McCain quotes on the importance of military service for commander in chief

[democrattotheend]

I posted this in response to http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6729098&mesg_id=6729098">highplainsdem's thread about the new GOP talking point that Obama/Biden is the first ticket in 68 years without a military veteran, but someone suggested I make it its own thread. Here are 2 great quotes from McCain himself on whether military service is a prerequisite for being president:

- "I believe that military service is the most honorable endeavor an American may undertake. But I’ve never believed that lack of military service disqualifies one from occupying positions of political leadership or as Commander and Chief. In America, the people are sovereign, and they decide who is and is not qualified to lead us."

He also said this in 2003:
- During an interview with National Journal, John McCain was asked if “military service inherently makes somebody better equipped to be commander-in-chief.” McCain said, “Absolutely not…I absolutely don’t believe that it’s necessary.”

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/01/mccain-v-clark-qualifications/


Feel free to pass on/distribute.

[rubberducky]

Seems like McCain wants to only be CIC, not president (with all that entails).

But, hooya, he wetting his pants to be CIC.

[Ichingcarpenter]

1. Thanks, great to bookmark and store for ammo

[democrattotheend]

3. Don't thank me, thank Think Progress

They're the ones who dug up those old quotes in response to the tiff over Wes Clark's remarks in July.

[FrenchieCat]

2. I'm emailing this to some folks I know!

Thanks!

[Beaverhausen]

4. McCain:"I’ve never believed that lack of military service disqualifies one...political leadership"

DUer Democrattotheend posted this in the other tread about military service and I think it deserves a thread all it's own.


- "I believe that military service is the most honorable endeavor an American may undertake. But I’ve never believed that lack of military service disqualifies one from occupying positions of political leadership or as Commander and Chief. In America, the people are sovereign, and they decide who is and is not qualified to lead us."


He also said this in 2003:
- During an interview with National Journal, John McCain was asked if “military service inherently makes somebody better equipped to be commander-in-chief.” McCain said, “Absolutely not…I absolutely don’t believe that it’s necessary.”

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/01/mccain-v-clark-qual ... /

[AuntPatsy]

5. Not something that was just said without thought, you can tell he meant every word in that answer...

No time to wish you had kept your mouth shut

[msongs]

6. john McCains military service was a FAILURE n he was bailed out by his old man nt

[democrattotheend]

7. I don't think we should go there

Yes, it worked for the Republicans against John Kerry, but I don't think it will work for us. I think Republicans have more success with negative campaigns than Democrats because the kind of people who are more inclined to vote Democratic tend to be more squeamish about below-the-belt attacks.