Didn't anyone else realized that Kerry used "global test" because...

[Ducks In A Row]

on the spur of the moment he decided he shouldn't use the tried and true term, "smell test".

I've re-watched that part a few time, and I see him second guessing himself at that moment.

In fact the first time I watched this debate, I thought to myself, oh hell he wants to use "smell test" and we all know the rethugs will slam him for using such a "crude" term.

Then he came up with "global test" and I thought, damn he should just have stuck to "smell test".

This is the only thing I thought was awkward in Kerry's presentation.

So I'm not surprised the rethugs jumped on it, and it makes they all the smaller for it.

[dave123williams]

1. I had the same thought the second it was out of his mouth...

"Global SMELL test..."

[knowbody0]

2. global test

to any thinking being would mean world opinion. keeping in mind that having the biggest guns is not reason enough to ignore the test of right and wrong. for instance, the french have recent experience with the "occupation" and insurgence of a muslem country-algiers.their opinion should be valuable in such matters.

[No Mandate Here.]

3. This hasn't been brought up either...

If * is so insistent upon not subjecting his "diplomacy" to a "global test", why is he so insistent upon having input from China, South Korea, Japan and at least one more country in his "negotiations" with North Korea? Do his positions have to satisfy those countries? Wouldn't this be the same, exact thing he is so cynically deriding in Kerry's position?

[hughee99]

4. I hate to say it, but I think Kerry is wrong on this one

Kerry's policy of getting allies involved should definately apply to North Korea. Back when the Big Dog was involved with bilateral negotiations, NK would get up and leave whenever they felt like it. Clinton had no leverage other than the US offers of resources to keep them at the table. Having China and Russia (mostly China) there will give NK a reason to stay. Having other interested parties such as S. Korea and Japan will keep them in the loop and prevent them from trying to a) negotiate their own deals or b) taking military steps that will compromise the ongoing discussions.