“One of his favorite topics of humor was indeed Chappaquiddick itself”; Update: Audio added
posted at 8:48 am on August 28, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
As long as we’re on the subject of humor this morning, what kind of jokes did the late Ted Kennedy like to tell his closest friends? One of Kennedy’s close friends, former editor of Newsweek and New York Times Magazine Ed Klein, tells the Diane Rehm Show that Chappaquiddick jokes were high up on the list (audio here, at 30:10):
I don’t know if you know this or not, but one of his favorite topics of humor was indeed Chappaquiddick itself. And he would ask people, “have you heard any new jokes about Chappaquiddick?” That is just the most amazing thing. It’s not that he didn’t feel remorse about the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, but that he still always saw the other side of everything and the ridiculous side of things, too.
Jules Crittenden wonders (with a great deal of snark) if “you had to be there.” Mark Hemingway is aghast:
EXCUSE ME? If that’s true it makes Kennedy kind of a monster. The odd thing is that if you listen to the whole show, the tone of everyone involved is nauseatingly haigographic and reverential. Klein apparently let his guard down a bit; after he lets it slip Kennedy liked to joke about the woman he killed you can actually hear in his voice that he’s trying to backpedal. The show actually cuts to a break as he’s trying to explain himself, and I seriously wonder if it wasn’t the producers trying to do Klein a favor. But I’m sorry, there appears to be little to that could explain this. It goes way beyond “you had to be there.”
If nothing else, it puts to rest the notion that Kennedy’s remorse balances out the undeniable cowardice of his actions at Chappaquiddick. Even allowing for the best possible spin on his actions that day, what kind of person jokes about an incident that left a young woman dead in the back of his own car? Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) got high marks from some for joking about his arrest for indecency and acknowledging his public humiliation, but the only thing that died in the X-rated theater was Reubens’ television show.
It does set free Kennedy’s critics to talk at length about Chappaquiddick and its proportion to Kennedy’s public life. After all, if Kennedy thought it was a topic for humor in private, then it certainly is a valid topic for serious analysis of his life as well.
Update: Had the wrong audio link; it’s fixed now.
Update II: Here’s the audio:
Blowback
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Only because of YOU joining us here at HA, troll. There’s a lot of you running around out there.
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 4:53 PM
By all means, please give us the links showing Laura Bush cracking jokes about her accident. And did she name her dog “T-Bone”. No? C’mon you vile turd, you must have something. Right?
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Now your making fun of someone who died? Looks like you and ted have/had a lot in common.
FontanaConservative on August 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM
You make sure of that.
Esthier on August 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM
On second thought, hold off on the Hammer, guys. Let ‘im squirm.
kingsjester on August 28, 2009 at 4:55 PM
And the simpler ones painfully impact on it…
karl9000 on August 28, 2009 at 4:55 PM
You are the reason that America is becoming 2nd rate.
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Awww, look who’s done whining.
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Translation: “I can’t answer the question.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMJOy7DrhqU
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 4:57 PM
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 4:57 PM
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 4:57 PM
You’re quite right! :-) I did apologize upthread for troll-baiting. But then, I’m not very smart about these things — just ask the troll himself! He’ll tell you.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 4:57 PM
It’s impolite to talk to yourself when in the company of others.
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 4:58 PM
O’bama won 70% of the high school dropout vote. No other candidate had ever done that before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMJOy7DrhqU
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 4:59 PM
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 4:56 PM
If you ever had a bright idea, it would die of loneliness.
kingsjester on August 28, 2009 at 4:59 PM
That douche doesn’t care about Mary Jo….never has, never will. He is simply glad that “The Swimmer” is dead so he can come in here and troll for an argument that doesn’t center around that despicable Marxist Ochimpy.
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Yeah, but the old man won the inbred states. A much better measure or things, no? #3 for lyfe!
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Okay, simpleton, you’re getting boring again. Remember, I’m not very smart and have a short attention span into the bargain, so you’d better put some more enthusiasm into your trolling! Hop to it, now! Chop chop!
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Seriously? This is the best you’ve got? Childish insults that would embarrass Pee Wee Herman?
Ed, Allah, we need better trolls.
Esthier on August 28, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Oh, look! Simpleton cares about America! Isn’t that cute???
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:06 PM
WOOOOW!!
