The problem is that everyone knows what Kerry meant

[jpgray]

So explaining it doesn't really help. There isn't a single soul who actually believes that Kerry was attempting to insult or belittle the troops, the sacred cow of sacred cows. The game is to push him around and embarass him by making him react to that interpretation--it makes those who are able force a knowingly false interpretation on his comments look strong and it makes the explaining/disavowing Kerry and assorted other Democrats look weak. It's a social game and an old one: if someone else is defining the meaning and perception of what you say, it's recongized as a sign of weakness, both on the playground and on the national political stage. It isn't remotely about someone actually thinking he meant it the way the RNC et al are claiming, it's about being -able- to force that blatantly inaccurate interpretation into the media, and pushing others to respond to it.

I think the right way to push back is not to clarify or apologize, but ask if anyone seriously believes the proffered interpretation of the bully. Because no one ever really does. Make the question about whether anyone seriously believes Kerry's intent was to insult the troops--that approach would have had a better chance of quashing any flap flat.

[Atman]

1. STOP IT

STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT!

:banghead:

.

[jpgray]

3. It's the tactic I'd like to stop, because it didn't start here and it won't end here

The Dean scream, the "for it before I was against it"--the GOP puts out these blatantly false interpretations all the time, and it's about time we recognized them for what they are. Nobody believes them, and the entire purpose is to make the victims react to them. We should stop reacting, and make the question not "will x apologize/clarify" but "is there even any real doubt about what was intended?"

[ProSense]

2. Please don't try to

make sense! Seriously, thank you!

[CTyankee]

4. I wish that were the case but

my boss, who is a liberal Dem, did not hear the original comment and took the word of the networks on the meaning of Kerry's remarks. I had to explain the whole context thing to her and then she got it. She is a very bright woman but she just didn't hear the whole story. And that's the problem. People who don't have the time to follow closely on this story only hear the media's constant refrain. My boss is very political, but she recently lost her husband unexpectedly and has been in a bit of a fog lately...

[ProSense]

6. There are people who

know or should know the context before commenting who are spewing promoting the RW distorted message. There is absolutely no reason for a Democratic politician to agree with the RW message! They don't have to defend Kerry, but they should have the integrity to bat down a smear!

[jpgray]

11. I think that's because of the way this is being covered

People hear "Kerry gaffe" and "Kerry should apologize" and they think there must be something to it.

[Generator]

5. Excellent points-you get it which is why Dems should appologize for this

But I've seen some stupid (what else should I call them-misinformed? Buying the propaganda? If they are on DU they should know better) Du'ers that think he said what the Republicans said he said. And Harold Ford? Wow. I can't wait until he is our next Leiberman. Dinos forever. So smart that concept too. What a country! I feel like I'm in some sicko upside down world. Never back down. Never appologize. We don't stand a chance with these fascists. They'd kill us before telling the truth.

[jpgray]

8. I don't think they should apologize

I think they should ask if there's any real contention about what was meant. Because I refuse to believe someone actually thinks a national politician crafted a campaign speech line to insult the troops.

[Rick Myers]

7. The fact is that everyone KNOWS who dies in war...

...the underprivileged. Why did the Army have to relax recruiting standards? Kerry's mis-statement made people feel a little guilt. Now we should let this story die, and get back on the only real message: I R A Q F A I L U R E

[Jackpine Radical]

9. A simple question in response should suffice:

"Are you so stupid you actually think Kerry meant to insult the troops?"

[jpgray]

10. It's tough to figure out a simple response

But I think the media needs to be cut off when it focuses nonstop on a manufactured controversy.