Did Ted Kennedy Molest Alito’s Wife?

• January 31, 2006

The left has their outrage hats on again, this time over this statement from Harball’s Chris Matthews:

MATTHEWS: …won’t they say something up beat and (bucking up)… isn’t she a great woman, didn’t she stand up-and then they’ll put the camera right on Ted Kennedy and show how he was the guy that molested her basically-that’s the way they’ll play it…

This kind of reminds me of the time they were all outraged over Matthews saying Osama bin Laden sounded like Michael Moore in a recent communication. Forgetting, of course, that Michael Moore once pointed out the rhetorical similarities himself.
But whatever. For the sake of clarity let’s go to the dictionary for the definition of “molest:”

mo·lest (mə-lĕst‘)
tr.v., -lest·ed, -lest·ing, -lests.

To disturb, interfere with, or annoy.

To subject to unwanted or improper sexual activity.

It sure seemed to me like Alito’s wife was disturbed and annoyed.
So what’s all this outrage about again?

Tags: Politics

http://Array Andrew

Andrew: So outcomes don’t matter now?

Never said that they didn’t. But it was not Kennedy’s intention to make her cry. Many on the right have used her tears to reinforce the fact that Kennedy’s words were unnecessary and inflammatory. What I’m saying is that his words are disgusting even if Mrs. Alito didn’t cry. It is unnecessary to bring Alito’s wife into the equation.
http://magyartruth.blogspot.com/ Chief RZ

I am a pretty methodical and logical person myself, but personally, I thought that 95% of what Kennedy accused Alito of was untrue or a great exaggeration. The way he delivered it, in my opinion was meant to hurt. I wonder what the liberals would have said if the roles were reversed? I wonder if anyone questions the terrorist’s holding the Christian Scientist Monitor’s journalist. Do you think they “made her cry” for no reason? I think that is out of bounds. She was not an enemy combatant. They are evil.
http://www.moderninstances.com/ modern instances

Steve Cates
Publisher of The Dakota Beacon

Well, Steve, you really are quite the Cupid, aren’t you? I tell you, you can zing your arrow into my buttocks any time.
Dave

So if he’s liberal, what are the MSNBC conservatives like?
http://www.captainnormal.org/ Don Myers

Confed:

You’re talking about the employees of the corporate media, while I’m talking about the ownership and content of the corporate media.

Do you understand the difference?

Claiming that multinational media conglomerates like Disney, Viacom, and Bertlesmann are part of a socialist/liberal cabal is paranoid lunacy.

Have you ever read Bias? I have, and it’s rubbish. 300 pages of “boo hoo hoo, Dan Rather was mean to me and he’s a big poo-poo head.” What kind of idiot takes bullshit like that seriously?
http://www.captainnormal.org/ Don Myers

First of all, Ms. Alito’s outburst was either fake or the sign of someone so weak, so fragile, that anything could set her off. It is hardly Sen. Kennedy’s fault that Ms. Alito is a simpering, possibly lying, sack of jello.

Secondly, you’re pretending that you don’t know the connotation Mr. Matthews was making—and I know you’re not that stupid.

Finally, this just flies in the face of your paranoid fantasies about a liberal media (not that I expect you to admit it).
http://confederateyankee.mu.nu/ Confederate Yankee

Don, unlike the spouses of politicians, the families of judges are not hardened to the character assaults one sometimes has to endure in Washington, especially the thuggish, misrepresentative comments of a cowardly panel of Senate Democrats who pummelled Alito unmericfully and mischarterized nearly his entire record, only to flee when those who best know Alito’s worth – seven judges who have worked with him – came to up as witnesses.

You sir, are shallow and vapid as your craven heroes, attacking a woman for crumbling under the character assault of the man that she loves by pompous, arrogant windbags.

As far as Chris Matthews goes, he was wrong. He confused bin Laden’s October, 2004 speech that Moore himself bragged about on his web site, with his recently commentary, which more accurately reflected the comments of ex-Marine and Congressional Democrat John Murtha.

furthermore, any objective study of media bias, from the most up-to-date academic research to self-selecting media bias surveys where reporters were directly asked about their politcal biases and 61% described themselves as liberal Democrats.

A funny fact about Kool-Aid, Don: you can drown in a surprisingly small amount of it.
http://confederateyankee.mu.nu/ Confederate Yankee

Don,

From cub reporters and cameramen to executive editors and producers, the content of a news product (boradcast news features, magazine stories, newspaper editorials) is dictated by the newsroom itself. Ask any reporter at anything larger than a weekly newspaper and they will tell you exactly the same thing, as will their editors, who were once reporters themselves.

