I winced a little when I heard it, but I am amazed at the discussion of this today. I think this might be a bona fide gaffe. A platform for Lynne Cheney to say "This is not a good man." And the Kerry campaign cannot call it over the top.
jk's call: The President did well. but did not "break out." Senator Kerry was dull and repetitive -- but somehow likeable. Nobody could disagree with him more than I do, but last night I decided that I wouldn't die if he won. Maybe it was just a big heart full'o'benevolence, but I fear he might have been likeable!
Senator Kerry's closing statement was as good a two minutes as I have heard from him.
Yet the President was passionate, likeable and clear. I thought he was on his game -- but was everybody watching the other game?
I don't know if they amount to gaffes, but someone should tell Bush that it is best if someone other than yourself laughs at your jokes.
Posted by: Silence Dogood at October 14, 2004 10:40 AMPretty tortured comparison, Brother Dodgood. Yes, Rodger did torture and eat his family, but after all, Windslow had eaten his appetizer with the salad fork...
National Review beat him up a little on the same point. I remember it but it did not bother me. The "more liberal than Teddy K" charge will stick longer than the nervous Texas chuckle.
Posted by: jk at October 14, 2004 11:46 AMI guess if Dick Cheney himself had continued to keep his daughter out of the discussion I would agree with Lynn Cheney. Like Kerry's military service, the fact that he has a gay daughter has been put into play by Dick Cheney for what could at least be construed as political purposes.
Posted by: Silence Dogood at October 14, 2004 01:10 PMMary Beth Cahill said about the same. I really don't remember that.
Andrew Sullivan says it's a non-event. As wierd as he has been lately, he is still a better arbiter on such topics than little ol' straight me...
Posted by: jk at October 14, 2004 02:26 PM