The Art of Politics

The Ted Offensive

Ted Kennedy's outspoken remarks historically inept, but politically smooth...

Senator Ted Kennedy has been making headlines lately with comments about US involvement in Iraq, with extremely harsh rhetoric directed at the President and evocation of the US conflict in Viet Nam.

Republicans have taken to the airwaves to denounce Kennedy's remarks, including a very strident Sen. John McCain on the Senate floor and on Sean Hannity's syndicated talk show.

While Kennedy's hopelessly foolish and unhelpful remarks underscore Kennedy's firm grasp on the fringe, they have been politically well thought out. The damage to the President is done to the fullest extent, in the light of recent events, and the retaliatory remarks are directed at Kennedy - and not the other Senator from Massachusetts, the true beneficiary of Kennedy's comments.

Republicans don't seem attuned to this, and have yet to hogtie Kennedy's remarks to Kerry. The failure to do so allows Kennedy to go after the President, absorb the Republican counterblows, and enables Kerry to enjoy the gain without pain.

Posted by MEC2 at April 7, 2004 05:24 PM