Kerry apologizes to the troops
posted at 4:18 pm on November 1, 2006 by Allahpundit
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Just across on CNN. I can’t find it online so I’ll cut the video of Wolf Blitzer reading it. According to Drudge, Kerry was supposed to do an interview with him today but pulled out. Maybe this was his way of making it up to him.
While you wait, read Dean Barnett on why what Kerry said matters.
Update: No need for video. The statement’s just been posted.
As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones: my poorly stated joke at a rally was not about, and never intended to refer to any troop.
I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform, and I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended.
It is clear the Republican Party would rather talk about anything but their failed security policy. I don’t want my verbal slip to be a diversion from the real issues. I will continue to fight for a change of course to provide real security for our country, and a winning strategy for our troops.
I’ve got a clip of Bush on Rush Limbaugh still in the tank and Ian’s got something coming from Murtha, but after that I think we’re (mostly) done with this.
Update: Ponnuru and JPod agree — it’s ovuh.
Update (Ian): White House statement on Kerry’s non-apology apology:
Sen Kerry’s apology to the troops for his insulting comments came late, but it was the right thing to do. Our military is the best and the brightest, the most courageous and professional or an military in the world and the President is honored to be their Commander-in-Chief
Update: More praise from Rich Lowry and Jonah Goldberg.
Update: Barnett e-mails, “He was against apologizing before he was for it.” True enough. Waffles can’t even eat crap without having to change his mind.
Dean also asks a good question. What happened to “hit ‘em back harder, harder”?
Update (Bryan): For the record, I don’t view this as an apology, and not because I want the story to live on another day or two. It’s not an apology because it’s actually an attack masquerading as an apology. See my comments below for further explanations.
Others not accepting include Mark Levin, Mark Steyn and, apparently, Mitt Romney.
Update: Apology not accepted says Lt. Smash.
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SCENARIO:
My daughter breaks her brother’s toy.
Says it was an accident and refuses to apologize.
Blames brother for the breaking of the toy.
After being punished with halloween candy being withheld, she says she is sorry if her brother was upset by having his toy broken.
As a parent, I’d basically have to be a retard to let that stand and agree to return the halloween candy.
apology not accepted.
though, regardless of whether he apologizes or not, people will remember this.
mattshu on November 1, 2006 at 5:24 PM
Too late. We all know what you said, we all know that you meant it, and we all know you tried to lie your way out of it.
NRA4Freedom on November 1, 2006 at 5:24 PM
I can sense Pelosi’s botox-bugged eyes staring at his back as he instructed his staff to write something that seemed like an apology. I read it twice. He isn’t apologizing for anything he said. He’s apologizing for the fact that people realized what he said.
I think he and Teddy need to go for a drive on a foggy night over a narrow bridge. Let’s call it a swim meet.
SailorDave on November 1, 2006 at 5:24 PM
Really the focus on the war would not be a problem. We like victories. We like it when the cops catch the bad guy on the local news. We might not win the win overnight but give us something. The msm is playing up and glorifing the other side anyway. You can’t tell me there aren’t some stories of fighting however small where we are (winning), if not dominating. (double negative) C’mon guys. Thats a side of the story that needs to be shown, and without condemnation. That is Kerry’s role here. Hey war is war. People die. Is there such thing as a moral war? Look at the ahabs cheering and shouting celebrating their victories. I am not advocating Kahn like barbarionism, but I think a little (winning),if it is perceived that way ,is needed to be shown here..
sonnyspats1 on November 1, 2006 at 5:25 PM
Probably because if we don’t, we’ll look like obsessive, psychopathic pricks.
This little flap did what it was supposed to… lay off the moralizing and exaggerated outrage now so we can keep any moderates that may have been swayed.
DaveS on November 1, 2006 at 5:27 PM
Actually, it’s just as well to not press the matter much further now that Kerry has “apologized.” There comes a point not only of diminishing returns, but of real danger of over-extension of an advantage.
An appropriate analogy may be the British cavalry in the Napoleonic wars: They had an earned reputation for ferocity it the charge, but were almost impossible to control once they got going. Typically they’d break the French lines; but because they didn’t know when to call a halt they’d just keep on charging - and subsequently get cut to pieces by counterattacks from the French reserves.
You can feel the donks and their media allies winding up for just such a counterattack right now, claiming that “the Rethuglican smear machine” was never interested in an apology to begin with, but only to distract attention away from the Foley scandal, yada yada yada.
A piece of military conventional wisdom is, “Learn to know what a victory is.” In this case, victory is to let John Kerry take the wind out of the donk/media sails, and to throw them into confusion less than a week before the election. Pressing further ahead won’t magnify that victory, but does pose the unnecessary risk of giving the enemy something to rally around.