The depth of evil that Ted Kennedy reveals making humor of this tragic event is just mind boggling.
Howard Stern seems to have been correct in referring to Joe Kennedy Sr. as a kind of devil spawning demon seed through his children in his autobiography that a friend alerted me to in my college dorm room in ’97.
I laughed when I read it back then, but am not laughing now.
JaqobJackson on August 28, 2009 at 5:07 PM
And you’re the reason we’ll become third world.
darwin on August 28, 2009 at 5:09 PM
The entire Kennedy family is like a colony of evil cock roaches. You won’t be completely rid of them until the last one is dead.
Jeff from WI on August 28, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Simon, have you run away?
Did we hurtums widdle feewings?
kingsjester on August 28, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Why me alone am I the reason we’ll become a second rate country?
FontanaConservative on August 28, 2009 at 5:13 PM
By all means, please give us the links showing Laura Bush cracking jokes about her accident. And did she name her dog “T-Bone”. No? C’mon you vile turd, you must have something. Right?
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM
High quality Bitch Slap, cs. Me hat is off to ya!
paragon27x on August 28, 2009 at 5:13 PM
FonCon, go to your room! NO making the greatest country on Earth a second rate country for you, young man!
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I don’t see Laura as a dog person. Takes time away from the cigarettes and anti-depressants.
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 5:19 PM
bu but simpleton told me I would!!!
FontanaConservative on August 28, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Well, I told you not to listen to stupid people, FonCon.
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 5:21 PM
That’s really the best you have? That a woman is so depressed after killing a friend that she’s on medication, as opposed to being so cold about it that she jokes about her friend’s death?
Really?
And cigs? Since when did you care about that? Have any comments about Obama’s habit?
Esthier on August 28, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Esthier on August 28, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Or gosh, playmate, we could even talk about Barry’s documented use of Pot and Cocaine. Don’tcha wanna?
kingsjester on August 28, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Looks like the resident patriots are running out of steam. Viva Kennedycare!
You lose.
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 5:25 PM
iSorry.
FontanaConservative on August 28, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Good one, E.! :-) Cigarettes are eeeeeeeeeeevil… except when it’s The One who is smoking them.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:26 PM
You already lost, two pages of comments ago.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Free swimming lessons and rehab for everyone!
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 5:29 PM
So what is a ‘winner’ like you doing on here during the work day? Sick cat perhaps?
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 5:29 PM
I surely expect the Nutroots and MSNBC to report this.
/sarc
Speedwagon82 on August 28, 2009 at 5:29 PM
simplesimon on August 28, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Why can’t can’t you answer questions, Simon? Are you in an altered state or just chicken?
kingsjester on August 28, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Why do these people think I am going to care about Ted Kennedy and his passing? He was nothing to me. He never did anything for me or anyone I know.
I heard today that he actually wrote a letter to the KGB to offer his assistance in undermining Ronald Reagan.
I honestly believe that if John Kennedy had lived, he would have ended up like Lieberman, an Independent, because he would never fit into the modern Democratic party..and his brother Ted was partly responsible for that change.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 5:32 PM
It’s Friday afternoon, and time to have a little fun bashing trolls! Although I must say, there’s not much left of you after Esthier and kingsjester had their way with you.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:32 PM
If you mean Simpleton is neutered, well, he is a liberal…
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Excellent troll evisceration, everyone!
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Well, gosh. Simon. I’ve got to go pick up dinner to surprise my wife. But you can keep posting until Mom calls you up from the basement for Supper. I had fun during our playtime. Buh bye!
kingsjester on August 28, 2009 at 5:35 PM
simplesimon:
yeah, viva Kennedycare, it is good enough for the peasants, but not for Kennedy himself.
I actually heard some morons on the left yammering about how the right wing killed the Kennedy brothers. The truth is Oswald and Sirhan, were not from the right side of politics, but from Ted’s side. But I doubt if the liberals who were talking that trash know that, they have no sense of history.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 5:35 PM
Man, I am glad you noticed that…FontanaConservative is the reason for our failing economy, record debt, large loss of life in Afghan, declining faith in government….this one poster, one guy in all of America, kind of “ground zero” of all things bad.
He is the reason, get rid of FC, and all will be right, we will regain all of our strength.
