Michael Kinsley on the ritual of the gaffe
Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2008
Michael Kinsley on the ritual of the gaffe:
A gaffe is not necessarily when a politician tells the truth. It’s when a politician says what’s really on his or her mind, which may or may not be the truth. A typical gaffe is an insult to some portion of the electorate, which an opponent can indignantly exploit, misinterpret, or, if necessary, invent.
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The process has hardened into routine, or even ritual. A candidate commits a gaffe—or rivals find some remark that can be misinterpreted, taken out of context, exaggerated, or otherwise morphed into a gaffe. Then the rival or rivals react with umbrage. Gaffe etiquette requires that even though opponents are thrilled by the opportunity the gaffe has created, they cannot give the slightest hint of that. Outrage and indignation are essential. And extra points are available if you can suppress your delight enough to actually express “sadness” or “disappointment” that your opponent has said whatever it is you accuse him or her of saying. You lose points for any suggestion of gloating.