Kerry under fire

Posted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 1:37 PM by Huma Zaidi
Filed Under: White House, Midterms, 2008

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell and Huma Zaidi
White House press secretary Tony Snow and Sen. John Kerry (D) are engaged in a war of words over comments Kerry made at a campaign event in Los Angeles yesterday for California gubernatorial nominee Phil Angelides. Both might have a little base-politicking in mind, Snow for 2006 and Kerry for 2008.

Kerry, who was speaking to a group of students, warned them that those who don't study hard or do well in school could "get stuck in Iraq." At today's White House press briefing, Snow said Kerry should apologize to US troops and their families for insinuating that those who serve in the military are not smart. "What Senator Kerry ought to do first is apologize to the troops," Snow said. "This is an absolute insult. And I'm a little astonished that he didn't figure it out already." Snow was clearly prepped and probably looking to fire up the Republican faithful with attacks on Kerry, one of their favorite punching bags.

Kerry, who has been appealing more and more to the Democratic left as he plots a second run for president, quickly fired back at Snow with an unusually strong-worded press release arguing that President Bush and Vice President Cheney should be the ones to apologize to the troops. "If anyone thinks a veteran would criticize the more than 140,000 heroes serving in Iraq and not the president who got us stuck there, they're crazy," Kerry said. "I'm not going to be lectured by a stuffed suit White House mouthpiece standing behind a podium, or doughy Rush Limbaugh, who no doubt today will take a break from belittling Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's disease to start lying about me just as they have lied about Iraq."

A source close to Kerry tells NBC News that he was trying to make a "tough and honest joke" about Bush and that in the process he omitted two words which changed the intended meaning. Per the source, Kerry meant to say that he can't "overstress the importance of a great education" and that "if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy... You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq." Kerry mistakenly dropped the "getting us" from his initial remarks.

Sen. John McCain, with 2008 aspirations of his own, is also calling on Kerry to apologize. In a statement released today, McCain said that Kerry's remark is "an insult to every soldier serving in combat, and should deeply offend any American with an ounce of appreciation for what they suffer and risk so that the rest of us can sleep more comfortably at night."

Kerry will hold a press conference to respond to Snow and McCain at 2:00 pm today.

What do you think? Should Kerry apologize or is this purely an election ruse? Join in the discussion on the MSNBC.com discussion board.

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Comments

Am I missing something here.Didn't this administration lower the requirements for military service because they were unable fill their quotas. i would say that Mr Kerry's comment has some merit. Mr snow's grandstanding is just more Republican garbage.

Bart Simpson, Worcester,Ma. (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 1:56 PM)

and who will appologize for McCain's endorsement of Bush' torture policy?

Dave - Cleveland (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 1:57 PM)

The comment was clearly referring to how President Bush and his administration are stuck in Iraq. This was not an attack on U.S. soldiers. It's obvious to me that Kerry was bashing Bush as he had earlier in the speech. The administration simply grabbed hold of the comment as it could be construed to be negative. Sounds to me that the question about Kerry's comment to Snow was a setup... a plugged question to generate these headlines prior to the election.

D.E., Covington, Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:00 PM)

Tony Snow - a second-rate newsman from a third-rate network now working for a fourth-rate administration. At least you could see the pain on McClellan's face when he was forced to lie.

Peter Caloger Bushkill, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:03 PM)

Kerry was so right - and who really cares about what McCain has to say. The way Bush belittled McCain and his Viet Nam war experiences made me sick especially the way McCain layed down and took it from Bush during 2000. By the way why aren't the Bush twins in the armed services?

judy workman (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:03 PM)

My first impression on hearing this was that Kerry was referring to stay in school to avoid a military draft. This would occur if we relieve the overstressed troops already in Iraq and increase the number of forces there. There is no way to "stay the course" other than pour in fresh troops and those must come from a draft. This is one issue that the White House refuses to deal with. The logical alternative voiced by Murtha is to execute a redeployment strategy, get our troops out of harms way, leave a some special forces in proximity and let the Iraqis have at it. It's unfortunate Kerry did not express himself clearly but the GOP is looking for any crack they can. Kerry should just apologize for the statement and move on and not try to spin it.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:06 PM)

Sounds like Kerry 'swift-boated' 'em. Wonder where he learned a dispicable thing like that?

