MORE ON THE MARY CHENEY ISSUE

Last week I received a few emails stating that the Republicans are overblowing the issue surrounding Kerry using Mary Cheney as a sticking point on the topic of homosexuality and gay marriage during the last debate. Some also stated that it was hypocritical since Republicans bashed Teresa Heinz during campaign trail.

I don't believe these points are relevant since we are talking about debate etiquette, and President Bush or major figures from his campaign staff have never criticized Teresa Heinz. Even last Friday on CNBC, Hal Bruno, who is the retired political director of ABC News and was a moderator for the 1992 vice-presidential debate, stated that it was inappropriate for Kerry to bring any family member into the discussion. Bruno has covered every presidential debate since 1960 and is known to be a neutral commentator on this topic.

Obvious some Dems reading this blog are biased and towing the party line to the degree of even ignoring such revealing comments as Mary Beth Cahill referring to Mary Cheney as "fair game." What does "fair game" mean? It means it wasn't a thoughtful comment by Kerry, but a strategic statement or stab at Bush, Cheney, and those that have similar views. "Fair game" means that this is war and everything is fair and the Kerry camp is going to be nastier.

"Whatever Kerry's intent, there can be no doubt about the reaction. Democrats at debate-watching parties gasped in surprise. Wired focus group members across the country displayed an instant negative reaction. Old Democratic political hands, in disbelief, tried to convey their unhappiness to Kerry. Even Kerry's Republican friend, Sen. John McCain, publicly criticized the Democratic nominee." (more from Robert Novak)

Also "The Lowest Blow" by William Safire from The New York Times.