Spurius Ligustinus on November 1, 2006 at 5:29 PM
Kerry is standing up and fighting! That was yesterday, today he is retreating, tomorrow and in the next week he will be MIA.
You are a great Democrat leader Kerry, I hope you regain your courage and stand and fight. Tell Hillary to mind her own business, Ford is a chicken, go to Iowa and tell them you ain’t “apologizin” to no one–every Democrat should have you by their side the last week. I don’t know about any other Republicans…but I love you.
right2bright on November 1, 2006 at 5:30 PM
C’mon, people, all you can ever ask from anyone who wrongs you is an apology. You can’t necessarily expect it to be sincere.
Enrique on November 1, 2006 at 5:31 PM
Not the chickenhawk argument. Those who the words impugned are those who serve and have served. NRO pundits don’t count and likely don’t understand the dynamics of life in the military. If you haven’t been there, you couldn’t possibly know.
This isn’t a question of who can comment, this is a question of who can forgive an insult. Only those who were maligned can really forgive.
Personally, I’ll defer to those with an American flag on their shoulder right now. It’s not like this is the only reason I think he’s a douchebag.
Pablo on November 1, 2006 at 5:31 PM
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it one last time. We’ve won, and we need to gracefully move past this. If we keep beating this issue, we will look like the turds, not Kerry.
I’m not saying everything is now hunky-dorey with Kerry. I’m not trying to say that he is a 100% reliable support the troops sort of guy. This is the third time he’s done this. We all know he’s got a history of doing this.
But we’ve got our pound of flesh out of him. He was forced to apologize. That’s gotta sting.
And I’d say this has pretty much finished his presidential aspirations (or maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part)
We ain’t gonna get anymore out of this issue. If we keep insisting “it isn’t a real apology” we are going to look silly to the rest of the public. They are going to read or hear what we are saying, they are going to look at what is in Kerry’s statement, “I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended“, and they are going to conclude that we are irrational Kerry bashers, and maybe Kerry was right when he originally said we mischaracterized his words.
Heck, when I did wrong as a kid, and I was forced to apologize, I didn’t mean it either. But that’s how it goes. Look at it like Kerry is a kid. That kid may not really be sorry when you make him appologize for not playing fair on the playground. But you make him do it anyway. And balance is brought to the playground…
Anyway, we’ve won. Let’s take pride in that.
That’s all I gotta say about that…
EFG on November 1, 2006 at 5:32 PM
I’d have given him kudos if it were something like this instead:
Anil Petra on November 1, 2006 at 5:32 PM
Does no one notice that Kerry apologized for us misinterpreting his words, not what he said? Essentially he is sorry that everyone is so damn stupid. Whoever said this so-called apology was eloquent needs to have their eyes checked. He could not even apologize without mentioning Republicans.
Cary on November 1, 2006 at 5:32 PM
Still the delays? Doesn’t your back-end have basic “whitelisting” capabilities? Is that too much to ask by a registered Wordpress user?
Anil Petra on November 1, 2006 at 5:33 PM
To fogive is divine…and some folks have taken his “apology” as genuine. Good for them. They’re divine.
For my part, I think he’s had about as much forgiveness as his actions merit. A healthy dose of accountability is called for.
I don’t remember “misinterpreting” anything.
I heard him say what he said, then I saw a snippet where he said what he said, lips moving, the whole nine….
I don’t usually misinterpret when I take a man at his word.
Would somebody please wake me up when he “apologizes” for the “terrorize women and children in the middle of the night” remark or the “Winter Soldier” media circus of 1971?
…I might’ve “misinterpreted” those, as well.
Puritan1648 on November 1, 2006 at 5:33 PM
Careful guys. You’re gonna make AP angry. And you wouldn’t like AP when he’s angry…
EFG on November 1, 2006 at 5:34 PM
Nothing to see here…..move along.
RobG on November 1, 2006 at 5:34 PM
Did you bother to read any of the other 100 or so comments? :-)
DaveS on November 1, 2006 at 5:34 PM
But close enough.
Say Bryan, it’s a pretty cheap atheist trick I’m about to pull here, but it always warms my black little heart -
Aren’t Christians supposed to forgive?
He said he’s sorry. That’s all you have any right to expect.
Insh’allah.
Enrique on November 1, 2006 at 5:34 PM
Ditto, ditto, ditto. 40 years in MA here. I have heard it my whole life. I heard that very admonition from people like Kerry a million times. Kerry just forgot where he was. Go to WRKO and listen to Howie Carr on line right now. You’ll see what I mean. People here in Boston aren’t buying this apology one bit and they are angry. This is nothing new for the people of MA. The only surprising thing is he said it outside our Mass cocoon with cameras running.
