I know many people have weighed in on this issue, but I agree with what DR Noel said about the Cheneys.
Also, I find it unimaginable that Mrs. Cheney would lose her mind so suddenly as to overlook what is very obvious to the rest of the world.
Her daughter is openly gay; the Cheneys have made her a part of their campaign; and gay issues are on the table. By virtue of an openly gay woman sitting with the Cheneys, the Cheneys THEMSELVES have made her and her sexuality a part of the campaign. Her supporting her father -- and, theoretically, George Bush -- makes a statement that she supports the administration's views on everything "gay" or "homosexual."
I daresay that is NOT the case, although she doesn't seem to want to be quoted on anything. But by being visible and out and sharing the spotlight with her family, she is subject to scrutiny and commment.
John Kerry said nothing untoward or cruel or mean or vindictive. Rather, I think it's quite clear -- to anyone with raitonal thought capability -- that Mrs. Cheney is embarrassed to have a gay daughter and thinks she is for show, but not for discussion, and obviously does not think her daughter was "born that way," but thinks, probably, that she has "chosen" to be gay.
The problem is, the Cheneys (and Bushes) can't have her as a visible symbol/link to gay Americans without having her discussed.
I'm sure Mrs. Cheney's major issue with John Kerry is that she doesn't want "it" talked about, but that's water over the dam -- it was water over the dam the first time the daughter shared the political spotlight in the campaign, and it was water over the dam when Cheney thanked Edwards for the kind words about his lesbian daughter.
Mrs. Cheney has shamed her daughter for political reasons. The daughter must be absolutely mortified.