Why is it so hard for the New York Times to obtain the basic facts of Sen. John Kerry's "botched joke"?
Political reporter Adam Nagourney, like Kate Zernike before him, spins Kerry's November gaffe about U.S. troops "stuck in Iraq" at a political rally in California to make them seem less harmful, in Thursday's "Kerry Will Not Enter Presidential Race."
"But Mr. Kerry’s hopes were probably most damaged by what he said was a botched joke he told while campaigning on behalf of Congressional candidates in the final week of the 2006 election campaigns.
"Mr. Kerry’s prepared remarks called for him to say, 'Do you know where you end up if you don’t study, if you aren’t smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq. Just ask President Bush.' In his delivery, he dropped the word 'us.'"
In fact Kerry "dropped" more than just the one word "us," though from reading Nagourney you'd think that was the only difference between Kerry's prepared remarks and what actually left his mouth in California.
In fact, what Kerry said had little similarity to his prepared speech, and it would have been far more useful for the Times to have actually quoted what Kerry said at the rally, instead of making excuses for him by citing his prepared remarks.
Kerry actually said: "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq." Kerry didn't say "Just ask President Bush" at all.
But Nagourney (or the editor who inserted the paragraph) apparently relied on previous botched work by his colleague Kate Zernike, because nearly the exact same paragraph appeared in Zernike's flawed version of the story on the controversy last year, which the Times later corrected.
Here's Zernike on November 2, sounding almost the same as Nagourney on January 25:
"Mr. Kerry’s prepared remarks to California students on Monday called for him to say, 'Do you know where you end up if you don’t study, if you aren’t smart, if you’re intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq. Just ask President Bush.' In his delivery, he dropped the word 'us.'"
For more New York Times bias, visit TimesWatch.
—Clay Waters is the director of Times Watch, an MRC project tracking the New York Times.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Time to go to the house, John
January 25, 2007 - 16:44 ET by rimskyTime to go to the house, John-boy... er, I mean.. the Townhouse.. er Penthouse.. er beachhouse... I dunno... just go!
He goes wherever Teresa tells
January 25, 2007 - 16:49 ET by HypocriteHaterHe goes wherever Teresa tells him to go!! It's her dead husband's ketchup money that pays his bills.
That's right, pack up your
January 25, 2007 - 16:54 ET by MightyMouthThat's right, pack up your medals and go home. Oh, wait, he tossed his medals, right? Well then... just go home. Don't go away mad, just go away!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MightyMouth....j k don'
January 25, 2007 - 17:11 ET by ww thumperMightyMouth....j k don't have his "phoony medals" any more; he threw them over the white house fence....remember?!! v Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......V �
Kerry thought that Clinton sa
January 25, 2007 - 17:29 ET by Chris Normanmm,
Kerry thought that Clinton said, to be a swinging president, "a man needed condiments"...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Here's a great John Kerry jok
January 25, 2007 - 19:30 ET by blarsenHere's a great John Kerry joke:
"Why did John Kerry cross the road?"
Answer: "To impeach George Bush!"
HA! HA! HA! That's a good one! Man, I'm funny!
Here's a better one:Why did
January 26, 2007 - 11:33 ET by MightyMouthHere's a better one:
Why did blarsen make a post?
Answer: To remove any doubt (as if) that he is an idiot.
HA! HA! HA! That's a good one! Man, he's funny!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
The New York Time is simply lying and they know it...
January 25, 2007 - 16:45 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasYou are far too kind to describe the deliberate NYT misrepresentation of the Kerry insult as botched. They are lying and they know it.
If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal.
Way OT but all this lib nonse
January 25, 2007 - 16:45 ET by RackieWay OT but all this lib nonsense has got me going in circles.
http://flickr.com/photos/jasonunbound/290782661/
Kerry
January 25, 2007 - 17:01 ET by Jerry MackI think it is wonderfull that they keep reminding people of Kerrys' arrogance.
