http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspxFrom NBC's Kelly O'Donnell and Huma ZaidiWhite 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. en-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9547Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:56:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9547Bart Simpson, Worcester,Ma.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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9548Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:57:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9548Dave - Clevelandand who will appologize for McCain's endorsement of Bush' torture policy?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9549Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:00:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9549D.E., Covington, LouisianaThe 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9554Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:03:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9554Peter Caloger Bushkill, PATony 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9555Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:03:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9555judy workmanKerry 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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9556Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:06:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9556Jim, Santa CruzMy 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9558Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:07:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9558Glen, IndianapolisSounds like Kerry 'swift-boated' 'em. Wonder where he learned a dispicable thing like that? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9559Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:08:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9559Richard Forrester, Columbia City, IndianaWhat can you expect. The only way he could be more obnoxius would to be bigger. The voice of the anti American Left.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9561Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:13:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9561Douglas DeGroat, Poughkeepsie, New YorkThis 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!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9562Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:14:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9562jon, washington DCKerry is a loserhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9563Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:14:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9563Rob Boston"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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9564Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:16:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9564Peter KohanIsn'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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9565Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:17:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9565BeelzebubKerry is a joke. What a freakin moron. He needs to shut his fat mouth.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9568Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:20:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9568H R CoursenKerry 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9569Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:20:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9569Bryan Hoffman, Cincinnati, OHSen 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9570Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:23:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9570J.N.S. Baltimore, MDKerry's problem; he stated he was making a joke. He's such a stiff, that he can't tell a joke correctly.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9571Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:24:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9571D PeabodyCritisized 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9572Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:24:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9572Dave HoldenIt's an obvious reference to avoiding the draft. Jeez. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9573Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:25:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9573Katherine, PortlandYada, 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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9574Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:25:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9574John Jacobsonhaha I think all of you need a little more education. Lay off the kool-aid...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9575Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:26:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9575Former RepublicanOnce 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9576Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:27:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9576Jim O'Sullivan, Melville, N.Y.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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9577Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:27:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9577Brian, Millington, NJThe 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9578Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:28:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9578S. Cairo, Bloomingdale, ILKerry 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9579Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:28:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9579Charlie, Southeastern, USAJohn 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9580Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:29:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9580Jake, Eugene, ORBut 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? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9581Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:29:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9581Scheffel, Bethpage, NYjohn kerry is a joke, he is no longer on America's side. he should apologize for his comments. What a complete phoneyhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9582Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:29:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9582Aileen, SheltonThis is the best attempt at a good offense that the crippled, sick Republican party can muster? Pathetic.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9583Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:29:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9583Quint King, San Francisco, CAWell, 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9584Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:30:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9584Patrick, Elon, North CarolinaIt 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!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9585Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:30:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9585Brian, Charlotte, NCA 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9586Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:31:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9586Aileen, SheltonThis is the best attempt at a good offense that the crippled, sick Republican party can muster? Pathetic.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9587Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:31:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9587Tony, San Jacinto, CaAgain, 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........http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9588Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:31:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9588Shane, DCOh 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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9589Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:31:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9589GREG FALLS CHURCH, VAMR. 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!!!! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9590Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:31:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9590Buzz Loring, Seattle WashOnce 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9592Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:32:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9592Jami New JerseyWhether 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9593Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:32:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9593clarence swinney burlington ncKerry 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- http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9594Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:33:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9594Bridget, Washington DCAmen 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9595Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:34:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9595maryyou 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9596Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:34:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9596TBone, OhioWords are powerful. Choose them wisely. He's wrong and should face the fire.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9597Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:34:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9597Mel Stewart (USN retired), Lebanon, OHJohn 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9598Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:36:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9598Mikael Palosi, San FranFreakoAre 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".http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9599Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:36:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9599Dave Anthony, Gwynn, VirginiaMr. 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 _____________________.'http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9600Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:37:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9600Bill Pitkin, Middlebury, VermontUnlike 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9601Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:38:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9601John, Seattle, WAAs 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9603Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:38:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9603Yu MiIt 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9604Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:38:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9604D Bartolf, Bowbells, NDKerry needed to talk like this in '04.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9605Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:39:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9605Sonny YoungertBush ,Snow, and McCain should appoligize to the whole nation for continuing their war on the Middle class. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9606Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:41:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9606Rich, Pittsburgh, PAJust 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9607Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:41:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9607Janis McDonald, Herminie PAEverybody -- 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!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9608Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:41:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9608DCI 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9609Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:41:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9609Nick Howard, Pikeville, KYIf Kerry had spoken as in that press release in 2004 then he'd be President right now. Better late than never I guess...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9610Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:41:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9610Alex, Scottsdale, AZNice 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9611Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:41:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9611E. PriceIt 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9612Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:42:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9612Yu Mi, Chicago, ILLINOISIt 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9613Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:43:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9613David Kraft, Atlanta, GAEven 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9614Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:43:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9614Rex, Sparks, NVLet'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? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9615Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:44:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9615fred, silver spring, md 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9616Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:44:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9616Darcy Lane, Tampa FLKerry 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'.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9617Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:44:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9617Wm. Weissbeck, Schererville, INIsn'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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9618Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:45:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9618Candy Moss, Mill Spring, MissouriBush & 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9619Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:45:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9619Scott R Jersey City, NJTypical. 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9620Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:47:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9620Jan RodriguesMcCain, 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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9621Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:47:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9621Joe , Boston MAI 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9622Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:47:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9622Gary, Dallas, TexasWith 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9623Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:47:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9623maryyou 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9624Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:48:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9624Dennis Carlson, Blair, NEExcuse 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9626Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:49:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9626P.O.d CitizenKerry SHOULD have said saty in school or make sure you have parent in the Whitehouse or Congress.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9627Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:49:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9627Rich, Pittsburgh, PAHonestly, 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9628Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:49:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9628Susan, Freeporttypical nonsense from the people who brought you the Iraq war.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9629Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:49:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9629P.O.d CitizenKerry SHOULD have said stay in school or make sure you have parent in the Whitehouse or Congress.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9630Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:50:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9630CathyFunny 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 sickhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9631Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:50:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9631Norman MillerJIM:"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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9634Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:51:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9634Mary, Harrisburg PAWhy 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9635Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:51:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9635Lucy Breazeale, Monahans, TexasIf 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!!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9636Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:51:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9636Mike Miller, Norfolk, VATony 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9637Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:51:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9637Stone, Roswell, GATypical Kerry backpedaling after saying something stuipid.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9638Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:52:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9638John H.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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9639Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:52:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9639Rob Kubick; Stow, OHNot 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9640Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:52:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9640BooMcCain who is priming himself to be the GOP candidate for 2008, has been a Bush clone recently.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9641Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:52:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9641BooMcCain who is priming himself to be the GOP candidate for 2008, has been a Bush clone recently.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9642Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:52:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9642BooMcCain who is priming himself to be the GOP candidate for 2008, has been a Bush clone recently.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9644Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:53:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9644Bill Bork, Oak Park, IllinoisCan'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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9645Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:53:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9645Howard J; San Diego, CA 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9646Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:54:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9646erik vilius, chicago, ilKerry 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9648Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:54:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9648lloyd roberts, jamaica new yorklet'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 guyshttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9649Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:54:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9649gbwhat 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9650Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:54:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9650Ivory Williams, Dayton, OHJohn 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9651Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:54:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9651Terry (Disabled Vet) , Des Moines, IAHello, 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9652Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:55:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9652Mike, Hollywood, FLAIf 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9653Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:55:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9653Sue, Boston, MAI 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9654Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:56:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9654pat anderson, san antonio, texasKerry 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9655Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:57:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9655Scott R Jersey City, NJJoe 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9656Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:57:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9656Josh, Portland, ORI 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." http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9657Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:57:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9657David Mullins, Memphis, TNThe 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9659Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:58:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9659Lee SteeleLook 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9660Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:58:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9660Joe Brown San Francisco, CAI pity poor Snow who has stand up daily for this idiot and his administration and spin something out of the mess they have us inhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9661Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:00:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9661palooka, atlantaactually, 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?