)

And Rumsfled should have been condemned for the idiotic statement he made about nothing good coming from the draft.

My point (apparently poorly made) was that both sides should not be pointing fingers and saying “see, that bad group of people over on the right/left hate our soldiers.”

I just don’t understand this complete overwhelming need to totally hate one side, and think the other side is always right. The MSM are evil, liberals are lying, conservatives are rich and uncaring, etc etc etc. This incredible hatred both your side and doug’s side have against each other boggles my mind. And the hypocricy and selective memory both sides have is shown very well in this whole episode.

“Itâ??s laughable to see the right-wing mainstream media say he has blown his election, based on an ill-advised joke that went over like a lead balloon.”

Yep everybody knows ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC,PBS, the NY Times, Wash Post, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, and NPR are “rightwing.” That darn “rightwing MSM” They screw over the Demos chances every time. It’s all their fault.

Then Doug H says: “It is one of the failings of the mainstream mediaâ?? and new media can and should take the responsibility for raising the bar on conversationâ?? that they jump on the superficiality of how the message is delivered (yes, Kerry needs to polish this aspect, itâ??s how he allowed to get Swift-boated in the first place), rather than concentrating on analysis of the real debate.”

Yup it’s all the media’s fault that Kerry said “better get good grades or your will end up in the militray in Iraq.” It’s never actually Kerry’s fault. Typical liberal always playing the victim.

Kerry didn’t “misspeak” Optimist. He said exactly what he was thinking. So, no Kerry didn’t “misspeak.” He just revealed once again how much disdain he has for the US military- plain and simple. No need to “apologize” for telling the truth.

Gregg

It’s laughable to see the right-wing mainstream media say he has blown his election, based on an ill-advised joke that went over like a lead balloon.

Was he insulting the troops? Insulting to suggest that, actually.

In his responses to the kerfuffle (my new favorite word), at least the ones that I have heard, he is paring back to the message he meant to say and should have said– Rumsfeld’s incompetent, the war is being prosecuted wrogly, yada-yada– whether you agree with that or not, that’s the message– not some stupid joke.

It is one of the failings of the mainstream media– and new media can and should take the responsibility for raising the bar on conversation– that they jump on the superficiality of how the message is delivered (yes, Kerry needs to polish this aspect, it’s how he allowed to get Swift-boated in the first place), rather than concentrating on analysis of the real debate.

I don’t know who will be the Democratic nominee in 2008, but a bad joke hyped by the MSM 2 years before the election isn’t going to decide it.

Isn’t it amazing how the Left so energetically rallies in damage control - ignoring Kerry’s rich and proud history of trashing the American soldier.

PERHAPS HE COULD BE A SENATOR IN IRAN OR N. KOREA…OR PERHAPS VENEZUELA..