Glen, Indianapolis (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:07 PM)

What can you expect. The only way he could be more obnoxius would to be bigger. The voice of the anti American Left.

Richard Forrester, Columbia City, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:08 PM)

This comming from a President who ran like a little girl, from Nam into National guard service which only seems to be comprised of a dential checkup on the tax payer dime!!!! The rest of the time he was AWOL!

Douglas DeGroat, Poughkeepsie, New York (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:13 PM)

Kerry is a loser

jon, washington DC (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:14 PM)

"Tony Snow was clearly prepped and looking to fire up the Republican base."- PLEASE STOP trying to turn the attention away from John's Kerry senseless remark. Kerry should know better. That remark showed poor judgement and it hints of his recent sore loser (2004 delayed reaction) attitude. Kelly and Huma can't you just call it what it is- a remark not becoming of a USSenator and former soldier. Gain some credibility in blogland and call for an apology yourself from the kerry camp. One thing about being balanced, it forces you to find your center.

Rob Boston (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:14 PM)

Isn't it obvious to everyone except John Kerry that the Senator ought to just step aside and get out of the way during these midterm elections. He suffers from a terminal case of foot-in-mouth disease. Way to hand the Republicans red meat on a platter one week before the elections. Kerry mis-spoke while making a joke about the American education system - well if a Yalie is dumb enough to step in it like this, then we need to rethink how valuable an Ivy League education really is. What a moron. Inexcusable.

Peter Kohan (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:16 PM)

Kerry is a joke. What a freakin moron. He needs to shut his fat mouth.

Beelzebub (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:17 PM)

Kerry had his shot in 04. His campaign was a disgrace. I wish he'd retire. On the other hand, as a veteran, I share his anger at the many who have sent men into combat without ever even experiencing boot camp. We made a mistake when we eliminated obligatory military service. It would have taken some of the lard from the likes of Cheney, Rove, and Limbaugh and perhaps given them a perspective on what it means to send men to war.

H R Coursen (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:20 PM)

Sen Kerry's statement is an insult to my family and to anyone who has served and is seving in the military. My son who has worked hard in school is volunteering to sign up for ROTC in college. He wants to defend the american way of life. I wonder if any other Democrat will comment about his statement - I doubt it.

Bryan Hoffman, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:20 PM)

Kerry's problem; he stated he was making a joke. He's such a stiff, that he can't tell a joke correctly.

J.N.S. Baltimore, MD (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:23 PM)

Critisized US service members? No, not John Kerry!!! This is the same guy that said that US serice members were engaged in rape, torture, and murder in vietnam. Ok 30 years ago is a long time...so lets kep this mostly current. How about the comments he made that American troops were "terrorizing" iraqi women and children, in their homes, in the middle of the night. The press is asleep at the wheel by not looking at this guys record and his public statements. Kerrys pandering to the radical left may play in his home state but his insulting the military is disgusting.

D Peabody (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:24 PM)

It's an obvious reference to avoiding the draft. Jeez.

Dave Holden (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:24 PM)

Yada, yada, yada - more Republican noise trying to distract the American public from their abject failure to stem the tide of sectarian violence in Iraq. For a party who lectures everybody about how you need to accept personal responsibility for your actions, they sure seem to spend a whole lot of time pointing fingers at other people, don't they?

Katherine, Portland (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:25 PM)

haha I think all of you need a little more education. Lay off the kool-aid...

John Jacobson (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:25 PM)

Once again....The GOP deflects from the issues that confront this nation. GOP Congress + GOP White House = NO Border Security, NO Immigration Reform, NO Fix for Social Security, Huge Deficits, Tax Cuts for the Rich, & a new VietNam in Iraq. I've voted my whole life for the Republicans. Not anymore. If 'dubya' and his ilk is the best they have, I'll vote Democrat straight down the ticket.