Romney on Fox right now - apology missed the mark.
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 5:35 PM
I’m assuming that was a joke?
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 5:35 PM
He can get angry at us all he wants, and hell, he can even ban us if he wants.
It would be nice though if, just for once, he would show the willingness to go for the KO when the dems are on the ropes and reeling. He seems awfully anxious to get this story over with.
thirteen28 on November 1, 2006 at 5:37 PM
Spurius, now I come here not only for the political insight. It’s also the early 19th Century military history. I think you have a point. But we conservatives have been attacked so thoroughly in the press for so long.
I think the reality of having a true negative light cast on the leftist standard-bearers for once is a welcome change. The denouement of this outrage should be “what took you so long; and why did you have to make it a political statement instead of a pure apology?”
SailorDave on November 1, 2006 at 5:37 PM
From: Howard Dean, DNC
To: N. Pelosi, H. Reid, T. Kennedy, R. Durbin, C. Schumer, R. Emanuel,
W. Blitzer,B. Boxer, R. Feingold, C. Rangel, J. KerryCC: J. Carter, R. O’Donnel, L. O’Donnel, that blond guy on MSNBC, C. Sheehan, O Bin Laden
Subject: Swiftboat II, The Joker Returns
———————————————————–
All:
Shut up ya big dopes!
Howie
fogw on November 1, 2006 at 5:39 PM
Michelle Malkin received an email from a retired soldier that sums up my point exactly:
The soldier put it better than I.
Christoph on November 1, 2006 at 5:41 PM
EFG: “But we’ve got our pound of flesh out of him. He was forced to apologize. That’s gotta sting.”
Agreed. It’s time for it to fade as a news story because we’ve gotten all we’re going to get. But as a point of discussion here in the comments, every time Kerry opened his mouth after the first remarks he’s made it worse and that poor excuse for an apology, and how it was delivered, has me riled. I’ll probably have a bit of perspective by tomorrow, tonight I’m venting: Kerry is an idiot.
Retread on November 1, 2006 at 5:42 PM
CrimsonFisted and others above are right. How can you regret your words were misinterpreted? Then you’re apologizing for someone else’s supposed wrongdoing!
An apology is when you acknowledge your personal responsibility for doing something wrong. You say I’m sorry I did this and I’m sorry my actions hurt you.
However, I never really expected an apology to happen.
INC on November 1, 2006 at 5:44 PM
C’mon you guys, let’s not keep beating a dead horse-face.
right2bright on November 1, 2006 at 5:45 PM
When you are a complete and absolute zero what you say is sort of trival. He meant what he said and now he is just trying to deflect it. The party is probably now in panic about the election. JFK is a gift that just keeps on giving.
duff65 on November 1, 2006 at 5:45 PM
I was not confused. Don’t appologize for what you said, and then call us stupid for not understanding what you meant.
What you said was plain and clear. I think we need another appology for Kerry calling us stupid.
But what can we expect from someone who is, himself, a half-bubble-off-center in the mental department?
Lawrence on November 1, 2006 at 5:46 PM
The apology, for what it’s worth should be accepted and we should move on. Anything less and conservatives start to look overly petty and desperate. Let the left bury itself. They really don’t need much help from us.
jasnell on November 1, 2006 at 5:46 PM
This is pretty much the same as when he blamed his Secret Service agent for making him fall down when he was snow-boarding. The guy’s an ass.
pedestrian on November 1, 2006 at 5:47 PM
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 5:47 PM
it was misinterpreted…someone explaine xactly what he meant then, using the entire wuote in context? Hes clearly referring to bush…
crr6 on November 1, 2006 at 5:47 PM
Apology? Didn’t he just slam the military & their family for not understanding his remarks - did he basically call them ignorant again? Look what Kerry’s education got him- a foot in the mouth degree!
Kat13 on November 1, 2006 at 5:48 PM
Cut the poor man some slack. He lasted almost two whole days this time before he had to admit that the President pwned him, yet again….
Well, except John Kerry of course.
Instead of parsing the “apology,” we should be praising the Senator for admitting that he was wrong and issuing an apology in accordance with the wishes of the President and VRWC.
