Saturday, May 17, 2008

McCain too 'military'

The Des Moines Register reported Republican presidential candidate John McCain's family background as the son and grandson of admirals has given him a worldview shaped by the military, "and he has a hard time thinking beyond that," Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., said Friday.
And Sen. Harkin hates the military, and has a hard time thinking beyond that
"I think he's trapped in that," Harkin said in a conference call with Iowa reporters. "Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military,
he retired from the Navy 27 years ago
and I think that can be pretty dangerous." Harkin said that "it's one thing to have been drafted and served,
John Hinderaker blogged So it's OK to serve in the military, but only if you're drafted. Given that we now have an all-volunteer military, that standard will rule out everyone currently serving.
but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that's just how you're steeped, how you've learned, how you've grown up."

A McCain spokesman said Harkin's remarks were offensive and showed that Democrats are out of touch with Americans' values.


Ed Morrissey blogged So let’s get this straight. Anyone who serves in the military is at least a little suspect, but those who volunteer should be considered warmongers, especially if they follow their father and grandfather into the service of their country. It’s one thing to have been drafted — that excuses someone from their association with the military — but to have actually volunteered? Quelle horror!... This also comes from the same party that celebrated Kerry’s military experience while denigrating George Bush’s National Guard service. According to Harkin today, Bush would be a better candidate — right?

Cassy Fiano blogged And gosh, what a horrible way to be raised, in a military family! Imagine -- being raised with values like courage, integrity, honor, valor, selflessness, and sacrifice. How awful! Of course, Senator Harkin is a liberal, so he probably doesn't understand those kinds of things.

Gateway Pundit blogged Senator Harkin is one of several Democratic senators who protested his country at war in Vietnam and Iraq.

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