As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones: my poorly stated joke at a rally was not about, and never intended to refer to any troop [sic].

I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform, and I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended.

It is clear the Republican Party would rather talk about anything but their failed security policy. I don't want my verbal slip to be a diversion from the real issues. I will continue to fight for a change of course to provide real security for our country, and a winning strategy for our troops.

First of all, Kerry is a combat veteran? We had no idea! Too bad there aren't better options for people of his limited education and intellect.

Kerry's apology isn't really an apology at all. Here's a shorter summary of it:

1. What I said wasn't really what I said.

2. I'm sorry if you misinterpreted what I was saying by taking it at face value.

3. Republicans suck.

Why it is so hard just to say, "I'm sorry for what I said"?