Former Republican (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:26 PM)

It's not the initial gaffe, it's the lies you tell once your caught that really get you in trouble. The claim by Kerry's people that he was referring to Bush, leaving out he words "getting us" is incredible, given the context - obviously so. He was clearly exhorting colleege students to whom he was speaking to do well in school to avoid Iraq. If that's the lie he's going to go with, that's the last straw for his national aspirations. Why can't politicians ever just admit a mistake?

Jim O'Sullivan, Melville, N.Y. (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:27 PM)

The armchair warriors are again telling everyone what is patriotism. Mr. Snow's snowjob won't work this time. Coming from the Katrina incompetent White House just reminds all of us of the WMD incompetence, which we are going to start solving November 7th. God bless John Kerry and all who serve and have served.

Brian, Millington, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:27 PM)

Kerry was right. If you don't have a degree, you can't find a job in this country that pays more than $10/hr. After you've long fallen off the unemployment role because you're no longer receiving compensation and still can't find a job, then you may be forced to join the military. At least they feed and house you.

S. Cairo, Bloomingdale, IL (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:28 PM)

John Kerry (the one who threw away his Vietnam medals in protest) is the one who's not smart enough to see the truth. If we didn't go to Iraq, thousands more Iraqi citizens would be dead, in prison or Saddam's torture chambers. While the war in Iraq may not be going as planned, it was vitally important to fight. Otherwise, three dozen countries would not have assisted us. Kerry was a loser in the last election. He's still a loser -- and his comment regarding soldiers' intelligence shows it.

Charlie, Southeastern, USA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:28 PM)

But Kerry's response is so lame. Does he really think we'll believe that he intended to say "getting us stuck in Iraq" when he said "get stuck in Iraq"? Kerry despises the military. These rare moments of honesty, when he gets caught publicly saying what he really believes, need to be memorialized. Why else does the Left support him?

Jake, Eugene, OR (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:29 PM)

john kerry is a joke, he is no longer on America's side. he should apologize for his comments. What a complete phoney

Scheffel, Bethpage, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:29 PM)

This is the best attempt at a good offense that the crippled, sick Republican party can muster? Pathetic.

Aileen, Shelton (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:29 PM)

Well, Mr. Snow is grabbing at straws. I must say this is the most optimistic I've felt before a national election in over a decade. Maybe Democracy can prevail again - the NeoCons can get kicked out - and the "Big Lie" technique of public opinion control get ousted with them. It is time for us to regain control of our mean-spirited, reckless, and ineffective federal government. I applaud Tony Snow's response. It shows weakness and fear on the administration's part – which hopefully signals their impending demise. I am praying for our country and the world.

Quint King, San Francisco, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:29 PM)

It has never been a secret that Army recruiters focus in on low income neighborhoods. The fact is that a very small minority of troops in Iraq have had experiences in higher education, with that being said there is merit to Kerry's comment. I believe Mr. Snow has taken Kerry's comment and brought a negative twist to insult Americans in Iraq. As if those boys have enough on their minds now mr snow wants them to believe a veteran presidential canidate is calling them stupid. Help!!

Patrick, Elon, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:30 PM)

A little too much political correctness coming from Snow. If taken at face value Kerry's statement is a bit harsh but unfortunately true. Not studying puts you more at the mercy of "the Man." Many folks have to enlist to get some job training, and with a war happy administration, that means likely combat rather than some cush desk job back at the base. What the heck is wrong with stating the truth, we have become such a wimpy society if we can't speak the truth.

Brian, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:30 PM)

This is the best attempt at a good offense that the crippled, sick Republican party can muster? Pathetic.

Aileen, Shelton (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:31 PM)

Again, Kerry turns on American soldiers. He did this during the Viet Nam war. He is and will always be a traitor to the those serving in the American military. As for those of you that think he is a hero. He filled out his own paperwork for his medals..... and threw away some other heros medals........

Tony, San Jacinto, Ca (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:31 PM)

Oh Lord, who let Kerry out? That's it folks, the right-wingers and Swift-boaters will run with this any kill any lead the Dems had. If Kerry had been a little more humble, a rapid and simple apology would have disarmed the whole thing, but noooo, dipwit has to flap his gums some more. Are we sure Kerry is not a neocon in drag?

