If you can’t say something nice ...

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: September 16, 2008

RCP’s Blake Dvorak provides us with “Palin Derangement Watch,“ a quick rundown of some the latest insults being hurled at the GOP vice presidential candidate.

Winners (or is that losers?) include writers for the Boston Globe, Newsweek and Salon.

Remember what your mama said: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

Of course, that doesn’t work in a political campaign. But Mama might appreciate it if we made the following modifications for political purposes:

“If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything about anyone under 18.“

Or:

“If you can’t say something nice, keep your comments above the belt.“

Or, failing all else, she’d give us the political equivalent to “Wear clean underwear:“

“If you can’t say something nice, at least don’t embarrass yourself to make your point.“

Ah, Mama. Even punditry lives by her rules.