Imagine you thinking one person, a poster is responsible for Obama’s pathetic leadership, his horrible economic policy, his foolish agenda, and his naive attempt at controlling business, and his poor weak choices for Czar’s and cabinet (what few he has filled)…you have quite an imagination my child, now run home to mommy…
right2bright on August 28, 2009 at 5:38 PM
second rate? How many American women are giving birth in elevators?
Not many.
I also some reference to McCain carrying the inbred states. Cute.
The thing is simple simon that one of the reasons so many people detest people like yourself is that you talk a lot about equality but in reality you are elitist little snobs who practice regional snobbery and class warfare..hence the inbred thing.
Now if I were to respond with some remark about the inner cities that always go blue, well…I would be called a racist.
Liberals, they can dish it out but the absolutely suck at taking it.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Did he really name his dog ‘Splash’?
Yep, and he named his cat ‘Leave you to die hear in the frigid water while you suck the last bit of oxygen from this small pocket of air’….but he liked to just call it ‘Pocket’ for short.
dont taze me bro on August 28, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Slacking, obviously! :-) What’s your excuse?
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:42 PM
The thing that people like simplesimon never understand is that America’s greatness is in her people.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 5:43 PM
I get here just in time to see the pulped remains of Simon being used for target practice.
I would like to thank everyone for not leaving any chunks for ol’ Bishop to kick around.
Haters.
Bishop on August 28, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Fortunately, since I push a broom, nobody cares if I slack. It’s true, you know. I’m the janitor at Gooey Louie’s Charcoaled Hamburgers. Business is way down since the recession hit. Not much for me to do except sit in the break room and drink the cold tar we call “coffee”.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Oh, pardon me, I’m the janitrix. Sorry — I’m not very smart.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Mary:
I think you sound clever myself.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 5:50 PM
applause!!!
FontanaConservative on August 28, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Thank you, but you’re really much too kind. simpleton outed me as having an IQ smaller than the percentage drop in the value of FontanaConservative’s house. (I think it was FonCon’s house… that was quite a few comments ago…)
And he also told everyone how low my SAT scores were. There was a time when that would have embarrassed me, but as the Duke of Gloucester said of his illegitimate son, “I have so often blushed to acknowledge him, that now I am brazed to it.” (King Lear, Act I, scene 1). So I can’t claim to have any intellectual pretensions whatsoever.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I wasn’t aware your home state voted for McCain.
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 6:05 PM
As First Lady, Laura Bush’s pet project was “Troops to Teachers”, a continuation of the program started by Bill Clinton. It recruits discharged military people to become teachers in inner-city locations such as your own.
getalife.
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Mary:
Don’t you pay that mean old simple simon person any mind. I bet he could not even spell Gloucester.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Somehow, I don’t think he’s laughing now…
Searing heat tends to parch one’s sense of humor.
seejanemom on August 28, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Thanks, Terrye! I do know that I shouldn’t have engaged the troll in the first place — shame on me, sucking down HotAir’s bandwidth! — but I have to admit that it’s a ton of fun watching the folks here take him down. :-)
And yes, he probably couldn’t spell Gloucester even if you and I spotted him the u and the first e. ;-)
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 6:21 PM
It doesn’t surprise me that this glutton thought this way. To hell with Camelot. A bunch of hosers that drank too much.
tobity on August 28, 2009 at 6:22 PM
right2bright on August 28, 2009 at 3:39 PM:
‘Ever hear McCain say “My friends” ‘
re: I can’t recall a specific occurrence of John Mcain
using that phrase. But I am certain I must have heard him
say the phrase numerous times for I closely followed what both he and Barack Obama were saying during the time of
their Presidential contest when I was sorting out who I
would finally support for President. And which decision
was eventually John McCain, though more the fact Sarah
Palin ended up as his vice-presidential pick then for what I heard McCain proposing.
I am not a Hebrew or Greek scholar either. But I know
from them that you are certainly right when you say the
word translated friend that we both are referring to “is first defined in this case as a comrade” but “experts” also say it includes the secondary definition of “friend”. One expert whose opinion I respect said the following using the first definition of “comrade” and in specific reference to it’s use in Matthew 26:50:
“perhaps the most touching thing in the Bible. The Lord
does not disown Judas”
In regards to your statement, “Philos would be the word you were hoping for” you are wrong for I wasn’t hoping for any particular Greek word. I already knew from my previous quote of Matthew 5:44 that the use of “Friend”, or if you prefer “comrade”, in my Matthew 26:50 reference already suited my purpose and that it was impossible that Christ in my Matthew 26 references was condemning Judas in any way, shape, or form.