...and his stupidity... This
January 25, 2007 - 17:24 ET by mattm...and his stupidity... This genius brilliantly let's his true disdain for the American military slip, then, to deflect the backlash, he tries to say it was a botched joke about the stupidity of President Bush...irony is soooo ironic!
mattm...the only "jo
January 25, 2007 - 17:37 ET by ww thumpermattm...the only "joke " that fool botched; was himself!! ww v Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......V �
Yes the New York Slimes is ly
January 25, 2007 - 17:05 ET by HumanEventsYes the New York Slimes is lying just as John sKerry was lying. If this was a "botched joke" then why didn't Kerry say that the first day after it happened? Instead he simply said, "I apologize to no one." Then the next day he suddenly pulls the botched joke excuse out of the hat, even stating, "Everyone knows I botched a joke." Yet he himself didn't seem to know that the day before! He himself is the only botched joke. And also his 2004 Presidential campaign.
How long and how many times d
January 25, 2007 - 17:33 ET by Chris NormanHow long and how many times does the NYT and others in the MSM plan on trying to explain, in vain, Kerry's tasteless "joke"?
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Apparently until the Kerry ex
January 25, 2007 - 21:23 ET by GalvanicApparently until the Kerry explanation is recorded as historical fact.
I've never accepted the Kerry explanation. I believe the 'prepared remarks" were prepared after he said what he did.
Time and again, we've heard his defenders tell us that Kerry would never denegrate our men and women in uniform, because he served in Vietnam himself.
They conveniently ignore Kerry's testimony before Congress, in which he generally described his fellow servicemen in Vitenam as barbaric war criminals.
Uhh, that doesn't count Galvanic
January 26, 2007 - 04:14 ET by SportPoliticsUhh, that doesn't count Galvanic, err because Kerry hadn't been in Cambodia yet, and err.. he uhh, he never said it- he was saying for vets who did say it, and uhh... well.. if it wasn't true he would be brought up on perjury charges, and err... ahh... it's been proven ask anyone, and eeee... he never called anyone a baby killer like you liars claim.. and oooo.. he's war hero... and get your blleeeeeeep! over to Iraq you #$$%^&^&%^&*&*( chickenhawk awol warmonger!)
I'll take my prozac now.
This is the bias we're talk
January 25, 2007 - 17:43 ET by sanskritgThis is the bias we're talking about?
At least he didn't just call it a botched joke. Nagourney said that Kerry said it was a botched joke.
I think this is nit-picking when he was impartial at minimum.
SANSKRITG...what kerry said w
January 25, 2007 - 17:51 ET by ww thumperSANSKRITG...what kerry said was no "joke" that brainless SOB meant every word of what he said....remember ; he was Vice President of an administration that "LOATHED THE MILITARY" remember??!~ ww v Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......V �
thumper
January 26, 2007 - 04:17 ET by SportPoliticsThumper, I think sanskrit is insane or joking, either way what he said was so stupid, here is my reply.
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA
Anybody who doesn't realize t
January 25, 2007 - 20:01 ET by melvinguntzAnybody who doesn't realize that Kerry was making fun of President Bush, not the troops, is an idiot.
Thank you, drive by troll.You
January 25, 2007 - 21:18 ET by BlondeThank you, drive by troll.
You may count me amongst the idiots.
Kerry didn't "botch a joke". He said exactly what he meant.
I only wish I were a member of the "undereducated" military.....you know, those stuk in IRAK!
Please get in touch with your
January 25, 2007 - 21:30 ET by Right Wing Attack DogPlease get in touch with your favorite french sissy and beg him to change his mind [flip-flop] and run for president in 2008! And while your on your knees, see if you can talk him into signing Standard Form 180.
melvinguntz..That stupid line
January 25, 2007 - 23:03 ET by ww thumpermelvinguntz..That stupid line of trollish BS is not worth answering :-( ww v Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......V �
"ic"
January 26, 2007 - 01:21 ET by mastersofdeceitAnybody who doesn't realize Bush was not "slurring" the democrats by leaving off the "ic" is an idiot.
