Kerry under fire

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

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

Everybody -- including Tony Snow, unless he's a true idiot -- knows what Kerry meant. Who do you think is fighting this war -- kids who turned down a chance to go to some tier-one college on a full ride so they could serve their country? No, these are enlistees and reservists who had to pay for their educations, who didn't do quite enough in high school to be eligible for college grants, etc, etc. These are kids who NEEDED MONEY. Does that mean they aren't smart? Hell, no, it means their daddies aren't rich. Where are the children of our president, vice president, congressmen and senators? -- not in Iraq, that's for sure!!!

Janis McDonald, Herminie PA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:41 PM)

I love this!!! It's about time people start using harsher language to describe the mess Bush and the other idiots in Washington have gotten us into. Bush deserves every ounce of criticism, especially after the disgusting way he and his Swift Boat crew smeared Kerry in 2004. Last time I checked, no one in the Whote House served a day in the military. Funny how none of the Bush or Cheney family children are in the military dodging car bombs. Keep it up, Sen. Kerry. There are plenty of people in this country that feel the same way you do and it's refreshing to see if voiced publicly.

DC (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:41 PM)

If Kerry had spoken as in that press release in 2004 then he'd be President right now. Better late than never I guess...

Nick Howard, Pikeville, KY (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:41 PM)

Nice Try Libs. You can attempt to smear as much lip stick on this pig as you want, but it won't work. Your Man has been exposed as the FRAUD that he is. He can try to spin and lie to cover his tracks but what is done is done! The man is a disgrace to our country.

Alex, Scottsdale, AZ (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:41 PM)

It sounds as if we have another what the definition of is, is or "I did not have sex with.." moment in the democratic party. The democrats have given the impresion that the military is comprised of second class citizens and it appears Sen. Kerry's first comment reflects his true feelings. I would think such a self proclaimed vetran would have immediately corrected this type of error.

E. Price (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:41 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, Chicago, ILLINOIS (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:42 PM)

Even if he DID "mean to say 'getting us'" that wouldn't be funny OR relevant. Bush's higher education record is indisputable. (silver spoonfed, but Indisputable) That renders Kerry's comments ever more illustrative of his talents and intentions as a proposed 'leader' Forget it. I would like to see him drag Teresa around for photo ops again though. that was an entertaining blog.

David Kraft, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:43 PM)

Let's see. President Bush goes around the country suggesting that if the Democrats retake congress "the terrorists win. That's what's at stake in this election" and that goes virtually un-commented on. Yet Kerry's comments, really a non-story, somehow become a big deal. My God! How about some perspective?

Rex, Sparks, NV (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:43 PM)

The comment was clearly referring to how President Bush and his administration are stuck in Iraq. - DE thing is DE, most folks dont think that bush is stuck in iraq. most folks KNOW that our troops are there. fighting for your freedom. even you. even kerry. most americans dont think that losing in iraq means bush loses; it means WE lose. together. most of us love this country, and dont want our own country to lose, just becasue we HATE the president, ya see? so when he says "you" end up iraq. most folks think he talking about the people actually IN iraq. make sense? most folks dont look at everything thru a prism of hatred for the president. only the dems do. and they actually will say and do anything. disparage anyone, cheer for their own country to lose a war, to make all of us less safe, becuase their sense have left them, due to borderline mental disfunction from hate. and some folks answer the call, to help, and serve. even you. and even him, kerry. THAT is the truly amazing thing. and even when they are spit upon by him. amazing.

fred, silver spring, md (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:44 PM)

Kerry can try to spin it now that its out there, but the toothpaste is out of the tube. He very well may have 'misspoken', but that whirling, rushing sound you hear is the last of Kerry's long-shot presidential aspirations flushing down the toilet. His record of bashing the troops makes it hard for him to deny he meant them, which he's only doing now as the firestorm grows. Anyone who has been in the highest profile election cycle possible (the US Presidential) and who hasn't learned how to avoid gaffes like these just doesn't have what it takes to run in the very high-stakes media glare we have today. Kerry should know better, and since he doesn't, he's toast. Spin it how you may, the deed is done and Kerry is finished. And he may even get credit for tipping some races to the R's in the bargain thanks to this late grassroots inspiring 'slip of the lip'.

Darcy Lane, Tampa FL (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:44 PM)

Isn't Kerry just simply stating the reality the GOP keeps trying to hide behind the drapes: that but for our "professional army" we would have to engage in some sort of sublimental draft. And that if we simply stay the course for the foreseeable future, we will run out of this professional army. We are a very thin line away from the Roman Empire and its use of German mercenaries to preserve its empire. And quite frankly, Kerry says what we have at times said to our own kids, stay in school, enlist in the marines, or admire the guys in the orange jumpsuits picking up the trash on the highways. At least in conflicts past you could enlist in the Air Force or Navy and avoid the on the ground dangers. Now if you're lucky, your Air Force training gets you driving a truck along the lovely highways and byways that is Iraq.