Basil Fawlty on August 28, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Mary:
I copied. I probably could not spell it either.
It is almost impossible to ignore a troll. It is a lot like not watching a trainwreck. You just can not help yourself.
Terrye on August 28, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Love you some Kennedy death don’t cha? You get to explore new avenues of trolldom.
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 6:39 PM
You really are simple aren’t you? Very clearly you’re the loser here. I can’t imagine you don’t realize what a fool you’re making of yourself, over and over again.
AsianGirlInTights on August 28, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Those who do not understand history are doomed to repeat it. If your mommy lets you use your computer a little longer tonight you ought to take a look at how Lenin viewed ‘Useful Idiots’ and especially what he had planned for them once they helped him reach his marxist utopia. Hint. … They weren’t going to be treated like royalty… more of the bullet in the back of the head and being bulldozed into an unmarked grave’.
This ‘healthcare’ plan is pure evil. It won’t help those who it claims to help.
Our parents will be told that they are no longer useful. ..lie down and the nice orderly will OD you on morphine. That will only cost the government a couple of bucks instead of the heart catherization or a round of chemo that will let granny live another year or two to see her grandkids grow up.
You might think that you will get some special treatment because of your loyal support for ‘the cause’.. Nope, aint’ gonna work that way. Again, look up Lenin’s “Useful idiots”… You might even see your picture next to the definition.
bullseye on August 28, 2009 at 6:52 PM
No offense, but I don’t think you ever heard John McCain speak, well you may have “heard” him, but you didn’t “hear what he said…
Their has been hardly any more noticeable “tic” then his “my friends”…
But glad to have straightened you out in your “trick” question about Judas…don’t do that again, using the bible as a tool for a “gotcha”,I don’t take kindly too. It is not something a supposed Christian does…very disappointing. That was twice you tried the same tactic, misusing the Word, I expect that from a non-believer. But will call out a believer…
right2bright on August 28, 2009 at 6:52 PM
KennedyCare?
More like KopechneCare. I sure wish I had said this first but I Googled it and someone over at Free Republic beat me to it.
trapeze on August 28, 2009 at 6:54 PM
BTW – I saw Pope Benedict a little while back. Gotta love the guy in that he hasn’t said a word about the Chappaquiddick Frogman. Silence is golden.
Any priest that presides over a mass for that abortion supporting, leave a girl to die in your car weasel should be excommunicated.
I was considering showing up in line at the wake with a mask, wetsuit, flippers and snorkel..
bullseye on August 28, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 4:31 PM
No
Well here at Fawlty Towers we do have chef problems concerning Waldorf Salads, but don’t worry I am confident I can handle your request. Mind you, the last time I had such certainty concerning a Waldord Salad request, as I am sure you are aware, my confidence in myself turned out to be severely misplaced.
Basil Fawlty on August 28, 2009 at 6:57 PM
This is where the Obama Camapign assigned it.
malclave on August 28, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Whaddaya mean? That’s exactly how Lenin treated royalty too. Socialist equality of outcome.
DarkCurrent on August 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Eh…you know it’s working…lame…but still david is paying it…
jerrytbg on August 28, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I wouldn’t have posted mine had I seen yours …sorry.
jerrytbg on August 28, 2009 at 7:09 PM
My apologies for the fuzzy thinking. .. Again, with the marxist concept of kill everyone who gets in your way, everyone who might get in your way, everyone you think could get in your way, everyone who was in your way, everyone who you think might have looked at you crosseyed, … it gets a little confusing.
Anyway, a lot of the fools doing the ‘yes we can’ crap will be unpleasantly surprised when they find out they are under the same rules as everyone else and subject to zeke emanuells kill old people for cost cutting and the mad science csar’s put sterilants in the water.
