The Joke That Was, the Joke That Wasn't:

One guy not running for office tries to crack wise about another guy who isn't running either, and suddenly the desperation of the Republicans boils over the pot and onto the stove. Will anything result of it other than some noise?

Senator John Kerry made a failed attempt at a joke disparaging of his cousin's poor college performance — and his performance in virtually everything else as well — and the Republicans — on the run in every district where a real race is taking place — whine that Kerry — a real war hero — is ridiculing the troops. Lest we forget, it was Cousin W. who hid away in the Texas National Guard, using daddy's money to dodge the draft. At least a real draft dodger has the courage of his convictions.

According to the Washington Post:

After reading Kerry's comments to a GOP audience in Georgia, Bush said Kerry's statement was "insulting and it is shameful. The members of the United States military are plenty smart and they are plenty brave, and the senator from Massachusetts owes them an apology." The White House tipped off the networks to when Bush would attack Kerry, so the comments could be carried live and make the evening news.

But again, as the Post points out, W. continues to hide from doing any real campaigning. No candidate in doubt wants the Campaigner in Chief showing up on his turf. W. just reminds everybody of what a quagmire Bush the Younger has created and how inept he is at getting us out of any mess he's responsible for.

Let's hope Charlie Rose weighs in on this one with more than a lightweight dismissal.