As I could have predicted, you throw out some conspriacy theory nonsense about cabals, perhaps because focussing on conspriacy theories is how your mind operates.

Don, cabals don’t write, edit, proof, set, or print stories. Newsrooms made up of a supermajority of liberal Democrats do.

I have not read “Bias,” nor do I need to. I simply went through journalism school as my minor and picked up both bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in technical and professional commnications. I also worked in media relations for three years, learning about dozens of news organizations small and large alike, from firsthand experience.

But please, you’re the expert.

Educate me.
http://www.moderninstances.com/ modern instances

Oh give me a fuckin break. She forgets to take her meds and now she’s a victim? Boo fuckin’ hoo.
http://magyartruth.blogspot.com/ Chief RZ

Those who question the effect on Mrs. Alito by Kennedy and his crew followed by the kind, honest, supporting words by our senior Senator Lindsey Graham may never been exposed to good, honest people. I am sorry for them. I would offer to introduce good people to them so they can at least experience what a majority of people in the US are.
http://magyartruth.blogspot.com/ Chief RZ

Andrew,
I’ll go with that. Sometimes it takes a mirror to reflect on a different point of view to reveal the vile actions or speech of others. Some here might be shocked if they saw the actions and behaviors of real torture carried out by our enemies. Did you see the public execution of the woman at the soccer stadium, then the comments, “well the Americans should build us another stadium for executions”?!
Andrew

We are. The content of Kennedy’s words was vile, made-up baloney that ended up making Alito’s wife cry.

You and I agree very much on that. Kennedy’s words themselves are vile enough to criticize on their own, so why do we need to bring Alito’s wife into it?

You guys can say “Oh it doesn’t matter” all you want, but here’s a fact: Kennedy all but called Sam Alito a sexist, racist bigot. Why is that necessary?

I never said Kennedy’s words didn’t matter. They do very much. What doesn’t matter is the fact that Alito’s wife cried. What if what Kennedy said was 100% true and everyone knew it? If Alito’s wife cried, would you still make a big deal about it? Probably not, because the fact that she’s upset really doesn’t mean anything. But in this case, you use it to demonize Kennedy in attempt to show how vile his words are. IMO, it’s more honest to attack the actual content. I hope this clarifies my points. I admit that I’ve been having trouble getting across exactly what I’m trying to say.

Still, why the outrage? Are we honestly to believe that Matthews intended to mean that Kennedy sexually assaulted Alito’s wife? Whatever you think about Chris Matthews, that’s a bit of a stretch.

I think the outrage on the left is overblown. Also, I know he didn’t mean it the way the left is spinning it. But still, he should have choosen his words a bit more wisely. He frequently speaks publically, so it’s inevitable that he’ll slip up now and then. Matthews should make a very brief apology, the left should forgive him, and we should all move on.
Steve Cates

Modern Instances:

One of the most amazing women I’ve ever known used to say:

“Profanity is the first refuge of the intellectually inferior.”

Is she in fact correct in your case?

Please, in the future; get a dictionary, look up some big words, examine the meanings of these words, compose cogent thoughts that incorporate these big and impressive words, then, type those thoughts before submitting them to public discourse.

Maybe then, people would be less offended by what they may mistakenly perceive as your propensity for mental flatulence.

I know that hard work and rigor is much to ask of angry liberals but give it a try.
People would be much more impressed with what you have to say as the result of simply adjusting your style of presentation.

You are welcome.

Steve Cates
Publisher of The Dakota Beacon
http://magyartruth.blogspot.com/ Chief RZ

MI,
What do you base your contention on that “she” “forgot” to take her “meds” — medications? That information, even if it were true would be confidential. What about the “right to privacy”? I will be glad to introduce you to honest, real, hard working people. Where do you live?
Andrew

I can’t say whether or not Alito’s wife was sincere in her grief. But the real point is, even if she was truly hurt, who cares? Sure Ted Kennedy said some pretty moronic and inflammatory things, but it’s not like his intentions were to make her cry. If everyone demonized me everytime I’ve inadvertantly made a girl cry, then I probably would be pretty hated.

Basically what I’m trying to say is, people should criticize the content of Kennedy’s words, not the fact that he made some lady cry.

