Tin Ear

Dean Sunzi pointed out a story I missed from two weeks back:

Sen. John F. Kerry upset some families of 9/11 victims yesterday when he arrived – late – to a private memorial dedication in a sirened motorcade and glad-handed as though he were on the campaign trail.

The senator, in Boston for the day, hopped in his motorcade at the Four Seasons, drove around the Boston Public Garden and arrived at the memorial with his sizable entourage in tow.

Press were kept away but several family members, speaking privately, said they were miffed that Kerry arrived after most other pols – such as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Rep. Martin T. Meehan, and Attorney General Tom Reilly – had all left.

And now you know why I don’t mind Bush skipping military funerals, dedications, etc. Forget the partisan stuff — what happened in Boston is pretty typical whenever a president (or presidential candidate) goes anywhere. Pretty much any visit anywhere becomes a campaign stop, a political statement, or a pseudo-rally. It’s just the nature of an office as powerful as the American President.

Admittedly, Kerry’s behavior was more galling than usual, however:

And Kerry stayed much longer than the other leaders, shaking hands, posing for photos before he left with just as much commotion.

“I bet he couldn’t even name anybody on that wall,” said the wife of one 9/11 victim, who spoke on the condition her name not be used.

Others said they were disturbed that the Kerry campaign allowed television crews to film over the Public Garden fence – capturing video of Kerry with grieving family members in the midst of his presidential campaign.

The fund’s director, Linda Plazonja, said that “in spite of all [Kerry] has going on, he made it here – and most people appreciated that.”

Well — that’s what charitable fun directors are supposed to say when important people drop by.