Wm. Weissbeck, Schererville, IN (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:44 PM)

Bush & Cheney need to apologize to the injured soldiers returning from Iraq that are not receiving the medical care they need because The Veterans Administration has had it's budget cut. John Kerry served this country and has the right to talk frankly. Bush says he served, but really didn't and Cheney? Well, he just shot his friend.

Candy Moss, Mill Spring, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:45 PM)

Typical. The administration comprised of draft dodgers like Cheney, people who never served like Rove, Snow, etc., those who never saw combat like Rumsfeld and, of course, the worst: the hypocrite Bush- the guy who put on a uniform to play dress-up (35 years before the sequel "Mission Accomplished") and refused to fight for his country when given the chance. Instead, he stayed stateside and stupid while others died. Any reasonable person knows that Kerry was making fun of the president’s personal failure to embrace and use the education given to him and not denigrating our soldiers. The question to Snow was a total set up to generate news where none exists. The only pattern here, Mr. Snow, is one of cowardice and incompetence on the part of you, Mr. Bush and the rest of his administration.

Scott R Jersey City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:45 PM)

McCain, Tony Snow and the rest of the Republicans are so thinned skin that they spin and twist words in order grand-stand because they have no way of getting us "un-stuck" from Iraq. Mr Kerry's statement, in my opinion, was not against the troops but against the Bush administration. At least Mr Kerry served his country. Where was Bush during Vietnam?

Jan Rodrigues (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:47 PM)

I am a veteran of the US Navy and I will not let any of my sons die fighting for the freedom or likes of John Kerry and the rich brats in colleges now, I was 2nd generation Navy and once veterans were treated with respect. The Democrats are a souless part of this nation (no morals), and this nation is headed for destruction on the horizon with them in power.

Joe , Boston MA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:47 PM)

With the level of hate exposed, and the contemptible wording Senator Kerry has used to belittle a large portion of our society, I can see the seeds planted for our next American Civil War. Instead of grey and blue, the uniforms will be blue and red.

Gary, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:47 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 2:47 PM)

Excuse me but I think John Kerry insulted our troops, period. And instead of standing up for his comments, he is backtracking and then he blames the White House and Rush Limbaugh. Same old same old from the Democrats. Do not take responsibility for your actions, BLAME SOMEBODY ELSE.

Dennis Carlson, Blair, NE (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:48 PM)

Kerry SHOULD have said saty in school or make sure you have parent in the Whitehouse or Congress.

P.O.d Citizen (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:49 PM)

Honestly, how can anyone defend those remarks. They were just stupid and the best thing for the dems it to try and ignore them and move on.

Rich, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:49 PM)

typical nonsense from the people who brought you the Iraq war.

Susan, Freeport (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:49 PM)

Kerry SHOULD have said stay in school or make sure you have parent in the Whitehouse or Congress.

P.O.d Citizen (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:49 PM)

Funny criticism coming from the party that never actually served in a war or has their children serve in a war. Stay in school or go to iraq, that should really be a no brainer. Maybe that's why the GOP raised student interest rates so more kids would join than go to school. Someone has to fight their illegal war. The GOP makes me sick

Cathy (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:50 PM)

JIM:"My first impression on hearing this was that Kerry was referring to stay in school to avoid a military draft." What military draft would that be....the one Rangel tried to push through Congress?

Norman Miller (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:50 PM)

Why doesn't Bush apologize to our troops for taking them into a war based on lies. Tony Snow is a lap dog nothing more. Its about time the dems get some backbone and start firing back at this corrupt party.

Mary, Harrisburg PA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:51 PM)

If George Bush is as intellectually lazy as he says he is, then what does that make John Kerry? Bush had a 77 average at Yale while Kerry had a 76. I wonder, does that mean that Kerry too would bog us down in Iraq???? See, they are essentially the same grade wise... and well....whatever, it's election time!!!!

Lucy Breazeale, Monahans, Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:51 PM)

Tony Snow, who represents the regime of a strutting smirking little coward whose daddy pulled strings to get him out of VietNam service and then subsequently didn't even show up for National Guard duty, and who has been arrested 3 times, should keep his fat mouth shut rather than criticize a vet who has been there.

Mike Miller, Norfolk, VA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:51 PM)

Typical Kerry backpedaling after saying something stuipid.

