Examples of this are everywhere in this piece. In the last paragraph, for example, Raines implies that "Someone (beside Kerry) in Kerry's campaign can figure out a way for him (to be trained like a poodle) to say, "Here's my plan (although I didn't think of it) for getting us out of Iraq and defeating terrorism," and "Here's my plan ( they told me to say ) for making sure you're not sick and poor in your old age." And then make him say it ( even if Kerry doesn't want to say it or understand it, as his handler you should MAKE HIM SAY IT ) over and over again, no matter what question is asked of him. Kerry has to face the fact ... (President Bush) going to win unless Kerry comes up with something to say (which obviously Kerry lacks the ability to do ). To stay "on message", you have to have one, (and Kerry doesn't have a message of his own )."
I think Raines is fundamentally correct in his assessment of Kerry's innate ability. I bet someone else in Kerry's campaign had to figure out for Kerry that not accepting the nomination in Boston was a dumb idea.
Not to mention a conviction that the American public is a bunch of friggin' ignoramuses.
Note that Raines seems intent on telling Kerry how to address the media, who will then "translate" his message to the public.
Raines' entire piece betrays the self-absorption of the dominant media culture: Kerry must address them. And they will then manipulate the public for him.
Recalling that a Howell Raines with this elitist mindset was once the managing editor of the most influential single news medium in the free world is a stunning notion. It serves as absolute proof of the left's intellectual cynicism and the media's utter vacuity.