Getting crowded under the bus

By Barb Shelly, Kansas City Star Editorial Board

Presidential campaigns have a way of creating new language (swiftboating) or elevating obscure phrases.

This year's winner, so far, is "under the bus."

It started when Hillary Clinton jettisoned her campaign manager and strategist. Barack Obama tossed out campaign adviser Samantha Powers for making indiscreet remarks.

This week John McCain threw his convention manager under the bus because his lobbying firm once represented Myanmar's military junta. Obama ditched an adviser after it was revealed he'd been talking regularly with Hamas.

Getting pretty crowded down there under the bus. It's kind of a strange expressions, too, since rarely do we hear of candidates actually taking the bus. Usually, they jet around.

Under the plane, maybe?