Reply #25: This hurts, hopefully short term, but it has zero to do with lesbianism

[Awsi Dooger]

The reaction would be no different if the topic were crime and Kerry volunteered he's happy Cheney's daughter has overcome her juvenile crime spree tendencies to live an honest and productive life.

I hosted a debate watching party, mostly apolitical friends, and they were shocked when Kerry included Cheney's daughter in his remark. "I can't believe he said that," one woman said instantly, and she's a strong Kerry supporter. It was a topic that came up two or three times during our post-debate meal, along with praise of Bush's two final remarks, the strong women in his life and his closing statement.

I have a journalism degree from USC. Tonight I called a college friend who is now a bigtime political reporter in Los Angeles. He confirmed there were only two significant audible reactions from the media pool during the three presidential debates -- laughter when Bush said "Of course I know Osama Bin Laden attacked us. I know that" during debate #1, and a stunned gasp when Kerry mentioned Cheney's daughter. That was an honest reaction, and came before any spin, or criticism from Lynne Cheney.

Kerry's comment was obviously innocent and meant as praise. No chance I could have forecast this reaction, especially after the Edwards/Cheney debate. But I saw and heard it immediately in my living room Wednesday night, and that's why I shell out $100+ to host debate parties.

The weekend is all Mary Cheney, and questions of Kerry's character and judgement, as unbelievable and pathetic as that may be. We need a significant distracting event, even if slightly negative, ASAP.