July 27, 2004, 2:04 p.m.
Teresa & Me
A woman’s wisdom.

This week Teresa Heinz Kerry's shoot-from-the-lip candor has been in the headlines. Former Governor Ann Richards might even say that Teresa was born with a silver foot in her mouth. But, I confess to having a soft spot for the spontaneous Mrs. Kerry. At a Washington party in 2001, Teresa Heinz (then) greeted me enthusiastically with the charming pronouncement, "I agree with everything you say on TV. I'm a Republican and you're my favorite." Her husband, John Kerry, stood uncomfortably at her side, which he was no doubt used to doing by then. I wonder if the little groom on their wedding cake had a nervous grimace on his little face.

So can you see that when others criticize her as flaky or lacking in judgment I beg to differ? Mrs. Kerry has explained that she became a Democrat in 2002 because the party had become too extreme. But, I can attest to the fact that at one point before her switch she was a woman of uncommon judgment and exquisite discernment. I miss the old Teresa.

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