From Madison, Wi Cap Times: Discussing Mary Cheney

[WI_DEM]

This was a editorial in today's Madison, Wi Capital Times, a very progressive paper, thank goodness:

When asked whether he thought gays and lesbians choose their sexuality, John Kerry briefly mentioned the lesbianism of Mary Cheney, the vice president's daughter. It was a respectful reference, but the Republican spin machine is now trying to suggest that Kerry stepped over the line of propriety that says candidates should not mention the families of their foes.

It is always better to stick to issues than to get into discussions about the sons and daughters of the candidates. But Kerry brought Mary Cheney up in an attempt to try to explain that gays and lesbians know who they are, and out to be respected for that. It may not have been the smartest move politically, but it was not the misstep that Kerry's critics have tried to portray.

The attacks on Kerry for making the reference are, already far more crude and exploitative than anything Kerry did.