Stone, Roswell, GA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:51 PM)

Gay-baiting didn't work, we're the only party that can protect you certainly doesnt work anymore, abortions not working, so now Republicans are trying anything they can get a hold of to get their evangelical close minded base out to vote. Avoid the issues at all costs. That's the noly way these criminals can win elections. There only goal is to shift opinion just close enough so that when this fixed election swings towards the Repubicans it can look like somewhat legitimate, not like the enormous voting scandal it actually is.

John H. (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:52 PM)

Not surprisingly, the posts thus far are from liberal apologists. This wouldn't be as big a deal if the Senator did not have along history of making such inartful references about the military and our troops. His party leaders have been comparing our armed forces to Nazis, Pol Pot, and the like. This is why those military overseas ballots coming into Florida in the 2000 election were so dramatically skewed in favor of George W. Bush. There are plenty of Democrats that love and support our military members and their families. They're just not the liberal, elitist, blame-America-first types running the party today. That's why I've voted against them, and will continue to do so.

Rob Kubick; Stow, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:52 PM)

McCain who is priming himself to be the GOP candidate for 2008, has been a Bush clone recently.

Boo (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:52 PM)

McCain who is priming himself to be the GOP candidate for 2008, has been a Bush clone recently.

Boo (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:52 PM)

McCain who is priming himself to be the GOP candidate for 2008, has been a Bush clone recently.

Boo (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:52 PM)

Can't John Kerry keep his mouth shut? He did such a wonderful job explaining his votes in the 2004 campaign. Ironic he would come back to haunt us on Halloween.

Bill Bork, Oak Park, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:53 PM)

on for a moment..as a lifelong Democrat, I find the remarks of the pampered rich too much on occasion. Many people serve out of duty to country, not just trying to get ahead in life. Those that often cannot "navigate the college education system may not have the cash in order to do so. It is often the well to do that do not sere, because they have a monetary way out of serving. Kerry annoys me..I did not support him in 2004. He is not my type of leader- he rides the laurels of his wealthy wife.

Howard J; San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:53 PM)

Kerry was right in either of the contexts. The wealthy and better educated are less represented in the military than the average middle class or poor American. Likewise only a less than bookish legacy grad could have got us into Iraq. The wise thing for Kerry to do is explain, mea culpa for the misunderstanding, and move on.

erik vilius, chicago, il (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:54 PM)

let's see, bush a veteran, no. Oh, how about Chaney, nah, student defferment. oh well, then Tony Snow. Nope no military service either. Wow, real republican tough guys

lloyd roberts, jamaica new york (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:54 PM)

what was wrong with Kerry's sugestion? we all need education to respect others culture and way of life. Do better in history and geography so you know what you are doing.

gb (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:54 PM)

John Kerry is right!!! If you don't graduate from high school and graduate from college, you are just human fodder for President Bush's assault on Iraq. Let's not fool ourselves people, take a look at our own White House round table and rich people who don't join the military. They don't consider it as a viviable option & neither should you.Tony Snow what's up with your military career. Don't tell others what to do unless you're ready to sling a rifle over your own shoulder. Let the President call up the draft lottery & let's see who will be answer the call. Not my Grandson's or Grandaughter's, let the Iraq's fight their own WAR. "Hell No, We Wont Go".This is'nt our WAR, it's President Bush's WAR", as Colin Powell told him " he broke & now he owns it". Don't ask our Son's & Daughter's to die for something you wanted.

Ivory Williams, Dayton, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:54 PM)

Hello, call the kettle black but this administration has used the military for their own endeavors and have raised the enlistment age to join to 42 years of age and also have lowered the enlistment standards to which an applicant must meet. If you don't believe me just go ask your local recruiter. The administration is the ones wh owe us an apology but heck you can't wait for that because in this Orwellen administration their right and we are wrong for questioning them.

Terry (Disabled Vet) , Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:54 PM)

If we stayed the course on Bin Ladin and have the entire military searching for him instead of invading Iraq we would have found him. The Bush administration guaranteed that Nuclear weapons are in Iraq, none was found and we do not have any obligation to Iraq, they a a very rich nation so why do we have to rebuild their country? If they can't live together how is America going to change that? It is a civil war there. We did them a favor by getting Sadam out of power, no weapons no need to stay in Iraq. And the longer we stay the more fuel it adds to these Islamic Jihadis that it is a war on Islam. What the news, every Muslim country in the world hates America even more now. The dirt war were our troops fight and die for nothing.