Then AP can do up some tshirts that say something along the lines of “Two Days, Bitch! Just be thankful you didn’t pick a fight with Israel.”
rw on November 1, 2006 at 5:50 PM
I just had to join in and comment about Kerry’s “apology” and piggyback on Bryan’s observation. Kerry has not taken responsibility for his “misstatment.” If we believe Kerry and his team, Kerry blundered his delivery. Therefore, he screwed up; however, his “appology” does absolutely nothing to claim this responsibility. Instead, he placed the blame on the receivers of the message. The receiver “misinterpreted” his statement. A misinterpretation means that what is stated can carry at least two different meanings. What was delivered does not have two or more meanings. It was pretty clear statement relating education level with serving in Iraq. A clear apology would sound something like this:
“I want to apologize to all who were offended by my words. I flubbed a joke I was trying to make. I did not mean what I said. Please forgive me.” (even if this is not what he was thinking, this would be considered an apology. Here, he would take responsibility for what HE said and not apologize for what other people “misinterpreted.”
lefaucheur on November 1, 2006 at 5:50 PM
He wouldn’t apologize before he didn’t apologize.
htom on November 1, 2006 at 5:53 PM
That’s not an apology. He is expressing “regret”, but it’s not for something he did, but something we (i.e.anyone who heard and/or read his words and gave them their plain meaning) did, that is to say “misinterpreted” his words.
The verb “misinterprted”, in this case, applies to the listener/reader and not the speaker. In effect he purports to apologize for something WE’VE done.
Bollocks!
Blaise on November 1, 2006 at 5:54 PM
I agree, SailorDave. And in a better world, with a media that pays more than lip service to objectivity, that’s the question they’d be asking of Kerry.
But the harsh reality is, most of the major media unashamedly see themselves as a combination megaphone/cheerleader for the donkey party. They’re not going to hold Kerry’s feet to the fire like they would a Republican who said something similarly idiotic. In fact, they’re going to spend all of their time and energy looking for a way to turn this into something they can use against Republicans. That White House press briefing today is a perfect example.
So I can sympathize with what you believe *should* be the denoument of this situation, but it ain’t gonna happen… back to my 19th century analogy, we’ve broken the enemy’s lines and thrown them into confusion; you can hear the dismayed cries of, “Le Guard Recule!” from the Kerry-supporters, something they never thought would happen.
But they still have reserves left, and are itching for “revenge.” Now’s the time to halt, reform, regain our own lines and not give them the opportunity.
Spurius Ligustinus on November 1, 2006 at 5:55 PM
…when what you’re regretting is that you’re having to cast your pearls before swine. Peasants! Can’t live with ‘em, can’t employ ‘em *all* as nannies and gardeners….
Puritan1648 on November 1, 2006 at 5:56 PM
I really can’t believe a professional speech writer wrote the “misinterpreted” part or the last paragraph.
It’s okay that he wants us to understand his claim that he didn’t mean it the way it came out. But at least acknowledge that, based on the words he actually said, reasonable people could reach the conclusion that was reached.
Like this: “I’m sorry. I can truly see that my words were hurtful and offensive. I sincerely did not mean to say what I said; I did not mean to insult our troops; that was not my intent. But I do know what I said, those words did come out of my mouth, and for that I am deeply sorry. Forgive me.”
And then walk the phuque away. Bash Bush tomorrow if you want.
This ain’t rocket science. Even a D- student should be able to figure it out.
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 5:56 PM
I have to say I’m on Bryan’s side here. This was not an apology at all. The insult, however unintended, still stands. Don’t deflect blame away from yourself and onto others, Mr. Kerry. YOU said the words. YOU screwed up. YOU have to take it like a man, Mr. Kerry. The more you try to put this off on other’s misconstruing your “intentions”, the more you make yourself look like an ass.
Unfortunately, I think this is all he will EVER be able to offer in the form of an “apology”. Please, for the love of God, with the people of Mass. finally vote him OUT of office?
DakRoland on November 1, 2006 at 5:58 PM
As I posted elsewhere…
If my kids tried to appologise in this manner….
they’d get another whack…
Romeo13 on November 1, 2006 at 5:58 PM
That is one of the best non-apologies I’ve ever seen. At first, it even seems like he’s actually going to take blame for himself and ask for forgiveness, but, in true flip-flop form, Kerry manages to go from showing apparent contrition to blaming the offended for the offense they feel. He says enough key words suggesting contrition that he will probably be let off the hook. Hopefully our troops will speak up for themselves and keep Kerry’s feet to the fire until he actually apologizes, resigns, or is recalled (fat chance on those last two). Our troops deserve better.
From my viewpoint, this non-apology gets returned to sender with postage due.
flutejpl on November 1, 2006 at 5:58 PM
Yup. Personally, I would have been more impressed if he would have done an Eric Cartman impression, and told everybody: “Screw you guys, I’m going home.”
The bottom line: if he did something wrong, he should have apologized yesterday, immediately, and meant it.