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9662Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:00:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9662jack jones, pioneer , calNo 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9663Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:00:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9663Mark Whalen, Brighton, MichiganKerry's blunder sounded more like a Freudian slip to me. Perhaps rightfully so, his thinking is rooted and stuck in the Vietnam 1970's. There is no draft today as there was then. We have volunteers serving bravely who deserve far better treatment than to be described by one of the leading Democrats as the unintelligent dregs of society as Kerry would have us percieve them. Kerry's comments were just more of Democrats trying to link our perception of this war to what they believe is our perception of Vietnam war. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9664Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:01:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9664chris jankowskiwill this clown ever go away? can he find yet anther way to embarrass our country? what a fake and phony liar, our troops deserve better than to hear his elitist jargon, what a fool, please just go away...!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9665Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:01:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9665AlexJoe in Boston: That was a joke right? Democrats have no morals? Do you read the paper by any chance, or do you just watch FOX news. You do know how many GOP'ers have been endicted this year? A record. That is the morals you boast about? Bush/Cheny/Neocons - Chicken Hawks Can you imagine if Bill Clinton two years before the Iraq war was doing business with terrorist nations? It is against the law, but Dick Cheny opens off shore subsidiaries, skirting a felony, and putting profit over patriotism. How sleazy can these guys get? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9667Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:02:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9667gbwhat 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.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9668Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:02:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9668Bill Stebbins Fort Knox, KYMcCain has changed his colors more than a tree in autumn. If it speaks like an idiot and lead like an idiot it must be a Bush. Is this the best the Grand Ol Perverts can do ?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9669Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:03:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9669Aaron, Barstow, CaliforniaGood for Kerry.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9670Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:04:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9670Kyle, Cranford, NJDefinitely a situation where it didn't come out the way it was supposed to. If the accidental meaning of his miscue didn't seem so nasty (it obviously wasn't what he intended to say or even imply), it would be no worse than the way Bush mangles his words on what seems like a daily basis. Of course, that won't change the fact that many will still interpret this as more liberal elitism.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9671Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:04:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9671Mike, Austin, TXI used to be in the Navy, and there's nothing wrong with what he said because it's true. He didn't intend to be insulting regardless of whether he left two words out. It's not like he doesn't know that even very smart people find serving their country appealing, surely nobody believes Eisenhower and any number of other great military leaders were a bunch of flunkies. And it's just the truth that when you haven't done well in school for whatever reason, the military can be an appealing option as well. It's just much ado about nothing, typical during election season.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9672Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:04:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9672John AndersonSince Kerry received a lot of C's and D's while in college he has no room to talk.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9673Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:04:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9673Diane, Corvallis, ORA troubling truth can still be seen in Kerry's commetnts, even if one takes these comments as they first appear. The connotation here is that individuals with a lower quality of education and lower standard of living are choosing the military as their only option for a successful career is troubling to say the least. When an individual's economic or educational situation precludes them from other career choices that offer a reasonable standard of living, and he or she finds that joining the military is the only choice left to them, aren't we essentially running a draft?! Kerry may have mispoke (likely) but I think there is disturbing truth to these words that go beyond the automatic insult the Republicans would like the voters to feel.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9674Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:05:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9674Jerry L., Chicago, ILI love it. Darcy says someone who makes such gaffes isn't ready for the bright lights of running for President. If only it were true then our sons and daughters wouldn't be dying in Iraq for nothing because George W. Bush wouldn't be President. Joe says he won't let his kids die for the likes of John Kerry and rich college brats. Well at least John Kerry fought for this country unlike most of the current Administration, but I agree that I wouldn’t let my son serve. I too served in the Navy in the Gulf War. Then Dennis has my favorite saying that BLAME SOMEBODY ELSE is the province of the Dems. Dennis, "Wake up! You must have been asleep for the last six years, and boy has it been a Republican ‘run from responsibility’ nightmare. Jerry http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9675Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:07:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9675Tom, Los AngelesThe GOP saying that Kerry made an insenstive remark about the war. Pot meet kettle, "Kiss told Bush that if he wasn't doing anything the next morning, he could come by for their 3 a.m. feeding. Kiss said Bush joked, 'I've been to war. I've raised twins. If I had a choice, I'd rather go to war.'" http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9676Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:08:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9676Mike, Hollywood, FLAIf 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. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9677Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:08:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9677R.G. Sypert"Grasping for straws" is the only interpretation of the current administrations outrage over Senator Kerry's statement concerning the self-appointed leadership of our great nation. Our only hope for a democratic future of this country is that the citizens will finally recognize that this arrogant group of leaders will face reality. Americans are not stupid, as they so often assume we will always be. If this nation allows this type of leadership to continue, we only have ourselves to blame for the destruction of America's democracy.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9678Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:09:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9678BeckyKerry was not joking. He knew exactly what he was saying. Arrogant loser. He is delusional and must apologize to our Armed Forces. And Tony Snow is a great journalist. You go Tony!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9679Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:10:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9679Bob Phillips, Tucson"Swift boats is a comin', there'll be lying tonight." The mouthpiece for DraftDodgers Incorporated attacks John Kerry for telling the truth to students. An administration chock full of student deferments (and a notable non-attendee at what was then a famous draft dodge) send other people's children to fight for no-bid contracts in an unwinnable war. Somebody owes an apology but it's not John Kerry. John McCain has sold out to his ambition. USMC 1963-1967, RVN 1965-66, 1966-67http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9680Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:10:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9680Doug Alston, Trabuco Canyon, CAThe troops? George Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, Colin Powell and Codi Rice owe every American an appology for lying us into Vietnam Part Two. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9681Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:10:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9681Rick, Winchester, VAJohn Kerry has spent the last thirty years slamming the men and women in the United States Armed Forces. I am furious that he made this comment, and would be just as furious if it were a Republican that made this dumb statement. He should put his "I hate Bush" bias, aside, and show the military he respect he deserves. The fact is, the brave men and women in the military (and their families) allow a jerk like Kerry to make these hateful speeches. I just wonder what will happen if gets his wish and the Muslims radicals get a foot hold in this country. Based on their beliefs, a lout mouth lout like Kerry will be very high on their death list. It is just a shame he can't differentiate between our policies and the terrorists.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9682Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:12:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9682Alan PearsonWhat's John Kerry thinking? Even if he didn't intend for his remarks to come out like they did, it's too late. A mountain of rationalizations cannot un-ring the bell. You Dems--goodbye to some of those close ones in red states.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9683Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:12:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9683Black FlagLet me extend an olive branch - Bush IS NOT intellectually lazy - for a retaded monkey. Seriously - blame the puppeteer if you think it's a crappy show - not the puppet.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9684Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:13:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9684Sebastian, Beverly Hills, CAWhat Kerry said might have been politically-incorrect, but that doesn't make it true. Just look at things historically: war is fought by those people who are 'expendable.' And who are the most expendable people? Those with minimal education whose career choices in the private sector are limited, at best. YES, of course there are exceptions to this rule - hell Kerry himself is an exception - but think about it for a minute. You know it's true. Kerry's comment - speaking to a crowd made up of community college students (again, low on the educational totem pole), rings true. He shouldn't apologize to anyone and should continue calling out the administration for not having anyone in it who actually served.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9685Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:13:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9685robin rath , Warren, MichiganNeither Kerry nor Snow is at fault here. Kerry never said that the troops were dumb and nobody has to go to Iraa, there is no draft and anybody who goes there enlists. Snow says he should apologize and that is not true. Kerry is just a target for the republicans and an easy one too. Snow has done nothing wrong, but Bush has, he will not change course and this war is a losing cause with greas costs, in money and lives. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9686Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:13:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9686Scott S, Hollywood, FL.It's amazing how the right wingers will jump on Kerry, a genuine war hero, for misspeaking two words, while their fearless leader, a genuine coward, can't put together two sentences without messing it up. I guess that's just their "stratigism".http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9688Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:15:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9688Paul L., Houston, TexasGood for Kerry. I always wonder how our fighting men must feel when they hear these draft-dodging Republican trust fund babies sliming war hero after war hero, whether it's Kerry, Murtha, or even their own boy, McCain. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9689Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:16:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9689Mark F., Minneapolis, MNKerry's a ham-fisted klutz sometimes. He was clearly taking a swing at the president (who sorely deserves it) and missed his mark. But to accuse him of insulting our troops is ridiculous and desperate. The real insult to our troops is the way this administration has abused their offer of service. Tony Snow should shut the hell up--he has not earned the right to accuse an American veteran of anything.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9690Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:16:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9690Rob Perkovich, Jacksonville, NCFunny, Kerry may have screwed up his wording, but it makes it no less insulting to the military. All the people on the left side of the room are calling everyone on the right side "idiots". Using emotion instead of a clearly defined arguement. For those of you that do not think that the men and women in Iraq are the "best and brightest" you are mistaken. As a former recruiter, I had MANY volunteers that joined and passed on scholarships because they felt the need to serve the greater good. I think Kerry owes THEM an apology for his fumbled speach.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9691Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:16:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9691Michael StewartAbout time Kerry said something strong. Just two years too late.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9692Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:16:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9692Takes all kinds"Kerry was not joking. He knew exactly what he was saying. Arrogant loser. He is delusional and must apologize to our Armed Forces. And Tony Snow is a great journalist. You go Tony! " Who's your fav, Becky - Santa or the Easter Bunny?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9693Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:16:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9693Jill, Atlanta, GANot only did he insult our troops, he insulted people who choose to take a route other than higher education. There are many extremely successful, productive Americans that do not have college degrees. Kerry has yet again proven that he is an idiot. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9694Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:17:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9694Brian, Cedar Hill, TXKerry has such a eloquence for words - "stuffed suit White House mouthpiece" - what a perfect description for Tony Snow(job). Our troops ARE STUCK in Irag, most of them several times over, due to a dimwitted president who cowardly shirked his own Vietnam duty. If we continue there as Bush and his cronies desire, there will undoubtedly be a draft and many, many, many of our nation's youth WILL get STUCK THERE.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9695Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:18:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9695Truth, USA"It is just a shame he can't differentiate between our policies and the terrorists. " The shame is that there IS no difference, you proud American, you.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9699Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:22:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9699John Adriatico, Los Angeles, CAI am a student at Pasadena City College, and I attended the Kerry conference yesterday, in fact, I was standing in the front row, behind the invited guests who were seated. I found his speech to be candid, frank and honest, and he did emphasize supporting our troops in Iraq in the beginning of his speech. When I heard the remark, my first impression is that Kerry was talking about the importance of education and intellect (critical thinking) in young people, so that as our generation begins to take over, we can make the right decisions as voters or elected officials, and avoid having our country stuck in another quagmire like Iraq in the future. It's the final stretch before election day, and I hope people will see this intentional misintepretation and political ploy for what it is. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9701Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:26:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9701Patrick HaugenWait a minute.....If the republicans are listening to what Kerry says in the fnal week of an election in which he is NOT running, then they are making one of the Top Ten Political Mistakes of this year - paying attention to someone who isn't running for anything NOW. Keep talking John.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9702Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:27:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9702Katie, Atlanta GAFinally, Kerry takes the gloves off. After watching the republican machine tear him apart with lies, he finally finds his voice to fight back when they mischaracterize his words. What he said is absolutely true. By and large, those in the military and guard are there because they needed money for college. They are the middle and lower classes, and they are being mis-used by the likes of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, all draft dodging hypocrits. No one is upset about that? Upset about the lies and mess this war is? Those are our KIDS over there and that doesn't make us angry? The right will soundbite this over and over, and the average yokel in the USA will take it the wrong way, as usual. It will hurt democrats. I hope all you people out there voting for republicans are happy when 2 years from now we are still "stuck" in Iraq, with no resolution in sight. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9703Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:27:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9703Lloyd HillNext Tuesday can't come too soon. The White House has stooped as low as they can throughout the campaign. Kerry's words did not offend me or my children. Attacking Kerry, Michael J. Fox and others on a personal basis is not winning them friends. Please vote to change this Congress.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9704Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:28:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9704Abby Normal, L.A, CAMike Miller said it perfectly. Bush dodged, Kerry served. The Bush admin attacks anyone with a different viewpoint, with name calling and slander. Bush is a moron. It's about time Kerry started swinging back at the cheap sucker punches. Let me repeat: Bush dodged, Kerry served.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9707Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:28:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9707mike, las vegasits funny how some people are ignoring what this discussion is about and going on a tangent. kerry flat out insulted our troops. some peoples hatred for bush allows them to turn a blind eye to this and say that its ok to for kerry to make these comments.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9708Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:28:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9708Veteran, Rumson, New JerseyAmerica needs more John Kerrys. The outrages continue to flow from the draft-dodgers in the White House and the Republican party who have no military experience but love to wear military clothes and visit military bases and have repeatedly refused to serve their nation. Like, I am sure, most Veterans and Amerians, I am ashamed of those cowardly White House folks and Republicans, especially George W. Bush, who just do not understand the meaning of being a true and patriotic American. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9709Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:28:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9709Bridget, Washington DCJosh from Portland, OR: "Braving death squads, roadside mobs, and suicide bombers, they went and voted at the polls. Do you not call this a victory?" I would if they didn't still HAVE death squads, roadside mobs and suicide bombers.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9711Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:29:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9711Bruce, Alpena, MIKerry is the gift that keeps on giving to Republicans. You can now hear every pundit on the news channels and blogs for the Democrats telling us what Kerry really meant? The Democrat spin machine is now trying to cover what the really stand for. The elites are at their best(worst) at election time.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9712Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:30:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9712Joe D, Louisville, KentuckyThis is another attempt for the left wing idiots to try and cover up for one of their own. This goof needs to move to France where he belongs. Hey libs, he said what he said. Quit trying to add words to something where it wasn't said in the first place.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9713Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:30:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9713Earnest, Meridian MSIts amazing to me that the pro Kerry quotes are the first ones listed on this site. Heaven forbid that you alternate pro and con statements.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9715Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:31:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9715george rather, san diegoJohn Kerry stressed the importance of an education to give young people options. for poor undereducated, military is sometimes an only option. Kerry would have made a fine president. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9716Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:31:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9716Brad, Jacksonville, FLIt's amazing how many liberals criticize the administration's military record. I dont recall these same liberals saying the same thing about Bill "Flee to England" Clinton. What will you say in '08 with McCain versus Hillary? My guess is you will drop the pro-service facade and show yourselves as the true anti-American defeatists you really are. Kerry just showed his face early.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9717Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:33:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9717Gary Adams, Atlanta, Ga.I am so discussed by ALL of these Liberal Left Wing Nuts that are so power hungary and are so fully supported by the equally liberal left wing press.How did it happen in this country that just about every news source in this nation has been taken oven by the liberals who can only drum drum drum their anti-American values messages like a huge Nazi propogada machine into the American homes, until almost half of the population is marching to their tunes like drug induced drones that can longer think for themselves or reason beyond the kool aid induced stupper that they have been put in. WAKE UP if we run now, we and our children will pay later. If we give up are values now, we will never get back on course. Of course everyone has the right to opinions and beliefs, and there are grey areas. If you have solutions let's hear them, not jut bad mouth those who are trying. Vote on the issues. Get beyond your power driven, immoral self interest and get back to American values and morals.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9718Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:33:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9718Patrick HaugenWait a minute.....If the republicans are listening to what Kerry says in the fnal week of an election in which he is NOT running, then they are making one of the Top Ten Political Mistakes of this year - paying attention to someone who isn't running for anything NOW. Keep talking John.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9719Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:34:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9719Kyle RoeWhy would anyone think that participating in an illegal war is "defending the American Way of Life." My way of life does not depend on murdering or torturing innocent civilians and destroying other countries in order to steal their assets for the benefit of billionaires. The troops were sent to Iraq, believing the lies that they were told, and they, for the most part, followed orders passed down from Bush and his cohorts. The flabby desk-warriors who planned the Iraq fiasco and who support the invasion are just looking for an opportunity to criticize Kerry and anyone else who sees them for what they really are. All of the people who still support this murderous invasion should be dropped in Afghanistan or Iraq and left there. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9720Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:35:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9720john chicagoflip flophttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9721Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:36:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9721Dr. B. WellAfter serving as a senior flight surgeon in the Viet Nam war, and after caring for many thousands of patients over some 45 years both at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and in private practice, one develops a keen insight into what makes people behave in the fashion they do. Sadly and unfortunately, Kerry consistently conducts himself as a deeply troubled and immature individual filled with serious, unresolved conflicts and near-psychotic hatred for his countrymen and countrywomen. He is unfit to serve as Senator, let alone in any higher echelon office. M.D, Ph.D.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9722Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:37:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9722Rob, Jacksonville, NCBy the way. I am a 2 time Iraq vet and I do not feel missused by the Administration. I signed the contract (3 times) and I know what the job requires. According to Mark F., Minneapolis, MN, Kerry can not be criticized by Snow because he is a Vet. Does Mr. Bush have a DD214(discharge papers)? Then he too is a Vet and should not be criticized by those who have not served if we use your logic. Mike from Las Vegas is right, people need to stay on topic here.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9723Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:37:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9723Owen Vander, Evansville, INSomething I wish someone could clarify for me. Why is it when a pol says 'we need to get our troops home', (or something to that effect) the pol is labeled unpatriotic, traitor, not supporting our troops, ect? It seems to me if someone wants to bring our troops home, THEY CARE ABOUT THOSE TROOPS, ARE PATRIOTIC and are looking out for the good of our country's armed forces. Kerry has foot in mouth disease, but at least he admitted he made a mistake.....I am still waiting for ANY of the 'big 4' to admit ANY mistake. I hoped in a country with almost 300 million people in 2004 we could have come up with 2 more intelligent or at least more studious presidential candidates than a couple of 'C' students. Vote for the Intelligent and Honest.... http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9725Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:37:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9725Abby Normal, L.A, CASorry Brad, but you miss the point: Clinton did not lead America into a quagmire of war by lying brazenly to Americans on all fronts so he could play soldiers. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9728Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:38:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9728Jordan, Atlanta, GAKerry said that if you are not smart enough to be a good student then you will end up in the military. Didn't he serve in Vietnam? Is he calling himself an idiot? I just don't understand how a veteran can make a comment like that and then defend it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9729Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:39:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9729Carolyn DavisMy God, when will people wake up and realize that George W. Bush attacked another country without provocation, to make himself appear to be the great conquerer? In my mind, he has the blood of all the servicemen that have died in Iraq on his hands! This war has cost not only thousands of lives, but has put us in great debt and made us look bad to other countries because we were the aggressor for the first time in our history. I hope and pray things turn around in Washington and we get that pompous, conceited fool out of the White House. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9731Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:40:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9731(John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):*...people in the US pick their politicians by who they'd rather have a beer with... pathetic. They really got sucked in by "son of preppie" . Meanwhile Cheney thinks he is called "the dark side" because of his demeanor. Believe me, it's not his demeanor. And all this in "the greatest country in history"...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9734Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:42:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9734Lily, Burlington, VTWhen, Oh when, will people stop giving ANY credence to the outrageous lies this administration covers itself in to 'protect' the American people from the truth...........ie. this latest round of Kerry having to apologize for telling the truth about the stupidity of THIS administration lying us into this calamitous war, we SHOULD NOT be anywhere near Iraq. We've decimated that country for Bushco's friends and business partners. Shame on you Republicans, shame on you for putting your enormous (albeit pathetic) egos first and our country last in your overzealous quest for voter approval. I cry for my country.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9735Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:42:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9735Ernie, Ocala, FLJohn Kerry is not a left wing Democrat. He is, however, an intellectual who presumes too much upon the intelligent interpretation of his words. Obviously a lot of undereducated people get stuck in whatever war is going on, and obviously the Administration behaved stupidly both in failing to educate people, and in managing foreign policy. He could have just said that.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9736Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:43:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9736Bud,Clinton,CtThe only ones who should apologize are the knuckle-draggers that stuck us with four more years of the Chimp and his corrupt administeation. Talk about those who didn't do well in school!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9737Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:43:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9737StashBad job pretending to know how to tell a joke. Good job coming out swinging, Kerry! Don't let the bastards nail you again while you sit stoicly by and wait for it to go away. Kick ass! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9739Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:46:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9739MM Bethesda MDIt took far too long, but finally Kerry has regrown the set he had when he went to Nam. Would that his president or vice-president had a set. Would that Karl, Wolfie, Libby, Gingrich, Limbaugh, Buchanan, Hannity, O'Reilly, Kristol, Scarborough, Bolton, Savage, Card, Perle, Hastert, Lott, DeLay, and on and on and on and on, including Coulter had a set.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9740Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:46:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9740Simonwhen I read the first comment I automatically thought that he was referring to Bush. Then the next section where they demanded that he apologise to I thought that Kerry may of been poking at the fact that the unemployed/low income people are known to be aggressively targetted (if you watch AFN you would even know this). But as an actual insult to the soliders in Iraq, no I didn't even draw that distinction until Snow said it. Considering Kerry actually served and saw combat I don't see why Snow should even be taken seriously. Also this is less to do with critizing Kerry and more then Kerry = Democrat, Democrat said something bad ergo vote Republican. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9741Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:49:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9741Brady, Atlanta, GAHey Kyle Roe, you say your life "does not depend on murdering or torturing innocent civilians and destroying other countries" Where were you 9/11? All of our lives were rocked by terrorists murdering and torturing our innocent civilians. I thank God every day that there are men and women brave enough to stand up for this country and keep us safe. Kerry should be thanking them, not insulting them.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9742Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:49:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9742Daniel, Tampa, FLI think Kerry has a point. How many senators or representatives have children in Iraq? I just got out of the army after spending 572 days in Iraq. I think that, even though he slipped up, Kerry made a good point. For the most part, the army is lowering its standard in everything from age to intellectual capacity to serve. It is an organization mired in its own bureaucracy, and I personally think there is something wrong with anyone who would want to stay in. I admit that joining in the first place was an intellectual lapse on my part. I'm doing better now, but I'll get back neither those 572 days nor my best friend.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9743Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:49:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9743Verdiman, Nashville, TNWow. Conservatives don't like it when you hit back do they? If Kerry had given a few good figurative mouth punches in '04, things may have turned out very differently. And, oh, how sad to see how far John McCain has fallen. As for you neo-con wingnuts, a piece of advice - "don't start none, won't be none."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9744Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:49:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9744Vic Pick, DCMove on! Life has more to offer than words. Wars have to be fought, kids will still have to go to school, and Leaders still have to lead and learn from their mistakes. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9746Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:53:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9746Heidi-New EnglandOooh oooh, fake outrage from the White House!! Oooh ooh, let's attack Kerry's statement (even though we know what he meant and we don't like that either)anything to deflect attentio from us and realize what a crap job we've done getting our troops stuck in the great Iraq Massacre! What is it now, over 100 in October alone? And they think they have a right to be OUTRAGED by what Kerry said? What jerks. And by the way, isn't this controversy? I thought NBC avoided broadcasting controversy?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9749Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:54:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9749Dana, Columbus OhioI laugh when I read how "offended" this admin and their party seem to be because of this comment. Why aren't the families of the soldiers more offended that their loved ones were sent to war A)Based on a lie B)With no actual military plan and C)No plan for post-war and occupation? These three items slonr should offend us all but especially those with loved ones directly in harms way. Those offended voted for the fools we now have in power and do not want to admit that a mistake was made. This admin has to be the worst in history. I can't wait to vote the losers out of office!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9750Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:54:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9750barti am astonished that people can defend Kerry. Can you not understand what he said? Bush is obviously smarter than Kerry, Kerry is the LOSER! He who wins is the one SMARTER!!!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9751Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:56:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9751Chuckie MountbattenBush, Cheney, Rumsfeld = The true axis of evil. When you elect a tongue-tied, braindead puppet of industry to run your country, you have to expect behaviour like this. Kerry is 100% right. Insulting to soldiers? What's insulting is the number of children that Bush & his warmongers have left without fathers. Downright criminal.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9757Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:00:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9757Lisa"He who wins is the one SMARTER!!!!! " Nicely babbled.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9758Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:00:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9758Bud,Clinton, Ct.To Gary, Fox news liberal? To read the most thoughtful plan for withdrawl from the mess in Iraq, check out " Out of Iraq: A Practicle Plan for Withdrawal Now." by George McGovern and Prof. William R. Polk. Anyone who can't see the obvious points made in this book, probably didn't do too well in school. If you Google (McGovern), you can read a great interview about the book by Michael Abramovitz of The Washington Post.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9760Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:02:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9760Nelson TrafalgarI'm sorry, but anyone who believes that 'Operation Halliburton Enrichment' was intended as anything other than a handout to Cheney's right-wing cronies is fooling themselves. Are we safer at home now that every muslim religious wacko in the owrld would love to see all Americans dead? Is Kerry wrong? NO WAY!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9761Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:02:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9761Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TexasSenator Kerry may have botched a joke but in botching it he showed his true colors. His disdain for the troops insulted my son with an IQ of over 150 who is scheduled for depolyment in Iraq this coming January. I am proud of him and all of his comrades who will put themselves in harm's way so that sacntimonious, arrogant, and aristratically incomptent Kerry has the freedom to make a fool of himself. His tirade only reinforced the notion that he is all for cut and run. Thank God we have young men and women such as both of my sons who are willing to sacrifice for this nation. I would much rather fight the terrorists with troops in Iraq than to live through another horror such as 911 where those standing between evil and the innocents are our brave firefighters and police. Give me the best educated, best trained, and best equipped militaries in the world.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9764Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:04:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9764Dr. B GoneThanks for the diagnosis, Dr. Knowitall. I'm a motorcycle mechanic and I think your chain has left the sprocket. There is NOTHING psychotic about hating an election thief who used his office to divide this countr, commit war crimes and line his pockets. KNow the difference between God and a doctor? God doesn't think he's a doctor. Know the difference between Bush and Hitler? Hitler's grandfather wasn't a Nazi collaborator.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9766Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:08:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9766Jessica Clinton, N.Y.What a joke. A week before a very important election the media is talking about a non issue. Hello!!! Anyone with a brain out there? Let's talk about the real issues. I'm embarrassed enough for our country as it is! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9768Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:09:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9768Adam, Milwaukee, WIBush felt comfortable taking the U.S. into war as an invading force, but never having had to fight, he really doesn't know what it means to be a soldier. The Iraq war may yet be responsible for reinstating the draft, but until then, as a volunteer force, our poor kids will carry the majority of the burden. No one said people in the army are dumb. Kerry is telling the kids to create other Options for themselves besides military service, because in poor areas, even smart kids have very few Options. Today, military service entails fighting Bush's war of convenience. The military has increased incentive packages offered to new recruits because recruitment is down. 52% of US military casualties were under age 25. You can say what you want about Kerry's political bungling and horrible timing, but don't question his love for the country or its people. He wants the young men and women of this country to never have to die in a baseless war. Iraq is immersed in a war due to the tying together of a real threat (Al Queda) with a falsified one (WMD in Iraq). He served his country, unlike the entire Bush administration, and throwing away his medals was a protest of documented atrocities committed by U.S. soldiers. Please put this into perspective: Bush sends kids to die overseas, and Kerry wants them to create opportunities for themselves so they don’t have to join the military out of financial desperation. The voters will make the choice on November 7th, this congress having given Bush a blank check. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9772Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:12:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9772M. L. Custer, Lakeland, FLClinton "fled to England"? I'm sorry, wasn't he awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, the reason he went to England? Clinton is certifiably intelligent. Bush, on the other, scored lower on his SATs to enter Yale than my son did when he took his...in the seventh grade! Kerry is right, without an education many turn to the military as a way to gain work experience, haven't you ever watched a recruitment commercial? Now it is a direct route to Iraq or Afghanistan, not a pleasant option. And how do the enlistees even know if they will survive to reap the benefits of their military experience? I was glad when my son, a university graduate, chose to join the Peace Corps. Wage Peace, not war!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9774Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:14:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9774Young, SLC UTAHWhen I saw the headline, my first thought was Vietnam. I took Kerry's words to mean to educate yourself (as in History) so you don't keep making the same mistakes over and over and over......I thought he was criticizing President Bush's policy in Iraq as the same quagmire as Vietnam. But then I guess from all the posts, I must have a different way of seeing things.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9775Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:17:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9775Brad, Jacksonville, FLStop trying to spin Kerry's remarks. They are what they are - typical Democrat hatred of our military. If it was politically expedient, is there any doubt the idiotic left would once again be spitting on our vets or calling widows and telling them they are happy their husbands are dead? I dont buy into the democrats "support" of our troops. They will say whatever is necessary to get elected. Even if it means gloating over our death counts in Iraq.