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September 28, 2004
DOUBLE-TWISTING BACK FLIPS
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.
Posted by at September 28, 2004 09:29 AM
