Martha Coakley Gas Tax Flub

2014

Coakley incorrectly stated that the gas tax was 10-cents rather than the actual tax of 24-cents during a pop quiz on a TV show. 

Tim Murray Car Crash Controversy

2011

Tim Murray, who was Lt. Governor of Massachusetts at the time, crashed a government vehicle on a stretch of I-190. Although originally saying that he simple lost control of the vehicle, it was later revealed that he was both speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. 

Coakley Disses Fenway Park

2010

During her Senate campaign run against Scott Brown, Coakley angered som Red Sox fans when she made the comment  “As opposed to standing outside Fenway Park? In the cold? Shaking hands?” when asked about Brown's campaign efforts. 

John Kerry Windsurfing Ad Helps to Sink Campaign

2004

When the George Bush campaign retrieved footage of John Kerry windsurfing, it was used in an advertisement saying that Kerry was prone to change, something that stuck with voters. 

Willie Horton Ad Destroys Dukakis Campaign

1988

Michael Dukakis lost a double digit lead in the presidential election to George H. W. Bush when an ad depicting Willie Horton was released. The ad highlighted Dukakis' policy of criminal furloughs for some criminals when he was the governor of Massachusetts.

Ted Kennedy's Interview with Roger Mudd

1979

During an interview with Roger Mudd, Ted Kennedy was asked why he wanted to be president. His response was less than satisfactory and was later described as repetitive and unprepared.