Overheard at Georgetown’s swanky 1789 Restaurant, March 9:
Kerry: “…from what I hear, O’Reilly’s been getting a lot of mileage out of the word folks. So I’ve been thinking, why not incorporate it into my own speeches? As a way to connect with the little people, as it were.”
Ketchup Heiress: “Ugh. ‘Folks’? Really? It’s so very…plebian sounding.”
Kerry: “Of course it is. But you have to admit, it has a wonderful populist resonance to it. And the folks love populism.”
Ketchup Heiress: ” Yeah, and pork rinds. And carports. And beer from a spigot –“
Kerry: “It’s perfect, Teresa. The folks love it when a man like me speaks their language and feels their pain. Because when all is said and done, the folks don’t really want a policy maker. What they want is a great commiserator.”
Ketchup Heiress: “Well, it’s your election, John. If you think it’ll help the campaign to mix with the riff-raff, fine. Just don’t overdo it. And don’t go bringing any into the house.”
Kerry: “…of course, I’m going to have to buy jeans. And have myself fitted for a ball cap…”