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9776Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:17:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9776Judy, Carbondale, IL.John Kerry is right, and those of you in military families ought to be the first to support his statement. This war is hurting the military. The US has an impressive, professional volunteer force, and Bush is damaging it with this war. Many of the troops and generals do not agree with the way that the war has been managed. With recruitment suffering, standards have been lowered, bonuses are offered, and kids who haven't found a career are ending up in Iraq. I've even heard stories of mentally impaired kids being recruited. Its as simple as that... the truth. Why is it, that so many Americans can't face the truth these days? Just believe what they want, and call it the truth. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9778Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:19:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9778Franny Pureheart, AmericaI weep for my country. We're in a war that has no end in sight for what, a few (very few) very rich men who savor power as though it will keep them mortal. They have hoodwinked a fair amount of people with the 'FEAR'. Any one who objects to this corrupt and frightful administration is labeled unAmerican, well peeps, I am 100% American and this administration is the. worst. presidency. EVER. Anyone ever hear that dissent is the highest form of democracy? WELL, I DISSENT. Against this fearmongering administration, not the troops (they're the pawns in this terrible endgame of rich and powerful men getting richer and, for the time being, more powerful). While all of you are quibbling about whom should apologize to whom, more of our brave men and women are in desparate harm's way. More and more of our fellow citizens are without healthcare, more and more of our Mothers, Fathers, brothers, sisters, children are losing jobs or can't find ones. Thank Goodness, someone, in this case John Kerry, has the cajones to finally stand up to this administration and call them on their disastrous failures. History will not be kind to this time in America and History will be right. I weep for my country.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9779Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:19:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9779!Bethesda MD - better hope you never have to get in front of the AMA - Coulter has a mighty set.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9781Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:19:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9781Ray San Diego CaHas everyone lost sight of the fact that this administration got our country into this mess because an underachieving child of privelege was spoiling for a fight and went to any length to get it? Without the wholesale deceit put upon our citizens, this all would be a moot point, no?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9782Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:19:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9782hobojoJohn Kerry is the only one in this scurilous lot out side MCCain that did not hide when their country called on them to serve.So this flock of cowardly CHICKEN HAWKS can squawk and prune their feathers all they like,when they look in a mirror they will see a coward.Democrates support the troops they have been there.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9783Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:20:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9783Doris Collins, Jacksonville FloridaBrad in Jacksonville, I can't believe you're still talking about Bill. I personally wish he was still here. We certainly wouldn't be where we are in Iraq! As for John Kerry's comments and all the backlash, just another Republican ploy to convince the voters that Democrats don't support our troops and to turn our attention from the mess this administration has made in Iraq and in the entire world. We have lost respect everywhere. We are now know as warmongers. It will take years to win back any respect that we had built up. I am a proud to say I'm a Democrat and becoming more so every day, when I see all of the negative ads on TV. It's about time some Democrats started fighting back. If you dish it out, you'd better be able to take it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9785Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:21:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9785Peter, Atlanta GASenator Kerry does NOT have any "disdain for the troops". Kerry is, and always has been, fighting for the troops. If anybody has "disdain for the troops" its Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld et al. It is BushCo who lied America into war and who are losing the war. Kerrys' press conference response was pure brilliance. http://www.johnkerry.com/news/releases/release.html?id=34 The Democrats are finally standing up to this horrific administration.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9790Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:24:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9790Justin T Murrieta CAKerry mispoke, whether by ignorance of how it would go over or out of bad joke timing. He really should not attempt jokes. As for the Bushies...look...5 years, 2850 or so troops, 140 billion dollars, international hatred, and multiple scandols later...I think its time we put the GOP out to pasture. The US is a punch line now...thats the tradgedy.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9791Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:24:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9791Mary, AnnapolisSenator Clinton and Congressman Murtha need to go on the air and tell the world that Democrates do not agree with what Kerry said. The American soldier is the most highly educated soldier in the world. Most are required to have degrees and most senior soldiers have graduate degrees. Kerry is wrong and the entire democratic party needs to tell him to shut up!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9792Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:24:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9792MarkEveryone that I know who is in the service is either poor, or needs the money. How many rich kids enlist? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9793Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:24:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9793R. Meisner, Las Vegas, NVMr. kerry owes no apology. The Swiftboaters and the legion of cowardly minions that have perpetrated the illconceived, illprepared, illmotivated and illmounted morass of choice in which we find ourselves owe alot more than an apology to every american and every Iraqi who has suffered due to their callous miscalculations.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9795Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:29:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9795Young SLC UtahPerhaps the administration was offended because they realized Kerry was attacking the President's lack of understanding of History? Then spun it into an attack on the military. What do I know, anyway? I haven't learned to read minds.....YET.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9796Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:29:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9796Joe Johnson, San Diego, CAThere are too many John Kerry -types. They are all full of the DNC cool-aid... I entered the military under a democratic president (Carter) he couldn't decide which country he was fighting for either... 12% mortage rates! Don't want to see that again...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9797Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:29:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9797Bridget, Washington DCBrad from Jacksonville FL: "is there any doubt the idiotic left would once again be spitting on our vets or calling widows and telling them they are happy their husbands are dead?" I'm sorry, that's not the Democrats. That's Fred Phelps and his Evangelical Christian lunatics.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9798Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:30:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9798Jeez, Louise!Hey, America! People with Bronze Stars are cowards! Draft dodgers are American heroes! Vote Republican, and I'll make donuts fall from the sky. What a bunch of idiots.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9800Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:32:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9800Goliard, Long Beach, CA.Here we go again.. off on some tangent or another. What are the issues here? Neither Sen. Kerry nor Snow nor Bush are running for office on Nov. 7th. Focus, people, Focus. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9801Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:33:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9801Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxKerry went to war - so what. So did my father, so did both my brother and I and now it will be my kids deep honor to defend freedom. And I will have you know that the vast majority of the those currently serving in the military believe that we are in Iraq for the right reasons -- to dimantle terrorism. Unless and until you have stood in harm's way, you should refrain for speaking for those that have. Kerry did insult our troops, he did not apoologize, and it is now he that is trying to spin his way out of this mess. He should start by taking the foot out of his mouth. And those of you that are Kerry apologists should just watch what he said. Words matter and he said that if you don't take care of business in school you get stuck in Iraq. Well, my son will be stuck in Iraq to protect your freedom. He is proud to go, he is proud to serve, he is proud to put his life on the line for freedom's sake. You sleep safely at night because of the sacrifices of those who are willing to do so. So unless you intend to do the same just thank them and pray for them instead of aiding the enemy.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9803Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:34:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9803Brad, Jacksonville, FLDoris, I'm glad you are a proud anti-American - sorry, Democrat. At least in our area of NE Florida, you are nearly alone. The only reason to bring up Clinton is that it exposes what hypocrites you and your fellow comrades are in regards to service. I'll be interested in what you loons say in '08 because you will surely change colors again.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9809Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:38:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9809Deanna, Sebastopol, CAThe vicious response to Senator Kerry's intended joke about Bush's intellectually bankrupt decision-making process shows, once again, that this administration is evil, and hell bent on slicing and dicing this country till America is mincemeat. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9813Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:42:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9813Winston HairchillGod I can't wait to see Bush and those of his ilk (ie, neo-con religious hippocrites) gone from the government of this country. From day one, the religious wackos have believed Bush's lies about his 'conversion' to their misguided idiocy. How else would a seriously failed spoiled rich brat steal the election? Kerry's point was right on the mark - educate yourself or end up stupid like George Bush!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9814Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:44:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9814Young SLC UtahBud, Clinton, CT: I saw both McGovern and Polk discuss their plan for withdrawal from Iraq and felt it to be the most brilliant, thoughtful strategy put forth to date. Anyone who has someone in the military should find out more about this strategy. Others who are concerned about the cost of the war, in dollars or U.S world status will be pleasantly surprised.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9817Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:52:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9817Russ, Grand Prairie, TXOnce again, Kerry displays his ingrained elitism and insults the common man serving in the military. I know Kerry's type - I served with a few in the military myself and they disgust me. The democrats need to put this clown away and promote someone who actually has a chance at getting the vote - like Obama.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9819Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:52:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9819Joe Gonzalez, Tampa FlEven more amazing than Sen. KErry's comments regarding the educational status of American soldiers is the eager clean up crew happily using their tongue's to sparkle his anti-American vomit. This man has been screwing servicemen since he discovered the microphone. The blessing here is he will never be elected CIC, ever. And those of you happily to suit up as his praetorian - your equally as worthless.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9825Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:56:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9825Steve, Torrance, CABrad, judging by your remarks, only someone as ignorant as you would still be supporting this failure of an administration. I think the only reason you're crying so much is that your Florida friend Mark Foley lost his job.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9826Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:00:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9826Citizen, USAScott, understand we're not against your son. We're against an administration who sends your son to war for NO reason. It's personal with them. Iraq was NOT our enemy after 9/11. There were NO WMD's. Cheney, Bush and Rumsfeld knew that. The weapons inspectors told them. Soldiers are dying Scott. That's what we're against.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9827Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:01:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9827MM Bethesda MDBrad from Jacksonville: Let's see, you "dont buy into the democrats "support" of our troops. They will say whatever is necessary to get elected." I assume you DO buy into republican support. Your boy Hannity supports them. Eh? Bush, Cheney, Kristol, Mattera, Malkin, Hitchens? They support 'em, right? Oh wait. Seems to me that support, real, actual, give-em-hell support is to stand with them, side-by-side, gun in hand, legs ready and willing to be blown off to help the troops get the job done. How many legs is Bush risking? How many arms did Cheney risk while fighting the enemy? Coulter? How about their kids? How's 'bout Limbaugh? Not so hard, is it Rush, to support the troops from behind a desk, pushing paper, with your arms and legs and neck protected by thousands of miles of aether, bolstered by your claims that liberals are unpatriotic and unable to support the troops. Let's see, Brad from Jacksonville, who stood side-by-side with the troops? Ooops. John Kerry. Ooops. He's a Democrat. Don't dare deny anyone's claim that they support the troops without denying everyone's if doing so is conveniently done from afar. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9829Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:03:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9829Dirk, Brunswick, GeorgiaBush is a loser.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9830Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:04:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9830David Nelson, Vanderbilt University"Snow was clearly prepped and probably looking to fire up the Republican faithful with attacks on Kerry, one of their favorite punching bags." This astonishes me. Your writing is so utterly biased, it's downright insulting. Please, aim for intelligent, unbiased arguments. It is okay if you are a liberal snob, but please don't act like a child.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9832Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:06:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9832Parsley SnipesKerry is in bed with Bush advocates by the way he speaks of Rush. Don't you agree? Stop faking Kerry, You know you love Rush. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9834Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:10:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9834Jose Schwartz, Minnesota Seator Kerry should learn, "Don't get in a farting contest with a skunk; you'll come in a dismal second." http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9835Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:10:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9835Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxYou are foolish to think that there were no WMD. They are securely hidden in Syria as stated by one of Sadam's generals who defected before the war. Sadam did house terrorist training facilities associated with Al Qaeda. And it is now the terrorists that we are fighting. This IS one of the fronts against terrorism. And Kerry did insult my son and his offense was relayed to my duaghter-in-law and she broke into tears that anyone would have the political opportunism to insult her brave husband. I am commenting on that. The pride I feel for my son and the pain I feel for his wife as a result of his irresponsibilty. And as for soldiers dying - thank god for the half million who died in WWII when many were saying "oh this is fust Europe's War."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9836Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:12:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9836sig@zipa.com new orleans, LABig freaking deal. Calling Bush a moron is an understatement. If he had any brains, he would have focused on North Korea and trying to find Osama, instead of acting against the imaginary threat of Iraq. Bush is an undereducated, mediocre C-student who wouldn't be able to find Iraq in a map. The guy is a moron, period.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9839Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:13:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9839Citizen of RomeGeorge Bush sends Americans to Iraq to be meat skeet, and brown shirts think he's a hero. What if he nuked a blue state? You'd all cheer. You don't care about this country - you care about not looking like the gullible fools that you are.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9842Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:14:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9842Jim W., Lexington, KYRepublicans have a lot of nerve making so much out of a botched joke when their president mangles the English language on a daily basis.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9845Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:20:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9845Julie Worcester, MaHello... I think Kerry is right joking or not, Gob bless the troops who are out there fighting for us, but when was the last time a rocket scientist sent to war? Not going means you get to keep your life- for sure- and you aren't permanently damaged from the blood you see.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9847Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:23:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9847Boston citizenJoe, no morals? I hope I don't bump into you on State Street. You're way, way off base.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9849Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:27:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9849MM Bethesda MDScott Harding--with all due respect--honestly and with the integrity of a military man, does your daughter-in-law NOT also feel insulted and offended that her husband is fighting under the command of a man unwilling do the same when he had a chance? That he is fighting to fulfill the wishes of a vice-president who requested and received no fewer than five deferrments so that others' children might die in his stead? Honestly, is there no offense felt for that?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9852Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:27:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9852Robert Smith Cleveland, Ohio John Kerry-please tell more truth anyway you want to tell it...don't back peddle and say it was a joke... It should have been a non-story but they need some story to twist and someone to smear... because they have no truth to tell us. Do NOT fall for their very dirty tricks. Please speak the truth- as often as you can and stop apologizing for it. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9854Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:30:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9854Dilbert, San DiegoFor one, Iraq committed their worst atrocities while they were being supported by the US, more specifically the right wing around Reagan (including many now in charge). The US actually INCREASED funding to Iraq after their worst atrocities and sold them (according to the US Commerce Department) "dozens" of bio agents, including anthrax, even though we knew how the US new they were being used against civilians. Regarding this war, every resource (soon to be oil) has been stolen from the Iraqis by multi-national corporations, doing the theft without any input from Iraqi civil society. They've been attacked militarily and economically. Nothing good has come of this venture and the problems it poses are much worse than Iraq before the invasion. I have yet to hear an argument from the pro-war crowd that is historically and factually logical and honest. It's said to say that the historically ignorant and inaccurate position is that of the government but it is. The government around Bush, the owners of these corporations, are the only beneficiaries of this horrific venture, at least they have a perverse justification for putting their heads in the sand. What’s your excuse? Here's an amazing article about the economic exploitation of Iraq: http://www.50years.org/cms/ejn/story/169 http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9856Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:33:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9856Dave, Tokyo, JapanI like Kerry's reply to Snow and preemtive strike against that Fat Tool, Limbaugh. Who says old dogs can't learn new tricks?