Medved Blasts Democratic Presidential Candidate for Profane Remark
by James L. Lambert
December 12, 2003
(AgapePress) - National radio talk-show host Michael Medved considers Senator John Kerry's recent use of the "f-word" in a national publication to be a milestone in presidential political discourse. Medved characterizes the Massachusetts senator's gutter language as "another sign of desperation from a dying campaign." Kerry was asked recently by Rolling Stone magazine about his vote last year for a congressional resolution that authorized President Bush to use force in Iraq. His response? "I voted for what I thought was best for the country. Did I expect Howard Dean to go off to the left and say, 'I'm against everything'? Sure. Did I expect George Bush to f --- it up as badly as he did? I don't think anybody did."
On Thursday, Christine Iverson of the Republican National Committee reacted to the comment, saying that "Senator Kerry has moved from a message of protest and pessimism to a message of protest, pessimism, and now profanity."
The White House also has expressed dismay over the remark. White House chief of staff Andrew Card told CNN that he was hopeful for an apology from Kerry, but that has not occurred -- and likely is not forthcoming. Kerry spokeswoman Stephanie Carter has been quoted as saying, "I could think of a lot of words to add to the one John Kerry used that would be equally appropriate."
| | 
Michael Medved |
Medved, whose nationally syndicated program is broadcast by the Salem Radio Network, admits he is "shocked" that Kerry did not apologize for his recent remark. Instead Kerry's staff offered the excuse that as an ex-serviceman, the senator cannot be blamed for sometimes using street language.Medved contends that Kerry's use of the word was calculated. "When you are being interviewed by a national magazine, you are terribly conscious because you are being recorded," Medved says. The author of Hollywood vs. America (Harper Collins/Zondervan) believes that Kerry and his staff "knew what they were doing."
Medved says he first met Kerry while a freshman at Yale University in October 1965. Kerry was a senior at that time president of the Yale Political Union, a debating society. He says he has long considered Kerry "pompous" and a "JFK wanabee."
In light of the recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission to open up the airwaves to profanity, Medved hopes that Kerry's remarks will not open the door to profanity-laced political speeches among candidates vying for the highest position in the land. He acknowledges that while all candidates are imperfect, traditionally there have been boundaries in political discourse. Open and public use of the "f-word" has been one of those boundaries.
James L. Lambert, who resides in San Diego, California, is a frequent contributor to AgapePress. He is the author of Porn in America (Huntington House), which can be purchased through the American Family Association; and a licensed loan sales agent who offers all types of real-estate mortgage loans. He can be reached via his website (JamesLLambert.com) or by calling 1-800-656-8603.
