"In a televised March debate, Blumenthal stated clearly he had not actually served in Vietnam"

[babylonsister]

Just for some perspective...

snip//

In a televised March debate, Blumenthal stated clearly he had not actually served in Vietnam during the conflict when asked a question about using military force in Iran.

snip//

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/17/AR2010051704418.html

[Webster Green]

1. Have you seen this video?

He clearly says he served in Vietnam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3KgsgRfjhQ

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. My DH served during the Vietnam War but never went to Vietnam

and often says "in Vietnam" when referring to his time in the army.

This is silly, IMO.

[DrDan]

9. silly? You don't see it as an issue that he clearly lies when speaking about his service record?

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. All I see is using the word "in" instead of "during"

As I said, my DH often does the same thing. I haven't followed this issue and never even heard of this guy before this morning. But yes, I think this is silly. And I wonder if he was a Republican if this would be getting any play at all.

[DrDan]

16. of course an R would. And of course the R's would be saying

"wonder if this would get any airtime if a D lied about his service"

[Webster Green]

20. Tell your DH to stop lying about his service.

What's a DH anyway?

[proud2BlibKansan]

22. Dear Husband

And he's not lying. Many vets refer to serving in a war when they were stateside during the war.

[pinboy3niner]

30. Not many that I know

Generally, vets who did not serve in-country are very careful to refer to themselves as Vietnam ERA vets, not Vietnam vets.

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. And I have heard different

Maybe it's a regional thing. Like Arkansaw or ArKANsas. :)

[michreject]

62. I've NEVER heard one say that he was in country

when he wasn't. NEVER. I belong to several vet org. and interact with vet's from all over the country. I know some vet's who would take offense to such claims. Hell. Combat vet's don't think too highly of REMF's and they were in country.

[Webster Green]

36. Oh.

Never heard that one before.

You know, I served in the war, but when I tell friends about my service, I make it clear that I had it easy. I was in the Navy, a Radioman on a destroyer. We were doing shore bombardment, but that's a far cry from what the soldiers on the ground had to go through. I don't feel a need to make shit up, and pretend I was a jungle warrior. I signed up, reported for duty and did what they told me to do.

Anyone who served anywhere did their duty. They served their country, and they don't need to exaggerate about their service. :shrug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

61. And I'm thinkng this is just semantics

and folks are making too much of it. But I can understand why others have a different opinion.

[DrDan]

45. nope - I have been around the military for decades

when you say "Since the days I served in Viet Nam . . .", that means serving IN Viet Nam.

Vets do not confuse that with serving "during" Viet Nam war.

He was lying.

[snooper2]

82. No they don't

I've never heard anybody doing that...

In fact, people usually clarify "I was in the Marines during Desert Storm, but was never deployed"

[Nye Bevan]

37. Does he talk about "the days I served in Vietnam"

like this?

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/05/17/ct-sen_blumenthal_touts_vietnam_service_in_2008.html


"We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam," Mr. Blumenthal said to the group gathered in Norwalk in March 2008. "And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it, Afghanistan or Iraq -- we owe our military men and women unconditional support."

If so, your husband should not run for the Senate either.

[babylonsister]

5. I'm not saying he didn't screw up, but he's on record also as

saying he wasn't in VN. :shrug:

[DrDan]

10. that only proves that he can tell the truth on occasion

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Sounds like he said "in" when he should have said "during"

But of course since he's a Democrat this is a most grievous error.

[Webster Green]

19. Wow!

I can't believe anyone would stretch so far to defend this guy.

He lied about his service. Period.

[Statistical]

27. Veterans don't do that. It isn't a mistake you casually make.

Sorry not buying that spin for a second.

The guy lied about his service. End of story.

[brendan120678]

3. He's a typical politician...

he'll tell the truth when necessary, but when a lie makes a speech sound a little better, he won't hesitate to go that way either.

[DrDan]

11. BINGO

[KharmaTrain]

6. The War Never Ends...

How his service or claims of it have to do with his abiility to represent the people of Connecticutt is beyond me. We've had lots of candidates embellish their service. For example a certain "fighter pilot" from Texas who spent most of the war defending the Rio Grande from the Vietnamese and then his whereabouts in 1972 still haven't been thoroughly explained (such as where is his discharge???). But since Blumenthal is a Democrat, I'm sure hate radio and the corporate media will kick this around like a dead cat...making this a "character" issue...whata bunch of hypocrites (but you knew that). Even worse is these shitbags will gladly lie about the roles of true Democratic military records (John Kerry, Max Cleland) while their "heroes" got deferments and did all they could to keep their asses out of the war.