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9857Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:34:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9857Roger Gonzalez Bakersfield,Ca.Same Old Kerry, Bash our American fighting soldiers, just as he Bashed the Vietnam soldiers. Next we will be hearing our soldiers are baby killers. What do you expect from a coward who ran when the fighting got heavy leaving the other Swift boat soldiers in the breach. Kerry the Coward..http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9858Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:34:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9858Paul L., Houston, TXScott, didn't Bush admit that there were no WMDs? Didn't the 9/11 Commission find no ties to al Qaeda? Do you have access to information that the rest of us don't have? Sean Hannity perhaps? Remember Scott Ritter? The guy who explained very clearly over and over again why there were no WMDs before the invasion? That's who should have gotten a medal. Not Paul Bremer or George Tenet.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9859Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:38:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9859Carl HornRegardless of Kerry's meaning, a lot of this is guilty reaction, knowing damn well we call our troops the "finest" but pay them like chumps, and that most people who volunteer have less money and less education. We say they defend our freedom, but don't pay them as much as an average big-city cop. We get our freedom on the cheap, eh? The troops have family and friends who respect them, but the hard truth is the system as a whole doesn't value them that high. And regardless of what any Democrat says, the people with ultimate responsibility for the servicemen these past few years has not been the left, but the party in power, the Republicans. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9860Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:39:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9860Lazlo Toth, Santa Monica, CAI never thought he was talking about the troops. I thought I was talking about Bush as the one who is "stuck in Iraq." It never occured to me that he was saying the troops uneducated, I thought it was an attack on Bush's stupidity.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9861Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:41:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9861Witch, San DiegoScott Harding, if Iraq did have WMD, what is the most likely source? The US under Reagan. Here's a link talking about how Reagan helped the Iraqis bomb the Iranians knowing they were using WMD's (even helped with logistical info), which we gave them. We increased funding to Iraq after this, cause we care: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,60702,00.html Also, the "war on terrorism" is a slogan. The idea isn't to fight, whatever you would call it if it wasn't an empty platitude, by military means, it involves funding the countries economically. That means, for instance, that we allow countries to take economic paths that might be different than traditional corporate capitalism. That would be needed in fighting Islamic radicalism and I don't think the right wing is truly interested in that. It's all a show and our soldiers are the pawns. It's funny though, regardless of who is the "official" enemy or ally of state, the same people always profit off of war. No one ever calls them un-American. Pretty disgusting. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9862Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:41:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9862InstantNemesis, Chicago, ILTo Julie in MA Rocket Scientists in US Military. A Simple google search will tell you Dr. Robert Goddard was. http://www.geocities.com/duppim/VB04.html Was he poor and in need of Gov't Assitance? Probably not as he already had two US patents by 1914. For Rocket Fuel Development. So are the countless MD in the US military idiots too. Kerry is a joke...Take a Prozac, Drink the Kool-aid, and vote Democrat. Its the Anti-American thing to do.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9863Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:42:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9863Ed, Chicago, ILWow! I'm a vet and I am offended by the comment. I'm MORE offended that Kerry thinks we are so stupid as to fall for "I forgot two little words" BS. Remember the last great democratic word play? Something like, "It depends on what your definition of 'is' is" from Clinton? Finally, I am mad that the same people who initially supported the move into Iraq feel free to change their position. How about staying the course? What if the President flip-flopped like that? We'd all be tearing him apart. I'm not advocating blind support lets keep the long term objective in mind: bringing some sort of stability to the region if possible.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9864Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:43:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9864Charles Hugh, Bucks County, PAHe actually planned to say something different before he said what he said. OOPS! I got that wrong. He actually voted for it before he voted against it. What a weazel. He really expects us to believe that he forgot to insert two words in the middle of a sentence. Is Kerry a liar or stupid? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9865Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:44:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9865Bill A. Silva, Lodi, CAAs long as we harbor the anger and hate that I read in these response (both democrat and republican) those in power will continue to have their way. Where are the voices of reason that happily serve and then step aside without requesting payment to serve. I know I live in a fantasy land. Wouldn't it be grand though if those who did serve could not be millionaires with a stake in holding on to their power, who had to use public funds to run a campaign, who did not need to spend 40% of their time on the campaign trail, and who understood that the common good transcends partisan politics. Alas, power corrupts, but wouldn't it be nice? Seems so funny that the middle on either side of center have so much in common, but fail to realize that their differences are minor and could be talked through. If that day ever comes, maybe those who really have the power will rise up and call for change and if change is not forthcoming will vote extremists out of office.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9866Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:44:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9866raise in usBush, McCain are cruel jokes of US.Kerry might said in mistake but truth is truth.Iraq war is cruel joke for US.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9867Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:44:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9867Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxAbsolutely not. The best you can do, MM, is to change the topic? The issue is that Kerry insulted her husband. She voted for Kerry and now she is glad he lost. She was appalled by his words and it took me 20 minutes to calm her down. My heart breaks for the wives/husbands and kids facing the insults of a former presidential candidate. Thank God he wasn't elected. And, oh by the way, many of our Presidents did not serve in the military. I seem to remember one very clearly - Abraham Lincoln. But then he was a Republican so I guess he doesn't count.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9868Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:45:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9868Tampa Guy Bud,Clinton,Ct I liked your post so much - here it is again. It deserves to be on every blog ... often. "The only ones who should apologize are the knuckle-draggers that stuck us with four more years of the Chimp and his corrupt administeation. Talk about those who didn't do well in school!" You betcher ass. You can see it by the terrible writing skills of the proBushies. Clearly, thinking is not a forte for these people. Not only are they piss poor spellers, but they have such troubles simply formulating a clear thought. It's no wonder they swallow the propaganda that FOX can supply, for all their undeveloped critical thinking skills. I believe, given our entirely corporate driven media, that the future is very dismal indeed. Do you see now why it's important for the wealthy elite to dismantle education, so that America can produce more such "gifted" Americans with "American values and morals"? IOW, idiots who will swallow any bullshit? Who else would think that a UNION working to promote YOUR best interests and working to give YOU a better wage and working to improve YOUR working conditions is BAD? You gotta have idiots for that, my American friends. This is why there are no more arts, or music programs for the kids - but always time and money for sports and competition/battle. Believe me, the effort to destroy pubic education is under way today (vouchers)and they will keep trying until all the schools are private. We see how well "private" works in Iraq, and in California, don't we? But cheer up. All's well that end's well. It really is most impudent of America to have so much strength and influence while simultaneously being so stupid and indiscriminate and bigotted. This latest Republican-led escapade, I think, is the worst that will happen to America. After the dust has settled America will be weak. Maybe even weaker than weak. She will not have global influence - most likely because she will not have a military influence. If that downfall can indeed be brought about, America may be forced to obey the world community on issues far greater than the knuckle draggers would ever be able to comprehend or agree to, such as global warming and the need for alternate energy. Without a weakened America, we might just keep going and destroy the planet, and I don't think WE thinking people want that. So take cheer in that the universe is watching out for itself. It will not let the meanest and dumbest of us destroy all that is good.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9869Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:47:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9869James OKelly, Concord, NCMr. Kerry should apologize for what he said, but he won't. He is the same leftest elite that he was when he was in Viet Nam, and later attended anti-war rallies like Jane Fonda. James OKelly, Concord, NChttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9870Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:48:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9870Bob Carr, St. Louis, MO.John Kerry had his shot in 2004 and botched it. The only Democrat who could have lost to our idiot president and now he won't go away. Shut up John, at least until after the election. Lets not give the White House any more stories to twist as they see fit.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9871Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:49:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9871John Doe, Seattle, Wash.You would have to be an idiot to want to fight under the current administration. You would have to be a complete idiot to let Kerry's remarks distract you from the utterly reprehensible behavior of the current administration. You would have to be a complete slobbering dolt of an idiot to even attempt to defend the worst president in the history of the United States of America, George W. Bush.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9874Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:54:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9874myhouston -Houston, TXMore media spin, more strying from the facts: We (the youth) are sick and tired of the pundits, the idiot savants dressed up as politicians and the ridiculous slander meant with the intention none other than to divide this country. It's time the hardcore conservatives who act like spokespeople for the rest of the country back off. Kudos to Kerry for his retaliatory statement with regard to the comments made about him. And shame on McCain for being such a tool of the political machine (your better than that McCain). People. Let's not go back to the '50's and clearly divide a line among our people. We are smarter than that. Don’t let the spin doctors sway you from the facts. People are dying every day in Iraq and the numbers have increased. Even in Houston we can see how blasphemous and wrong this is. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9876Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:56:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9876Marla RedstoneKerry is a jealous loser who can't admit that Bush is Jesus. If you vote for Demoncrats, then that just proves you don't believe that Bush is choosen by Jesus to be our earthly king. God loves Americans who support there president. But you will suffer a lot in hell if you listen to the other side. Trust in Presidnet Bush and yuo will be a good christian conservative law-abider who loves America even when it is wrong. Hey, wars happen. If our troops (God belss them) get killed, then that is because Jesus loves to take them to heaven for eternity.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9878Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:57:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9878Val ZdillaIt is about time someone called the "chicken hawks" on the carpet. Kerry is right about Bush's lack of education in world affairs and leadership. That is what got us into this war. He being a war veteran, I do not think he would ever insult our fighting men. He knows all to well what they have to do.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9879Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:57:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9879Gary P. Joyce, Aquebogue, NYI love the Lib remarks ... all having nothibng to do with what John Kerry said. Much like the article that turned what one sanctimonious ass said about our troops into a political debate. Liberals: Can't argue rationally with 'em, can't shoot 'em. As for that genius a couple of messages back who talks about rocket scientists... obviously he's never heard of any of the service academies http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9880Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:58:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9880Ryan DeVries, Ann Arbor, MII can't figure out how John Kerry thought this comment would be helpful - a group of students at a California University? He's preaching to the choir! What I do know is that Senator Kerry, for the GOP, is the gift that keeps on giving...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9883Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:04:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9883Reiner KremerI find the adminstration's response incredulous, however with so many GOP seats at stake they appear desperate for airtime. Kerry slip is on the money--we need more bodies to fight the nightmare in Iraq. Let's reinstate the draft with deferrments to those studying in college of course and giving citizenship to all illegals who will sign up and serve for four years or more!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9884Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:04:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9884Michael Bernstein, Brooklyn NYKerry is sounding very tough and the simple truth is not too many college grads or college bound seniors are enlisting. This army is an army of second tier intellects and first tier bravery and determination but also of pawns who have been sent to enact a foreign policy based on lies, deceit and malfeaseance. We mourn their deaths, cheer their bravery and pray for their safety but we cannot overlook the context of the military adventure they have had the misfortune to be sent on. Invading Iraq was a criminal act and if justice were a part of this world Bush & Chaney would be in the dock in the Hague. They are committing crimes against humanity and using our sons and daughters to perpetrate them. The bravest soldier is the one who puts down his weapon and refuses to kill another man who does not threaten him. No iraqi's save Saddam, threatened the United States yet we have destroyed their country and have killed 50-75 thousand men, women and children that did not pose a threat to America. This is a most shameful moment in our history. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9885Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:04:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9885Margaret, Kenai, AlaskaMr. Kerry, I could care less what political party you belong to. It is time you start accepting your blunders. It was heartless and insensitive what you said about our troops. You preach every day how things should be done differently for them. Well making them the butt of one of your political jokes is not going to bring them home any faster or make those of us at home see them any different than lower class citizens. I spent many years struggling as a single mom to finish my degree and valued every grade I got in college because it was not handed to me on a silver spoon. I am proud to say that I got A’s and B’s in college. I did not waste my parent’s money getting D’s in my classes. Rather my parents did not pay for my education at all. I did! I joined the service after getting a higher education. My reasons for joining had nothing to do with my education and everything to do with serving my country. There is a pride in self and country that you get from being in the military. There is no better example that I would want for my children then to show them that you can be anything you want to be. Some of the smartest and bravest people I could give them as mentors are the men and women I serve with. A great deal of these service members had college educations before they joined. Many of which are teachers or career counselors for our youth. So your slip-up whether intentional or not was wrong. I tell my teenage children over and over again, it’s easier to come clean when you make a mistake than to cover it up. With each cover up you do, you end up having to continually make up more and more for your story to seem real. Keeping track of what lie you told last can lead you to ruin. Eventually you have made up so many lies you don't know what is or what is not the truth. So let’s get off the political agenda and just admit that you were wrong and stop using our troops for your amusement. Political jokes like this lead to resentment of our troops by the American population and eventual protesting, hatred and attacks towards them. Let’s leave our troops out of this war at home; they have enough to deal with whether they are over seas or at home. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9887Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:10:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9887Richard Neilsen, Decatur, IllinoisHey kid? Face facts. There's a reason why they call Marines jarheads. Sure, a small minority are capable of spelling "cat" without spotting them the "c" and "a". But for the most part, they are a bunch of under-educated rednecks. I love George Bush and am a life-long Republican and a GoldWater Conservative. But you have to be willfully ignorant to believe that the average G.I. is smarter than the your average college graduate. Get real. Your country is no good to you if you are dead. Vote Republican, educate yourself, and live.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9888Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:12:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9888pro american people !! and NOT THE MIC and henchmen!!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military-industrial_complex This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. http://www.hereinreality.com/carlyle.html WARNING THIS IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO CAN THINK FOR THEMSELVES!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9889Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:14:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9889John, Aspen, COLefties and Righties LISTEN UP! Neither of you "hates America" for heaven's sake. Can't some of you get it through your skulls that Republicans and Democrats alike love America and have different opinions on how to save it? Liberals: the Republicans believe we are in a fight to the death with Islamic radicals and that Iraq is the front line of that battle (yes, they really believe that!). Conservatives: the Democrats believe that Iraq is a fiasco cooked up by a corrupt administration to line the pockets of corporate war profiteers (yes, they really believe that!). There's ample evidence for both points of view but absolutely no evidence that either proponents are either stupid or anti-American. WE,THE PEOPLE gotta pull together somehow to solve the mess we're in, here. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9890Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:14:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9890JohnQPublicWhy would John Kerry need to apologize? I applaud him for standing up to Snow! Our armed forces are now aware of the lies they were sent to Iraq to fight for. They know they are risking their lives every day only to put the big buck$ in the Bush cabal's pockets. Snow is just a moronic mouthpiece, grabbing at an opportunity to make the Dems look bad right before an election. Too late...the American public is finally turning Snow, Fox and Limbaugh off. They're sick of the lies and manipulation this administration dishes out. If anything, they owe the troops and apology! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9892Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:19:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9892NOT BRAIN WASHED SADDAM WAS TRAINED BY THE CIA ... WAKE UP!! http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/51/217.html THEY USED HIM TO GO AFTER IRAN. ANOTHER FAMOUS TRAINEE WAS OSAMAhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9893Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:22:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9893Ellen J Gendron, Chicopee MAEven though Kerry left out two words that changed his statement from what he meant, what he said is indeed true and I wish some of those who report the news to us would point it out. If one does not get a good education today, and we all know that the middle class finds the cost too much, there are no jobs left in America. The result? Our young men and women are being forced between the rock and a hard place. Many out of desperation end up enrolling in the military to feed their families. What he said, even taken as spoken is indeed true. The white house should keep shut about this, it is true, they have ruined the economy and they have war mongered us into a war based on their LIES and we are still there because they are a bunch of idiots who think they can win. The Bush twins should be on the front line. Maybe then they could stay out of trouble and you KNOW chimpy would start to think about what he is doing. Problem is, he doesn't value human life. Not the military nor the 600,000+ innocent Iraqi's who have been slain.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9894Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:22:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9894WAKE UP!!U.S. forces in Baghdad might now be searching high and low for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, but in the past Saddam was seen by U.S. intelligence services as a bulwark of anti-communism and they used him as their instrument for more than 40 years, according to former U.S. intelligence diplomats and intelligence officials. United Press International has interviewed almost a dozen former U.S. diplomats, British scholars and former U.S. intelligence officials to piece together the following account. The CIA declined to comment on the report. While many have thought that Saddam first became involved with U.S. intelligence agencies at the start of the September 1980 Iran-Iraq war, his first contacts with U.S. officials date back to 1959, when he was part of a CIA-authorized six-man squad tasked with assassinating then Iraqi Prime Minister Gen. Abd al-Karim Qasim.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9895Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:23:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9895Matthew Rettenmund, New York, NYKerry (who, uh, isn't even on any ballots November 7th!) was obviously talking about President Bush, who—no great October Surprise there—was too dumb to realize it. Actually, he wasn't too dumb. He knows exactly what Kerry meant. However, when you are desperate and cornered and time is running out, you have to say something, ANYTHING to change the subject. Republicans are going down November 7th.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9896Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9896Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxDo your homework or you might be sent to Iraq also (at least according to Kerry) - just google "wmd syria iraq book". As for ties to Al Qaeda - no formal ties doesn't mean that much when you allow a training camp in the Northern region of the country. You too could have access to this information if you wanted it -- all you have to do is not rely on the media and do your own work to find out, but that is not consistent witht the intelectual laziness of liberals, so sorry I guess i do have other sources of information.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9897Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9897Dustin, Santa Monica, CATo construe Kerry's remark as an insult is looking for a reason to pick a fight, precisely what the Republicans would like to do so close to an election which may end in their loss of a majority in the House. The people who have no feelings for the soldiers are the ones who would press for them to "stay the course" so that we don't "lose in Iraq." Those are statements which prove that you only see the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters and friends of Americans as pawns for the upper class money machine. The American people have nothing to lose by ending this sensless war, it's the rich who have everything to gain by prolonging it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9898Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:28:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9898Bryan Kurtz, Denver, COKerry should obviously be "stuck in Iraq" for a while. Perhaps the terrorists would make him an honorary member for all of his help promoting their agendas in America. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9899Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:29:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9899Boston CitizenTo Scott and ALL Republicans, go on to the IAVA (Veterans' site) and see which Senators and Congressmen across the country have voted in support of our soldiers' benefits. They are ranked by our veterans. Republicans were given disgraceful grades by the veterans. Why is that? Wise up people. You're supporting a party who couldn't care less. Why don't you speak up against them? You're always in lock step with them, defending Bush, et al. Well, don't. Speak up!!!!! Scott, look up Hutchinson. She's from your state. How supportive is she towards your son? And then look up Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9900Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:32:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9900Joe Northbridge, MAWow, so many angry people so little time.... John Kerry messed up. He misspoke. Why any one of these "politicians" can't just say "I'm sorry if my joke was misunderstood. I screwed it up and in doing so I potentially offended those that serve". But no. They get into a shouting match of venomous diatribe from both sides of the aisle and then I read the same venomous diatribe above. Take a deep breath, some lithium or Prozac.... Bush was wrong to go into Iraq, not because of WMDs, but because in doing so we unleashed the seething hatred between the Sunnis and Shias. If we succeeded in creating some sort of functional democratic republic and would stem the tide of religious fundamentalism, but it doesn't look likely. So we are kind of stuck, aren't we? By the way, the war isn't illegal since Iraq continually violated the terms of the surrender/cease fire. It can be arqued that it was wrong, but not illegal. And didn't Congress and, for that matter, John Kerry give him permission. And do we honestly believe that we invaded a country to make friends in the oil company rich, oh please? Can someone please argue the points based on what is known and not the BS that is spewed by the extremists on both sides? And can it be done without talking about people IQs and service records?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9901Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:33:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9901Justin, Portland, MEAll he said was if you are stupid and lazy, like George W. Bush, you will end up getting the United States military stuck in Iraq. How retarded are the rest of you to think he was bashing our soldiers? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9902Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:34:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9902FernandoThe blunt truth is, in context, in CONTEXT, the quote is obviously about the president. all the right-wing shills and squakers in this thread are simply trying to pollute the discourse, but guess what? YOU WERE BAITED. this is a winning issue for kerry and the dems, especially so close to the election. keep it on tv, everyone realizes it was just a botched joke, and the Rs will look more and more absurd as they drag this on..http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9903Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:38:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9903Emil Sunjic, Palm Desert, CAi think both sides should stick to the issues that matter to the people of the usa...that is minimum wage, health insurance and how to solve or fix the broken iraq policy...to my dismay both parties are soo out of sink they can not even offer the clear strategy on iraq and war on terrorism and use this to bash eachother while young soldiers in their early 20's are daying every day to protect us and continue to privide us with the life we have now....so do democrats and republicans grow up and fess up to the real problem solving and stop behaving like kindergarden children..i think kids would have better chance of solving our problems than either mister bush or mister kerryhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9904Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:38:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9904Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxAs a former submarine officer i love good Marine jokes but my son is a Marine responsible ofr data communications. He is neither a redneck or dumb - trust me you don't want to battle this guy in a war of wits, you will lose. He is very smart and watched the 2nd plane go in on 911 and at that point vowed to fight terrorism upon graduation from high school. Now he is doing just that - and I think I already said this, but I am very proud of his decision to serve his rather ungrateful nation.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9906Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:41:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9906RD Robertson, Austin, TexasKerry was calling Bush a dunce who hadn't done his homework, who got us stuck in Iraq, rather than calling our troops anything.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9908Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:45:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9908Jim, Santa CruzNorman, no it's the draft that will be necessary to fight this war like McCain and others who want us to prevail militarily- there aren't enough volunteers going into the services. Otherwise we should follow a different strategy - like Murtha suggests. Or maybe we should all shut up, not speak out against our President and his eminent advisors like Hank Kissinger and just let them do whatever. But then that would be un-American.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9909Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:47:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9909Jim Lee, Knoxville, TennesseeKerry was actually against his statement before he made it. ;-) The good senator needs to learn that words do have an exact meaning and you don't get a "do over" at that level. Kerry's bad. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9910Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:52:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9910Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxDustin -- my son is no pawn. Nor is he an idot, John Doe from WA. He is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He is doing his job and defending your right to also insult him. Please don't continue to insult the brave young men and women willing to serve on your behalf.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9911Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:53:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9911Gloria Roberts, Portland, ORThe bottom line is that George W. Bush, who weasled out of active service in Vietnam by disappearing for a year in the Champagne outfit his daddy got him into, has killed over 3000 of our brave men and women and countless thousands of innocent Iraqis; drained the treasury; shredded our Bill of Rights; spat on the Constitution; and dragged America's good name through the mud with his heinous torture and rendition policy, and has made us the most hated nation on earth. None of the high muckymucks in the Administration have served in combat nor have their kin. They are just trying to distract the gullible American public from the fact that they are all morally bankrupt greedy powergrabbers and don't give a fig for our brave troops. No veteran benefits. No decent body armour. No decent food or water in Iraq--and no decent medical care when they get back. Just cannon fodder for the Imperial Ones in a blatant aggressive grab for as much of the planet as they can get. They are taking away educational tools from the lower and middle class as fast as they can--and we will all be dumber if they have their way. The better to lead the sheep to slaughter. How sad is this America--not the country I grew up in. God help us all.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9912Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:58:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9912Dan JonesJust another example of what an unprepared idiot Kerry is. You'd think after waging a lethargic POTUS campaign (which he could have and should have won easily (OH, NM, et al. notwithstanding), the guy would learn to have his crap all in one sock. Not sure I but the "forgotten two words" explanantion. If he forgot those, the can't put together a presentation, and shouldn't be POTUS. Or even a Senator. I wish he would just fade away and let someone with soul and spirit represent the Party. All he does is hurt our cause.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9913Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:00:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9913Andrew, Portland, ORNo matter how stupid Kerry's judgment may have been, John Kerry never said the troops were stupid. In fact he NEVER EVEN CONNECTED soldiers and intelligence. Tony Snow did that. Many of you need to carefully read an actual transcript of Kerry's statement, and then Snow's response. In his job as White House mouthpiece and GOP partisan, Snow certainly had an agenda, opportunity and a pulpit to start a pissing match, and he did so. The Republicans aren't outraged. It's a week before the elections, they're behind on all the polls, and they're happy to encourage any distraction from the many issues that are pulling them down. All these guys are seasoned players, and they're playing on the American people's often under-nuanced patriotism, PARTICULARLY that of the STUPIDER ones who can only grasp issues in black and white (now there's irony), to do so. Does Kerry's statement really have anything to do with this election? Of course not. What Kerry was attempting to say (to an audience of community-college students, remember) seems fairly obvious to me, and no intelligent person on either side of the aisle would disagree with it: if you don't make the most of your educational opportunities, you will end up with few worthwhile economic choices in life. In making that point, Kerry tried to tack on an ill-considered swipe at the Bush administration for mis-using the troops who are there, and he fumbled it. (Doesn't mean he was wrong, though.) We all know that many who have few choices do end up in the armed forces. That's NOT the same as the reverse, that those in the services are there only because they had few choices. and Kerry didn't say or imply that. Obviously there are many reasons to join up. John Kerry did not connect soldiers and intelligence. He did not criticize anyone's motives or judgment for joining the services. He did not address whether service itself is good or bad, right or wrong, or full of smart or stupid people. He is implying that, no matter how or why the troops got there, whether they belong there or not, they're stuck there now and are getting killed off unnecessarily, by an administration who couldn't get it right going in, can't get it right four years later, won't admit they made mistakes, and won't accept responsibility for them. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9914Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:06:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9914EverymanKerry's comments are a perfect example of the typical Liberal point of view. All those who are not like them are either stupid or corrupt. There is no other explanation for someone to disagree with them. While there is some truth to the fact that people with easier opportunities will generally avoid the military service, it is also true that the left in general holds those who do so in contempt. They are stupid people as far as the "educated elites" are concerned and can only get in a situation like this because they aren't smart enough to see the "truth" that is apparently so obvious to the liberals. This is just one more example of the contempt that the "caring' liberals have for those they believe need to be cared for rather than accepting the fact that there are true ligitimate reasons to disagree with them.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9915Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:09:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9915John WisonThe party who trumpets its sole proprietorship over moral values and personal responsibility is, ironically, the first to point the finger anywhere else. Foley? We don't remember being told about him-- not our fault. Rumsfeld? The generals didn't tell me what they needed - the war's not my responsibility. Falsely connecting Iraq and Al Quaeda and rushing to war? CIA's fault, not the White House's. Brownie, you're doing a great job-- or if not, well, we delegated-- not the White House's fault. How could DeLay possibly have known Abramoff was a scumbag? He was a babe in the woods, and had to resign not from guilt or shame but for the good of the party. Torture? Oh well, we NEED to. Cheney, ex-board of Halliburton, has no motive to see them into a no-competition, un-supervised, massively-profitable contract in Iraq? I don't care if you're Republican or Democrat, if you're at all perceptive you can see the guys in the White House have no morals. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9916Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:10:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9916Tom Baker, Poulsbo Washingtonwho thinks that any of our High School seniors would not feel "stuck", were they in Iraq now? Are there a lot of kids hoping they'll get high SAT scores so that they CAN go to Iraq?? Get over it - Kerry was speaking nothing but the truth, and everyone knows it. Those who pretend otherwise are doing so for purely partisan reasons.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9919Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:30:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9919Paul L.well, if this silly incident should bring out the republican base and they win it all again, the bright side will be that they will be the ones who have to deal with a bankrupt nation, an unwinnable war and an insane president who apparently intends to skip to paraguay after he's done fleecing us. (there's a rumor that he's purchased 100,000 acres there they don't do the war crimes thing.) on the downside....hell, who am i kidding? it's all downside. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9920Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:32:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9920Paul L.by the way scott, I very much appreciate your son's service in the military. I'm just not very confident in our present leadership.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9926Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:10:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9926An American Citizen, Akron, Ohio So, I heard President Bush respond on North Korea's agreement for six party talks. He said ,ta, guess he meant to, maybe that was just a question of syntax. All of us need to get over this divide. We all should know that 103 of our citizens died this monthin Iraq. How many wounded? Did not see a figure on that. I am a Democrat. But I have always given Republicans the benefit of my respect. In fact, if a Republican wins in a race, I look at the person, and say, that is all right by me. These diatrobes on these web sites truly amaze me. There is a Republican out there that Iwould be respecful of if he was President. Unfortunately, he is off the Republican Party radar. What a shame http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9929Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:30:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9929Rob, Jacksonville, NC"if you are stupid and lazy, like George W. Bush, you will end up getting the United States military stuck in Iraq." was not the quote Justin, Portland, ME. "those who don't study hard or do well in school could get stuck in Iraq." was the quote. Put you POLITICS aside and think with logic. How would you interpret that statement. I do not see the president mentioned anywhere. As for those that want to call us in the military "uneducated rednecks" or refer to us as "stupid jarheads". Remember, our sacrifice is what gives you the right to say such things. Personally, I prefer "Thank You" or maybe a nice cigar! Robperkovich@lycos.comhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9932Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:38:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9932Lee SteeleScott Harding - So what? Your were a submarine officer, therefore your word is gospel. Your kid saw the plane crash, now he's annointed. I was on a GD submarine too. How come my opinion is trash? Bush is a war criminal, and your genius kid is fighting for Dick Cheney's bank account. Own it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9935Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:56:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9935Jerry hersch,Williamsburg,VaIf we Republicans are right- then EVERY parent and grandparent who told their child during the Vietnam War 'study hard,stay in school,avoid the draft' is scum.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9937Wed, 01 Nov 2006 01:05:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9937kurt, san diego, caKerry just made the lie/blunder of his career. The Democrats will loose the election. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9938Wed, 01 Nov 2006 01:16:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9938!Hobojo - Chicken hawk cowards "preen" their feathers, but other than that you nailed it. (They are also good strutters, posers and at shooting caged game.)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9939Wed, 01 Nov 2006 01:17:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9939Harvey Karchmer, Scottsdale, AZThis time Sen McCain has jumped the track with his straight talk express. Apologies should be coming from the President, VP and Def Secy. They started this war on false information, with too few troops who were dishonored by being sent to battle with lack of armor and a strategy to win. Shame on them and shame on us for being distracted yet again.