If he didn’t do anything wrong, he should have had the balls to stand by what he said and did.
Instead, Captain America took the worst parts of both options … offered a lame semi-apology only after swearing he had nothing to apologize for.
He’s not just dumb - he’s politically dumb. At this point, he’d have been smarter to just flip on this bird, instead of flip-flopping once again.
Now the right hates him even more, the middle thinks he’s a lameass flip-flopper, and his own Loony Left base is probably pissed at him for being spineless.
Is this really the best the Democrats have to offer?
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 6:09 PM
…in case you missed it, it isn’t about how we “look”.
It is the job of the Democratic Party to make anyone who doesn’t strictly and humbly toe the party line look like a racist, a war-monger, a blood-thirsty savage, or a buffoon.
…so, don’t start worrying about appearances now.
That’s what the Left counts on. They count on *normal* people, the majority, “rising above it all” and going back to sleep. They’re like cockroaches. They scurry when the lights are turned on, only to come back out and nibble at the sugarbowl when you turn the light back off.
If there’s ONE thing the Bush Administration can be blamed for — and there’s lots, from the border to picking whas-her-name for the Supreme Court — it’s that he’s “risen above it”, trying to “look presidential”, from making nice with Kennedy with that education bill to not pushing the whole “transition hooligan” thing, when he should’ve used his bully pulpit to show Dean and Reid up for exactly what they are: Kerry-ites without the cojones to even be a proper Kerry.
No…don’t let up on the pressure. They haven’t let up on Allen, unapologetically (not that Allen is a hard target). They ran Foley for weeks. They ran “Scooter” Libby into the ground. They’ve taken *every* opportunity to show Bush up in a bad light…and I’m quite tired of having a someone with the capacity to do good hamstring himself on the alter of “rising above it all”.
No, sir!
He didn’t apologize. No he didn’t. He regretted that *WE*, those who heard him express himself in plain English, “misinterpreted” that same plain English. He doesn’t get a pass. Not now. Not after 35 years of building a career on an anti-American foundation.
Let him taste consequence. Let him take a good, long, bitter swig. The dead of Iraq and Afganistan, to say nothing of those of Vietnam, accused of being monsters, deserve nothing less!
This isn’t a debate. This isn’t about appearances. This is the future of our nation…and this senatorial trophy husband *almost* got elected President!
Hold ‘em accountable: Mrs. Slippery William, Rangel, Murtha, Reid, Dean, Pelosi, Schumer, Casey if he wins, Cardin if he wins…the whole corrupt lot. Don’t forgive, don’t forget. That’s how they win…that’s how everybody *BUT* them loses.
Puritan1648 on November 1, 2006 at 6:09 PM
uh … “flip us the bird” … that was a slip, and I immediately apologize if you were too dumb to figure that out. PIMF.
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 6:10 PM
That’s not an apology. My kids know better than that. A qualified apology is not an apology at all.
What Kerry is really saying is, “I sincerely regret that you’re too stupid to correctly interpret my words. I’m sorry that you’re so wrong. If you weren’t so dumb, you wouldn’t be offended.”
He also calls it a “verbal slip”, as in “Oops, did I just say that in public?”
Bottom line is Kerry only let slip in public what he really believes. He said exactly what he meant.
Redhead Infidel on November 1, 2006 at 6:11 PM
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 6:12 PM
Outside of the fact he couldn’t just stop the Bush bashing (who the hell is advising this clown by the way?) this is all you really need to read to determine if it’s an apology
This isn’t even acknowleding that it was his own words that caused all of this. He’s blaming the reader. Worse he’s not even acknowledging that everyone read/heard his statement the same way, because there was only one way to hear it. He’s saying that it was deliberately “misinterpreted” in order “to wrongly imply” he was saying something, he’s pretending he wasn’t saying. Sure he didn’t use the word deliberately in the sentence, but reread it a few times, and you can tell that is exactly what he’s saying when you fit the “to wrongly imply” portion in to the sentence. It’s just more blaming the VRWC.
RightWinged on November 1, 2006 at 6:14 PM
I would be happy to accept Kerry’s apology if he could demonstrate his sincerity in some meaningful way.
One way would be to release his service record– something he promised to do but has not done.
In particular, I would like to see his original discharge paper.
rogersnowden on November 1, 2006 at 6:19 PM
As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones:
- combat veteran. bull.
