Apparently Mrs. Heinz Kerry was being told she said "unAmerican activities" when in fact, she said "unAmerican traits." (I have read this, but not actually seen the tape with the reporter, so if someone could clarify the word after "unAmerican" I'd be grateful). While it doesn't seem like a big deal, the difference between the words "activities" and "traits" is enormous...the first inspires an image of McCarthy-esque America returning with full vigor.

Regardless, the "shove it" remark, like VP Cheney's remark was unprofessional and not the way to deal with the situation. In both cases, I would suggest that they acquire thicker skins and longer fuses--it's the nature of the business that you are going to be browbeat--accept it and get used to it...learn to handle it with style and grace--neither Heinz-Kerry or Cheney did this!

... actually, if you think about it, "traits" are inherant, and "activities" are things you can change. To me saying "un-American traits" is like saying some people are un-American, as opposed to their actions being un-American.

I don't think it matters, since obviously what she is trying to do is divert the attention from the word un-American, to the word "traits". Let's hope this isn't a "trait", or we'll ahve another Presidency pondering what the definition of "is" is....

we'll ahve another Presidency pondering what the definition of "is" is....

oh, please no! not again!

Just what I need, an African lecturing me on what is American and what isn't.

It's relevant because Kerry has been pushing civility. Some leader.

It's relevant because liberals keep blasting Bush about infringing first amendment rights. Then Loose Cannon Teresa goes and attacks a reporter. Brilliant.

It relevant because you don't want the First Lady "just speaking her mind" at a state dinner and starting an international incident with someone her husband is in sensitive negotiations with, or alienating an important ally.

I'd say the Kerry campaign thinks it's relevant. Though when asked about it he said he fully supported his wife, I find it interesting she has been doing interviews all day explaining herself. To me it looks like someone sent her out on damage control. (She's not very good at it. She's misrepresenting what happened as if it wasn't on video tape. She told Katie Couric, "I just wanted him to back off," but she angrily went after him to tell him to "shove it." Nice bit of spin, Teresa.)

As for Cheney, someone said he cursed the senator "as President of the senate." Since the senate wasn't in session (I believe they were gathered to take a picture) I don't think it's accurate to say it was as the President. He still shouldn't have said it, though. Had senate been in session he'd have been censored. They have rules against such things.

Ultimately Mrs. Kerry's comments will be a tempest in a teapot. Welcome to presidential politics.

Apparently Mrs. Heinz Kerry was being told she said "un-American activities" when in fact, she said "un-American traits." (I have read this, but not actually seen the tape with the reporter, so if someone could clarify the word after "un-American" I'd be grateful).

I have seen the tape a number of times and the reporter said something like "What did you mean when you said 'un-American {something or other, I am not sure if he said activities or traits at that time}'" and Mrs. Kerry said "I never said that." then he said "Well you said something about un-American..." and she jumped in and said "I never said that." Then he said something like "Well I am asking you what you said?" and she said "I never said that. I never said un-American." etc. The reporter guy seemed a bit confused and was checking his notes during this exchange and seemed to me to be just trying to get a confirmation of what she said and meant. Of course without having seen what went on before that I can not be sure if he had said anything to her that might have put her on edge. But Mrs. Kerry definitely seemed upset about the word 'un-American' being attributed to her, which of course she did use and we all heard her say it. I would love to see that reporter, or any reporter, show Mrs. Kerry the tape of her saying "un-American" and asking her what she meant by whatever it was she said. And just for the record I do not mind her saying "un-American" or even "shove it" I really do not care. It is just how she reacted to that reporter and tried to pretend that she never said it that bothers me. Now of course Hillary and most of the media talking heads keep focusing on the shove it part of the whole thing and not that she really did say "un-American" and never has admitted it or explained what she meant.

By the way, Gene Nash I agree with everything you said. Nicely put.

Yes, I think it was how upset she seemed to be, not the actual words she used. You'd think if someone was a billionaire they'd have the self-assuredness to brush a reporter off like a fly. Instead, she acted like someone genuinely harrowed.