Ahhh the National Guard.... Lets see what they think?
Quote:
Kerry received a polite but unenthusiastic reception in stark contrast to the rousing response to Bush's speech here on Tuesday when he was repeatedly interrupted with standing ovations. Kerry did not address the ongoing controversy over whether Bush fulfilled his National Guard commitment about 30 years ago.
The audience applauded politely when Kerry promised improved medical and retirement benefits for Guard personnel, but sat in stony silence through Kerry's denunciation of Bush's handling of Iraq.
Kerry also received little response to his contention that Bush has "mismanaged" the Guard by pressing so many of its members into service for combat duties overseas.
"The National Guard was intended to complement, not be a substitute for, active duty forces," the Democrat said. "Many of you are first responders here at home – firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians. To take you out of your communities is also to take down some of our critical first line of defense."
Kerry was echoing concerns voiced in some communities across the country, particularly small ones.
But Lt. Col Andrew Carlson of the Oklahoma Army National Guard wasn't buying it.
"We're here for a reason," he said. "We don't mind being called upon because that's why we're here."
Col. Richard Todas of the Illinois Army National Guard had the same reaction.
"For the most part, these guys want to go," he said. "When we hear there's a mobilization coming, our hands are the first ones up, although we don't tell our wives that."
Kerry said afterward he wasn't disappointed by the reception.
"A lot of people came up to me afterward and said, 'Boy, I'm voting for you, I'm with you, you told the truth, and that was important to have the courage to come here and do it,' " Kerry said in an interview with Las Vegas television station KVVU.
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http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/p...1n17kerry.html
From what I heard, durring his diatribe against Bush, some of the guard stood arms folded, some turned their backs, and others just walked out. I find Kerry's last line amusing in a pathetic sort of way.
I rather doubt the military vote is going to go to Kerry.
Some more I was able to find...
Quote:
When Kerry said Bush hadn't told the truth, a man in the audience angrily shouted, "No!" Otherwise, Kerry's listeners sat in silence through the criticism of Bush. Kerry's speech won applause from the organization 11 times, compared to 32 times for Bush.
Kerry scored some of his heaviest applause when he advocated more federal medical benefits and earlier retirement benefits for Guard members.
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http://www.usatoday.com/news/politic...16-kerry_x.htm
Quote:
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Bush holds a commanding lead over Kerry among veterans and their families. A recent AP-Ipsos poll said the president was the choice of 58 percent and Kerry 38 percent.
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