A Lousy Speech to People Who Deserve Better
By LisaB on August 20, 2008 at 3:05 PM in Al Qaeda, Barack Obama, Current Affairs
I spent some valuable time this morning reading Obama’s speech to the VFW (at realclearpolitics). Frankly, it was depressing. Why? After recognizing a few people and acknowledging current events (Georgia! 9/11! Russia! Iran!!), Obama starts his prepared remarks with this:
Yesterday, Senator McCain came before you. He is a man who has served this nation honorably, and he correctly stated that one of the chief criteria for the American people in this election is going to be who can exercise the best judgment as Commander in Chief. But instead of just offering policy answers, he turned to a typical laundry list of political attacks. He said that I have changed my position on Iraq when I have not. He said that I am for a path of “retreat and failure.” And he declared, “Behind all of these claims and positions by Senator Obama lies the ambition to be president” – suggesting, as he has so many times, that I put personal ambition before my country.
That is John McCain’s prerogative. He can run that kind of campaign, and – frankly – that’s how political campaigns have been run in recent years. But I believe the American people are better than that. I believe that this defining momenttan, demands something more of us.
Now, anyone who remembers reading Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the 10th grade will recognize the “honorable man” remarks for what they are. Damning with faint praise.
When Obama says he honors John McCain’s service, you wonder how he can get the words out of his mouth. Sarcasm that thick sometimes does trip up the tongue, after all. But the man is a professional politician and that counts for something.
But, seriously, you don’t have to read Shakespeare to recognize the tone here. After some perfunctory thank you’s, Obama goes right into attack. Quite frankly, had I been in the audience that day, I would have rolled my eyes. Well, I did when I read the speech. Being connected with the military, I want to hear policy, ideas and directions related to national defense. Placing a political attack at the top of the speech just irritates me and signals that the speech is not serious. Obama just wants to score points.
Of course, it gets better. No it doesn’t. Here’s more valuable policy talk from Obama.
In the run-up to the invasion of Iraq, I warned that war would fan the flames of extremism in the Middle East, create new centers of terrorism, and tie us down in a costly and open-ended occupation. Senator McCain predicted that we’d be greeted as liberators, and that the Iraqis would bear the cost of rebuilding through their bountiful oil revenues. For the good of our country, I wish he had been right, and I had been wrong. But that’s not what history shows.
——————–
. . . Before the surge, I argued that the long-term solution in Iraq is political – the Iraqi government must reconcile its differences and take responsibility for its future. That holds true today.
——————-
For years, I have called for more resources and more troops to finish the fight in Afghanistan. With his overwhelming focus on Iraq, Senator McCain argued that we could just “muddle through” in Afghanistan, and only came around to supporting my call for more troops last month.
———————
A year ago, I said that we must take action against bin Laden and his lieutenants if we have them in our sights and Pakistan cannot or will not act. Senator McCain criticized me and claimed that I was for “bombing our ally.” So for all of his talk about following Osama bin Laden to the Gates of Hell, Senator McCain refused to join my call to take out bin Laden across the Afghan border. Instead, he spent years backing a dictator in Pakistan who failed to serve the interests of his own people.
I argued for years that we need to move from a “Musharraf policy” to a “Pakistan policy.” We must move beyond an alliance built on mere convenience or a relationship with one man. Now, with President Musharraf’s resignation, we have the opportunity to do just that. That’s why I’ve cosponsored a bill to triple non-military aid to the Pakistani people, while ensuring that the military assistance we do provide is used to take the fight to the Taliban and al Qaeda in the tribal regions of Pakistan.
—————————
For months, I have called for active international engagement to resolve the disputes over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. I made it crystal clear before, at the beginning of, and during this conflict that Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected, and that Georgia should be integrated into transatlantic institutions. I have condemned Russian aggression, and today I reiterate my demand that Russia abide by the cease-fire. Russia must know that its actions will have consequences.
Lots of “I” here. Lots of focus on Obama’s smarts, x-ray vision in world affairs, and overall uber-wise man. Wonder if he’s got a cape for that.
But then watch out! You won’t believe what follows. (OK, yes you will. You’re here at NQ, after all. .. )
These are the judgments I’ve made and the policies that we have to debate, because we do have differences in this election. But one of the things that we have to change in this country is the idea that people can’t disagree without challenging each other’s character and patriotism. I have never suggested that Senator McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition. I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America’s national interest. Now, it’s time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same.
—————————
So let’s have a serious debate, and let’s debate our disagreements on the merits of policy – not personal attacks. And no matter how heated it gets or what kind of campaign he chooses to run, I will honor Senator McCain’s service, just like I honor the service of every veteran in this room, and every American who has worn the uniform of the United States.
