Reply #84: I understand your point, and I agree with it

[globalvillage]

But I don't think Sen Kerry is going to use the word 'lie'. I also don't recall any other senator saying it.
Check the link. When Sen Kerry said 'lie', both sides of the aisle accused him of political posturing. The focus switched from the word 'lie' to the supposition that he said it for his own purposes.
And it really didn't resonate. Google it, and you won't find that the media picked up on this use of the word 'lie'.
Maybe it would be different in the current climate. Who knows?
At any rate, I think the public can grasp 'misled'.
I hear you, though. "Lie" is a stronger word in common usage. I'm just not sure it will work to our advantage to use it.
Maybe we're being too cautious, or maybe just cautious enough.