Tim Blair

And a set of water wings, or maybe a snorkel.

When a reader complained about the bizarre moral calculus, the Globe's ombudsman responded that, "The point made by writer Charles P. Pierce, while misunderstood or unappreciated by some readers, was brutally ironic: that Kennedy's work on behalf of the elderly has enhanced benefits for the nation's senior citizens - and Kopechne would have become one of them."

This view was lampooned by Mark Steyn, who commented on a similar comparison by Adam Clymer:

How many changed lives justify leaving Miss Kopechne struggling for breath for hours pressed up against the window in a small, shrinking air pocket in Teddy's car? If the Senator had managed to change the lives of even more Americans, would it have been okay to leave a couple more broads down there?

...among the orthodox left the Clymer/Pierce view is the standard line: You can't make an omelette without breaking chicks. This is subtly different from arguing that a man's personal failings are outweighed by his public successes. Rather, they're saying that a man's personal flaws are trumped by his ideological purity, regardless of whether or not it works.

If Mary Jo Kopechne had lived, Ted Kennedy might well still be hitting her, with a snootful.

Sorry, that's supposed to be "hitting *on* her" -- preview is my friend.

No, no, Jorg, I think you got it right the first time. The Kennedy men have a long history of physically abusing women - rape, murder, you name it.

If Teddy Kennedy had been driving a Volkswagon Bug, he'd be president today. (Thanks National Lampoon).

Isn't Adam Clymer the one Bush called a 'major league asshole'?

Seems apt.

Gin-blossom Teddy can still bring comfort by leaving flowers on her grave.

Wonder how much the Kennedy Trust Fund had to cough up to buy off Ms. Kopechne's parents?

furious

Oh for crying out loud, it was a joke.

I would have thought that Tim, who obviously has a sense of humor, would realise this, especially as his own humour is frequently both brutal and subtle. But this one was too good pass up, eh Tim?

Charles Pierce received quite a bit of criticism from Senator Kennedy's staff for using this line.

The MRC is not an independent media watchdog, it's a highly partisan body. Hence it's description of itself: "The Leader in Documenting, Exposing and Neutralizing Liberal Media Bias."

Remember, when something is 'too good to be true' then it usually isn't.

I used to call him “Splash Kennedy” until I read in some newswire article that his dog is, in fact, named “Splash.” “Swimmer Kennedy” is more to the point anyway.

Bush said Clymer was an asshole, & Cheney said, “yeah, big-time.” That is why Cheney is also known as Big Time. “Clymer” has become a synonym for “asshole” at those conservative Websites that forbid vulgar words.

I’ve Googled around. The original article is no longer at the Boston Globe but is quoted extensively at Just One Minute, “Seize the Moment,” Sunday, January 12, 2003 Posted 5:08 PM.

It doesn’t appear that Charles Pierce meant it merely as a joke. Just how he did mean it, judge for yourself. For my part, I’d find it easier with the whole article. Even the long exerpts don’t really clarify it for me.