Odd Humor

Last week Clinton appeared on the late night chat show, Tonight Show.  She made joke with Leno about dodging sniper fire to get to the show.  I take it the aim was to make light of a "misstatement" about visiting Tuzla under fire when, in fact, she sauntered across the landing field for a reception with children.  I see the political idea here -- the jokes acknowledge error, show an ability to acknowledge error, present an appearance of self-awareness, etc.  Huckabee on The Daily Show.

For me, it does not work.  I am an outlier I suppose, on this.  I found the joking horrifying.  First, it seem a rather odd way to respond to being caught in a lie.  Clinton did not make a "misstatement" -- she lied about the subject and persisted after others present contradicted her.  (Sounds a bit Bush to me.)  Second, more important, it seems a peculiar line for someone who hopes to lead the military to make jokes about the circumstances of war -- what is it that is funny about sniper fire?  Particularly when there are US troops under fire now.  (It is all the worse to me that Chelsea is plainly not going to be making any sacrifice for her country -- more of the Bush league.) 

I think her campaign ended with the Tuzla issue.  Think about the ads come November -- start with McCain returning from Viet Nam.  Next, put up Clinton talking about Tuzla, running the voice over a picture from the actual Tuzla landing and reception.  Tag lines are pretty easy -- A Commander in Chief Who Tells the Truth - Vote McCain.  Run similar scenario with excerpts from the Leno jokes.