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December 27, 2008

Uh, because you know, um

Here's how the Assoc. Press quotes Caroline Kennedy:

"I am an unconventional choice. I understand that. I haven't pursued the traditional path. But I think that in our public life today, we're starting to see there are many ways into public life and public service," she said.
Here's how the transcript really reads:
"And so, I, I'm an unconventional choice, I, er, understand that. I haven't pursued the traditional path. But I think that, um, in our public life today, we, you know, are starting to see there are many ways into, to, public life and public service and it's, uh, not as, um, all our institutions are ... less, um, hierarchal then they used to be, and so, you know, I think that, you know, I bring, you know, my life experience to this and, you know, that includes, you know, um, being a mother, um I understand sort of those choices that women make that includes, uh, being a lawyer ..."
In the 2 minute 16 second snippet of the grilled-cheese sandwich interview AP released, I counted 26 "you knows".

I understand that all the stammering "uhs", "ums" and "you knows" are conversational tics. They are pauses while the person is composing in their heads what they want to say and many times the interviewee will change thoughts mid-stream.

However, the AP article gives long, coherent quotes to Caroline that are not supported by the audio segment. And certainly AP and others never "cleaned up" any of Governor Palin's off-the-cuff remarks.

Caroline says on the tape she encourages others to public service, yet she "really surprised and dismayed" by her own dismal voting record but she promises to work "twice as hard" as Senator.

May I suggest Princess Caroline run for PTA president first, instead of feeling she is entitled to start her "public service" career in the US Senate by coronation rather than election. She could then brush up on her speaking skills as well as her math, because the last I looked twice times zero is still zero.

Posted by Darleen at December 27, 2008 09:22 AM

Comments

Hee hee. A Bushbot complaining about political dynasties and bad public speaking. Irony is truly dead.

Posted by: Josh at December 28, 2008 07:54 PM

Fine point, Josh, but I think she's right. 'Tis a rare day when Darleen writes something which is true. Note, as always, the post must contain her fundamental belief that the press is out to get her. Setting her paranoia aside and Palin love aside, it is hard to believe that New York's best candidate for Senate is Ms. Kennedy.

Besides, Darleen's a partisan hack, so just because she's wrong about Republican politics -- desperately wrong -- doesn't mean her inveterate, hate-filled invective toward Dems is always wrong. In this case, she's sort of right.

Makes me happy knowing how liberal California is. No vote darleen casts ever mean anything! That is awesome.

Posted by: timb at December 29, 2008 07:34 AM

I lean against Caroline Kennedy for Senate, as I'm not a big fan of legacy politics.

Sadly, I think your point about the meaningless of her vote, while correct as far as national politics, doesn't hold true w/r/t Prop. 8.

Posted by: Josh at December 29, 2008 07:39 AM

And here I thought everyone's vote was to be counted. Silly me. Enfranchisement for thee, none for me.

Posted by: Chris at December 29, 2008 08:09 AM

That's even weaker than your usual, Chris. Take the rest of the week off and try again in 2009.

Posted by: Josh at December 29, 2008 12:10 PM

Thanks, Josh, I will.

Posted by: Chris at December 29, 2008 02:51 PM

"I was really surprised and dismayed by my voting record," she said. "I'm glad it's been brought to my attention."

Either her memory is pretty bad or she is very absent minded, neither are good traits for a senator.

Posted by: ML at December 30, 2008 06:49 AM

well, not for a new Senator. For the hundred year old guys like Thurmond and Byrd, etc it seems to work well! And, how about using passive voice in that sentence!

"I was surprised by my own actions." Dear Lord, any thinking person would be embarrassed to say that

Posted by: timb at December 30, 2008 07:19 AM

Yep, she's sounding pretty Palin-esque so far.

Posted by: Josh at December 30, 2008 11:41 AM

If she can't remember that she hasn't even voted then what else is she forgetting (hiding)? What kind of idiot can't remember if they haven't voted?

Posted by: Digger at January 1, 2009 05:01 PM