The senator's caveats and curlicues.

(For instructions on how to read a Kerryism, click here.)

Bob Edwards: President Bush says [Iraqi cleric Muqtada] Sadr's defiance can't stand. What should the U.S. do?

Kerry: Well, it's interesting to hear that, when they shut a newspaper that belongs to a legitimate voice in  Iraq ^{1  2 3 4 5 6}, but ⁷ if it's unaccompanied by a broader set of moves to try to broaden our own base in Iraq ^8, it asks for great difficulties.

—Morning Edition, NPR, April 7, 2004

[1] and—well, let me change the term legitimate—when they shut a newspaper that belongs to a voice

[2]   because he has clearly taken on a far more radical tone in recent days and aligned himself with both Hamas and Hezbollah

[3] which is a terrorist alignment

[4] sort of

[5] so it c reates its own set of needs

[6] in order to deal with the possible future spread of terrorism