Here's hoping AG Blumenthal comes out and clears the air on this...and quickly. Letting it drag out or try to play a he said/she said game with the media is a loser.

[DrDan]

12. he clearly has no problem lying about this. What else might he lie about?

[KharmaTrain]

31. Let's See...

First...I want to hear what Mr. Blumenthal says or does to counter this charge and if there's more to this story. Problem of playing the "if he lied about this, he'll lie about everything" is it plays into the hands of those who are pushing the story. Also if we put lie detectors on every politician and you questioned them about their past (such as marijuana use or premarital sex) wanna bet we get plenty of fails.

The situation can turn into a "gotcha game" if Mr. Blumenthal doesn't take this matter head on and quickly. This will show his meddle not only about being honest about his past (kinda be refreshing to hear a politician say "well I did lie"). Personally, if I were a voter in that state, I'd look at the man's record in the public arena as a judge to how he'd do representing me rather than get all "bunched up" about what he did or didn't do 40 years ago.

[Statistical]

28. It shows a lack of charecter and a propensity to lie and a need to feel special/important.

Not qualities that make a good leader.

For example a certain "fighter pilot" from Texas
Exactly. Those 8 years just turned out to be wonderful right?

[KharmaTrain]

35. Here's The Problem...

If we disqualify any politician who has lied or embellished their records, we'll never have an election. Yes, character matters, but I do think it's a matter of proportion. Say he lied about taking money or getting special favors from someone he was responsible for regulating is not the same thing as making up where he was 40 years ago. Lies that hurt the public through conflict of interest isn't the same as one's personal life. If we end up saying all lies mean someone is corrupt you end up playing the "gotcha game" that turns the campaigns into a personality contest rather than one of substansive issues.

[Statistical]

40. Having seen a friend bleed out in the sand I won't forgive this kind of lying. Ever.

Sorry. I would slam a Republican for doing this. I would slam a Democrat for doing this. Hell I would slam a family member or close friend for doing this.

Lying (or being misleading) about your service in wartime is dishonorable.
Had he lied about receiving a medal in Vietnam I would be pushing to have him arrested.

Armchair zeroes cheapens the sacrifice made by others including those who gave everything.

[KharmaTrain]

43. I'm Vietnam Era As Well

I had many friends who served in that hell of a war and respect their service (some who had no choice as they were drafted), however I also stood then and still respect those who opposed the overall leadership and principal of that war. Two different elements...and that this war still remains divisive and used as political fodder...which is how I see this story playing out. The timing, during an election campaign, is also dubious and smells of partisan tricks rather than some revelation of the man's character.

If Mr. Blumenthal were running for office based upon his military service then, yes, I agree, if he lies then he's showing a major character flaw and one then has to question what eles he's lied about, but I don't see this being the case here. I see a certain Arizona Senator who I used to respect for his military record now do double back-flips on his own previous positions on many issues and this has far more affect on this country (should he be re-elected and hold a major role in the upcoming Senate). His hypocrisy about torture is another lie/issue. Do you put some revelation of what appears to be resume padding in the same league as all the ugly lies John McCain is now doing? It's all in proportion.

Cheers...

[CTyankee]

76. When I was growing up in Texas, my parents had a friend who would tell people he "flew with the RAF"

as a pilot in WWII. Actually, he did contribute to the war effort but as an engine designer with Chance Vought in Dallas. The planes he helped design dropped bombs on Germany, so while he did lie about being a fighter pilot, he did contribute to the war effort. My parents thought it was funny that he did this but thought it was harmless. Of course, he didn't run for office and that's what makes this case different.

So I don't agree that he somehow cheapens the sacrifice of others as much simply embellishing his bona fides with veterans...I am profoundly disappointed in him because he has been with us on every issue we hold dear and I still believe he would make a great senator...but he needs to step up and apologize NOW.

[karynnj]

41. Exactly -and for a current example

Scott Brown has referred to being in the military for over 30 years - Sestak can say that, but while Brown deserves credit for being in the National Guard, doesn't that exaggerate things. He has never been in any hostilities, but his allies on the right have spoken of deployments to Kharzakhstan, though it was week long conference, as if it was hostilities.

