present = conditional perfect

[Jonathan Lighter]

Watchers of the History Channel have noticed its general taboo against use of the past and perfect tenses. But here's a new tense development.

Brian Kilmeade of the linguistically-rich _Fox & Friends_ was discussing the late Jerry Falwell with a talking-head guest:

KILMEADE: Does Reagan get elected without Falwell's support [in 1980]?

HEAD:  Oh, he gets elected, but [etc.]....

JL




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