John Kerry: In the Doghouse

What do President Bush and John Kerry have in common? Before this week they had very little common ground. Now they’re both finding themselves in the political doghouse after becoming outcasts in their respective parties.

John Kerry caused much controversy on Monday after addressing a crowd in California, where he said, "Education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. And if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

His tasteless remark has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike, including President Bush and several Democratic candidates in contested races. Many politicians, including the President, called on Senator Kerry to offer an apology to troops overseas.

Senator Kerry apologized Wednesday for what he called a “botched joke,” and remarked that President Bush should apologize to US troops for a “misguided war” in Iraq. He insisted that the end of the joke was supposed to say "...you end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq” -- a line poking fun at President Bush’s intellect.

John Kerry has since cancelled any campaign appearances he was scheduled to make for his fellow Democrats, amidst fear that this scandal will damage the reputation of any politicians associated with him. As one Democratic official said, “I would be surprised if you see him welcomed out there anywhere, and certainly not in a race that is meaningful.”

Senator Kerry is not the only public official shunned by his comrades, however. President Bush’s low approval ratings have resulted in Republican candidates trying to distance themselves from the Commander-in-Chief. Republicans have spoken out against the President in campaign advertisements, and have avoided being seen with him at campaign events.

Both the President and Senator Kerry may find themselves significantly less busy than they were at this time in 2004. Both men, who were at the forefront of their parties two years ago, are now finding themselves exiled from their peers in Washington.