More leftist revisionist hi
January 25, 2007 - 21:08 ET by Jinx McHueMore leftist revisionist history. No surprises here.
Hey Kerry, why the long face?
January 25, 2007 - 21:23 ET by rdave63Hey Kerry, why the long face?
If you aren’t smart, if you
January 25, 2007 - 21:23 ET by daveinbocaIf you aren’t smart, if you’re intellectually lazy, you polishthe teachers' apples, become a New York Times reporter, and let the research slide because you don't have to work hard or think to spout the ultra-left gibberish the NYT ladles out on a daily basis
Kerry crying, "But I wea
January 25, 2007 - 21:25 ET by rdave63Kerry crying, "But I weally wanted to play president. Why can't I play president like the weally big guys mommy?"
Melvin, and what was Kerry do
January 25, 2007 - 22:01 ET by NazarethMelvin, and what was Kerry doing back during the Vietnam War? Making fun of the President then too? Me thinks not- nope- he's got a history of loathing fellow soldiers- He can whine all day long about how he 'respects the troops' but his lies are glued to his face.
http://sacredscoop.com
I think during the Vietnam Wa
January 26, 2007 - 01:05 ET by blarsenI think during the Vietnam War, John Kerry was fighting the North Vietnamese. Of course the Swift Boat Liars would have you believe otherwise.
I can't recall....did Bush serve in Viet Nam?
Oh man.... you would have to
January 26, 2007 - 01:08 ET by bigtimerOh man.... you would have to turn up blars....
Geeesh!
Go away little boy... ya bother me!
Shoo fly!
Somebody get ready to swat him when he lands near ya!
Give 'em a good one!
Hey bigtimer!I bet you know w
January 26, 2007 - 01:27 ET by blarsenHey bigtimer!
I bet you know where Bush served when he was in Viet Nam. Refresh my memory...let's see, was it in Bien Hoa? Da Nang? Saigon? I just can't seem to remember. Bet he saw a lot of action the way he likes to spin those war stories!
Actually the Swift Boat Veter
January 26, 2007 - 01:32 ET by mastersofdeceitActually the Swift Boat Veterans were never proven wrong. Kerrys so brave he agreed to debate John O'neil on The Dick Cavett Show!
John O'Neill is a well known
January 26, 2007 - 01:47 ET by blarsenJohn O'Neill is a well known liar. He's lied about being a Republican from Texas, lied about his political involvement, lied about his ties to the Nixon White House, lied about his campaign contributions, lied about his co-author, and lied about the makeup of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
See this is what I mean blars
January 26, 2007 - 02:05 ET by bigtimerSee this is what I mean blars.
You are wrong...as usual.
You know it too.
John O'Neil has had proof of every word he said, unlike Kerry, or he would of filed a law-suit by now don't ya think? Being a lawyer and all, having a big time bro who is one...and all the money he needs from Theresa from her dead republican husband that she supports Kerry the gigolo with...
Ah, such is life..
Yawn. Oh did I mention that t
January 26, 2007 - 02:36 ET by mastersofdeceitYawn. Oh did I mention that the Swift Boat Veterans have never been proven wrong? And Christmas in cambodia is seared in my mind.
Kerry was fighting the Vietna
January 26, 2007 - 01:58 ET by melvinguntzKerry was fighting the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. Draft dodger Bush was getting drunk and snorting cocaine during the Vietnam War.
All while flying jet fighters
January 26, 2007 - 02:12 ET by PeskyDaneAll while flying jet fighters and getting his MBA... how do you square this level of multi-tasking with your delusions and myths?
rdave.......and the the fearl
January 25, 2007 - 23:16 ET by bigtimerrdave...
....and the the fearless majority leader Dirty Harry going on and on in the Senate patting his head telling him now, now, it's okay son...
Next floor speech.... 'The lying (lion) of the Senate' Kennedy as the media calls him, making his lovely speech saying that's okay son we need you here, you almost won, those bad guys cheated you out of your rightful due.... but we need you here now...
