Posted on 08/08/2004 10:54:18 AM PDT by areafiftyone
Former Iraq war commander Gen. Tommy Franks said Sunday that Sen. John Kerry is qualified to be commander-in-chief, rejecting criticism from more than 200 Vietnam veterans who served with Kerry and say he's unfit for command.
"I'm not a fan of hyperbole whether it is for or against Sen. Kerry," Gen. Franks told ABC's "This Week."
Asked specifically about allegations that Kerry fabricated some of his combat record, Franks said, "Yeah, I think it is hyperbole."
"For some reason we've fallen pray to a notion that says there has to be vitriol on order to simply say, I support Sen. Kerry, I support George W. Bush to remain president for the next four years."
Asked point blank if Kerry was qualified to be Commander-in-Chief, Franks said, "Absolutely."
The Iraq war chief was adressing allegations by Swiftboat Veterans for Truth, a group of Vietnam Veterans who served with Kerry who have chronicled evidence of his misconduct as a swiftboat commander in the new bestselling book, "Unfit for Command."
Gen. Franks said he was proud of being "fiercely independent" in his politics, but he told "This Week" that he's leaning towards supporting President Bush and acknowledged he's in talks with GOP planners for a possible address to the Republican Convention on Aug. 29.
Yes, I heard him say that this morning. Also, he is showing reluctance to speaking at the GOP convention. What gives?
He wants to be President. He watched Clarke almost get there and knowing he is the better man, he has his eyes set on the WH. Thats what the "fiercely independent" thing is all about. JMHO of course.
Franks sang a totally different song regarding Kerry while he was at the booksigning hosted by Sean Hannity. He clearly stated that the military would not be glad to have Kerry as commander in chief.
Franks also was quoted as saying he was disappointed at not being invited to the dem convention.
Guess he'll say anything to sell his book.
Isn't Gen Franks actions during the "Abu Graeb prison scandal" being questioned during these trials??? Maybe he blames Republicans in power.
Well, he is no longer in the military, the only constraint on what he can say is classified info non-disclosure. He has his own opinions, as it should be. He has seen the system top levels from the inside and might have formed an opinion that it is not that difficult to BE a leader, but it is very difficult to BECOME one.
Franks is an "independent", not a Republican.
He has very cautious views on the war, for a general. Not unlike Powell, except probably leaning back even more.
I think I read things at the time, that there have been disagreements between Rumsfeld and Franks. Rumsfeld had to push Franks to be more aggressive.
I didn't see Franks this morning, but I read his book. He seemed very loyal to President Bush in the book. Can you describe his reluctance to speak at the GOP convention? I really am trying to understand this.
I'm in favor of that. Judges and Generals should stay out of politics. We've already lost on the judges. Let's not make it worse.
Like it says - he is leaning towards Bush but he is probably not sure yet. He probably could go either way right now. In other words I think he is saying that if we keep up with the bashing on Kerry on Vietnam he just might give Kerry his vote. I wouldn't be surprised if he did anyway. At least this is what I am reading.
No he's not. He's negotiating to speak at the Convention, for heaven's sake. It's right there in the article.
I think Rumsfeld came out smelling like a rose in Franks's book. I was surprised and very pleased.
He wants to sell books.
What's to negotiate, unless your afraid they are going to ask you to endorse something?
Just how long did you serve with these Swifties to allow you to determine that their claims are hyperbole? Were you ever an officer in kerry's chain of command? I didn't think so.
As far as I'm concerned, your denunciation of these officers carries the same weight as McCain's -- absolutely none.
The book is very favorable to Bush, BTW.
"He wants to sell books."
I think you are right. It seems like Franks is working at being non-partisan in his comments in order to get more people to read the book, which is excellent.
I wish all the MSM and tv generals would read it. They'd learn a lot.
He served under Bush, if he hasn't made up his mind by now he's probably voting for Kerry....
And I will cancel his vote. That ought to frost an ex-general...
I, just a lowly citizen...totally canceling his vote. LOL!!
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