John McCain Can Walk, Talk, Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick at the Same Time

Is the New York Times really in the tank for Obama? Or is the New York Times not in the tank for Teddy Roosevelt?

From the Gray Lady's "factcheck" of last night's debate…

[McCain] also, on two occasions, referred to his hero Teddy Roosevelt, citing his famous statement about the need to "speak softly and carry a big stick" — Roosevelt actually said "walk softly and carry a big stick."

Ho ho ho, that dolt John McCain, just like his running-mate with the goofy misquoting.

Except: McCain actually said "talk softly and carry a big stick." Inelegant, yes, but remember: this is a man of the people.

And: As it happens, TR's famous catchprase really was "speak softly and carry a big stick." That's it there in his own typewriting.

There's a lot to ponder here. Should we blame bias, laziness or happy hour specials for the media's lack of accuracy? Is 'talk' an acceptable synonym for 'speak'? How about 'palaver'? Or 'walk'?

Also, exactly how big is McCain's stick?

Tags: Barack Obama, Debates, John McCain, New York Times, Theodore Roosevelt