Anyway, the doorman at the hotel I left this morning feels better, as does the maid on the 14th floor. They both had nice uniforms too.
shooter on November 1, 2006 at 6:19 PM
If you’re a really bright fellow, attend a prestigious university like Yale and study hard you will learn how to compose an apology that isn’t an apology at all.
fogw on November 1, 2006 at 6:19 PM
I tip my hat to you… excellent post
Ugly on November 1, 2006 at 6:21 PM
Kerry apologized. The party is over.
Now we all should concentrate on the Republican defeat next week.
Niko on November 1, 2006 at 6:27 PM
Puritan,
I won’t copy it again but your post expresses exactly how I feel.
Amen!
conservativecaveman on November 1, 2006 at 6:27 PM
I didn’t even think about this - that “combat veteran” spew. That REALLY wasn’t necessary or helpful, was it? Sort of another snide little slap, isn’t it?
In fact, the more I read it - the more I find wrong with this apology.
Speaking of the apology … has flip-flopper retracted it yet?
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 6:38 PM
Dear Senator Kerry,
If your apology is sincere, why was it not immediate and unqualified?
If it was truely a botched joke why did you not state that as a fact at once instead of at the second presser hours later?
Why apologize over these remarks when the claims you made in the 70’s were far worse and have never been apologized for?
Where is the apology for saying that our troops terrorize women and children in the middle of the night?
I don’t see how we can accept this apology until these questions are completely addressed.
conservativecaveman on November 1, 2006 at 6:38 PM
I fail to see what is “classy” about an insincere, grit your teeth in rage, being dragged kicking and screaming (by your own people) apology which is further amended by a swipe at the opposition.
MaiDee on November 1, 2006 at 6:45 PM
It’s always about the way we “look”. One’s Appearance in politics is as important as anything else. Why do you think it was so important for Kerry to back out of various campaign appearances this week? Any Democrat seen standing shoulder to shoulder with Kerry right now will be viewed as being complicit with his defamation of the troops.
Why is it important for the Right to move on? It’s because Kerry’s opinion of the troops (whether positive or negative) is not an issue in this election. If the Right tries to make it an issue (or continues to make it an issue), the Left can (rightfully, IMHO) claim that the Right is running from the “real” issues. It’s not about “rising above” anything, it’s about prioritizing effort. Kerry is an idiot, but he’s definitely not a priority. If and when Kerry starts his 2008 campaign, then by all means, bring this up again and hammer the hell out of him with it.
jasnell on November 1, 2006 at 6:47 PM
He refused to apologize before he apologized.
doingwhatican on November 1, 2006 at 6:50 PM
I did not have sex with that apology until after I voted for it, depending on what your definition of is, is …
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 6:54 PM
I wonder if eating crap is better with Heinz on it?
d1carter on November 1, 2006 at 6:58 PM
But what can we expect from someone who is, himself, a half-bubble-off-center in the mental department?
Lawrence on November 1, 2006 at 5:46 PM
Yeah a half bubble. Thats unacceptable!
sonnyspats1 on November 1, 2006 at 6:58 PM
Kerry’s, and the Democrat’s opinion of our troops is among the central issues in this election. If they get control of Congress they will be in position to affect our ability to fight our enemies.
Who cares what the Left will claim? That’s their problem. They have a very fundamental issue they must address. This whole thing has reminded the American people exactly what the Left thinks about the military and how that will affect our safety.
The US Military is one of the most trusted and respected institutions in America and the Left has to explain why they despise it so much.
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 7:02 PM
http://hotair.com/archives/2006/11/01/sy-hersh-us-army-in-iraq-is-the-most-violent-and-murderous-in-american-history/
See what I mean? This is far from “off topic” and far from over.
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 7:05 PM
What makes an effective apology?
1. A specific definition of the perceived offense. The person offended and the perceived offender need a clear shared understanding of the behaviors (or omissions) that felt hurtful, rude, or wrong.
2. Acknowledging that the perceived offense caused harm. The person offended needs recognition that their pain or embarrassment was legitimate, even if others might have felt differently.
3. Taking responsibility. Offenders should acknowledge that, whether or not the offense was intentional, they were accountable for causing harm. (Missing)
4. Recognition of wrongdoing. Offenders need to agree that they were insensitive and made a mistake. (Missing)
5. A statement of regret. While “I’m sorry” is generally not enough for a complete apology, it is a necessary part of any apology and is imperative for re-building trust.
6. A promise not to repeat the offense. The offender needs to offer a clear plan for self-restraint, improved behavior, and how to work with the offended person to address possible future misunderstandings.
7. An explanation of why the offender acted this way. Be careful! An explanation can be risky as it can sound defensive or seem to be an excuse for bad behavior. Sometimes it is useful for healing a broken relationship and may set the groundwork for re-establishing trust and respect. An explanation is only effective if combined with all the above elements.
