“The changing image-screen was linked to the American thematics of the speech and the public school was simply part of it,” Mr. Bounds said, adding that during the speech, Mr. McCain “called for public education reforms that empower parents and students before bureaucrats and labor unions.”

Reality.

Sorry, but this gaffe isn’t even in the same time zone as the “f’n balloons” thing at Kerry’s convention. That one was epic.

Are you joking? Some stage tech said “fucking” on live TV?

I mean, this isn’t going to single-handedly destroy the McCain campaign as the balloon drop did Kerry’s in 2004 (clearly), but a stage tech losing their cool on a live mic is a lot different than the level of idiocy required for this one.

I don’t blame John McCain for being a mediocre speaker. I blame the many people who earn enormous salaries for the sole task of finding ways to accentuate the candidates’ strengths and accomodate their weaknesses. All of those people were asleep at the switch. ONLY the Palin team did their jobs.