Get a grip, Senator
Some Dems are saying that the easiest way to defeat John McCain this November is to make him mad.
We've all heard stories about McCain's cranky temper, and he sure showed where those stories came from yesterday when he got pissy after Obama had the nerve to disagree with him about Jim Webb's GI Bill extension.
From the Boston Globe, May 23, 2008:
"McCain misses vote on a new GI Bill, scorns criticism from Obama
Support for the troops returned as an issue to the presidential campaign yesterday with harsh words from both sides.
"McCain misses vote on a new GI Bill, scorns criticism from Obama
Support for the troops returned as an issue to the presidential campaign yesterday with harsh words from both sides.
The Democratic National Committee accused John McCain of being AWOL from the Senate vote yesterday for a new GI Bill to provide better education benefits for returning veterans. McCain was in California on a campaign and fund-raising trip, while both Democratic contenders, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, left the campaign trail to vote for the bill, which passed by a veto-proof 75-to-22 majority.
On the Senate floor, Obama questioned why McCain opposed the bill. "I can't believe why he believes it is too generous to our veterans," Obama said. "There are many issues that lend themselves to partisan posturing, but giving our veterans the chance to go to college should not be one of them."
McCain, a Vietnam War hero, didn't take the criticism lightly - and while Obama is careful to honor McCain's military service, he mentioned Obama's lack of it.
"I will not accept from Senator Obama, who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform, any lectures on my regard for those who did," McCain said in a statement. "Perhaps, if Senator Obama would take the time and trouble to understand this issue he would learn to debate an honest disagreement respectfully. But, as he always does, he prefers impugning the motives of his opponent, and exploiting a thoughtful difference of opinion to advance his own ambitions. If that is how he would behave as president, the country would regret his election."[..]
Obama then came back with:
From politico.com: "I am proud to stand with Senator Webb and a bipartisan coalition to give our veterans the support and opportunity they deserve. It's disappointing that Senator McCain and his campaign used this issue to launch yet another lengthy personal, political attack instead of debating an honest policy difference. He should know that this is not about John McCain or Barack Obama — it’s about giving our veterans a real chance to afford four years of college without harming retention. Senator Webb’s bipartisan bill will do this, and the bill that John McCain supports would not. These endless diatribes and schoolyard taunts from the McCain campaign do nothing to advance the debate about what matters to the American people."
From politico.com: "I am proud to stand with Senator Webb and a bipartisan coalition to give our veterans the support and opportunity they deserve. It's disappointing that Senator McCain and his campaign used this issue to launch yet another lengthy personal, political attack instead of debating an honest policy difference. He should know that this is not about John McCain or Barack Obama — it’s about giving our veterans a real chance to afford four years of college without harming retention. Senator Webb’s bipartisan bill will do this, and the bill that John McCain supports would not. These endless diatribes and schoolyard taunts from the McCain campaign do nothing to advance the debate about what matters to the American people."
Now I ask you -- which candidate sounded Presidential? And which one sounded like a cranky old man?
McCain saying that if we are too generous it will deter troops from becoming "career" military, is just plain silly. If anyone in this country is deserving of generosity, it's the troops that are putting life and limb on the line every day.
Besides, if the deal is sweetened, wouldn't it draw more kids into the military?
McCain is probably just being honest about why he needs the kids to re-up instead of go to college -- we've got two wars going and need a larger military for all the wacky adventures he plans for his administration.
