> > I find several things surprising about "Ann", the volunteer:
>
> Another, of course, is the tragic fact that such a harmless moment of frivolity bothers her so much. Sad, really.

Many a politician has become the victim of an open mike. There it sits, looking the same when on as it does when off. Microphones are everywhere, so they just don't seem to be aware of them. One little cuss word, a dig at another politican, a lewd remark, and they get on every newscast in the world for about 24 hours. Some open mike blunders keep coming back like a bad penny. They can shoot a Texas lawyer, lie about their relationship with an intern, or barf on the Japanese ambassador, but nothing nails a politican like an unnoticed open mike.
Howard