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.)

Question: Sen. Kerry, your campaign and you were demanding to know whether President Bush had read this National Intelligence Estimate before committing to go to war with Iraq, and it turns out that your staff admitted that you didn’t read it either. 

Kerry:  I’ve seen several National Intelligence Estimates. 1 2 3 4

—Imus in the Morning, July 15, 2004

[1] I don’t know what they’re referring to.

[2] I’m not sure what they’re referring to.

[3] I’ve seen a number of National Intelligence Estimates

[4] over the course of my Senate career

Verbatim:

I’ve seen several National Intelligence Estimates. I don’t know what they’re referring to. I’m not sure what they’re referring to. I’ve seen, over the course of my Senate career, a number of National Intelligence Estimates.

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