Not to mention, this sounds wrong to me:

"Brown describes himself as “probably one of the most qualified soldiers in the entire Massachusetts ,’’ having been an enlisted man and trained in infantry, airborne, and quartermaster duties and joining the Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1994.'
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/07/guard_service_a_key_to_candidate_brown/?page=3

As many in the MA NG saw service in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is way over stated. (Military people - was he "enlisted"? )

His comments when he went on a pretty low powered CODEL to Afghanistan - headed by Ensign and Carper were all about how useful his "military experience was". Now, MA does have a war hero Senator - and he speaks less of that than Brown.

[DrDan]

7. 5 deferments - then clearly claims to have been in Viet Nam

I would NEVER vote for this guy. - D or not.

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. But he did serve in the National Guard

which was quite common during the Vietnam War.

[DrDan]

18. and . . . .

serving in the NG was COMPLETELY different than going to Viet Nam.

This was my era. I served active duty. I completely understand the NG route.

[marylanddem]

21. Thank you, DrDan

Those of old enough to remember know that - unlike Bush's wars - the National Guard were NEVER deployed to Vietnam & it was considered a safe berth from active duty. Bush's wars have confused this distinction I think.

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. But they all served

That's the point. If you were lucky enough to get into the Guard, you didn't have to go to Nam. But I don't quibble when a veteran says he served "in" a war. Like I said, my DH stayed here in the states but his service was important to the army and important to the soldiers who were actually in Vietnam. So if he says he served "in" Vietnam, he is not being dishonest.

[marylanddem]

26. Blumenthal did not serve IN Vietnam. He was not in the midst of battle. He

was lying his ass off.

Serving IN the National Guard during the era then saying you were IN Vietnam is a lie.

[proud2BlibKansan]

29. My DH is most definitely considered a Vietnam veteran

He was in intelligence so you can argue that his work here in the US likely saved a few American soldiers' lives in that war.

Not all soldiers are in the war zone. They don't have to be there to be commended for their service.

[marylanddem]

32. Well, I don't deny your DH served during the Vietnam War.

But he was NOT "in" Vietnam. Not in the jungle. And I suspect more than a few veterans of that horrendous war would take issue with such a claim...They have the battle scars, internal and external, from being
IN Vietnam.

[pinboy3niner]

38. No, he definitely is NOT considered a Vietnam veteran

He is considered a "Vietnam Era veteran," meaning he served during that era--but not in-country. ONLY someone who served in-country is considered a "Vietnam veteran". This distinction is recognized by all veterans' organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

[nadinbrzezinski]

87. I like you

and yes your husband IS a Vietnam Era Vet, but he did not serve IN COUNTRY, and this is what the issue is.

He does not have the nightmares that go with that, or the cold wake up every time a car back fires.

Yes he did serve, during the era. But did not serve in country. This is the issue... and I take issue with those who lie about their service.

Now I have been around the military for decades now. My hubby was NOT in country for Iraqi Freedom, though was in country for desert storm, if for ten minutes. He still has the nightmares over that one.

That is the difference... and why people who slugged it in the mud and the muck take issue.

[Statistical]

34. If you husband routinely says he serves "in" vietnam and was never deployed to vietnam...

then he is being dishonest. There is no other reason to say "in" except to embellish one's service. Sorry. If he does it accidentally then he should be more careful with words.

If you ask 100 people what this sentence means:
"I served in the Vietnam War"
100 out of 100 will think the sentence means you were actually in the Vietnam conflict.
I mean technically firefighter/police officer is service right? So would it be ok for firefighter or Police officer to say they "served in" vietnam?

I would slam any Republican for pulling this kind of shit.
I am not going to see it differently just because it is a Democrat doing the lying.

[proud2BlibKansan]

47. Well my DH isn't running for office so . . .

[DrDan]

46. I agree they served - and there is no doubt as to the importance of the service

but serving "in" Viet Nam and serving "during" the Viet Nam war are two very different things.

Guard did the latter.

[proud2BlibKansan]

59. My DH wasn't in the Guard; he was regular army

[atreides1]

44. Blumenthal was in the USMC Reserve.

According to a report on CNN this morning. Mr. Blumenthal received 5 deferments and then enlisted in the USMC Reserve, did 6 months at Parris Island in South Carolina.

