Frankly ... always blame The Media

On the virtual verge of the big primary in South Carolina your ex-wife declares that while you were still married to her you insisted that you be allowed to continue your relationship with your mistress.  To have what is commonly (very) called an "open marriage."   And on top of that you get asked right at the beginning of the latest Presidential debate, just as you are surging toward the top against your more entrenched rivals, whether what she said makes you an undesirable candidate.

What do you do?

Well, you don't deny, you don't admit, and you don't retreat.  Instead, from the slimy depths of the place where politicians have found a natural home, you attack the real enemy. You take off against the only target you perceive to be less believable, less respected, less trusted, more offensive, more craven, more vulnerable than you.

You lash out at The Media, the bottom-feeding, garbage eating, venomous Media. And you call the question a disgrace, raised by an elitist mob that loves Obama and hates you.

It's the only avenue available to take. And so you deliver a full-throated, bravura performance, filled with puffed up indignation. And you know what?  It just may have worked.

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An aside: here's a new parlor game.  Before the next Republican debate gather with some friends to watch, and each of you write down how many times Newt Gingrich uses the word "frankly." Winner gets a prize to be determined. (Also carefully consider what it says about someone who needs to do that. Frankly, and with all due respect, the answer isn't pretty.)