Kerryisms

Kerryism of the Day

The senator’s caveats and curlicues.

What did he say?

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

We have to change the one-size-fits-all testing mentality so we’re not changing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.

—Portland, Ore., May 25, 2004

[1] uh, now, let me be clear about where I’m coming from on education. I believe we have to continue down the road of reform

[2] because I want no misunderstanding

[3] And I am not talking about undoing any standards.

[4] I’m not talking about not measuring.

[5] I’m not talking about not testing.

[6] I’m talking about doing it in a way that respects teaching, respects education

[7] and knows how to put discretion into a system

[8] that advances it through respect, doesn’t drag it backwards

[9] and downwards

[10] through punitive, disrespectful actions

Kerry version:

We have to change the one-size-fits-all testing mentality so we’re not changing—uh, now, let me be clear, because I want no misunderstanding about where I’m coming from on education. I believe we have to continue down the road of reform. And I am not talking about undoing any standards. I’m not talking about not measuring. I’m not talking about not testing. I’m talking about doing it in a way that respects teaching, respects education, and knows how to put discretion into a system that advances it through respect, doesn’t drag it backwards and downwards through punitive, disrespectful actions.