Obama is back to attacking his opponent through the back door. Claiming to want a serious debate while bypassing the same to lob attacks and talk about himself seems a bit, well, contradictory, hmmmm? It’s beyond petulant. It’s the focus of the damn speech. This is NOT a policy speech. NOT A POLICY SPEECH AT ALL. This speech is a “I’m the smartest guy in the room” speech and an attack speech. It’s Obama’s speechmaking outline – he follows this pattern religiously.
And.
Obama seems to not know his audience at all. Pretending to give a policy speech on matters of war and foreign policy to members of the VFW that is merely self-congratulatory and an attack on another veteran is profoundly disrespectful.
Dude, these audience members HAVE brains. They have some familiarity with the subject. They probably have friends and relatives directly involved and probably couldn’t care less what you thought about this stuff when you didn’t do more than have an already delivered speech filmed so your assumed brilliance could be broadcast later.
After this WTH-was-THAT speech, Obama moves into the pandering / what-I-will-do-for-you portion of his remarks.
Lastly, here is his latest on his withdrawal plans from Iraq.
We can safely redeploy at a pace that removes our combat brigades in 16 months. That would be well into 2010 – seven years after the war began. After this redeployment, we’ll keep a residual force to target remnants of al Qaeda; to protect our service members and diplomats; and to train Iraq’s Security Forces if the Iraqis make political progress.
I still say that “residual force” needs definition.
What was the point of this speech? Why in the world did he go to the VFW? Beyond the pandering part, Obama never indicated he thought these people had anything to say. It is all about Obama, Obama’s intelligence, Obama’s vision and how he won’t stoop to the low tactics of wounding an opponent with false attacks in the way that John McCain has wounded (but not really wounded, because Obama is so strong and above it) him.
And isn’t it time that the other guy realize Obama is a grown-up and deserves the same respect???? WTH? What is he, 18? Dammit! Isn’t there a Constitutional age requirement?
If you’d like to see this speech, here you go.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDYGTiK7alc&eurl=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/obamas_remarks_to_the_vfw_conv.html[/youtube]
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I am physically unable to watch Obama — someone please tell me how the crowd reacted. Thanks in advance.
Can’t stand to watch him either. Is it November yet? SO ready to watch his defeat.
It’s not just a problem to watch; listening to him makes me ill. I just can’t get through any of his speeches, and I’m glad there are folks like Lisa B and others who are willing to do this dirty work for US.
I see I am not the only one who suffers from this disease too….can’t look, listen and (of course) speak!
Look what he has planned for us!
Obama Uses Native Americans As Propaganda
——————————————————————————–
http://nativeamericansagainstobama.wordpress.com/
Obama needs to go sit down somewhere and shut up!!! This country is sick of him.
I’m with you, the more he talks the more I hate the guy…but you know, it’s because I’m racist and not because he is a friggin’ moron.
yeah I tuned out too. I was happy to hear that McCain is up 5 point on Zogby McCain 46% Obama 41%
I heard that he was not well received by the vets. He seems so surprised that people are actually examining and talking about him. Amazing since he is running for President – duh!
Insert film clip of Rev. Wright speaking at National Press Club, where he says Obama is a politician, and that when Obama speaks he says what politicians have to say to get elected … (or Wright says something to that effect)
He makes stuff up as he goes along. I wish we could get ahold of the people who actually write most of these speeches, because you can almost tell they’re either young or desperate because the STRETCHES are getting bigger. And creating MORE LIES (if that’s possible) that come out of his mouth. He’s a terrible STORY Teller.
yada yada yada
He can’t make up Crap, it’s all on teleprompter!!
Oh yeah Obama is so good he didn’t even hold a meeting on his Afghanistan committee. Yeah what a blowhard. I cannot stand him nor can I stand to see or hear him. Cannot watch the video I just ate lunch.
Why the hell don’t they give that committee to someone who gives a shit, and will get something done.
Ask Harry Reid, I think committee assignments is his job
For years, I have called for more resources and more troops to finish the fight in Afghanistan.
Really??? When did he do this if he didn’t even hold a single hearing as chair of the committee that was monitoring Afghani affairs? More words & lies.
That’s accurate
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who cannot stand to watch the lies trip off the tongue of our national nightmare.
Does he think we are so stupid that we don’t realize that he is ATTACKING John McCain when he is accusing John McCain of attacking him.
If he really was going to be “different”, he would not even mention that John McCain was attacking him.
How stupid does he think we are?
I mute the TV everytime he talks (and also every time Kathleen Sebelius talks and I’m from Kansas).
The more he talks the stupider he sounds. I am so turned off by him. I switch channels now like I do when Bush speaks. TOO much stupid in the world and why do some Americans think they have to put stupid in the White House for everyone to see?