As for Matthews, he should have chose his words a bit more wisely. The definition for molest that you used, Rob, is not commonly used. Would you have a problem if I wrote a press release telling everyone “Rob Port is Gay”? Afterall, you seem to be quite cheerful and merry.
Zsa Zsa

Ted Kennedy used Justice Alito as his personal punching bag! The anger, hatred, and jealousy spewed all over the place! Teddy has some obvious issues that have gone unresolved for quite awhile. Justice Alito had the misfortune of Teddy’s ire just because Justice Alito was about to be confirmed!… Teddy’s wrath backfired and only sealed the deal…
Was Alito molested? I would say so!
Andrew

Oh, and a bit off topic, but can anyone tell me if my new Gravatar is working? It shows up in the recent comment section, but for some reason it doesn’t show up on my computer in the actual thread.
Andrew

Oh and just to make sure I’m clear, when I say:

I guess what I object to is everyone making a mountain out of a mole hill.

I don’t mean what Kennedy said is being blown out of proportion. What I’m trying to say is that Mrs. Alito’s story is getting much more attention than it warrants. It seems everyone is focusing on the “molestation” of Alito’s wife, rather than the words themselves.
http://www.moderninstances.com/ modern instances

Steve Cates
Publisher of The Dakota Beacon

Oh, Steve, you could charm the black off a telegram boy!
Steve Cates

Modern Instances:

Communication without the F-bomb. Cool

Already you are much more readable (from my prospective).

Thanks.

Mental pollution is so distracting in the process of serious or nonserious consideration of issues as significant those found on these blogs.

Take Care,

Steve Cates
Publisher of The Dakota Beacon
robert108

Andrew: When you say that you never said that outcomes don’t matter, but that it’s unnecessary to bring Alito’s wife into the equation, you contradict yourself. The only outcome of Kennedy’s attack was Mrs. Alito’s tears. Otherwise, he didn’t accomplish anything with his vicious and untruthful attack. Which is it?
robert108

Andrew: So outcomes don’t matter now? I guess we can get rid of all those social engineering programs.
http://www.moderninstances.com/ modern instances

Are you forgetting that I was a professional twice over– an analyst and a therapist? The world’s first analrapist?
Zsa Zsa

Robert Burns, a Scottish poet has a poem that goes something like this… Oh what a gift the giftees give us, To see ourselves as others see us…
I am not trying to attack MI… I only see the Democratic party as being fixated on abortion, saving social security, and attacking the President in hopes of impeachment! Those seem to be the platform from my view??? Correct me if I am wrong!…Ted Kennedy attacking Mrs. Alito was wrong! As far as I am concerned Teddy should just about be getting out of the slammer!…He shouldn’t even be allowed to vote! Let alone hold office!…Okay! I might be attacking Teddy. BUT …He deserves it!
Dave

When conservatives differ with liberals, they do it through reasoning.

Good point. Just look at Rush Limbaugh.
http://www.captainnormal.org/ Don Myers

Confed:

From cub reporters and cameramen to executive editors and producers, the content of a news product (boradcast news features, magazine stories, newspaper editorials) is dictated by THE PEOPLE WHO WRITE THE CHECKS.

This is true in any industry—fast food, journalism, fashion, whatever.

Only in teevee shows and movies is coverage dictated by the newsroom itself. I think that’s where your entire understanding of journalism comes from (esp. ‘cub reporter,’ a position that only exists at The Daily Planet).

Dude, if you really do work in “media relations,” you’d know that ad buys and corporate sponsorship shape the news just as much as events do…moreso in some cases.
Andrew

I don’t know who you mean by “everyone,” but I did exactly one post on Mrs. Alito’s crying.

Actually you did two posts entilted: “The Face of the Alito Hearings” and “Democrats Make Alito’s Wife Cry”. But that’s not important. I don’t really think you’ve been harping on it that much and my comment weren’t meant to be directed at you. But I think a lot of people in the blogosphere and certain conservative media outlets and pundits paid more attention on her tears than his comments. In other words: They missed the point.
Zsa Zsa

Don,… Do you really believe it is a fantasy that the MSM is liberal?
Andrew

You make some interesting points, r108. I agree that her tears can have a broader impact than anything Teddy said. My only problem is focusing the criticism of Teddy on Alito’s wife. IMO, many are saying “Alito’s wife was upset and cried due to Kennedy’s terrible comments” instead of saying “Ted Kennedy’s words were extremely vile, untruthful, and unnecessary and caused Alito’s wife to become upset.” Those statements are similar, but in one Alito’s wife is the subject, and in the other Kennedy’s comments are. I think we should focus our discussions and criticisms on what was actually said.