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9942Wed, 01 Nov 2006 01:47:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9942Steven, Beltsville, Md.Oh man don't you just love election time! The Reps. like Scott Harding(from Texas)who will grab anything they can to try and distract. Give me a break! Hey did anyone hear that 103 soldiers died in Iraq in October. But Scott wants to talk about whether someone made a joke and feign outrage. Did I read right that your heart breaks because of supposed insults! That's what breaks your heart about this war Scott?! As a former Army medic, I understand the pride you have in your son, but having seen my share of "collateral damage", I can tell you there's alot more heartbreaking things going on than that. Oh and coming up with facts and figures to support your position would be interesting if there weren't just as many sites countering those "facts". "You too could have access to this information if you wanted it -- all you have to do is not rely on Fox News and do your own work to find out." What I don't understand is that I fought so Americans could say whatever they want, be it a bad joke, criticism, or what have you. Why did you? By the way, I loved how you tried to make the connection between 9/11 and Iraq, with the story of your son seeing the plane crash into the building. Smooth....NOT!! I'm wondering, were you as critical towards Bush in 2001 when he was trashing John McCain's service? You gotta get away from your party's sheep mentality Scott? There's some serious problems in our country that will take some real thinking. It'll take all of us working together to get thru what that COWARD in the White House will likely put us thru in his last 2 years. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9943Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:02:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9943MM Bethesda MDScott Harding, I am not changing topics nor do I mean offense. Honestly I can not imagine how one's "heart breaks for the wives/husbands and kids facing the insults [sic] of a former presidential candidate," yet does not take even a tinge of offense that, for instance, his vice-president--seemingly steadfast in his convictions to send troops to Iraq and to keep the fight going-- took 5 deferrments so that someone else's son might die. How is it not an insult to every military man and woman when he declares it necessary to don the garb and go to battle, and keep the battle going? Certainly, as you say, "many of our Presidents did not serve in the military." How many feigned service, and how many took so many cues from a man who took 5 deferrments?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9944Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:12:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9944Peter Last I heard, our military is still all volunteer. What does intelligence have to do with it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9945Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:13:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9945makesenseofit, Pittsburgh PaHE is wrong and should face his maker with the exception of having to take a psychiatric test before he continues his duties to see if he is fit. Along with the rest of the Bush regime a pyschiatric test must be of primary importance to keep this country together with together people with power enough to throw the switch///////// http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9949Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:40:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9949carl feltnerKerry, needs to keep his dumb mouth shut....suck on some more pickles and maybe learn that because of hime I hope the GOP has a hay day and wins the mid term elections....he is lost and a has been...along with may Democrats.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9951Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:49:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9951Jane, Southern MississippiHe WAS telling jokes. Right before the one he flubbed, he said that he had just got back from Texas, the state Bush once lived in. That now Bush lives in the state of denial. Listen to the whole tape, and you will hear the jokes before and after. He was trying to break the ice, but he's not real good at jokes. It's unfortunate so many people are ready to jump on him because he was a soldier who served voluntarily. He wasn't drafted. He didn't join the National Guard at a time people called them "weekend warriers." And he spoke out against a war that was a lot like the Iraqi War is now. Started because of lies. And my son, who is a soldier, has told me that he has seen a few American soldiers do things that are terrible to civilians, men and women alike, just because they can. We need to look at the individuals involved, and not listen to people who have never served speak about patriotism. This administration just uses soldiers to make themselves look good.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9952Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:50:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9952Tom, Los Angeles, CAFirst, this whole notion that Kerry thinks the military is uneducated is stupid, since Kerry is an actual veteran who saw combat duty. Again, Kerry is a combat veteran who was wounded, so of course he is not implying that the military is uneducated. Second, the sad fact that this comment is front page news illustrates the bias of mainstream news. There are entire websites containing catalogs of Bush's various misstatements. Heck, we even invented a word for them, "Bushisms." Yet, the Whitehouse decides to blast it, and every network runs it as a legitimate story while ignoring any one of hundreds of various Bushisms? This is absolutely pathetic and manipulative. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9954Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:03:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9954Barbara, Tullahoma, TNWow! Everyone get a grip and refocus on the election! Bush&Co are doing what they do best - changing the subject. Bush and Kerry ran against each other during the LAST election. Kerry is entitled to his opinion just like we all are. Bush has simply chosen to attack Kerry (that's because he, Bush, doesn't live in a glass house). There is no good news coming out of this administration, so it is easier to go into offense mode. Repeat after me: this is not a Bush/Kerry election. It is a GOP smokescreen. Bush said Kerry owes the solders in Iraq an apology. What would Bush say to the 2,000 plus dead and injured soldiers he has sent to Iraq?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9957Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:42:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9957Captain Ironythe two words, "getting us", aren't necessary at all. they would, however, clear up ambiguity for utter fools. the fools who got us stuck in Iraq are also too foolish to realize when a joke is made at their expense if it's not entirely spelled out for them. bravo. kerry is politically pedestrian, but a comic genius. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9958Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:49:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9958Lawrence Kimkerry voted before the war before he voted against it (lol).http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9966Wed, 01 Nov 2006 06:33:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9966Samuel Jackson, San Diego, CATo me it is obvious that those who go to fight with civilians thousands of miles away from their homeland are indeed unintelligent, no matter how their parents and their fellow-citizens think about them.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9967Wed, 01 Nov 2006 07:51:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9967Sam, Atlanta, GAUnfortunately Mr. Kerry's comments have already had their effect to energize the Conservative base by riling them up on an emotional level and closing their minds to the voices of reason coming from all over this land. Many African_Americans are offended by Mr. Kerry's remark that the troops are not so intelligent so his fight-back words are not at all effective in that respect. My personal belief: This is the Rovian October Surprise that Bush has been so smug about recently. It takes all the wind out of the Democrats sails.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9971Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:33:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9971Sven Aarne, Osaka JapanThis is an act of desperation - FYI, the line should have gone "like getting us into Iraq: - He was criticizing our Yale C-plus President. Get over it, five more days, plenty more time for more last ditch Rove-spun non-issues before the American people vote out the G.O.P clowns. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9972Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:57:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9972Lew Rakosnik, Phoenix, AZScott - it will take you more than 20 minutes to calm your daughter-in-law down if, God forbid, the unthinkable happens!! Hopefully your brave sons will return home the same way that they left - ALIVE!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9978Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:24:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9978Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxMy heart breaks often -- who are you to say when it does and when it doesn't. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9979Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:30:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9979Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxBtw Sven, Kerry had worse grades than Bush at Yale. Just goes to show that unlike what he said if you don't do well, you don't have to get stuck in Iraq. Kerry and Bush are both elitist and priveleged kids that never had to experience real life like the rest of us. It changes nothing that Kerry messed up and doesn't have the simple decency to apologize to the ones he offended even if that was unintentional. Our troops deserve better than "I botched a joke". If he truly does support them it should be easy to apologize to them. Why is that so hard.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#9983Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:44:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:9983lloyd roberts, Jamaica New Yorkthis is for scott harding and all the other "bush lovers at any cost" out there. we were attacked on 9-11 by 19 hijackers. 15 of those 19 hijackers were from one country, Saudi Arabia. Not one was from Iraq. Even Osama himself is a Saudi. Seems like we attacked the wrong country. But even after 9-11 there is George Bush at his fake ranch walking hand in hand with a Saudi prince. And no reaction from the concervative press. That would be like Roosevelt walking hand in hand with the Japanese emporer a year after Pearl Harbor. George bush would sell all your kids out to protect his Saudi friendshttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10006Wed, 01 Nov 2006 13:44:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10006Pat K, BostonScott, Kerry messed up? What about Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld. What about all the so-called patriotic republican politicans who time after time vote AGAINST veterans. Elizabeth Dole, Hutchinson - yeah, the patriotic ones. Go and see how Kerry has voted in the Senate on this issue. You're going to hang him because of a joke? What is wrong with you? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10020Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:03:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10020Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxFirst of all I have not backed Bush at all, I have asked for an apology to my son and daughter-in-law for Kerry's insult. That does not back Bush it merely asks for civility. Second, terroroists are not know by their nationality - they are known by their hatred. I have not backed Bush one iota in this conversation. I have strong disagreements with him over a great many things, but this isn't about Bush. It is about the callous insensitivity of the incompetent Kerry. Kerry's votes on veteran issues does not give him free reign to insult my son - and if you think it does you are the backers at all cost because the cost is that of simple decency.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10043Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:29:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10043Pat K, BostonScott, let's just be clear. Kerry did NOT insult your son. He insulted Bush. The republican machine is merely spinning his remarks. Go Dallas Cowboys!!! I'd love to meet them in the Super Bowl.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10045Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:32:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10045Nancy, MNAfter reading all the comments posted above, all the Democrats believe "Kerry was obviously talking about Bush, not the soldiers in Iraq". I just have one question. Why do you people think it is completely appropriate and ok to disgrace the President of the United States? I was taught to respect people with authority, even if you don't agree with their views or actions. Bush needs our support during times like these. He doesn't need Americans calling him an idiot. Bush is President for 2 more years. We might as well deal with it!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10065Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:58:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10065lloyd roberts, jamaica, new yorkyou're right scott, if all you're looking for is an apology to your son and daughter in law from kerry, then you deserve it. but you also deserve an apology from a president who flat out lied about the reasons for going to iraq, then destabilized a stable country in an unstable region, sat idle while Pakistans A.Q. Khan sold nuclear secrets to our enemies, and took away the only deterrent to one of our true enemies, Iran, when Saddam was deposed. And as far as nationality, it does matter to these people. Any one can come to this country and open a mosque or a bhuddist temple, or a cathloic church, or a jewish synogogue, whatever. Not so in Saudi Arabia. You can be put to death for converting to Christianity in many moslem countries, so I think nationality does matter, because it seems to matter to these terrorists. Iraq was a secular country that is now controlled by Islamic fundamentalists all because of a little spoiled boy named George Bushhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10069Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:01:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10069Janet B., Gaithersburg, MDPer Sen. McCain - Do I sleep more soundly at night knowing that George W. is on watch. I don't think so. At the same time, I believe Sen. Kerry should issue an apology to the troops about his lip slip. I agree that a veteran would not talk down to fellow soldiers. He's been there; George W. hasn'thttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10076Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:09:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10076scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxHey Pat, why then has Harold Ford asked for him to apologize? Why have other democrats asked him to apologize? Why did Imus tell he to fish or whatever, just not talk? He may have intended to insult Bush, but he DID insult the soldiers in Iraq. You can still apologize for making a mistake can't you. Or if you are Kerry, I guess you can't.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10091Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:31:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10091scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxBoyd -- why do you feel a need to tell me who i need an apology from. I only expect apologies from people that have offended me. You may be offened by Bush and his Iraq policy, I am not. You can ask for an apology from Bush, I will just ask one from Kerry.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10105Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:45:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10105Pat K., BostonScott, I am sorry, but I see this whole situation much differently than you do. From what I've been reading, I think for the most part people realize the republicans have completely and purposely mischaracterized his words. Shouldn't they apologize? That's really what's going on here. I heard Kerry this morning on IMUS and he said it was a badly handled joke and he stressed he in no way was insulting our soldiers. Perhaps it was more of a clarification than an actual apology. But if you feel an apology is in order, I too think you should have it. The important thing to remember is John Kerry does support your son. So don't I. We all do. Good luck to you and your family. I wish you all well.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10126Wed, 01 Nov 2006 16:09:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10126Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxPat, thank you for one of the first voices of sanity from the other side of this issue. I do feel offended and so does my son. Even Democrats are calling for him to apologize. If it is all Republican spin, why do they feel a need to distance themselves from his remarks? Clarifications may clarify, but they don't heal hurt. I will beleive he truly supports them men and women offended when he finally has the decency to apologize. I heard the statement for myself, I heard his explanantion yesterday for myself, and I saw his conversation with Imus. I am no proxy for the Republican party. My feeling are not based on spin. My feeling are based on what I saw and what I heard. Now, does Kerry have the character to apologize or not?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10134Wed, 01 Nov 2006 16:30:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10134Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxHmmm.... Now Hillary Clinton has characterized Kerry's remarks as inappropriate. Good for her. Now, who wants to pipe up that she is just a part of the Republican "hate machine" that Kerry said was stirring up all of this mess? It is simple Kerry! Just say you're sorry!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10152Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:01:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10152Pale Rider, WyomingAs far as pursuing higher education, Kerry needs to ask Yale for a full refund cuz they failed him miserably. Nothing like committing political suicide on television. What an ass!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10155Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:05:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10155bob,flint MiAt the 2004 Radio and Television Correspondent's Dinner the president made a joke that was not very funny. " Those weapons of mass destruction have got to be somewhere." he said as a slide showed him looking out the window of the oval office. "Nope, no weapons over there." as another slide showed him looking under furniture. "Maybe under here." as yet another slide showed him searching his office. No matter how lame John Kerry's attempt at humor was, the president's attempt at humor was sickening at best. I do not see the humor in the fact that almost 3,000 of our brave men and women have died in a war justified by the claims that Iraq had WMD's.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10157Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:06:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10157Imright, Santa Fe, New MexicoInappropiate? Maybe..Overblown and overspun? Definately. There is absolutely nothing in that statement, nothing, that talks bad about our troops. What a bunch of sheep... http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10173Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:32:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10173lloyd roberts, jamaica new yorkwow scott, you don't give up. i really don't think all you want is an apology from kerry, it's apparent whose spin control you're under. I was a republican before it was fashionable, in the 60's, before all those dixie-crats jumped ship to the other side and southernized the republican party. True concervative hero's like Barry Goldwater are turning over in their graves at how the republicans and their big government loving minions have messed up the true concervative values of less and limited government. I believe that if the Savior himself came down from heaven and asked you to vote democratic, you'de think it was a trick by hillary clinton. Unfortunately, I like most Americans today are politically homeless. Why, because we are fiscally conservative and socially moderate and neither one of the two political parties support that belief. as I have said many times on blogs like these, the time is so ripe for a third party. You've proved that to mehttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10183Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:44:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10183!I didn't know Texans could be such WHINERS!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10184Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:45:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10184!Pail Ryder - at least Kerry can string two sentences together. Bush is owed a refund back to grammer school.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10188Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:49:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10188Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxWell Imright - YOUAREJUSTPLAINWRONG! Even Hillary gets it, even Harold Ford gets it - he DID say our maen and women are at best undereducated though 99.3% (including both of my sons) of the enlisted men and women have HS diplomas (only 88% of the general population can say that) and 95% of the officers have college degrees (less than half of the general population can say that. He intimated that they either didn't study enough, do enough homework, or try to be smart. And he said that those are the reasons they are "stuck" in Iraq. He might not have meant it, but he did say it. So let me be the first (and I am guessing you actually have heard it before) to tell you YOUAREOHSOVERYWRONG! Apologize Kerry or hold on to your elitist arrogance!