For what it’s worth, I must say that I was stunned to hear Ted Kennedy use this language. It’s simply barbaric, inhumane, and uncalled for. It certainly isn’t representative of the liberalism that I stand for. Kennedy should be ashamed and he should issue a public apology - first to Janice Brown and Miguel Estrada, and then to the liberal Democrats he has so misrepresented in this instance. No excuse. This is intolerable.

I love how the left tries to rationalize such remarks that would leave them going ballistic if stated by, say, Rush Limbaugh (such as Aaron McGruder’s sexist remarks on Rice).

HH - Well, at least this lefty isn’t trying to rationalize any such remarks. It’s deplorable. There is simply no excuse. Democrats should hold Kennedy to the fire and call him to task on this. Quite frankly, I don’t even care what the context is … this type of remark should have no place in civilized political discourse. If we liberal Democrats don’t unconditionally and categorically reject Kennedy’s remarks and demand that Kennedy apologize publicly, then we have no business nor legitimacy criticizing the Trent Lotts of the GOP. I am embarrassed, disappointed, and furious with Kennedy and any so-called liberal who pretends to defend these remarks.

Oh enough. The word was ment to refer to their politics, not their race. I think you know that perfectly well, so knock it off.