I had to giggle at your remarks… I feel the same way. I’ve been switching channels on Bush for nearly 8 years now, and I have the same feeling for BO. While I swore I’d never vote Republican, I find now that I will vote for the entire Republican ticket since discovering the innerworkings of the DNC with their corruption of the caucuses and their purchase of Super Delegates. Somebody has to check Pelosi, Reid, Dean, and Brazile, and their ilk. McCain is not George Bush and I feel more confident than ever that we can survive the next 4 years. Yes, we have a huge deficit, which the Congress (D & R) contributed to with their political earmarks. BO plans to run us farther in debt with his giveaway programs… Don’t need that.
From what part of ks are you? I’m not looking forward to Sebelius as VP even though I voted for her twice..
Is it Kansas shout-out time?
I’m in KCK, or actually Shawnee-Merriam.
As for Sebelius, she’s a light-weight, and if she is his VP, they’ll have to wear sandbags around their ankles to keep from blowing away. He has nothing to gain from her on the ticket. No way in hell is KS ever going blue, and as we know here is KS, she ain’t THAT popular. Her SOTU counter-speech was over her head. She was fine as Insurance Commissioner, but I don’t see where she’s got any bragging rights as a Gov. And she only got that position because the Moderate Repubs voted against the Conservative Repub who won the primary.
LisaB; This is a great analysis of a typical Obama pander to self + stealth attack speech pattern.
Thanks for the post.
I get it — McCain is allowed to attack Obama 24/7 and you all don’t care. But if Obama dares to fight back — oh, how dare he? Your hypocrisy is breathtaking.
[ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTE: I AM RECEIVING SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TONE OF YOUR COMMENTS, PARTICULARLY AN EARLIER COMMENT THAT WAS REMOVED. IT INCLUDED THIS PHRASE, WHICH I AM EDITING SOMEWHAT TO MAKE IT MORE PALATABLE: "Go f--- yourself, you clueless moron."
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We don’t like Obama so how is this hypocritical? You couldn’t possibly be a real democrat for Obama the fraud, inexperience, Lying, cheating, corrupted coke addict- So you want the best for America and think it’s Obama? Now that’s hypocritical little bot.
Everytime Obama starts in on McCain it just sounds like whining. I never remember what he says, all I hear is whine, whine, whine, whine, whine, whine.
This is what you sound like sfhillary.
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blab blah. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah BLAH!
The lying f*ck has been attacking for quite a long time, all the way back to the primaries; you might want to point that self righteous finger at yourself while screaming hypocrite. That would be more truthful.
I don’t care what Senator McCain,says about O, he’s got it coming. It’s a contact sport.
No, the hypocrisy is when O-soetoro play us like we’re stupid by saying he’s a different kind of politics. Friggin’ A, it’s an election, I expect both sides to rip each other apart. The problem with barry is that he thinks he’s above it all. He did the same thing with Clinton and he’s trying to do the same thing with McCain.
Exactly.
He thinks he is above it all and then smears the Clintons as racists and doesn’t stop with only them. Thankfully, I think McCain has put a stop to all of that nonsense.
But how is falsely slandering someone a racist not attacking? Anything that has been thrown back at him has been down right tame by comparison.
In this day and age people lose their jobs and his supporters tried to get Ferraro fired! But here is Obama acting like killing someone’s career and reputation is his right to inflict for his personal gain.
It is the most vile thing I’ve seen out of this campaign.
Oh please….it’s the insulting our intelligence part where Obama claims he doesn’t attack that is the issue.
I’m tired of Obama lying every time he opens his mouth.
The sad part is that you Obama supporters actually believe attacking someone while claiming he is upbove it….proves he is upbove it.
sfhillary:
If you truely recognized and abhored hypocrisy, you would not support the nomination or election of Obama. “Politics aint bean-ball” is an accurate observation, and attack ads and speeches are expected, unless you claim to be a new breed of politician who is above all of that. Like with Senator Larry Craig. It wasn’t the sexual orientation or even the cruising of airport washrooms that made the story noteworthy; it was the hypocrisy.
……and it sucks to be you
He can fight back all he wants. We all know he is a liar.
McCain will clean his clock, you silly Obamabot.
Obama is allowed to attack McCain all he wants. That’s not my beef. Let me make it simple for you: Obama has a bad habit of drawing himself up in self-righteous indignation when he is attacked, then proceeding to tell the voting public that he is so very very appalled at the state of politics and DOES NOT stoop to that, tsk tsk.
Then he launches into the EXACT same kinds of attacks that he claims to be so above. It is not his hitting back that I have a problem with, it’s his attacking while ALL THE WHILE CLAIMING THAT HE DOESN’T.
