[Dog Gone]

I disagree with the premise of the headline. Kerry did not attack Mary Cheney. What he did was to attempt to create a cognitive disconnect in Bush supporters by attempting to drive some sort of wedge issue into the families of the Administration.

However, most conservatives and moderates tend to think of the word "lesbian" as a vulgar term. It carries the conotation equivalent to "nigger" in terms of a slur. I realize most radical lesbians relish the label, but most of America is content to use the word "gay", even when referring to female homosexuals.

Had Kerry used "gay" or "homosexual" in referring to Mary Cheney, the moderate backlash wouldn't have been so strong. It was a mistake to bring her up personally in any event, but he compounded his error by his use of labels.

[John_7Diamonds]

I agree with you in regards of the term he used, "lesbian". I consider that a gross word. He could have been respectful and say gay or homosexual, not LESBIAN like she was some freak animal.However, if he had had any respect he wouldn't have mention her in the first place! (G)

Thank you,

John

[gov_bean_ counter]

The biggest problem was to presuppose he knows the mind of Mary Cheney.

[cyncooper]

I disagree with the premise of the headline. Kerry did not attack Mary Cheney. What he did was to attempt to create a cognitive disconnect in Bush supporters by attempting to drive some sort of wedge issue into the families of the Administration.

I disagree. I perceive a message that there is something wrong with the Cheney family. This was confirmed by follow up comments from Kamp Kerry about how they "admire how the Cheney's have dealt with it" and that kind of thing.

I am positive that they are walking a double edge on this issue---they want to be the party of tolerance, but they don't hesitate to act like the Cheneys did have something to be ashamed of.