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10193Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:55:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10193Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxLloyd (unfortuantely I answered you as Boyd earlier. All I do want is an apology not apologetics for Kerry. He offended my son. Believe what you will about my spinning this. Even Democratic leaders are calling for him to apologize. He has all the poser to make this go away. Why doesn't he do it? Perhaps he is not sorry for offending people like my son. And for the record, I have voted for Democrats before. And As for commenting on my faith and response to it is wholly inappropriate and offensive. You do not know me and have no business commenting on such things.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10213Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:28:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10213Edna BeveridgeAs Bush is fond of saying "The mark of an intelligent man is the ability to talk good." I bet lots of the troops in Iraq are proud of the fact that they were sent there for such a justifiable cause by such an intelligent man....http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10253Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:44:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10253MM Bethesda MDScott, You claim your feelings are not spin-based. I'm not convinced so here's an easy way to see if you're right: How many times did you announce on the Internet that Bush apologize to the troops--and your son, and your daughter-in-law--for denying his long-held core Iraqi strategy--presumably the one your son is invested in-- when he said recently that "we've never been stay the course?" How many soldiers died believing THAT was (part of) their mission? How many didn't live to hear their commander deny it? How many dead soldiers would not have not volunteered had they known their commander would one day lie denying the strategy they gave their life for? Is this somehow not insulting, or worse? Were you insulted by his denial? Are you insulted? Did you take a stand, demand an apology? Where? Did you get one? Patronizing Tony Snow says it's simple, "All [Kerry] has to do -- it's really easy -- is to say 'I didn't mean to offend the troops ... I'm sorry." Is it any harder for Bush? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10255Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:48:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10255?Hey !, you are hysterical! I admire your ability to cut to the chase with so few words. Touchehttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10320Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:11:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10320Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxHey Exclamation point -- way to point fingers while you run and hide like a coward -- at least by putting my name I stand by the courage of my convictions. And apparently now even Kerry gets it becasue he finally gave a half-hearted belated apology. Now to see if he gets it fully by not ever once again insulting the troops. So now do you Kerry apologists get it or do you want to continue to defend the indefensible.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10322Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:13:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10322Lee SteeleO.K., whinest ex-submariner EVER - you got an apology you weren't owed. Happy?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10354Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:07:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10354Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxHey Lee -- Is it whining to ask people to own up to how the offend people? Perhaps the next time you mess up you just tell your wife/girlfriend I was just misunderstood so I will apologize to no one. Love to see that and all the fur that would fly. And if I wasn't owed it why did Hillary Clinton say I was owed it? Why did Harold Ford say I was owed it? Why did Sen. Landreaux who called his remark callous and careless say I was owed it? The real cry babies are the apologists for the irresponible Kerry (who by the way has now also said I was owed it) who had to watch him eat his words. And, yes, I am very happy that he finally had the courage to apologize. It proves I was right all along. He has acknowledged that he was wrong. When will you, or do love to insult people for standing up for their beliefs?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10389Thu, 02 Nov 2006 03:54:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10389Jane, Southern MississippiNancy in MN, I was taught to have a healthy disrespect for authority. I think our country was built on that premise. If it weren't, we'd still be singing, "God Save the Queen."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10557Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:25:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10557Amy B Portland, MEScott Harding, Pflugerville, Texas I know that people in the military are trained to follow their leaders. Its dangerous to question authority when you are under fire. I think you identify with your son, and so, you give the President your unconditional support. But please know that many other Americans do not support the President's policies, and we will continue to question and debate our course of action. Everyone is grateful to and supportive of the troops. You are not alone in this country. Democrats are not your enemy.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10609Thu, 02 Nov 2006 21:43:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10609Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxAmy - At what point did I indicate that i give the President unquestioned support? And please tell me where I said anyone except Al Qaeda was the enemy. I spent my time talking about Kerry's insensitivity and the offense he committed whether he meant to or not. It was everyone else that made Bush the issue, not me. And even complemented Hillary Clinton for her courage to call for Kerry to apologize. It was others that declared I was anti-Democrat, not me. I have many questions about how this war has been prosecuted and I do not belive that all has been done that can be done. I do, however, believe that the men and women called to carry out their orders are exceptionally well educated, very creative (reference the soldier's banner response to Kerry), and extremely well trained. And contraty to what you said, not everyone is grateful and supportive of the troops. Don't kid yourself! support is more than mere words to that effect. It is an active care and concern for the troops and their families as they face the tremendous sacrifices of combet warfare. It takes a lot more than lip service. Heck, just go back and read many of the postings here and you will see everything from support as I have defined it all the way to utter contempt. So - No - not everyone is grateful or supportive. And if Kerry had been truly supportive, it wouldn't have taken a flood of the Democratic Party leadership to badger him to finally half-heartedly apologize. He instead would have been falling all over himself in cotrition for unintentionally offending these brave men and women and their families, and he would have done so as soonas he was aware that he had. Actions speak louder than words. You want to support the troops - find someone close to you that has a son or daughter serving their country and send them a letter thanking them for their willingness to serve, or send them a care package, or even send them what they crave most - a phone card so they can call their family. That is what support looks like. It is an action, not a word.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10712Fri, 03 Nov 2006 14:33:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10712Amy B Portland, MEScott in TX I think the level of hurt you feel regarding Kerry's remark is a symptom of the extreme anxiety you feel having your sons in the military. I thought it was great that the soldiers made that banner - it showed us all how one can laugh at one's self, laugh in the face of this partisan wrangling. What pulled at my heartstings was how they choose to word their joke "help us...we are stuck in Iraq." Why do you think Democrats like Murtha have spoken out about this situation? Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, Senator Feingold? Your local Democrats? Me? The troop-hating Democrats you imagine are all in your head. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10713Fri, 03 Nov 2006 14:34:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10713Amy B Portland, MEScott in TX I think the level of hurt you feel regarding Kerry's remark is a symptom of the extreme anxiety you feel having your sons in the military. I thought it was great that the soldiers made that banner - it showed us all how one can laugh at one's self, laugh in the face of this partisan wrangling. What pulled at my heartstings was how they choose to word their joke "help us...we are stuck in Iraq." Why do you think Democrats like Murtha have spoken out about this situation? Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, Senator Feingold? Your local Democrats? Me? The troop-hating Democrats you imagine are all in your head. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10774Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:40:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10774Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxAmy - You are hilarious! I find you mock concern over my "anxiety" condescending. I have no anxiety for my sons being in the military, all I have is pride and love. They represent the 3rd srtaight generation of my family that has answered their nation's call to put their lives on the line for your freedom to insinuate that you know how I feel or why. A family that put its lives on the line in Korea, Viet Nam, and now Iraq. You claim the ability to read my mind and the mind of the troops in Iraq. My hurt is the fact that Kerry, unitentionally or not insulted my son, his comrades in arms, and their families. You seem to know what is in my heart and mind? Why then do I find your comments foolish? You failed to answer my points about supporting the troops. Did I hit too close to home beacuse all you have to offer is platitudes of caring? You need to find the story about the troops that made the sign. They made it to mock Kerry -- certainly not to ask for any assistance. The only assistance they want is the respect of a grateful nation .. a nation that respects them as people and the most intelligent, most able, and most professional fighting force on this planet, because that is what they indeed are.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10785Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:10:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10785Amy B. Portland, MEScott, I am not expressing mock concern for you. My concern for you, your sons, and our troops is genuine. The depth of your hate is astounding. I always assume when people hate to that degree that fear and anxiety are at the bottom of it. I apologize if I have misconstrued your emotions. Good luck to you.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10806Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:54:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10806Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxAmy - you really need to stop psychoananlyzing me. I hate no one -- stop acting like you know how I think or feel or why. What you are sensing is my anger at you that you think you know me or why I feel what I feel - you don't. Feel for yourself and go psychoanalyze your cat or something and leave my feelings and emotions for me to express. I do not want, and have not asked, for your concern. And as I said before -- put your concern for our troops into action instead of hiding behind your aura of condescening psychobabble.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10815Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:20:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10815Amy B Portland, MEI am responding to your continual diparagement of Democrats. How dare you assume I don't actively support our troops? How dare you mischaracterize Kerry's sentiments - Kerry, who is a true hero and a friend to all servicemen and veterans as are Murtha, and Gen. Clark. Your anger is self evident - and mis-directed. I was trying to calmly show you that Democrats do, in fact, support the troops. You don't really care about that, obviously, you just want a straw democrat to kick around. Be a big man. Typical Texan.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10849Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:39:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10849disgustedWe would solve so many problems if could just give Texas back to Mexico.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10866Fri, 03 Nov 2006 20:59:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10866Amy B Portland, MEOh, and by the way, Scott in Texas, my great uncle, Dad, uncle and brother-in-law fought in four wars - and they managed to not let it turn them into jerks. Next time, don't play on my sympathies just to turn around and kick me in the teeth.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10876Fri, 03 Nov 2006 22:49:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10876Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TxAmy - you are truly remarkable! Please quote where I attacked the Democratic Party. Or quote where i was disparaging of all Democrats. you won't find them. I took on Kerry, and Kerry only. Is he the Democratic Party? Is he all Democrats? Simply - no. Please quote where I said that no one in the Democratic Party supports our troops and only Republicans do. You can't becasue I never siad it and in fact I know it isn't true. As for mischaracterizing Kerry's comments, I didn't do that either. I said he owed the men and women in the armed forces as apology for the words that actually did come out of his mouth, whether it was intened that way or not. Even he thought (eventually) that an apology was appropriate (please don't tell me you believe he only did that out of political expediency - I would be horribly disillusioned by his hypocrisy if you did :p). And, if i remember accurately, Rep Murtha thought he owed one also. So did Gen Clark. Did they, too, mischaracterize his statements? ROFLMAO! Who are they to say such things about a war hero - how dare they! I seem to remember a fllod of Decratic Leaders that said worse - and only quoting Democrats - "inapprriate" is what Sen Clinton said; "irresponsible is what Rep. Ford said; "careless and callous" is what Sen. Landreaux said; "stupid" is what the Democratic Candidate of the Senate from Montana, Tester, said. How dare they attack a war hero! Who do they think they are? American citizens - that's who. It has something to do with the right of free speech. Last time I checked the 1st Ammendment of the Constitution applies to even little old me. So yeah, I find his conduct regarding this incident reprehensible -- so do many in his own party. As for Kerry being a war hero - he won the Silver Star and 3 Purple Hearts (though 2 are of dubious origin) - so yeah he is a war hero and worthy of respect for the actions in that conflict. But being a war hero does not in any way give you some sort of lifetime pass for the words that come out of your mouth or the actions you take. As for being a friend of all servicemen - here's a question for you - why did he overwhelmingly lose the vote in 2004 from the active duty military? As for playing on your sympathies - nice try! I said that he owed an apoligy, and I was questioned as to why and relayed the hurt of my family as a result of his remarks. The rest of your reaction to that is your responsiblity, so take responsibility. But that is something you somehow missed as you repeatedly have attempted to violate my emotional boundaries as you did in fact both mis-interpret and mis-characterize my thoughts and feelings. Your condescending tone was offensive and that, and that alone, was the focus of my anger. It was your choice to repeatedly attempt recreational psychoanalysis of my feelings and thoughts. As I said, go do something productive like psychoanalyze your cat!! In other words my response to you was born out of your actions and you need to take responsibility for your actions. As for your family members who served this nation and put their lives on the line and whose families endured the sacrifices of that life - my deepest gratitude to them (even you).http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10906Sat, 04 Nov 2006 13:39:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10906Amy B Portand, MaineActually Scott, I did conflate your comments with a certain David from Texas who was posting on one of these other blogs! But you did pee on every poster who responded to you, in a contempuous and yes, partisan manner, all the while declaiming how hurt and wounded and insulted you were by Kerry's remarks. I tried to put myself in your position, and could only imagine having such an hysterical reaction if, at heart, I was terrified about my kids' situation. I was wrong. You just hate Kerry. That's obvious now. I don't hate him. I like him.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#10917Sat, 04 Nov 2006 17:18:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:10917Scott Harding, Pflugerville, TXAmy -- Thank you for finally realizing that I did not say all the vile things you accused me of saying about Democrats. Too bad you are still wrong about other things. I don't "hate" Kerry. I DISLIKE his, in my opinion, arrogant and sanctimonious attitude, and the fact that he used that arrogance and egotism to hurt people important to me. You are clearly prone to hyperbole - words like "anxiety", "hate", "terrified', "hysterical", "contemptuous", and "pee" are your choice - not mine. Take a chill pill! I am allowed - except by those who would somehow want to restrict my rights - to disagree thoughtfully with others even if it does appear partisan. And, yes Kerry did insult me, my family, and the armed forces of this nation whether he intended to or not. Am I passionate about those things? - you bet. But I am allowed to be passionate - absolutely! Why else would I, who never before posted in any of these blogs before, have posted in the first place. Or would you take that away from me like it also appears you to want to take away my right to disagree, or own my own feelings about that? I wonder at how some folks love to say that the right to free speech is sacrosanct unless and until it dsgrees with their world view. Then the same right is seen as an abuse? We both have the same right to be wrong or right in our opinions and to share them freely unless in so doing the safety and security of the general population is placed at risk (you can't yell fire in a croded movie theater concept). Even if I had done the things you originally suggested I did, I still would have had the right. I would have been wrong to do so, but I would still have had the right. You need to get that. That is what our young men and women in the armed forces are fighting and, regretably and sadly, dying for - your and my right to to believe, act upon, vote for, and say what we believe. In other words they are supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies - foreign and domestic - freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and following the lawful orders of the officers and persons in authority appointed over them. Those words, by the way, are from the oath that each took upon entering the service of their nation. They didn't take that oath so they could be insulted and demeaned. And yet, they live, fight, and sometimes die for the right that others can and do hold them in such comtempt and ridicule. You want to say shame on someone - then say shame on Sen. Kerrry for not choosing his words carefully enough to avoid any "misinterpretation" that could be construed as insulting the men and women protecting this nation.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#14503Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:19:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:14503Ken, Ocala, FLKerry should applogize and forget politics forever. Clearly he isn't able to open his mouth without saying something to get himself in trouble. No matter how he put his little joke it was wrong. So he is either calling soliders of this great country stupid or he is saying be stupid and you can become president of this great country. Last I looked president something kerry failed to become so what is he really saying? Anyways that guy flip flops and looks mr. ed. And to those who pointed out that they lowered the standards to get into the millitary which justified kerry's point!!! As a veteran of this country with many of my brothers still in service I believe you owe them an apology as well. Don't worry about me because this near straight A student would never accept it from you. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/10/31/9546.aspx#14645Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:51:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:14645Amy B Portland, MEI read this today on Eric Alterman's "Altercation."It resonated with me and I wanted to add it to this blog, not that it will convince anyone who took umbrage at Kerry's remark that sending the miltary into an ill-conceived war is worse than mangling a joke, still: Doug Troutman, a veteran of the Vietnam War (whose son is now a veteran of the Iraq war), worked in the postwar years for the Bureau of Land Management, and has visited many of the bloody fields of battle of our own history. For this Veterans Day, he offers an eloquent, personal remembrance of the dead and the battlefields they once fought on. He concludes: Back in 2001, Congress began handing a rather insane little man proof that we had learned nothing from Yorktown, the Alamo, Montebello Bluffs, Fredericksburg, Andersonville, Mang Yang, or the "Hanoi Hilton." Once again, we rode blindly to our fate, like Santa Ana or Custer, overconfident that we held power, that we were 'right.' And our most recent ride hasn't ended yet. Like me, my son is now a veteran. The men and women, who hate war most, are those who were good at it. Veterans -- combat veterans -- recognize something that no one without personal experience can ever begin to put a 'handle' on. We should neither repeat, nor reenact and glorify, error.