Mike, Hollywood, FLA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:55 PM)

I guess the truth hurts the GOP. Our troops aren't stuck in Iraq? The same troops that serve in that hopeless cause, then are recycled for multiple tours? Or worse, being told at the last minute that they've got to stay another 3-4 months? Kerry gave kids great advice. If there is a draft, get every damn deferment you can. After all, Cheney got 4, didn't he? And Bush was a "fortunate son" who got him into the Guard. Service which he never completed, no matter how he and Snow spin it. And McCain. I can't believe he's thrown his two cents in. He folded on torture and he folded on the Military Commisions Act. I used to think he was an honorable man and I admired him. No more... John Kerry, I'm proud of you.

Sue, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:55 PM)

Kerry was right on with his criticism of the "mouthpieces" in our White House. I did not read Kerry's remarks as an insult to our troops, but as the failure of the administration. FINALLY...Kerry gets tough. Too bad we didn't see this side of him in 04.

pat anderson, san antonio, texas (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:56 PM)

Joe from Boston won't let his sons die for Kerry but he would for a draft dodger and no-show like Bush? What an idiot! And Dennis from Blair, as any Republican taken any responsibility for any of our current mess? Remember: Republicans control the Presidency, House, Senate, and Judiciary. You’re an idiot as well.

Scott R Jersey City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:57 PM)

I am sorry, but I take great offense to Kerry and his comments towards our troops. Yes the military has lowered the requirements. So what. My father was in Vietnam and he has a PHD in Botany. Are you saying he did not do well in school and that is why he ended up fighting for his, my country, your country? Give em a break. I just heard his press confrence and he just back peddle his way out of what his unstable mouth caused him to step in. If you all really want to buy into the left wing media, then by all means, don't turn on some talk radio and here the otherside of the story. Do not forget, we won in Iraq. How easily we forget that on Jan 30th, 2005, Iraq held their first FREE election in more than 50 years! More than 70% of elligble Iraq's voted. Braving death squads, roadside mobs, and suicide bombers, they went and voted at the polls. Do you not call this a victory? The only mistake the Us Military has done so far is to fight a PC war in Iraq. In fact, we are now fighting Kerry's war. He stated in 2004 at the Unity Conference that, "I believe I can fight a more effective..more sensitive war." Well Mr. Kerry, you got it! We do not win war with a PC attitude. As patton stated, "No soldier ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb soldier die for his country."

Josh, Portland, OR (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:57 PM)

The Kerry camp claims that the Senator did not intend to insult troops, but instead that Kerry simply fouled up the wording of a joke. Regardless, the wording as delivered by Kerry was clearly insulting to the troops in Iraq, and Kerry should apologize for his sloppy wording.

David Mullins, Memphis, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:57 PM)

Look at all the right wing whiners! Welcome you stinking crybabies! George Bush has purposely been dividing this country for 6 years, and in two hours you see the "seeds of revolution." What a bunch of crap! Stolen elections - no problem. War crimes - no problem. Class warfare (and this is where you idiots really enter the twilight zone!) - no problem. A comment you don't like, and probably didn't even research - Oh my God! The country's being torn asunder! You know what? It should be. You stupid freaks and your touching concern for all humans until they're born makes me sick. You don't care how many lives are wasted in Iraq - you just aren't smart enough to see it was a put up job from the git go.

Lee Steele (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:58 PM)

I pity poor Snow who has stand up daily for this idiot and his administration and spin something out of the mess they have us in

Joe Brown San Francisco, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:58 PM)

actually, when i read the quote i hoped kerry was making a brilliant statement. by that i mean, "if the dems don't get control of congress back next week you may see the DRAFT RE-ENACTED. and if your butt isn't in school you're prime meat boys and girls! (classified 1a... s1 classifications (school) were deferements during nam). but no! yet another GOLDEN opportunity wasted!! apparently thats not what kerry meant. even so, he coulda. and he shoulda. even if that ain't what he meant in the first place. and if he woulda, he coulda got attention for a much better reason than leaving out 2 words. All the right is gonna do with that is laugh at him again. why does this man always let us down?

palooka, atlanta (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 3:00 PM)

No excuse me, it is the "Personal Responsibility" party that NEVER takes responsibility for their actions. That would be the pass-the-buck Republicans. Katrina, Iraq, Foley - never ever do they accept responsibilty and ALWAYS assign blame - with the default blamee being Clinton of course. Kerry served the rest of the chickenhawks did NOT. Bush makes the most incredible "mis-speaks" and gets a pass - cause after all the is not very bright... Republicans are such hypocrites defending the indefensible.

jack jones, pioneer , cal (Sent Tuesday, October 31, 2006 3:00 PM)

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