Both saying you did the right thing, you made the right choice, wise decision,....as they slowly take that .45 pistol away from his head and say....
Job well done!
I laughed my rear off!
After that, Obama says to Ker
January 25, 2007 - 23:29 ET by rdave63After that, Obama says to Kerry, "Don't worry, when I'm president, I will let you come over and sit at my desk once in a while. You can even bring your little plastic toy army men and we can play war. In the mean time, why don't you make yourself usefull and bring me my coffee."
rdave...Laughing my rear off!
January 25, 2007 - 23:42 ET by bigtimerrdave...
Laughing my rear off! Oh Gawd that was good!
Thanks I needed that!
True too....
Maybe they promosed him Rummy's old job!
Poor poor Theresa, she invested all that money and thats all she got...
A DUD!
LOL!
Thanks BT,"John Kerry sp
January 25, 2007 - 23:49 ET by rdave63Thanks BT,
"John Kerry speaks French fluently. Democrats are saying he's one in a million. A war hero who speaks French, isn't it more like one in a trillion?" –Jay Leno
Well, if Kerry speaks English and French, I guess that explains why he is so used to speaking on both sides of every issue.
RDave63..john kerry IS NO &qu
January 26, 2007 - 00:01 ET by ww thumperRDave63..john kerry IS NO "HERO"!! He is a TRAITOR and a comunist , anti american, HATES our troops, and a phony ww v Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......V
I agree with you ww. He nev
January 26, 2007 - 00:08 ET by rdave63I agree with you ww. He never saw action from what hear. The joke was posted for the idea that kerry spoke french. The war hero part was jay leno.
rdave63..Thankx for your
January 26, 2007 - 00:15 ET by ww thumperrdave63..Thankx for your kind reply..... I really didn't think you meant that , but you had me wondering. :-) ww v Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......V
I got a good joke for everyon
January 26, 2007 - 01:30 ET by blarsenI got a good joke for everyone:
Why did Barack Obama cross the road?
Answer: To impeach George Bush!
Man that is good! I can hear you laughing from here!
blarsen
January 26, 2007 - 01:42 ET by SportPoliticsLame, and juvenile, and unoriginal.
You liberals claim to be open minded and creative, but I see moron parrots between ridiculous fools.
Man that is good! I can hear
January 26, 2007 - 01:42 ET by bigtimerMan that is good! I can hear you laughing from here!
Keep your day job .
If ya have one blarsenic.
LOL!
Man...this is fun! I just l
January 26, 2007 - 01:53 ET by blarsenMan...this is fun! I just love tellin' jokes. Here's another one for y'all:
Why did Jim Webb help George Bush cross the road?
Answer: He had to show him the way!
I'm lovin' it. These are great jokes! Hope your enjoying them as much as I am tellin'em!
You really have to be lonely
January 26, 2007 - 01:59 ET by bigtimerYou really have to be lonely blars....really.
I feel for ya...why would you be where you are not wanted and stick around unless you are crying out for attention...okay...I hear ya, now if you want to get along and be a contrarian and enjoy this place try being a little civil and throw in some sanity...it may go a long way, ya never know!
Back and forth is great for the soul...try it...you may learn something, I know I do everyday here.
What fun is it hanging out wi
January 26, 2007 - 02:15 ET by blarsenWhat fun is it hanging out with people who agree with you all the time? I mean, don't you feel sometimes that you're all in one big rightwing circle jerk? How about this: From now on, I'll make comments that are based in fact and everyone else tries to do the same. That way we're all on the same playing field and if someone doesn't have their facts straight, we'll gently correct them and provide link to the factual information. I'll start. I called John O'Neill a liar...Well John O'Neill really is a liar http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh082704.shtml
blarsen, are you ready to sho
January 26, 2007 - 02:01 ET by PeskyDaneblarsen, are you ready to show some class and admit you were wrong about Chelsea Clinton?