Hoping that I didn’t mess up any HTML,
Entelechy on November 1, 2006 at 7:09 PM
Puritan, I’m with Ugly and conservativecaveman, You said it ALL, my brother!
(And I’m proud as hell that you’re a fellow Texan, too!)
Keep holding Kerry’s feet to the fire, America–our military (both present, past and future) deserve nothing less!
Jen the Neocon on November 1, 2006 at 7:11 PM
Democrats in general, yes. Kerry specifically, no. And yes, this incident has served as an excellent reminder to American’s that the Democratic Party, in general, has a deep philosophical contempt for our military. Continuing to beat on Kerry, however, will have no additional useful impact moving forward.
No, it’s our problem due to the simple fact that the media has proven, time and again, that they will go out of their way to make sure that whatever the Democrats have to say will be prolonged as much as possible while the Republican message gets buried.
However, I do agree about the fundamental issue the Left must address. They have a nearly insurmountable credibility gap when it comes to national security, military and veteran relations, and many other important issues. If Republicans want to bang those drums, by all means do so! But stop beating up on Kerry. He’s not a “symbol”; He’s a moron. Ignore him and focus priority on highlighting the credibility gap. Trust me, an idiot of his caliber will find plenty of opportunities to embarrass himself and his party in the future.
jasnell on November 1, 2006 at 7:17 PM
I read your update, Bryan, and comments and I am with you.
Christoph on November 1, 2006 at 7:19 PM
Kerry reminds me of that Simpson’s episode when Kang and Kodos were running for president:
We must move forward… not backwards, not to the side, not forwards, but always whirling, whirling, whirling towards freedom.
x95b10 on November 1, 2006 at 7:20 PM
AP, if we accept Kerry’s apology, can we then state that it’s our fault and the military’s fault (those bastards!) for misinterpreting John Kerry who, as everyone knows, has no record of attacking American servicemen?
Christoph on November 1, 2006 at 7:24 PM
Puritan, I’m with Ugly and conservativecaveman, You said it ALL, my brother!
(And I’m proud as hell that you’re a fellow Texan, too!)
Keep holding Kerry’s feet to the fire, America–our military (both present, past and future) deserve nothing less!
Jen the Neocon on November 1, 2006 at 7:11 PM
Another one here (the standard “I wasn’t born here but got here as fast as I could” applies).
thirteen28 on November 1, 2006 at 7:25 PM
A really interesting Daily Kos comment that comes pretty close to the real truth about liberals. It is just fascinating to hear them admit what they really think and feel:
Professor Blather on November 1, 2006 at 7:26 PM
The media has lost its monopoly on information. Those days are long gone. The harder the try, the harder people push back in total resentment. Did you take note of how hard they pushed for Kerry in 04 and how tenaciously they attacked Bush? What happened? It blew up in their face. Sooner or later the Right will wake up and stop worrying about the MSM. Stop trying to make concessions with people who will never be friendly no matter what happens unless, like Webb, you change from a R to a D and tow the line.
He is their 04 Presidential nominee. He IS their party as much as Bush is the Right’s.
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 7:27 PM
Correction, he is their failed 04 Presidential nominee. They’d be insane to consider him the symbol of their party and we’d be insane to target him as if he was.
Prioritize. Treat Kerry for what he is: a line item in a long and ever growing list of abject failures on the part of the Democratic party.
jasnell on November 1, 2006 at 7:37 PM
Yeah, dude. And unlike Bush, he plan(s/ned) on running for President again in ‘08.
Christoph on November 1, 2006 at 7:38 PM
When does he apologize to the troops from Vietnam that he betrayed?
Hening on November 1, 2006 at 7:38 PM
Yes they do, and the voters need to be reminded not only of Kerry’s remarks, but the slanderous remarks of DICK Durbin, Teddy Kennedy, Jack Murtha, et al., so that the pattern is more fully illustrated. Kerry is the tip, but lets explore the whole iceberg, because that IS an issue this election.
thirteen28 on November 1, 2006 at 7:39 PM
conservativecaveman,
Everything you said was/is well said.
x95b10 on November 1, 2006 at 7:42 PM
Just because you highlight his remarks and force his fellow Democrats to address them, doesn’t mean you ignore everything else. People are smart enough to hold more than one thought in their heads at the same time.
He may be their failed candidate but he is (was) out actively campaigning for other candidates. If he is insignificant why was he doing so many appearances? Because he’s not insignificant and is a symbol of the party. Today, some of the 48% of the population who voted for him in 04 have to be questioning their decision then and that will influence their decisions in a few days. Others now realize what Democratic control would really look like…
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 7:45 PM
Agreed. The brush stroke is not nearly as important as the entire portrait.
jasnell on November 1, 2006 at 7:47 PM
…first of all, I would like to apologize to thirteen, Jen, conservativecaveman, Ugly and whoever else wants to chime in for properly construing my earlier post. It was very kind.
