Correct, it's how the word is used, not the word itself that cause harm. But in the vast majority of cases when the word retarded is used I sincerely doubt it is in the medical or diagnostic way, like I use it. Yup, mental retardation is a real thing, but it is also real when some kid calls another retarded and there is someone with a disability standing next to him/her. It's easy to dismiss other's concerns about these things when you don't know what they experience. Do not hide behind the free speech argument. Free speech needs to be responsible speech and is protected when it concerns political arguments or religious speech, not when you call someone retarded.

Whatever happened to free speech in America?
Whether or not you agree with what people say or how they say it, millions of people have died for your right to say it. If anyone has lost someone due to war whether it be WWII, Vietnam or Iraq, you should really be second guessing whether we should stop using the ANY word. You may not agree, but it is what makes our nation a free and democratic society.

I do not agree, then we will go against the word slow, etc....I think we should focus on the intent of the word not the word itself. For example, I am fat. I am not against the word fat. Does it change the meaning if someone calls me "plus-sized"? No, they are still telling me I am fat.
Why focus on the word "retarded". The label itself is called "Mental Retardation". Dick Morris did not misuse the word or make fun of anyone. He actually used the word correctly.
v. intr. To be delayed. He was stating he did not understand. He never used it in a way of "making fun" of someone in the way that President Obama did last night.
As a special education educator, I feel we need to focus on the intent and use of words rather than the word itself....or we will never change anything. In schools gangs use "colors" If they use red and we ban red then they use blue, then we ban blue then they use orange, etc.....ATTITUDE IS THE REAL HANDICAP