It’s the hypocrisy, stupid. The man can’t admit that he is a politician, and uses the EXACT same methods that all other politicians must use. He is no different. He is no better. But he’s made a career of bleating about his lily white political soul, untainted by those dirty politics. It’s a scam.
A quick question for sfhillary.
Have you ever met a liar in your life? Makes me wonder. It seems that you were only born yesterday or just so naive.
Damn there SF,
I was just getting ready to light you up and the moderator whacks you one…
I just hope we don’t get too politically correct around here…
half the fun is putting down all of Barry’s Little Clown Car of Trolls!
Just curious, but have any of you served in the military lately and been deployed overseas, and if so what are your feelings regarding McCain?
I’ve been an infantry and now an intel officer for six years (part of the Army’s branch detail program) and my perception is that Obama is doing quite well with active duty members here (Ft. Benning). Obama’s stance re: the expanded GI Bill of Rights and scaling down in Iraq are actually pretty popular in this community. McCain has taken the opposite tack on both issues and folks here notice.
The military is usually reliably red, but this year will be interesting. Lots of Obama signs in greater Columbus, and I’ve even seen a few bumper stickers for Obama on post (usually a big no no). Almost nothing for McCain. The fact that he was an admiral’s son and a flyboy might actually hurt him with die hard Blue Cord wearers a la Wesley Clark. Your thoughts?
I am not military, but I live near Colorado Springs, which has 5 military installations. I haven’t noticed any Obama strength around here.
I suspect that Obama appeals to the same demographic within the military that he appeals to outside the military.
Comment by Faustina | 2008-08-20 16:00:12
I am not military, but I live near Colorado Springs, which has 5 military installations. I haven’t noticed any Obama strength around here.
I suspect that Obama appeals to the same demographic within the military that he appeals to outside the military.
_________________________________________________
And what demographics would that be? College students?
Young and/or black mostly.
White, Rich and Guilty…
Our four active duty soldiers happen to think Obama is a pussy; not being mean, just repeating. Also as said that their preference was for Senator McCain, hands down.
My thoughts, I know the poll that was said to have been done was only with 1300, military, which is 1%, so not reflective of the 130,000 serving. I also think when you speak to military families, you usually get an opinion of that person, with much care to not speak for others.
I always knew that the ARMY was filled with STUPID people — now I am sure.
The Navy has always been superior — more intelligent — and certainly NOT for Soetoro!
GO NAVY!
Why don’t you try thanking them for their service to our country that provides us with the freedom to have this conversation instead of calling them stupid.
Now Rain,
As a former U.S. Army infantryman who earned his Wings at Benning and his “Green Beanie” or “Portable Poker Table” at Bragg, I will allow you some short time to politely retract that salacious slander on “The Queen of Battle.”
We do not need to open Captain Billy’s 1000 Jokes about sailors just yet there swabbie, but we’re gettin’ close!
There is no greater honor than to stand next to a combat infantryman and know he’s glad you’re there…
Regards
Shame on you. Now that is the kind of comment that should get a person banned from this site.
There is a special place in Heaven for anyone who chooses the army.
Frankly, I could say more, but you don’t deserve my time.
Ban this guy!
People don’t want to be called racist, don’t like dead things flung in their yards or being followed home by irate Obama supporters…. I don’t have any bumper stickers or yard signs either.
Um,my son is at Ft. Benning and is deployed now and you are wrong. I just got back from there. I couldn’t find one piece of evidence that Obama is liked down there. In fact, wherever I went, all I heard was bad remarks. Nice try, but the love fest must be with just you. I even had the chance to buy t-shirts about Obama and they weren’t nice.
I saw on another site last night where someone had cut and pasted a comment from one of the Obots from Obama’s website.
They complained that they caught the speech at the end but saw veterans standing with their backs to Obama.
Guess they weren’t impressed either.
I have been listening fairly carefully to the candidates during the primary campaigns. I don’t remember hearing Obama speak much about what he claims here to have been talking about for years.
He has been in the Senate now for less than 4 years and before that he was a community organizer in Chicago. So technically, his claim may accurate, but why should anyone have been listening to a person with his credentials talk about international politics during the last four years?
Why should anyone be listening now?
….Unless we just accept him for what he is, a figurehead and mouthpiece for an assortment of fading or hidden wannabes and has beens.
Suggestion: Obama people should compile links to Obama’s foreign policy addresses, legislation, and committe hearings for the last 8 years. It might be interesting to read those.
He’s been a senator for about 143 days before he started campainging for POTUS- That’s not 4 years.
Remember when he said something like he didn’t know about a bill because he had been running for President. I have to find that quote, it was so funny!
