WHOOPS, AND WHOOPS AGAIN - AT 11:49 P.M. ET:  It is time for the Democratic leaders in Congress to take a refresher course in mouth shutting, a fine art occasionally practiced in Washington.  The Associated Press, not known as conservative-friendly, is to be commended for a very straightforward report on the latest tripping and stalling:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid became the latest Democrat to stray into rhetorical trouble Tuesday, botching statements on three subjects in one news conference -- including the fragile health of the chamber's most senior members.

The Nevada Democrat reported that one of them, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., was absent because he was receiving a new round of treatment for his brain cancer. Asked if the cancer was in remission, Reid replied, ''As far as I know, it is, yes.''

Kennedy's office refused to confirm Reid's comments or make any statement in response, the public silence a classic Washington disavowal.

COMMENT:  The rest of the story is a gem.  Mistake after mistake.  Reid is in trouble politically in his home state of Nevada, and maybe for good reason.  I wouldn't want this man tutoring any kids for their College Boards.

May 19, 2009