Served in thr Reserves for 6 years.

[pinboy3niner]

48. Actually, it was the Marine Corps Reserves, not the NG

From the OP-linked news report:

"Unlike many of his peers, Dick Blumenthal voluntarily joined the Marine Corps Reserves and served for six months in Parris Island, S.C. and six years in the reserves," Mindy Myers, Blumenthal's campaign manager, said in a written statement.

[stray cat]

8. If Bush mistakingly said "when he was in Vietnam" would it be seen as a mistake if not corrected?

I'm still waiting to see the different quotes - it could have been careless speech or outright lying - not sure yet

[DrDan]

14. watching that video has me convinced it is clearly lying.

One would not forget if a Viet Nam trip was in one's past.

[CTyankee]

25. I can see how you feel that way. I'm a big supporter of Dick B. but I want to hear

an apology, clear and consise. Why? Because he has a proven track record as a progressive in CT and he would make a superb Senator. How he handles this will be a test of his character, IMO.

If he fesses up and makes an unequivocal apology, would you be inclined to forgive him and just look at his record of accomplishments (if you were voting in CT)? Just wondering, because as a Dem and a Vietnam veteran your opinion would matter to me...

[DrDan]

42. yes - I think I would. He needs to be forthcoming.

(and to make it clear - I was a Viet Nam era vet. Pulled most of my time in Germany. As active duty, however, Viet Nam always loomed. The NG was a way to avoid it.)

[CTyankee]

50. Blumenthal was in the Marine Reserve, not the National Guard, altho I get yourpoint.

If he runs and runs against Linda McMahon, it would be awfully tough not to vote for him, if for no other reason than to keep her OUT. If he runs against Simmons, that might make the difference for some voters. Simmons was a real Vietnam vet. He is also probably prochoice (his wife had a late term abortion due to a crisis to her health). I've never despised Rob Simmons; he looks like a pretty stand up guy to me, altho I would never vote for a Republican.

When I worked for Planned Parenthood Dick Blumenthal always stood beside us. I knew his wife, Cindy, since we worked together on PP's big fundraising parties in Greenwich. Cindy's parents, Peter and Isabel Malkin, also lived in Greenwich and were financial supporters of PP. The Malkin family has a great deal of money; Peter Malkin at one time owned the Empire State Building...I remember them as nice people, altho I didn't know them very well except as donors (I was PPC's Major Gifts Officer).

[DrDan]

53. oops - you are correct - Reserves

and there were a few Reserves that served in Viet Nam. They tended to be pilots and the like and not reserve units.

[Jennicut]

55. CTYankee, it is up to us in CT to decide.

He would be a good Senator. And who else do we have? Somebody else on DU was joking about the Mayor of Waterbury.

[CTyankee]

75. Waterbury officials have inflicted enough damage on CT's body politic!

My husband and I are both heartsick about Dick. We both agree that he has GOT to apologize sincerely and not let this thing hang out there...If the vets look to the good things he's done for them and other vets in the state, and if Dick's apology is viewed as absolutely sincere, I think he can go forward, but he has to make it clear that this is a lesson learned, and learned the hard way...

[pinboy3niner]

77. I think you're right--all depends on his apology

His press conference is coming up. I'm crossing my fingers with you that he does this right, CTyankee . . .

[marylanddem]

17. In at least one audio segment I've heard , he clearly says that he "served in

Vietnam." Although I totally opposed the Vietnam War, I would think veterans would be very offended by this lie.

(the audio I heard was probably from the video being referred to)

[NJmaverick]

24. K & R!

[Nye Bevan]

39. The main question now is: who can our candidate be?

Speaking as a CT voter, Blumenthal is clearly toast. Many of my relatives have served bravely and I could not bring myself to vote for someone who disrespects their service by talking about when he was "in Vietnam".

The good news is that the general election is far enough away that there should be time for a new candidate to step up. But who?

[spanone]

49. it would seem that this standard doesn't apply to republican presidents, eh?

[Nye Bevan]

51. Do you have a video where Bush talks about when "I served in Vietnam"? (nt)

[librechik]

86. how about when he said "I've been to war, and I've raised twins..."

pretty much says it all---and everybody heard it. And nobody had a heart attack or took him off the ticket for that.

