(Sigh) NYT "Wonders How Kerry Became A Girlie Man"

This is Frank Rich's contribution to the debate swirling around us. I promised, "no armchair analysis," for its temptations are great, and the risks keen, and I cannot hold forth with authority about someone I've never met. Alas, Frank Rich feels no such contraints, and for all I know, he has met these guys. He believes that our candidates are playing, "Who is more macho?" and that Bush is (for now) winning, by nefarious means. Did someone out there know that I would begin my blogging career today? Am I supposed to roll up my sleeves, and get to work? Is every contest between powerful males inevitably a macho slugfest, with primitive, libidinous, murderous undertones, and is the weaker opponent always an emasculated, pitiable loser? Now hear this: there is no earthly evidence that anyone, anywhere, thinks Kerry is a girlie man; it is just a catchy headline that guarantees that people will scan the story to the end, looking for titillating gossip. And yes, they will find it.....along with talk about "castration warfare" and Dukakis dressing like "Snoopy" to ride a tank.......I can't wait to see what dear Wonkette has to say about this. In fact, I think I will go find out. Honestly, the blogging community has been all over these issues for months, and they have handled it with far less silliness than our Frank....