Kennedy 0 #1 September 5, 2004 QuoteMcCain: Kerry's Criticism of Bush Unfair ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) -- John McCain tried Saturday to play peacemaker again. The Republican said Democrat John Kerry was "unfair" when he criticized the GOP ticket as "unfit to lead the nation" and when he suggested that President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney avoided serving in Vietnam. "John Kerry's characterization that the president is unfit for duty is unfair," said McCain, a Republican senator from Arizona. "I categorically reject that just as I categorically reject allegations that Senator Kerry didn't serve honorably." Kerry had lashed out at Bush after the GOP convention, where speakers criticized his Senate voting record on national security issues and argued that the Democrat was unfit to be commander in chief. McCain, a prisoner of war for more than five years while serving in Vietnam, came to Kerry's defense last month, calling on Bush to condemn ads by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth that questioned Kerry's Vietnam service. "The Vietnam War was over 30 years ago. We have a war in Iraq to fight," McCain said. "President Bush served honorably. John Kerry served honorably. End of story." On Thursday night, Kerry hit back shortly after Bush finished his convention speech, saying: "I will not have my commitment to defend this country questioned by those who refused to serve when they could have and who misled America into Iraq." Bush served stateside in the Texas Air National Guard. Cheney received five deferments and never served in the military. McCain, a Kerry friend but a Bush supporter, spoke with reporters while campaigning with Cheney. PHOTO GALLERY Republican Convention Interactives Republican Convention On the Floor Presidential Campaign Election News Cahill, Rove Lead Presidential Campaigns Cheney May Help or Hinder Bush's Chances Bush, Kerry on the Issues: College Costs Bush's National Guard File Missing Records Bush Campaigns in Area of West Virginia AP VIDEO Bush Speaks at Convention Asked if Republicans have mischaracterized Kerry's positions on the military and Iraq, McCain said: "Everybody's misrepresenting each other's position. Yes, they have mischaracterized. But, yes, the Democrats have mischaracterized the Republicans as well." McCain said while he believes that Kerry would be "a good president in every way," he believes that Bush would be "a much better president because he's proven his strength and clarity and leadership of this nation in time of crisis." He also called the debate over Vietnam service "a distraction" that's taking away from pressing issues like the war on terror. Stephanie Cutter, a Kerry spokeswoman, stuck by Kerry's comments. "We agree with Senator McCain that the debate should not be about what happened 35 years ago, it should be about the state of the country today," she said. "Because of the way George Bush and Dick Cheney misled this nation into war, they are unfit to lead the country for another four years."witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miked10270 0 #2 September 5, 2004 Hmmm... Just a stray thought, but is Kerry's REAL problem with Bush's Vietnam war record that since Bush avoided serving in Vietnam, Kerry can't accuse Bush of mass murder along with all the other Vietnam serviceman he denounced? Mike. Taking the piss out of the FrenchAmericans since before it was fashionable. Prenait la pisse hors du FrançaisCanadiens méridionaux puisqu'avant lui à la mode. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunaplanet 0 #3 September 6, 2004 QuoteBush avoided serving in Vietnam He didn't "avoid" going. Big difference. Do some research and you'll find out. Forty-two Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #4 September 6, 2004 Stray shot that is indeed, and off mark. When you serve, you serve. It could be sent to harms way, or it could be in a fancy place in Hawaii, still is service. Kerry's problem is making a blanket statement, were he falsely accused all his fellow men in arms as murderers, rapists etc. He also confessed of wrong doing himself, thus what should happen is either him getting indicted for war crimes (confessed under oath) or an apology to his fellow servicemen."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miked10270 0 #5 September 6, 2004 So am I mistaken that Kerry accused Bush and Cheney of "Avoiding service in Vietnam" I feel that Kerry would like to have Bush & Cheney in a no-win situation. He'll accuse them of being cowards & "unfit to Command" for not serving in Vietnam (as he is), or he would have accused them of being "Baby-Killers" if they had served. Yes, Vietnam ended almost 30 years ago, yet that is what seems to dominate these US Presidential elections. Judging by the news coverage a lot of people seem to think it relevant? Mike. Taking the piss out of the FrenchAmericans since before it was fashionable. Prenait la pisse hors du FrançaisCanadiens méridionaux puisqu'avant lui à la mode. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunaplanet 0 #6 September 6, 2004 Quotecowards & "unfit to Command" for not serving in Vietnam (as he is), So if he is unfit for command how is it he is our president? Forty-two Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #7 September 6, 2004 QuoteQuoteBush avoided serving in Vietnam He didn't "avoid" going. Big difference. Do some research and you'll find out. Kerry applied for deferments and was denied. He joined the Naval Reserve, served on a missile frigate in the pacific, then served 1/3 of a tour in Vietnam. He then returned home and slandered every veteran of that conflict. Bush served in the Air National Guard. He asked for and was granted leave to work in a campaign, then returned and finished service. Cheney asked for and received deferments. Has anyone else noticed how Kerry harps on Bush and Cheney's records, but doesn't mention Edwards?witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miked10270 0 #8 September 6, 2004 Sorry if I seemed vague. In full context Kerry is accusing Bush of avoiding service in Vietnam and hence being a coward and being unfit to serve. I was phrasing kerry's accusation, NOT endorsing it. Mike. Taking the piss out of the FrenchAmericans since before it was fashionable. Prenait la pisse hors du FrançaisCanadiens méridionaux puisqu'avant lui à la mode. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #9 September 6, 2004 I don't think anyone who did anyhting other than sign up for Marine Infantry should ever say anything about others serving or not (except draft dodgers). ...especially not someone who asked for a deferment himself.witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
