While listening to the radio this morning, I was absolutely shocked to hear about a comment from Kasich’s campaign spokesman.
A spokesman for Republican challenger John Kasich ruffled feathers when he criticized Strickland by saying, “Having grown up in a chicken shack on Duck Run, he has all but ignored our cities’ economies and their workers.”
While the spokesman claimed to only be using the words of Strickland himself, this was an egregious error. And it’s especially damaging on two fronts.
Its worst aspect is that it’s an insult to low-income people. Now, that’s not what was claimed (more on that later), but that is how it came across and perception is reality.
Trailing close behind in the how-bad-could-it-be category is that it comes at a time when the Democrats are running ads saying Kasich became rich on Wall Street. The ads are suggestive and misleading. But for those who don’t know John Kasich – and that’s what surveys say about Kasich in Ohio, most don’t know him – the comment reinforces what the ads imply. And perception is reality.
Regarding the spokesman’s apology: As is usual in such instances, it not only did not go far enough, it placed the blame for offense less than squarely on the person who made the comment.
“When he [Strickland] says those things about himself, it’s different than when others say them, and it could be viewed pejoratively. That certainly wasn’t intended.”
“…It could be viewed pejoratively. That certainly wasn’t intended.” Frankly, it seems there was no other conclusion than to “view it pejoratively.” Why else would you say it? So it’s viewed as a compliment?
If the reason such dumb comments spew forth is that the other side does it, save it. If that’s the reasoning used in political strategy sessions, then I would suggest it’s time to grow up. That “Teddy does it” ceased to be an excuse for most of us around kindergarten.
Kasich rightly disowned the comment and said he reprimanded the spokesman. Good. Strickland deflected the remark with self-effacing humor, one of the most endearing qualities Americans value. Better.
Kasich should be our next governor. But it’s not a gimme.
Round Strickland.
