GOP, Dems both show they ain't got no brains

At last, sadly, we have something that is bipartisan here in the state of Maine: culpability in trying to use a vulgar, disgusting reference to a sex act referencing our senior Senator Susan Collins for political gain.

It all started with a Bangor Daily News blogger, who made a video of Democratic candidate for governor Mike Michaud that included imbedded in the footage a song by Wells rapper Spose whose lyrics include the lines, "I'm the King of Maine, I'm the King of Maine, I've got Susan Collins giving everyone brain."

Links to the video were provided in the BDN blog, which was retweeted proudly by the Michaud campaign.

Two words: Google search.

Type in "giving brain" and the first entry you see is from urbandictionary.com. It is slang for a woman performing oral sex.

Now it was the Republicans' turn for the political bonehead play of the week. Maine GOP spokesperson David Sorenson sent out a press release titled, "Michaud suggests Sen. Collins performs graphic sexual acts."

If he had just said "Michaud puts stamp of approval on lurid video" he would've been OK. But he overstated the story in the headline.

And the rapper Spose should be ashamed as well. What was he thinking? Will he be insulting our First Lady next? Where does it stop?

The BDN blogger, Alex Steed, said blogs and their contents weren't vetted by the newspaper's editors. Apparently not, but maybe they should be. A newspaper is, in fact, responsible for all the content it runs on its pages. While it can allow bloggers and columnists to write controversial points of view, all printed copy should be vetted for taste and libel.

The BDN, after being criticized, took down the post. Sorry BDN, closing the barn door after the horses have run out is not responsible journalism.

The Portland Press Herald, meanwhile, incredibly referred to "giving brain" as a euphemism for "oral sex." Merriam Webster defines euphemism as "a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive."

So "giving brain" is a euphemism now? Thanks PPH editors for your moving the English language further into the abyss.

In the final analysis, it is inconceivable to me how Michaud campaign lieutenants, who are often culled from the ranks of journalists and info spin doctors, wouldn't know that "giving brain" was unsavory sounding enough to at least warrant a Google search. Making fun of Collins trumped reason and taste.

So while Spose, Sorenson and Steed get some of the blame for this new campaign low, most of it falls on the BDN who gave it legitimacy and the Michaud camp that put their stamp of approval on it.

However, we will say this. Shame on all of you.