Kerry’s answer to the ‘boxers or briefs’

CAMBRIDGE - U.S. Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, had some choice words for the political press corps and, in particular, cable news Monday.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston): Politicker PhotoU.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston): Politicker PhotoKerry, addressing a business summit on energy issues, kicked off his remarks with some light-hearted banter.

"These are the exciting last two week moments of the presidential campaign," the Boston Democrat said. "So it's a very special time. I can't wait for it to be over. I am so tired of the press' silly questions that they ask along the way. And cable television which reduces everything to stupidity - the lowest common denominator of conflict."

Kerry tried to relay to the audience what it is like to face the press corps' inquiries.

"I don't know if any of you know what it's like. I do, obviously," he said. "I've been asked all of those brilliant questions that were repeated this year."

"Barack got asked the famous boxers or briefs question," Kerry went on. "I was tempted to say commando."

The senator said Obama successfully parried that question but that John McCain, the GOP nominee, had some problems.

"Then they asked McCain and McCain said, ‘Depends,'" Kerry said to lots of laughter from the crowd.