I was surprised and a bit unnerved to see that this Washington Post article topped the site's list of Most Viewed Articles today:
Kerry Drops Ball with Packers Fans
You've probably already heard the story. Kerry slipped up and referred to Green Bay's hallowed ground, Lambeau Field, as "Lambert Field" -- which is the name of St. Louis' airport. Perfectly understandable for a candidate trying to win both Wisconsin and Missouri, but nevertheless an embarrassment, especially after a previous Middle West sports gaffe when Kerry forgot which side of the Ohio/Michigan line he was on.
Now, we don't want a "Kerry is clueless about sports" meme developing. That's the sort of subtle thing that can reinforce the effete Eastern liberal stereotype he's tried so hard to dispel. So, in the spirit of the Edwards visit to Lawrence, Kansas in July (after the campaign train blew right past a post-midnight crowd there, Edwards made up to the town for the snub by making a special trip and got great press), I think it's clear what Kerry should do.
Yes, go to Lambeau Field. Have a gigantic rally in Green Bay. Make light of the whole situation -- and make a nice splash in the Wisconsin media at the same time. Turning the whole thing into a big joke (a la "strategery") is probably the best way to defuse it. I'm serious -- this has the potential to invite snickering for quite a while up there in Wisconsin, and we really need that state on our side in November.
(But don't put a cheese hat on, please.)