McCain the only candidate with military background?
Submitted by jbunch4 on Wed, 10/17/2007 - 12:19
Did anyone else catch Hardball with Chris Matthews on Tuesday where Chris stated "Senator McCain, you‘re the only Republican candidate at the top of the list who‘s had military background..." I know the key words were "top of the list", but it just seems like another situation where RP is being unjustly shoved aside in the media. McCain was using his military backround as validation for his candidacy. I thought I misunderstood him while I was watching so I had to read the transcript of the show on the MSNBC website today. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21343377/ Sho nuff!
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Ron Paul receives more from the military than all others
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5223477.html
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, the congressman from the Houston area who opposes the Iraq war, has gotten more contributions than any other White House contender from donors identified as affiliated with the military.
According to a Houston Chronicle analysis of campaign records from January through September, Paul received $63,440 in donations from current military employees and several retired military personnel.
Democrat Barack Obama, another war critic, was second in military giving. The Illinois senator got $53,968 during the nine months.
He was followed by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, a decorated Navy pilot and former Vietnam prisoner of war, who received $48,208 in military-related giving. McCain has been one of the most vigorous defenders of President Bush's decision this year to increase U.S. troops in Iraq.
The military contributions — nearly 1,000 of them are listed in Federal Election Commission records for this year — represent a small fraction of the overall contributions to the candidate
"In short, you see, the essential is to cease being free and to obey, in repentance, a greater rogue than oneself. When we are all guilty, that will be democracy. Without countering, cher ami, that we must take revenge for having to die alone. Death is so
My Letter to Chris Matthews --okay to copy
Dear Mr. Matthews:
I am a big fan of your show; although admittedly, I've had more than a few disagreements with you over the years. I was recently disappointed that in your interview with Senator McCain (Tue., Oct. 16) you said that Senator McCain was the only "top of the list" candidate with military service. I'd like to make two important points:
1. While McCain did serve honorably, he is arguably a "top of the list" candidate. His campaign is functioning in the red and he continues to struggle.
2. In that "top tier" you failed to recognize Ron Paul, who as you know, served honorably as a flight doctor during Vietnam. You also may know that Dr. Paul has more military support than any other Republican candidate. Dr. Paul continues to raise record amounts of money, gains more and more supporters daily and continues to win straw polls.
I'm sure your comment will generate many e-mails from fellow Ron Paul supporters. While I am so very grateful that you have interviewed Dr. Paul respectfully following the debate, please know that Dr. Paul's supporters are distrustful of the mainstream media (MSM)-- and rightfully so (Consider CNBC's decision to pull a poll in which Dr. Paul was winning). I hope that in the future you will better qualify you remarks -- giving Dr. Paul the respect he deserves and thus retaining a growing legion of Ron Paul supporters as Hardball viewers.
Thanks again for interviewing Dr. Paul.
Sincerely,
MSNBC has me blocked
I tried to send a comment to Chris Matthews and the MSNBC site will not allow me to comment when I click on any of their numerous comment buttons.
I have only sent two other comments to anyone at MSNBC in my entire life. Nothing mean spirited or out of line.
If McCain had any respect for a fellow veteran, he would have corrected Chris Matthews and said that Ron Paul served honorably for 5 years in the US Air Force as a flight surgeon during the Viet Nam "war".
Anyone else blocked from MSNBC?
Here's Hardball's e-mail
hardball@msnbc.com
Let's all take a few minutes to educate Mr. Matthews.
Trouble is, Ron doesn't like to brag
I just watched the tape of the CNBC "debate" of a week or so ago and the thought crossed my mind that Dr. Paul really should mention his military service more. I know it goes against his humble nature, but it would help disarm the warmongers who want to portray him as soft on defense.
He needs to play his cards right
Ron Paul certainly is not soft on defense, and has said several times that we have the right to declare war if we can win them quick and leave. I do agree he should mention some of his credentials when he has those precious few moments on national television. However, I wouldn't want it to be used against him, like what happened to John Kerry. You don't want it to just come down to Ron Paul being a one-issue anti-war candidate to those who have yet to hear of him. He is a well-rounded intellect with many appealing qualities.
Caution
I can't speak for him, but I suspect he doesn't brag because he did not approve of that war. He wouldn't say he was "proud to serve" if that wasn't how he felt. He did say he wondered how many of the pilots he examined had been lost.
Of far more importance is the support from military families, now.
IMissLiberty
IMissLiberty
Similar to Romney's "business experience" claim
I think it is Romney that always claims to be the only Republican candidate who REALLY knows what it is like in the business world! I recall waiting for Dr. Paul to insert that being a doctor in private practice (for how long, 10 years?) certainly gave him the right to say that he understands the business world too.
What can be done to correct these two erroneous views? Anybody got an idea for a video that focuses on two highlights:
1. Dr. Ron Paul the private businessman ... "x" number of years; and
2. Serviceman Ron Paul the man who has served his country ... "x" number of years.
It is an injustice to the public to promote these other candidates as "the only Republican candidate who" -- who has experience and insight and thus wisdom because of such and such past work or military history.
Gwen Kraft
"Personal Liberty & Personal Responsibility" -- Dr. Ron Paul
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." -- Bob Dylan
And when the topic is healthcare...
"DOCTOR Ron Paul: the only Republican candidate who has actually delivered healthcare."
Indeed!
That is fabulous ! Alert the Campaign Headquarters!
Who understands the needs of small business owners?
Who served his country?
Who understands healthcare?
Dr. Ron Paul operated his own business! Served in the military!
"DOCTOR Ron Paul: the ONLY candidate who has actually delivered healthcare!"
Whoooo!
---------------------------------
I guess we could go on and on?
Who understands economics ... and money?
Who understands history?
Who understands the Constitution?
Who understands the checks and balances of our Republic?
Who understands diplomacy?
Who understands Free Trade (as opposed to Corporatocracy?)
Who understands Liberty?
Whose ACTIONS prove his integrity?
Who is a candidate of inviolate principles?
Who READS BOOKS and THINKS and REFLECTS and ACTS on behalf of "We the People?"
Sorry, the Librarian in me got on its soapbox ... :-)
Gwen Kraft
"Personal Liberty & Personal Responsibility" -- Dr. Ron Paul
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." -- Bob Dylan
The only candidate... period!
I like your edit: Let's leave out the "Republican" before "candidate."
While most of these buffoons were polishing their skills at manipulating people's emotions for their own gain, Ron Paul was doing productive work!