But all of this is really minor and just based on opinions. I think we’re just going to have to disagree a bit. The important thing is that we both agree that many Democrat politicians (and a few Republicans) have degraded the political arena and change is long overdue.
robert108

Dave: You obviously don’t actually listen to Rush. You listen to what the other hate-filled lefties say about Rush. He actually plays what the Dems say, comments on it, and lets them speak for themselves. He isn’t nasty or hateful. Bad example, dude!
C-Mom

Don, If I had to listen to Kennedy for hours on end, I’d cry,too!
robert108

Andrew: IMO, Mrs. Alito’s tears were much more significant than anything Teddy said. Teddy’s spew was just ugly lying, and deserved no attention whatsoever. Her tears woke up the MSM media to the hatred and ugliness issuing from Teddy’s mouth. Otherwise they would have just passed on his cr*p without comment. Her tears revealed the reality of the hearings, and so were probably the most significant event of those hearings.
Andrew

Good. Lift You Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven.
Andrew

Andrew: When will Teddy apologize to the Alitos and to the American public?

I agree that Teddy should apologize. He should also be voted out of office, but neither seems very likely.

Andrew: When you say that you never said that outcomes don’t matter, but that it’s unnecessary to bring Alito’s wife into the equation, you contradict yourself.

I guess I should have said Mrs. Alito’s tears are an unimportant consequence, rather than “it doesn’t matter”. Personally, I think we shouldn’t criticize Kennedy for making her cry, but rather focus our criticism on his words. Now if his comments had been directed at Mrs. Alito herself, that would be a different case.

I guess what I object to is everyone making a mountain out of a mole hill. For now, we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
http://sayanythingblog.com/ likwidshoe

Oh, and a bit off topic, but can anyone tell me if my new Gravatar is working?

Two hands with red circles around them? It’s working.
Zsa Zsa

You can say that again C-Mom!…
http://www.moderninstances.com/ modern instances

Her tears woke up the MSM media to the hatred and ugliness issuing from Teddy’s mouth.

Gimme a fuckin break. If that had been a liberal, the conservative blog circle-jerk would have been all over it.
C-Mom

Bottom line is, Ted Kennedy, regardless of political affiliation, acted like a complete jerk, and the consequences of those actions are coming home to roost.

I believe in calling a spade a spade. Kennedy is a uncouth swine.

I, for one, am sick of turning on the television and seeing Senators squabbling like children on the floor of the gallery. It reminds me of when my children dissolve into a round of nuh-uh, uh-huh.

If Kennedy were an employee in my company, I would fire him for such unprofessional behavior. Its too bad that his constituecny probably won’t.
robert108

MI: That is the whole point. It wasn’t a liberal in tears, it was Mrs. Alito, in tears over the hateful rudeness of a liberal, Teddy Kennedy. This is liberal behavior, not conservative behavior. When conservatives differ with liberals, they do it through reasoning. When liberals differ with conservatives, they do it with hatespew. There is a difference.
robert108

Andrew: When will Teddy apologize to the Alitos and to the American public?
http://sayanythingblog.com robport

I don’t mean what Kennedy said is being blown out of proportion. What I’m trying to say is that Mrs. Alito’s story is getting much more attention than it warrants. It seems everyone is focusing on the “molestation” of Alito’s wife, rather than the words themselves.

I don’t know who you mean by “everyone,” but I did exactly one post on Mrs. Alito’s crying. And the only reason it is getting mentioned again is the silly “shut down Chris Matthews” campaign some lefty bloggers are on right now.

I haven’t been devoting a lot of time to the crying thing, but I did mention it. Because it did happen. And it was worth mentioning.
http://sayanythingblog.com robport

Basically what I’m trying to say is, people should criticize the content of Kennedy’s words, not the fact that he made some lady cry.

We are. The content of Kennedy’s words was vile, made-up baloney that ended up making Alito’s wife cry.

You guys can say “Oh it doesn’t matter” all you want, but here’s a fact: Kennedy all but called Sam Alito a sexist, racist bigot. Why is that necessary?

As for Matthews, he should have chose his words a bit more wisely. The definition for molest that you used, Rob, is not commonly used.

It may not be commonly used, but it does exist. I have used the word with that meaning before, but I’ll grant that perhaps it wasn’t the best word.

Still, why the outrage? Are we honestly to believe that Matthews intended to mean that Kennedy sexually assaulted Alito’s wife? Whatever you think about Chris Matthews, that’s a bit of a stretch.
http://sayanythingblog.com robport

Gimme a fuckin break. If that had been a liberal, the conservative blog circle-jerk would have been all over it.

There are idiots on both sides of the political spectrum. What’s your point?

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Did Ted Kennedy Molest Alito’s Wife?

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