What was I wrong about? So sh
January 26, 2007 - 02:19 ET by blarsenWhat was I wrong about? So she dates some dude whose dad is a crook. What's the big deal? She didn't do anything wrong. Her boyfriend didn't do anything wrong. Everybody has a crooked branch in their family tree somewhere.
Says who?
January 26, 2007 - 02:29 ET by bigtimerSays who?
Blarsenic=crooked branch. W
January 26, 2007 - 02:34 ET by rdave63Blarsenic=crooked branch. What do you bet that Blarsenic is the crooked branch in his family tree. Oh, Im sorry, I forgot, his family tree does not fork!
Blarsen, the challenge you pu
January 26, 2007 - 02:39 ET by PeskyDaneBlarsen, the challenge you put out to all, after bashing the Bush Twins, here, was, "what did Chelsea do that was ever that notable?" I then provided 3 links showing Ms. Clinton 3 sheets to the wind.
I'm not one to usually cross threads like this, but given your sestemic arrogance, its appropriate.
Blarsen, you've just been owned.
Even worse, you tired to cove
January 26, 2007 - 02:44 ET by PeskyDaneEven worse, you tired to cover it up by trying to point to something to which I was not even responding. You're a liar. I totally own you and there's nothing you can do about it. The only way to save your last shred of credibility is to say that you were wrong. But then, I'll still own you.
I can explain Blarsenic
January 26, 2007 - 02:51 ET by rdave63Its obvious that Blarsenic is:
1. A 10 year old child (or Michael Jackson posing as Blarsenic);
2. He was dropped on his head multiple times as a child (on purpose no doubt);
3. The product of generations of inbreading, and
4. He is of French Canadian decent.
Well, he's gone now, but he w
January 26, 2007 - 03:02 ET by PeskyDaneWell, he's gone now, but he was on just a moment ago, so I know he saw my last post. Rdave, you are right - libtards really seem to lack higher reasoning capacity, much like children. Otherwise, why be a liberal, eh?
PD, when I was in law school
January 26, 2007 - 03:09 ET by rdave63PD, when I was in law school, my Criminal law professor (extreme left wing lib) asked me why I was conservative. My answer, "because I was raised with common sense." You should have seen the look on his face. Priceless. (I should be careful, he could be blarsenic in disguise)
Never mind the last part of m
January 26, 2007 - 03:10 ET by rdave63Never mind the last part of my post. I forgot, Blarsenic has never been educated and is still in kindegarden.
That was gutsy. I remember
January 26, 2007 - 03:31 ET by PeskyDaneThat was gutsy. I remember one of my PolySci instructors from my undergrad days who was what I would describe as a "Truman Liberal." Though liberal to the core, he was more of a moderator for debates within the class than an advocate for one position or another. He was in his 60's if memory serves, (and sharp as a tack) - one of the last of his kind, and long gone now, no doubt. I'm sure my kids will never run into anyone like him which is really sad.
Well PD, law school uses an a
January 26, 2007 - 03:41 ET by rdave63Well PD, law school uses an anonymous grading system, where we are all issued test numbers, so the professor does not know who we are when he/she graded our exams. But actually, him and I are very, very close friends. I have cooked dinner at his house on too many occasions, we enjoy Arturo Fuentes cigars and good wine together often and are very close friends. We have agreed never to discuss politics and outside of his political views, he is a wonderful friend.
That is very cool.
January 26, 2007 - 04:22 ET by PeskyDaneThat is very cool.
Hey Peskers. I asked what was
January 26, 2007 - 09:38 ET by blarsenHey Peskers. I asked what was I wrong about? You made some allegation about Chelsea Clinton and criminal wrongdoing. Show me.
Hey peskers- You don't own an
January 26, 2007 - 11:28 ET by blarsenHey peskers- You don't own anything, Probably not even a house.
One last post and I'm off this thread. So Chelsea Clinton got drunk three times. Big deal. The Bush twin are continual repeat offenders.
