[kaboom]

mis·lead ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ms-ld)

tr.v. mis··led, (-ld) mis·lead·ing, mis·leads

1. To lead in the wrong direction.

2. To lead into error of thought or action, especially by intentionally deceiving. See Synonyms at deceive.

By selecting the word Mislead, Kerry is fostering the negative connotation of definition number two, while maintaining the fallback position of the first definintion because they can't really show intent.

[timpad]

while maintaining the fallback position

Uh huh. When folks talk about the coarsening of political discourse, I wish they meant Clitonesque shenanigans like these. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Is that too much to ask of a "war hero?"