Yes, Kerry is trying to say he was making a joke about the president's failed policy. If that's what he was trying to do, he should have just held a press conference saying it was a joke and he mis-spoke. End of subject.
Yep. If Kerry had displayed an ounce of humility, this could have all been papered over. All it takes is coming out and saying, "I mispoke. I have the highest regard for the troops. I apologise for insulting them. I didn't mean it. I hope the President and the Republicans accept this apology and this unfortunate insult on my part does not cause additional harm to the troops or become an issue in these elections."
That would have been it.
For the first time in a long time I'm waiting before the TV to hear the President's comments. One thing I'm sure of, Kerry is going to get justly ripped and the Dems have been exposed again about their attitude toward our troops by their 2004 nominee.