Shane, DC (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:31 PM)

MR. KERRY, WETHER HE MEANT TO SAY WHAT HE SAID OR NOT, SHOULD BE MORE MINDFULL OF HIS WORDS, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE GUY HAS NO BACKBONE, AND SOLD OUT HIS OWN TROOPS IN VIET-NAM, WHY SHOULDENT WE BELIVE THAT HE WOULD BELITTLE THE TROOPS OF TODAY.. IF THE WHITHOUSE JUMPED DOWN HIS BACK OVER A SLIP UP, WELL THEN HE DESERVED IT. OVBIOUSLY MR. KERRY IS THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO STUDY MORE. IF SOMEONE IN THE PUBLIC EYE AS MUCH AS HE CANT PUT TOGETHER A SIMPLE LOW LEVEL MINDLESS ATTACK ON PRES. BUSH THEN HE DESERVES TO BE CALLED OUT LIKE THE WHINEY LITTLE ANTI-AMERICAN HATEMONGER HE IS!!!!

GREG FALLS CHURCH, VA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:31 PM)

Once again Kerry's mouth runs ahead of his wits. Just like the I voted for a military spending bill before I voted against it, Kerry's gaffe once again give the administration a much needed red herring. While Kerry's statement may be philosophically correct it is also politically stupid at this critical time before the election. He just gave the right wingers 48 hours worth of fodder to spin this debate into liberals do not respect or support our troops so don't vote for them.

Buzz Loring, Seattle Wash (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:31 PM)

Whether you go to Ivy League school or not, all C grade students are the same. That is what Mr. Kerry meant. As per me, that maybe generally true, but not in all cases. As per this case, the American people are the judge.

Jami New Jersey (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:32 PM)

Kerry blew a chance I died when Kerry sat Mute as Bush called him a Kennedy Tax & Spend Liberal. Kerry had this info. So did Edwards and DNC. Who trains the candidates?Morons? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerry should have replied--"Yes! I am a Proud Tax & Spend Liberal Very proud of it. I do it the good old American way.I PAY MY WAY. I raise revenue to pay my bills. YOU SPEND AND BORROW CONSERVATIVES SPEND LIKE CRAZY PEOPLE BUT ALWAYS BORROW TO LEAVE BILLS FOR OUR KIDS TO PAY. IT TOOK OVER 200 YEARS TO GET A DEBT OF LESS THAN 1,000 BILLION. THEN, REAGAN AND YOUR DAD ADDED ON 3,000 BILLION IN JUST 12 SHORT YEARS OF BIG TIME SPEND AND BORROW. NOW, YOU ARE HEADING TO ADD ON FROM 4 TO 5000 BILLION. Please, Mr. President ,continue to call me a Tax & Spend Liberal who pays his way the good old American way." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAX & SPEND LIBERAL WHO PAYS HIS WAY From G. Washington to Reagan we ended with less than 1,000 Billion in Debt. The next 12 years of Spend & Borrow Conservatism added on over 3,000 Billion. Bush 2006 Budget—Five Year Forecast—Historical Tables—Pages 116-117 reveals that he will add on 3759 Billion. This does not include costs of two occupations (not wars) This is Gang who screamed— CUT GOVERNMENT--BALANCE THE BUDGET—TAX CUTS PAY THEIR WAY Swinney Fact Check----- CUT GOVERNMENT--- Reagan yelled this more than any President.—His record—He INCREASED the size of government more than any predecessor. He INCREASED spending by 80% p.s. He increased California spending by 112%. This is a Conservative? He taxed everything but Sex in Hollywood. TAX CUTS PAY THEIRWAY.---- Reagan cut Income taxes by 750 Billion. He borrowed 1700 Billion to pay for it. He increased Income Tax Revenues by 140 Billion. Wee bit short of 750 Billion. Bush cut income taxes by 1700 Billion and will borrow 3759 Billion top pay for it. Anyone care to wager it will not be 5,000 Billion? Democrats use sensible fiscal polices which SPEND but TAX to Pay Their Way. Republicans use selfish fiscal policies which SPEND but BORROW to let the kids pay tomorrow. Which party do you want handling your money? Clarence swinney-political historian-reagan-clinton-bush II administrations-burlington nc-

clarence swinney burlington nc (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:32 PM)