This is what I thought you (or maybe it was someone else) were talking about
From that bastion of right wing politics "Celebrity Mound" :
Speculation that Chelsea Clinton is engaged to boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky has been the buzz for some time but if they do make it to the altar before November 2008, Mezvinsky’s pop won’t make it. Unless of course they are married in a Federal prison.
Chelsea Clinton’s Boyfriend’s Dad in Prison for Fraud, Scams
ABC notes that Ed Mezvinsky, a former Iowa Congressman, is serving a seven-year sentence for fraud after getting caught up in a series of Nigerian e-mail scams.
This should play out well on Hillary’s 2008 campaign.
Hey Blarsenic. Does your mo
January 26, 2007 - 02:06 ET by rdave63Hey Blarsenic. Does your mommy know your up past your bedtime?
Yes she does and she doesn't
January 26, 2007 - 02:21 ET by blarsenYes she does and she doesn't like it. That's why it's off to bed for me. I don't know about you, but some people around here have get up and go to work tomorrow.
Blarsenic, you call running o
January 26, 2007 - 02:24 ET by rdave63Blarsenic, you call running off to daycare or kindegarden work?
Blarsenic, I know trying to f
January 26, 2007 - 02:31 ET by rdave63Blarsenic, I know trying to find the square hole to put the square block into and finding the triangle hole to put the triangle block into must be difficult for you, so you better get some shut-eye, if your going to have that big day tomorrow at daycare with all the other toddlers.
Why did Blarsenic cross the r
January 26, 2007 - 02:09 ET by rdave63Why did Blarsenic cross the road? Because he has his head so far up is a$$, he has no clue where his is going (like most of his posts have revealed).
Why did Borat Obama cross the
January 26, 2007 - 02:06 ET by mastersofdeceitWhy did Borat Obama cross the road?
Answer: To pick up his 8-ball cookie.
Oh man that is good.
I thought that was oreo cooki
January 26, 2007 - 02:16 ET by bigtimerI thought that was oreo cookie... mod!
Isn't that what they called Steele in Maryland...the was the democratic's doing that!
No outrage there..but if it had been reversed...man oh man we all know what would of happened to the republican's....24/7!
more
January 25, 2007 - 23:55 ET by misterbillObama says I will bring my toy mosque with my turbaned warriors and you can bring a castle and some flunkies like Teddy and Barney. We will have a grand time stoning all of you.
Kerry in tears
January 26, 2007 - 04:23 ET by SportPoliticsKeery in tears, " I'm not inside the bubble, I want my cellphone back, give me my cellphone back, I'm going to be the president, you sonofa****es!
I won't blab to anyone anymore, I swear it, for the love of God !
I want my cellphone, it's bought and paid for and you handlers can't keep it from me any longer !
This is the second time you've put me through this **it of total humiliation ! "
LOL
Clay good job and you're too nice about it.
January 26, 2007 - 01:56 ET by SportPoliticsClay good job and you're too nice about it. Nkviking pointed out to me how he remains neutral in laying guilt and condemnation as a writer earlier.
Well, I'm not a news writer, and it's obvious to me that the reporter lied his patooty off just to try to deceive as many dimmocrats as possible, and stir up some more republican hatred.
It seems to me if we deleted the NYT errors and lies, half the NYT pages would be empty. I cannot fathom a reporter writing about this and not reviewing the video himself right online as it is widely abvailable.
These people are propagandists and liars, and ought to be fired for such a massive mistake in the face of the far and wide available evidence, that is handy and here for all online Americans to retrieve themselves.
Furthermore, the mistake was repeated after the former correction. That person needs to be fired immediately. Of course I understand, that would mean the NYT had standards and cared about the truth and purged incompetence and liars from their ranks, even if they love the democratic party and can't help themselves.
Instead, they promote lying and incompetence, and I'm certain they giggle deliriously inside when they pull it off.
Is ADAM NAGOURNEY now going to be fired, or will the NYT further let it's pathetic reputation for lying and falsehoods and slip some more into the depths ?