If you believe a Democrat when they are talking, you are probably deluded. Sure, I am a Republican, so there is every reason to be skeptical of my take here. I’m not exactly a neutral observer, and I have a clear stake in this game. Still, Misryoum reporting highlights a recurring issue: even the supposedly moderate Democrats will, in service of the prevailing narrative, spout things that don’t quite hold water. It often feels like it doesn’t matter if the statement is easily refuted, because the original claim travels much faster than any later correction.
Take Senator Mark Kelly. He recently claimed, “The last thing I would want in a Space Shuttle crew would be seven white-guy U.S. navy test pilots like me.” It’s a bold stance for a man who—well, let’s look at the actual record. It makes you wonder if he’s just saying things to sound virtuous, or maybe he’s just hoping no one checks the archives. Or maybe he thinks the public just won’t bother to look.
Misryoum analysis notes that in May 2011, Kelly commanded the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-134. His crew consisted of Gregory Johnson, Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, and Roberto Vittori. That’s six men. All of them white. All of them male. Five Americans, one Italian. It’s almost like he led the exact kind of crew he now claims he wouldn’t want. The irony is heavy, right? I can almost hear the coffee shop chatter about it already—the faint clink of spoons against mugs while everyone pretends this isn’t a total contradiction.
He might argue the technicalities, like the number of people or the specific background of the pilots. But let’s be real. The point he was trying to make was clearly about demographics, not a nuanced discussion of aviation test pilot qualifications. He walked right into the “diversity is our strength” trap—or maybe he leaned into it intentionally. It’s hard to tell if he’s being calculated or just sloppy with the facts. Regardless, he said what he said, and the data paints a very different picture of his career.
We could say “shame on you, Senator,” but that feels a bit pointless. He doesn’t seem to have much shame about the contradiction. This is the reality of the current political cycle, and if you thought the heavy lifting was over after the last election, Misryoum editorial staff suggests you think again. It’s going to be a long road, and honestly, I’m just trying to keep track of the goalposts as they keep moving.