Remember when he said something like he didn’t know about a bill because he had been too busy running for President. I have to find that quote, it was so funny!
Oh and one more thing, I’m not sure if you already discussed this, but Army Times and Stars and Stripes have recently printed stories about Obama taking in more donations from active duty service members than McCain.
Do any of you have thoughts on this?
What’s the percentage of AAs in the military? That’d be the only thing I can think of.
Rose,
AA’s make up slightly more than their share of the general population, but race really isn’t a factor. The units I’ve served in are majority white and hispanic (light infantry tends to drift this way, mech infantry is a bit more diverse) – but I’m seeing a surprising amount of support for Obama among people who I never would have suspected it from.
And even the AA’s here are pretty conservative and would normally trend GOP.
Maybe they’re hoping he can bring them home from Iraq, but the concern is is they’ll be sent back to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Georgia and possibly back to Iraq. Anyways that’d be the more logical reason, but they also don’t hear about O’s background.
But I’m not military so I haven’t a clue how they think.
Of course, some of them will be stuck in the “residual force.”
Man, that “me me me” at the beginning of every paragraph is annoying as HELL! You know, he’s not that great a politician. He’s got great connections that have served as crutches for him. He’s quite hollow and stiff. Even his attempts at joking and laughing seem so–fake.
Waaaaa! Leave Barack aloooooone!
I’ll believe he wants a debate when I see him up on the stage with John McCain and a moderator, and not until.
Months ago I heard one of BO’s main speech-writers was a 26-year-old white guy. Just words????
There’a a hilarious video of Charles Barkley reading off a teleprompter on ESPN. His coworkers fixed the feed so he ended up reading, in addition to his comment, “I’m a dumb ass.” He didn’t even realize what he’d said til it was already on tape. I wish somebody would do that to BO.
Funny that’s what I keep hearing him say every time he opens his mouth.
The Charles Barkley You Tube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1exiioKfT78
I accidently roamed into the last seconds of the speech.
I sensed that the audience were more than ready for BO to leave…and the hand-shakes were short with nobody lingering.
Who better than the VFW to KNOW who has served the interest of this country?
Senator McCain has been there, done that!!!
FYI– This speech wasn’t about fighting back it was supposed to be about informing people of his policies. You know plans with details for the future.
Obama’s whining makes me feel embarrassed for the Dem party. Without HIM we would be on our way to Hell because he’s the only one who knows what to do for this nation. A real consensus builder actually acknowleges what OTHERS have done!
Just wait until the tickets get air play. You think the active duty service members will be proud to say they support him then? Yeah, we support the guy who makes his own presidential seal and poses with upside down flags for Party convention tiks.
Loser!
FYI– This speech wasn’t about fighting back it was supposed to be about informing people of his policies. You know plans with details for the future.
Obama’s whining makes me feel embarrassed for the Dem party. Without HIM we would be on our way to Hell because he’s the only one who knows what to do for this nation. A real consensus builder actually acknowleges what OTHERS have done!
Just wait until the tickets get air play. You think the active duty service members will be proud to say they support him then? Yeah, we support the guy who makes his own presidential seal and poses with upside down flags for Party convention tiks, not to mention doesn’t visit the wounded although claims he does more to support veterans, and chooses to pose with officers rather than real soldiers.
One who sells seats to on a secret web page too.
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=156993
Secret page on Obama site offers big tickets for big donations
HHis speeches continue to give clear evidence of the most blatant failing of his life.
Despite his claim that He learned as he grew upo that its not all about himself, the reality is that he continues to present the ME ME ME its all about ME I I ME ME MYSELF have always ME ME ME.
I strongly believe that if he started referring to himself in the Third Person he would increase in the polls.
People are just getting tired of ME ME ME in his speeches.
No Chris Matthews, I told you we need to take up a collection to send him some Depends before he goes to Denver. That Tingle Up His Leg could turn to Pee Pee down his Thighs. I think his size is a Big Lard Ass!
Everyone is tired of his speeches but Chris and Mika. Chris and Mika just loves his speeches. Everytime he made a mistake in the primaries, they would say, he needs to give a speech.
Fembots,
Nice name – I kind of doubt you know much about life in the active duty military, but prove me wrong
Again, from the perspective of an active duty Army officer – Obama is doing pretty well, at least within this community (Ft. Benning in particular, home of the 75th Ranger Rgt, 3rd ID, and several IN training centers and units).