[Statistical]

52. Of course that standard also applies to Bush.

However if we simply do things because the Republicans do them then it really defeats the whole purpose of two parties huh?

[Jennicut]

54. The question is not about the Vietnam stuff, is who else do we have? In CT, we have not got much.

I love of Sec of State Susan Bysiewicz, she is running for AG. Could she just switch with Blumenthal? Doubt it. Malloy and Lamont are great Dems, already running for Gov. Dodd won't beat McMahon. Hopefully Blumenthal just weathers past this because he is still better then a no name candidate.

[MidwestRick]

56. As I put in another thread on the topic...

I was active duty Air Force during the Gulf War. I was awarded a National Defence Ribbon. The only desert I was near during Storm or Shield was White Sands in NM. Am I a war veteran? Yep.

I was in the Air Force Reserves during Kosovo. My unit was activated and President Clinton wished us well in person before the unit went off to war...in the South of France. Got another National Defence Ribbon for that 2 week tour. Am I a war veteran? Yep.

Can I become a member of the VFW? Nope, but am I a war veteran? Yep.

-MR

[DrDan]

58. not the same thing

would you say "while serving in Kosovo"?

or "while I served in Iraq"?

I doubt it. I know no vets that would.

That is the issue.

[MidwestRick]

64. If it was said one time, two years ago...

I will take his word that he mispoke. If there are multiple times where he states "in" Vietnam, then I'm sure they will be posting those instances in the very near future, I will view it as a lie meant to have others believe he was in country.

I don't know too many Marines who don't have a ton of integrity. Until proven to be a common error he has made, I'll take this Marine's word.

-MR

[Statistical]

66. "I'll take this Marine's word."

Well that is the point he hasn't clarified the statement, issued a retraction, or apologized.
So as of right now all we have is a statement where he said he was in Vietnam.

If he explained it, appeared candid, and seemed honest about it that might change my opinion.

Not that it matters given I don't live in CT. :)

[MidwestRick]

68. I will be surprised...

...if he doesn't clarify the statement today before the polls close. I would imagine he is getting plenty of advice right now from his policy wonks, and trying to make up his mind how to approach a statement.

-MR

[wmbrew0206]

71. There is another problem

It looks like he has a habit of not correcting false info about himself.

The article mentions how he did an interview for a paper and in the article it says he was the captain of the Harvard swim team. The schools records show that he was never on the swim team.

Could this be two coincidences? Yes, it could. However it could also be this guy has a habit of making ambiguous statements that allow views to have false impressions of him that he never corrects.

[DrDan]

70. he needs to come out and make it perfectly clear that he mis-spoke

and then hope that there are not other instances where he said the same thing.

I agree about the Marines. Politicians . . . now that is a different story.

We are about to find out which he is.

[Statistical]

60. Would you claim that you serve IN Kuwait/Iraq? I doubt it.

[wmbrew0206]

63. I'm with DrDan and statistical here

They only way you can claim you are a war veteran for Marines is if you have a campaign ribbon. NDR don't count, anyone on active duty gets them.

I would say being able to join the VFW is a good way to determine if you are a war veteran or not.

Were you flying into the combat zone or over it?

[MidwestRick]

65. Neither

I was enlisted ground support for the F-15's and Tankers that flew in the units I was a member of.

That being said, our old motto was, "No air power without ground power." :)

-MR

[pinboy3niner]

67. Eligibility to join the VFW:

Must have served overseas during a conflict for which you received an expeditionary medal, a campaign medal or ribbon, or imminent danger/hostile fire pay

http://www.jointheelite.org/engine.html


Vietnam Veterans of America, however, is open not just to in-country vets, but to all who served during that era:


Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families

http://www.vva.org/who.html

[MidwestRick]

69. I need to get an updated DD214

I didn't get one upon exiting the Reserves after serving 8 years with the 927th out of Selfridge ANGB. My DD214, only shows my active duty service. I would be curious to see if my time in the South of France during Kosovo got me some sort of NATO campaign medal. I know the pilots that were flying our tankers saw flak while they were flying sortees.

*shrugs*

-MR

[wmbrew0206]

72. I think it might.

I have a lot of friends who were flying out of Aviano, Italy during Kosovo and they rated a NATO medal. Not sure if you actually had to cross over into the theater or if ground crews also rate them.

I'd call the VA and they can probably tell you.