Amen to John Kerry, mistakenly dropped words or no. He's absolutely right on both counts. The government uses the GI Bill to lure poor kids (or just money for the poorly educated ones) into the military, then sends them off to fight in a war for which we have no strategy to win. Those soldiers ARE stuck in Iraq, and if the GOPers stay in power, that caveat is not exactly far fetched. The backdoor draft is in full swing and will be for years to come, if the Administration has its way.

Bridget, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:33 PM)

you go Kerry, Snow is just a Snow Job for Bush and company..O,yes,having RICH parents and born with a "silver"spoon in your mouth kept Bush from going into Vietam..he stayed Stateside. there is a word we,60's" children used for someone like that.

mary (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:34 PM)

Words are powerful. Choose them wisely. He's wrong and should face the fire.

TBone, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:34 PM)

John Kerry's response to belittle Snow and interject an unrelated Limbaugh anecdote is typical liberal crap. They never address the criticism instead demean the person. Kerry is a disgrace to the uniform he once wore, and the truth of his anti-war actions will be known one day. If you want to respond to me John, you can say that I'm old, overweight and my feet stink. Never-the-less I speak the truth and you are still disgraceful.

Mel Stewart (USN retired), Lebanon, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:34 PM)

Are you guys going to drink all the kool-aid? Please! Leave some for me. I want to join the your alternate universe where you are blind to the fact thaqt NBC News does not have a political agenda bleeding over a large portion or most of their "reporting".

Mikael Palosi, San FranFreako (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:36 PM)

Mr. Kerry and his handlers just don't get it. The more he opens his mouth the more trouble he gets in. He shot himself in the foot in 2004 over the swiftboat isse because he couldn't bring himself to give a straight answer to questions about it. Now, his handlers begin inventing words that were omitted yesterday. I have no doubt that if those words don't get the response they want, then they will come out and say what he REALLY, REALLY meant to say was ___________. Taking them at their word that they did omit 'getting us' implies that the Bush Administration didn't have the gumption to keep us out of Iraq. Apparently, they had enough to win the presidential election in 2004. What's that say about the intelligence of Kerry and his word crafters? 'Oh, well then what he REALLY, REALLY, REALLY meant was _____________________.'

Dave Anthony, Gwynn, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:36 PM)

Unlike the Republicans, I haven't forgotten John Kerry's service in Vietnam, nor have I forgotten his war record. I served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969, and I don't remember seeing any of the Republican leadership or spokesmen there.

Bill Pitkin, Middlebury, Vermont (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:37 PM)

As the parent of a child at one of our military academies, I took offense to Kerry's remark. If he wants to take the national stage and claim he misspoke, he can do that, but he needs to take the heat too. We all say stupid things now and then. Class apologizes. Crass attacks.

John, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:38 PM)

It is funny how hatred or dislike for someone blinds us from objectivity. Funnier how those we like or look up to are defended even when they are wrong. My mom did it, many of us do it today, so we must remember that as long as we allow either side to play us as pawns when they demonize the other we are closer to following them blindly. Hard as it may be let us stay objective. Tony Snow is wrong. John Kerry is wrong. Our troop are doing a noble thing don't use them for your political gains. It is not funny.

Yu Mi (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:38 PM)

Kerry needed to talk like this in '04.

D Bartolf, Bowbells, ND (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:38 PM)

Bush ,Snow, and McCain should appoligize to the whole nation for continuing their war on the Middle class.

Sonny Youngert (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:39 PM)

Just another good reason why John F. Kerry is not president. The man is a clown and defend his comments if you like but try being honest here. It was a stupid remark he thought he would get a laugh out of. Just plain stupid.

Rich, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:41 PM)

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