The reasons seem to stem from soldiers and officers making the following calculations:
If they support McCain they get the following:
- A vocal advocate for invading Iraq (now regarded as a mistake by many in the officer corps)
- A vocal opponent for going after Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan’s NW territory
- A vocal opponent of expanding the GI Bill of Rights
- A vocal advocate for rushing into additional wars with Iran and possibly Russia, at a time when the Army is already stretched thin
- A vocal advocate for the indefinite occupation of Iraq
Don’t you think that it kind of makes sense that active duty military folks would lean more towards Obama?
My s/o is USMC and has been to Iraq twice. No one I know or have talked with there think BO is up to the job.
Same here Lisa.
Don’t you think that it kind of makes sense that active duty military folks would lean more towards Obama?
Is this your attempt at humor???????
Active duty — and a few post here at NQ — do not want Soetoro as CiC. Which goes to show that I can be wrong — there are indeed wise and very intelligent people who join the Army.
Active duty military in this part of the US do NOT support Obama. Many would have like to see Ron Paul — judging from the political signs.
With McCain retired Navy — compared to Soetoro??? Hahahahahahahahahahahah no comparison.
As an active duty member of the military what makes you think Obama has the political juice to do anything?
Especially when he can’t even buy his own house without money men.
He is a puppet and you shouldn’t believe anything he says.
Just like Bush said he wasn’t interested in nation building and wanted a humble foreign policy. If you had really paid attention to the family business, you would know BushCo was lying during the election and we were going to Iraq.
Obama has Zbig on his team who has help to bring your buddies to war by arming and training the mujahideen to go after the USSR.
Obama will do what Zbig wants him to….and with Russia on the move it doesn’t look good for a humble foreign policy with Obama either.
Which active duty officer are you talking about, yourself?
BT up thread:
Thanks for your service!
Many of us are old enough to have endured our country’s stress through the Viet-nam War.
I think most of us truly honor those who served…and don’t look kindly on someone who would not.
Younger people probably have a different take on things.
Interestingly, the USMC was the only branch that gave more to McCain in the recent survey of donors that I cited up-thread. They didn’t give more to McCain by much, but they don’t call them Jar Head’s for nothing!
Yes, I lean towards Obama. But it isn’t just me – again, look at who military donors are giving to, look at the organization that Obama has established among military families, and look at the ratings that he’s received from IAVA, a non partisan org, vs. the ratings that McCain has received from IAVA.
How do you folks rationalize IAVA’s ratings for McCain, and still argue that he supports the troops?
Hey USA, take your inter-service name-calling somewhere else. Or are you an army of one?
I don’t know about stateside soldiers, but those currently serving in Iraq sure don’t like the that fluffer-nutter junior Senator from Illinois. I would put my statistics up against yours any day.
As a former soldier, I can attest to how my military friends feel about the junior Senator, too.
P. Graber-
I’m in Kansas , as well. I voted for Sebelius twice and can’t stand the sight of her now. Obama- he’s not someone who is serious about anything but his own ambition and entitlement.
I don’t believe you are active duty, sorry, and not going to feed this pseudo bs about military supporting O. I don’t like propaganda, and particularly when someone is trying to use the military as a means to achieve the acceptance of that propaganda. That dog, just don’t hunt.
Sassy said the following up thread – Younger people probably have a different take on things – and this made me think again about the military’s feelings re: Obama. The military is a young man’s organization. I think age has a lot to do with his popularity here.
That being said, the VFW isn’t really representative of the active duty military, or even veterans. I’ll try to be as diplomatic as possible in trying to describe the VFW, but let me just say that if you ever want to hang out in a smoke filled, wood-paneled, windowless bar and exchange made up war stories with former supply sergeants from the ‘Nam, while enjoying cheap beer and a plate of spaghetti, than the VFW might be a good fit. Ditto if you like to ride around really slow on a ridiculous Harley while sporting POW/MIA/Biker patches. It’s a pretty bizarre organization. I personally think that the VVA (Vietnam Veterans Assoc) does a much better job of being a true VSO and looking out for soldiers’ rights. The VFW OTOH has been little more than a Bush admin mouthpiece for the past several years.
I guess they’re looking towards the future though, and that they’ll maybe get more members if they keep supporting Bush/McCain
Master of the ad hominem attack. Your stereotype of these people reflects poorly on you.
That means you got nothin.
Buh bye.
My lord Bart,
If I never have to run another detail with the VFW nutters it’ll be a blessing from on high. I speak from experience, and you know I do. I gave a very accurate description of VFW culture. It’s for people who can’t let go, for war drama queens (most of which have a rep, at least with the 11 series types, as being completely full of bullshit on the war story front). They mean well, and they’re usually the first to welcome us home – they even come out to mil airports to greet returning units – but many of them need help. A dog or cat from the humane society would be a good start.
I’m shocked! Shocked I tell you! I can’t believe you didn’t like a speech by Obama! Where’s your article on the wetness of water?
