I've been tremendously busy lately, but couldn't help but hear about the latest John Kerry gaffe. I've been no apologist for John Kerry, but I feel I should pen a few words in his "defense".

First, when I heard his quote, even out of context, it seemed clear to me that he was referring to the Bush administration, not our soldiers. So I don't at all think he was lying when he said that was his intention -- that was exactly how I heard and understood it.

Second, I don't blame anyone who heard it the other way around. After all, they're just hearing what he actually said. And yes, they're right, his comments don't make any sense as being about a President: it's a rather unusual warning to say that if you don't study hard, you might end up as President of the USA. (Not to mention what it says about our country and voters -- such cynicism can be expected from a college student, but it is chilling coming from one actually requesting your vote -- especially given his own bad grades.)

But, frankly, Kerry says a lot of stupid things, and I believe this was just one of them. Of course it doesn't make sense. But neither does his oft-repeated claim to have helped the CIA supply weapons to the Communist Khmer Rouge, long before they were a military force, along a blocked river, using one of the noisiest forms of transportation known to man. (Back when Nixon was President, in 1968.)

So my "defense" of Kerry is that I honestly don't think he's lying about what he meant. I believe him: Instead of insulting our men and women in uniform, he was simply engaged in low personal attacks on a political opponent.

Update: I'm also not sure this was a very smart follow-up on Kerry's part:

"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..."

It seems to me you could attack Republicans on quite a number of issues, but Bush's "security policy" is probably not the "real issue" Kerry should want voters to focus on. (Five years with no major terrorist attacks is not exactly what most of us would think of as a "failed security policy.") Again, Kerry says a lot of foolish things.

Update 2: Looks like LaShawn, Kevin, and I are roughly on the same page here.