I think the issue is essentially dead.  We have heard all the apology we will get, I wager.

I would be more satisfied were it not for two things.

First, it has to do with his assertion this was a joke.  I can buy that as being plausible, and the initial reports seemed very reasonable.  But his later explanations seem to keep getting more and more elaborate, which as most parents know, is a sign your kid is lying, as they embellish the story to make it more believable.  So far we have hear 4 slightly different variations.

The other reason is the apology itself.  Let’s deconstruct it.

Statement of Senator John Kerry

As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones: my poorly stated joke at a rally was not about, and never intended to refer to any troop.

OK, here he does take some responsibility.

I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform,

Sorry, but your words were not misinterpreted, they were taken literally at face value.  This is an attempt to mitigate the blame and share the responsibility. 

and I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended.

Fair enough, if not for the previous line.

But why close with this?

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. I will continue to fight for a change of course to provide real security for our country, and a winning strategy for our troops.

No it is clear that when you put your foot in your mouth, people may demand an accounting.

People are calling for his resignation.  Good luck.

Allah at Hot Air looks at it more, and he is with me in the "yes it is easy to believe he can’t tell a joke" category.

Kerry should spend less time learning punchlines, and more time learning real humility and how adults actually apologize in the real world.

Most of us just say we are sorry.  Like this:  I’m Sorry.  2 simple words, not the three paragraph rambling whiny apology we got.  That is how politicians apologize.

Take lessons from the Anchoress John.  She gets it:

It’s still not right.

An apology is: I said this. I never meant it the way I said it. It hurt you, and I am sorry.

So I think barring any more gaffs or bloopers I will retire this topic.  I personally think that the blogosphere needs to move on.  Beating dead horses and all that.

By the way, I never liked Kerry much, for many reasons, the least of which is that he is a snobby, arrogant, elitist, hypocritical, conceited and condescending ass clown.

I still feel that way except I may add stupid to the pile.

My previous posts:

Others late posting this: Michelle Malkin Patterico’s Pontifications Riehl World View Silent Running Mary Katharine Ham Ace of Spades HQ Bill’s Bites Church and State Bizzyblog LGF BCB Captain’s Quarters Sister Toldjah

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