[pinboy3niner]

73. Your unit's pilots and crews would be awarded a campaign medal

As ground crew, I'm afraid you're out of luck.

Thanks for your service.:patriot:

[pinboy3niner]

74. How to request an updated DD-214 (DD-215)

http://www.military-certificates.com/DD214201PersonnelFileMilitaryMedicalRecords.htm

[wmbrew0206]

57. NOT GOOD!

This guy is toast.

When you say you served "in" Vietnam, Iraq, Kosvo, etc it means you were THERE. Not just serving in the armed forces at the time. Veterans are always very carefully about saying "in" vs "during the ______ era." One means you were there, the other means you weren't. Especially with Marines.

To make it worse this guy had a bunch of deferments and then joined the Marine Reserves and 4th CAG, a unit that was not going to deploy to Vietnam. There is nothing wrong with serving in the Marine Reserves and it is a very honorable way to serve your country. However in the '60's and '70's, as other have said, it was were privileged young men went to escape going to Vietnam.

To do all that and then claim to have served "in" Vietnam is despicable. Veteran groups are going to be all over this guy. I'm not sure that a very public and genuine apology will be able to make up for this.

[CTyankee]

79. I'm not so sure. If vets feel his record as AG in terms of their interests and needs

is a good one and he would be the stronger person to go to the Senate on behalf of veterans, then I think they would forgive him. He must, of course, sincerely ask for their forgiveness. "Too err is human, to forgive, divine."

[pinboy3niner]

80. I thought he did well enough in his response

And, as a Vietnam combat vet, I'm especially sensitive to that kind of mis-statement. But if I lived in CT, I'd vote for him.

It really depends on how CT voters react to this. And McMahon's dishing dirt to the Times hurts her, too.

[CTyankee]

81. there's a real problem with her commercials. She talks about how

awful the government in Washington is yet she yearns, YEARNS, to go there. She comes out of the woodwork with NO background in any kind of public service but with her own shady organization and wants us to BELIEVE her? Is she nuts?

[wmbrew0206]

84. I disagree.

I felt that his response did not help and could have possible made it worse. There was no apology to begin with. To make it worse he held it at a VFW! Talk about one of the worse back drops to use. (Who ever thought of that should be fired, ASAP). I watched the whole thing and came away with the feeling that he did not come off well.

As other have said on different threads, there is no way you "mis-speak" about being "in" or "returning" from a combat theater. To claim that only makes it worse. I think he came off today like someone who would do something like that, rather than coming out and apologizing for it.

[pinboy3niner]

85. I sincerely appreciate your perspective

Here's the way I look at it: Unlike the typical Rambo-wannabe, who lies consistently to fraudently present a war-hero persona, Blumenthal exaggerated on a few occasions (while clearly stating, on many, many more occasions, that he did NOT serve in VN).

I also weigh this against his record (especially his staunch support for vets, and for now-serving troops and their families) and what he might accomplish as a U.S. Senator. IF he can remain strong enough to keep McMahon from getting that Senate seat, I'd still vote for him--if I lived in CT. I don't live there, so it's academic for me.

Regardless, I respect differing views. Semper Fi, from an old army grunt who has enjoyed the Corps birthday ceremonies at the Iwo on a couple of occasions (and more recently, the performance of The Commandant's Own and the Silent Drill Team at the Rose Bowl).

:patriot:

[wmbrew0206]

88. Thanks for sharing yours also.

Every generation has a different take on this. For those of us from the Iraq and Afghanistan generation, this type of thing is really insulting. It might be because we are an all volunteer force now and if you said you went when you didn't, it meant that you joined but only for the pay check when push came to shove and are now trying to thump your chest about it.

[wmbrew0206]

83. Look at it this way

If the race starts to get close (within 5 points) and this guy doesn't drop out, its not good. CT is pretty much a blue state and Dodd dropped out to ensure his seat stayed blue. There is no way this race should be close.

There are plenty of other Democrats who could win this race that haven't lied or intentionally implied that they served in Vietnam. The deferments make it worse. As did his the location of his PC yesterday being at a VFW (come on!).

Other veterans might disagree with me on this but I'm not sure I could vote for someone who did this. It is such a despicable thing to do that I would probably stay home rather than vote.

[spanone]

78. wow, this is just like the media went after bu$h* and his 'service'........not