At least if you place your faith in GOD, you know he isn’t going to screw you.
bullseye on August 28, 2009 at 7:11 PM
I apologize is someone has provided this disgusting link to PuffHo but I am a sick to my stomach over the thought that someone could actually go as low as to write this about Mary Jo:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-lafsky/the-footnote-speaks-what_b_270298.html
“Still, ignorance doesn’t preclude a right to wonder. So it doesn’t automatically make someone (aka, me) a Limbaugh-loving, aerial-wolf-hunting NRA troll for asking what Mary Jo Kopechne would have had to say about Ted’s death, and what she’d have thought of the life and career that are being (rightfully) heralded.
Who knows — maybe she’d feel it was worth it.”
margategop517 on August 28, 2009 at 7:12 PM
I’m sure you’re both right, and I’m chagrined I didn’t think of it as the obvious explanation. Dang! Where can I get some of that sweet, sweet trolling money? It would sure beat sweeping and mopping… but what shall it profit a blog-posting slacker if she shall gain the world and lose her own soul?
Sadly true! ;-)
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Maverick Muse posted that earlier for our barfing pleasure. :-P However, no harm in posting it twice — I think the quotation should be preserved for posterity as an example of abject two-faced sycophancy.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 7:19 PM
right2bright on August 28, 2009 at 6:52 PM
No offense taken on my part concerning your having straightened me out concerning John Mcain. I am sorry to hear you think my question was a “trick” question aimed at you for a hopeful “gotcha” moment on my part for I tell you truly that the question was not a “trick” qestion on my part trying to play “gotcha” with you. I trust also that you will now realize that with the question no offense was actually intended on my part towards you.
Basil Fawlty on August 28, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Kippers! I need some kippers!
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Murderer.
How is what he did any different than what OJ did (umm, sorry what that bad person did with those ugly *ss shoes)?
How glorified are drunk drivers in our society that kill innocent people? Do they have flags flown at half mast around the country?
He was a vile political monster who believed in destroying anyone who opposed his views (Bork /Estrada/Thomas/etc.)
He supported abortion on demand and every one of the MOST LIBERAL causes out there.
Eternity is a scary thing for anyone to face but I’m glad I don’t have to explain being Ted Kennedy.
You can put all the religious words and phrases on it you want but a life of adultery/womanizing/etc. is just a waste for anyone but a Camelot politician.
Messed up world we live in.
PappyD61 on August 28, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I have a proposal for all of us…
The moment a troll shows up…note the time then ck to see what post preceded it’s arrival…by a minute or two….I believe it is because the truth was just exposed…we all know this…let us document it…
AND petition the powers that be that run this fine website to reveal the general location of said poster…
A true challenge… to further expose the truth.
jerrytbg on August 28, 2009 at 7:32 PM
It’s wrong to joke about Chappaquiddick, even if Teddy did it.
hawksruleva on August 28, 2009 at 7:33 PM
I like it! I’m in.
Mary in LA on August 28, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Good…it’s time to take the gloves off…
Anyone else?
jerrytbg on August 28, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Hard to understand why that television show only lasted 12 episodes since after it is long gone it has been named the #1 television program of all time by the British Film Institute. It sure did make me laugh and for that matter still does as right now I have where I am living the borrowed from my sister entire 12 episode collection I bought her for a birthday present.
Basil Fawlty on August 28, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Here’s an ancient Mary Jo song
http://www.philxmilstein.com/probe/tracks/ReubenWare-TheFateOfMJK.mp3
Del Dolemonte on August 28, 2009 at 8:05 PM
What really happened.
JustTruth101 on August 28, 2009 at 8:44 PM
My husband does that; borrow things he gives me for my birthday, that is. Actually, I think he may give me things for my birthday so he can borrow them. Books, Dvds, guitar strings…I began to be suspicious when he bought me a set of Vise-Grip locking pliers.
Constance on August 28, 2009 at 10:09 PM
You know? These guys at the funeral are just to friendly!!! I don’t think this friendly ness is in our best intrest (deal making) then golf and drinks on us!!! TERM LIMITS read my text
swimcoachmike on August 28, 2009 at 10:23 PM
just as I thought…he was one sick,narcissistic sumbitch…just like his brothers.
Fed45 on August 28, 2009 at 10:42 PM
simpleton needs the ban hammer.
What a sick creature.
atheling on August 28, 2009 at 11:07 PM
If Ted Kennedy was the “Lion of the Senate”, I can’t wait to meet the hyenas.
newton on August 28, 2009 at 11:33 PM
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