…when they throw you a bone and you wag your tail, you look like a dog.
…for the same of appearances, try to look like a big dog.
…BigOldDog put it very well, as the ‘04 standard bearer in the Dean-wing of his party, he *IS* very much the issue.
He needs to be seen to be speaking *FOR* the party…by and large, he does. Let the little nimrods who would jump at photo ops with him to bolster their campaigns now be put into the position of refusing his endorsement.
Let the Democratic Party — the party that’s been chortling about winning the legislative majority for months, bragging about what they’ll do when they get their “rightful” chairmanships — be put into the uncomfortable position of having to refuse the graces of their now-revealed former party “leader”.
…that’s an “appearance” I’d like to see…well…make an appearance.
Puritan1648 on November 1, 2006 at 8:03 PM
…their hegemony of information is only as far away as our own inattention. Don’t overrate the blogosphere. It’s still in its infancy. It’s still being dismissed as “malcontents at home typing in their pajamas”.
I think that it was either T. E. Lawrence or Orde Wingate (or both, Wingate correcting Lawrence’s numbers) who said that, for a resistance movement to suceed, you only need 2% mobilized. As long as the other 98% are passive — either in support or in mild disagreement — and you can hold out, you’ll win. We may be the 2% here in our pajamas, but I doubt it…not yet, anyway.
Look at the alacrity with which fools have taken up the standard talking points:
* No WMDs, illegal war.
* A million killed by sanctions against Iraq.
* We’re bombing cities in Iraq.
* Neither Bush nor Cheney served (while, in fact, *both* served).
* Saddam had nothing to do with aiding or enabling international terror.
* That it’s Islam that’s the victim here, not Israel.
* That Kerry was “clearly” talking about Bush in the remarks we’re discussing here.
The Left has a firm hold on *THEIR* 2%…they’re also obfuscating enough to turn everyone off (disgusted inattention is passive)….
Goebbels told the world that you only have to tell your lies often enough…we need to tell our truths more often.
Puritan1648 on November 1, 2006 at 8:14 PM
Absolutely he does! Let’s just make sure we frame it that way. There is an important difference between saying “Kerry is an elitist bastard with a clear contempt for the military” and saying “Democrats, in general, have a fundamental disdain for the military that makes them, as a whole, unfit for leadership”, despite the fact that both statements stem from exactly the same root.
Look, I’m all for turning the Left’s own weaknesses against them, but American’s aren’t stupid. They know that Kerry’s apology wasn’t really an apology and it just serves to confirm the observation that Kerry is, indeed, an elitist bastard. Dwelling on the fact that it wasn’t really an apology serves no purpose. Dwelling on the fact that Kerry’s statement and subsequent non-apology points to the larger issue of the Democratic credibility gap does serve a purpose and a very good one, especially when combined with everything else.
jasnell on November 1, 2006 at 8:22 PM
And the irony is — his words weren’t twisted by anyone but the left trying to say he was talking about Bush.
Whoever brought up the Christians should forgive subject — No problem, but there’s no reason to support the demonRats in this election who just haven’t said outloud what Kerry did. Many of them think it.
wytammic on November 1, 2006 at 8:26 PM
I appreciate your point but it’s not just the Blogs. It’s the Internet in general, talk radio, Fox News, etc., etc. Just look at what’s happening to the Newspaper industry in this country and you’ll realize there has been a fundamental shift in how people in this country get their news and information. The fact that the MSM is biased is well known by the American people and they have responded by defecting at an alarming rate from the MSM.
The Pajamahadeen brought down Rather. They exposed Reuters and the AP in Lebanon, etc., etc. The days of the MSM lying with impunity are over. The days of burying stories is over. For example, s troop picture hits FR, makes it places like here and Drudge and 30 minutes later it’s on Fox News and being talked about by people like Rush. The world has changed dramatically.
******
Trippi just has some interesting insight on the Factor:
The real winner is Dean - now they’ll blame Kerry rather than Dean if the Dems lose.
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 8:28 PM
Laura Ingraham on Factor making my point.
TheBigOldDog on November 1, 2006 at 8:31 PM
I’m beginning to think that you and those you are debating on this thread just aren’t communicating that well, because when I look at what they are saying and what you are saying, there isn’t all that much difference. A little bit, but not much. Is it just me?
thirteen28 on November 1, 2006 at 8:32 PM
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