I can never tell what’s going to cause a media feeding frenzy. Sometimes a politician will make a dumb joke and the media will pounce. Othertimes, a pol will say something completely outrageous, which generates a collective yawn. House Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) comments on CNN the other day seemed like the kind of story that could raise eyebrows.<\/p>\n
If you’re just joining us, Boehner appeared on CNN on Wednesday, via satellite from Baghdad, where he defended the Bush administration’s policy. Wolf Blizter asked how much longer Americans should expect to lose in blood and treasure. Boehner responded<\/a> that the costs are “a small price” to pay for the overall mission.<\/p>\n Dismissing U.S. sacrifices in Iraq as “small” seemed like a breathtakingly dumb and offensive thing to say. John Kerry<\/a> pounced, imploring Boehner to apologize. The DNC and DCCC<\/a> followed suit.<\/p>\n Regrettably, most of the media ignored the story, though the Politico got a response<\/a> to the flap from Boehner’s communications director: “Wolf asked about the money spent in Iraq, and that’s what Mr. Boehner was referring to when he said our troops’ efforts are critical for the safety and security of our country.” (Actually, Blitzer’s question clearly included a reference to “the loss in blood, the Americans who are killed every month.”)<\/p>\n I was afraid that would be that, and the story would quickly disappear, but the controversy is showing signs of life. “It’s unconscionable. Simply unconscionable. And the rationale put forward is simply ridiculous.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n More importantly, John McCain<\/a> is urging Boehner to take it back.<\/p>\n “He misspoke. With all due respect, every American wounded or sacrificed is the greatest possible price to pay,” and we should all be grateful, “particularly those of us who sit in relative safety while those young men and women are fighting…. He ought to retract it.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\nJoe Biden<\/a> weighed in:<\/p>\n