PAUL GREENBERG: when a gaffe is not a gaffe.

Americans keep saying we want our politicians to level with us, tell us what they truly think, not just go down the familiar list of talking points, giving us the usual collection of platitudes and hoping to be all things to all people. But when a presidential candidate does come right out with it, and tell it with the bark off, we are shocked, shocked.

Cognitive dissonance: it's only a gaffe when it comflicts with cherished political beliefs.