Katmoon,
I think you’re pretty disgusting, actually, but who cares. It doesn’t matter what you think or how much you mistrust those around you. I have no difficulty thinking of you as a hate filled old woman, but kudos to you for using a military anecdote of your own from a USMC relative to push a point before disparaging me for speaking from direct personal experience.
FWIW, what can I do to prove my military credentials?
And kudos to you for disparaging an entire service branch because some demographics might suggest that some members donated more money to McCain.
You are what you speak of.
And don’t bother “proving” your army cred. No one here gives a rat’s ass.
Barry Soetoro AKA Obama stinks he didn’t even visit our wounded soldiers when he was prancing around Europe. Soetoro and his pack of lies can go
back to _ _ _ _ _ _!
Funny, I guess you can’t read, a USMC relative, interesting, where did you find that? Assumption, I never said what branch of military, our four active duty soldiers are from. You don’t know my age, you don’t know my sex, and you don’t have a clue about trust. I must have hit a nerve, you reek of propaganda, much like the o bots. You have no difficulty in thinking of me as hate filled? Keep talking, you reveal yourself to be the one pushing an agenda of hatred. So typical, so predicable, so obama.
Lisa,
It was a joke. Sailors are gay, the Air Force are nerds, and the USMC are Jar Heads. Non Infantry are POGs or REMFS, Army Intel guys are trekkies/nerds, etc etc etc. Your skin would be thicker and you’d have a better sense of humor had you signed up at some point.
Katmoon,
Actually, I don’t believe you’re a hate filled old woman. My money says you’re a man, baby! That’s right, an old lonely man who listens to Rush Limbaugh and comes here to troll for ladies, in pseudo drag (how Republican of you!). Challenging a vet’s status is a standard right wing nut trope. You’ve never been a Democrat, and never will be one. But if running a pathetic false flag operation for the GOP a la “operation chaos” gets you closer to your sad Republican Clancy fantasies (b/c right wingers seldom have the balls to ever actually sign up), then I guess some higher purpose has been served. Whatever floats your boat, and keeps you from shooting up an abortion clinic!
Bt I think you have developed War illness. Surprise, we are Americans, honoring our constitutional duties. If your are an active duty officer? I sugest you leave politics to us civilans. You sir, if you are an active duty officer, return to your military duties, maybe seek some treatment.
“Comment by LisaB | 2008-08-20 16:22:55
My s/o is USMC and has been to Iraq twice. No one I know or have talked with there think BO is up to the job.”
My apologies to Katmoon – I confused one nut for another.
Wow, when you hit a nerve, the implosion begins. Excellent meltdown.
I give you a 10. Thank you for all your kind words.
I have one word for you ENRON. this is what happens when people think they are the smartest people in the room. The end up getting duped by people who know they can’t see real issues for their large issue. I’m sorry but I don’t feel like placing another person like that in office. once with Dubbya was enough for me.
Ain’t that the truth. All oblahblah would be is an AA Shrub. Hell, he’s been bought and paid for just like Shrub, too.
BT As an active member of the armed services. An officer no less. You, while on duty, should not be involved with political affairs. I’m surprised that an officer would be posting his views on what American service men feel on a polticial blog?
Correct but of one suspends disbelief and assumes that BT is on active duty or is even a soldier. There are lot of obamabots skulking around here day and night.
Katmoon,
Don’t you have an early bird special to catch somewhere? I thought your caretakers would have limited your computer use.
Another day, same Obamabot. So you changed your name from free-dumb fighter to BT? Or maybe you’re actually ummm or Little Debbie.
Doesn’t matter, you’re an Obamabot.
There’s the door–please make use of it.
Stay classy, BT.
Steve,
First off, I like your take on English. Second, I’m not addressing a group in uniform or speaking as an officer. Officers can have political conversations, and can even express political opinions. Third, even if I am violating a rule, try and pin it on me! I’ve even been known to speed on post! I’m human, and far from perfect.
I came here tonight and tried to provide some counter balance to a group of people who by virtue of their gender and age have little to no familiarity with life in today’s active duty military. I’ve acknowledged that some vets support McCain and some support Obama. I personally lean towards Obama, but have been a Republican for most of my life. Again, recent surveys/studies of donors indicate that Obama enjoys an advantage among the active duty/deployed military. IAVA and other non-partisan VSO’s also lean towards Obama. I encourage you try teh googly, step out of this echo chamber, and look into this. The truth will set you free. Aside from this, you people might want to give it up. The convention is almost here, and it will be downhill from there for McCain.
You sure make a lot of assumptions, butterbar. Centrists don’t need counterbalances. Oh, that counterbalance of which you’re speaking must be for you. Try HuffPo.
