It’s one of those I-told-you-so mornings. Is Sen. Kennedy and/or his staff reading Straight
Up? Doubtful. But I couldn’t help noticing Kennedy’s reference to the “rhetorical double-twisting back
flips President Bush performs” in a speech he gave yesterday. He also called
our Nincompoop in Chief “the world record-holder for flip-flops.”
Earlier this month, an item here, ON FLIP-FLOPS AND SHARP
SHIFTS, suggested news ledes to reflect reality, such as: “President Bush did
a triple somersault belly flop …” and “President Bush yesterday did a back flip …” and “President
Bush reversed himself in a belly flop …”
This was in answer to the question: “How come when the ninny makes a U-turn, does a back
flip, lands a belly flop, or pulls his head out of his ass, it’s called crossing a bridge, making a
concession, embracing a new position, or acknowledging a recommendation?”
Whomever Kennedy and his staff are reading, it’s good to know they get it.
Postscript: In re: yesterday’s FACIAL MANEUVERS, have a
look at Paul Krugman’s column this
morning about the upcoming presidential debate and “the temptation [for reporters] to revert to
drama criticism — to emphasize how the candidates looked and acted” instead of their substance.
He cites Adam Clymer’s op-ed piece.
Everybody’s all over the subject. Let’s see if it has any impact.