Butterbar!!!!!!!
Gotta separate them trolls from real service members, you know. (smirk)
Butterbar – best riposte all day. Kudos to you.
You write like the only ‘leg’ douche on a post full of troopers.
You may like strutting your uninformed slick-ass shit here, leg, but I ain’t impressed. You over there at the 90 day wonder school there sparky? Or just one of the dumbass OCS summer camps? Can’t be the NCO academy… they only allow thinkers.
You ain’t much to stack up there sonny. Come back when you ripen up a bit.
i just finished reading david fredosi’s, a case against barack obama. i read because the mainstream media is not telling us anything about this guy. i cant believe the democrats want to elect this communist crook over hillary. im ashamed to say that i am a first time voter, but proud to say i will not vote for this demon, i suggest everyone read this informative book. if u need 1, u can read mine.
Why won’t he debate McCain in Town Hall meetings?
Trish,
Won’t it be interesting to see how he wiggles off that hook come debate time…
His campaign needs to ride the old carnival ride, the “Tilt’O'Whirl” so they can acclimate for that big “flush” in November…
michelle obamas employer, university of chicago hospitals, raised her pay from $121.910 in 2004 to $316,962 in 2005 after her husband earmarked $1 million for the hospital. is it just me ordoes anyone else think this is a conflict of interest and criminal? i guess we know whose gonna benefit from an obama presidency.
I was reading BT’s post about Columbus Georgia and Fort Benning. My son is stationed there and is deployed. I just got back from there and I do not see the support for Obama he is touting. In fact, I saw just the opposite. I went to a graduation party for my son and met quite a few army guys and not one, not one had anything nice to say about Obama. Most of my son’s friends wanted Guilani, but said they would support McCain way before Obama. I got to see a lot of things there and support for Obama wasn’t one of them. And I know this military family will never vote for Obama. You can take that to the bank.
I live in an area with several military bases. Four years ago there were bush/cheney bumper stickers all over — ESPECIALLY paired with BASE STICKERS.
Right now there are NO political bumper stickers for President– dem or GOP. Not a single one today — and I know many of the clerks in the stores are military wives/ (dependents — in military speak).
There are some old hippies in the area — YEP they will go for Obama (maybe).
This area is Navy — (oh right, Marines are part of the Navy and are found on military bases). McCain is Navy . . .
It’s sort of like people are waiting for the shoe to drop . . .
My son served in Iraq, and right now, he isnt sure he who he is voting for. He is probably leaning McCain, but thats just my thoughts.
And in this part of NY, about 50 miles from Fort Drum, I have seen ONE bumper sticker for Obama.
Everyone can say they are supporting either one, but come Novemeber. In this area you pull the curtain closed when you vote.
Mr. O in a Raleigh, North Carolina town hall meeting said McCain “doesn’t know what he’s up against.” Hmm, what is Senator McCain up against that Mr. O knows and Senator McCain does not?
Oblahblah is so full of bilge. His threats are a empty as his suit and skull. He’ll probably have a hissy fit, stomping around like Yosemite Sam.
This is posted on Gretwire at Fox’s early this evening…
Check out the email I just got from my FNC colleague Mosheh Oinounou….it looks like the gloves are off…this is getting rougher…read below and post your comment:
From: Oinounou, Mosheh
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 5:40 PM
Subject: Urgent: McCain response to new Obama attack ad in GA
From Campaign spokesman Brian Rogers:
“Barack Obama’s ad is ridiculous. Because of John McCain, corruption was
exposed and people like Jack Abramoff went to jail.
“However, if Barack Obama wants to have a discussion about truly
questionable associations, let’s start with his relationship with the
unrepentant terrorist William Ayers, at whose home Obama’s political
career was reportedly launched. Mr. Ayers was a leader of the Weather
Underground, a terrorist group responsible for countless bombings
against targets including the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon and numerous
police stations, courthouses and banks. In recent years, Mr. Ayers has
stated, ‘I don’t regret setting bombs … I feel we didn’t do enough.’
“The question now is, will Barack Obama immediately call on the
University of Illinois to release all of the records they are currently
withholding to shed further light on Senator Obama’s relationship with
this unrepentant terrorist?” –McCain spokesman Brian Rogers
Oh WOW — I’ve read statements like this in comments at NQ — but this is from McCain’s spokesman. The ball in now in the media’s court — will they respond — or ignore this information?
I would guess they will try to change the subject…that is what they are good at…but he should tread carefully when attacking John McCain..the media only Fox will report it is my guess.
I’d sooner go into battle with Britney Spears beside me. Oblabla is such a puss.
His kind of garbage is why this Country is in the shits.