The Boston Fog Rolls Over Kerry's Support for Our Troops

George W. Bush ^ | April 22, 2004

[RWR8189]

"John Kerry's inconsistent support sends the wrong message to our troops at war. Kerry's first reaction when asked about additional funding for the troops he voted to send into combat was that it depended on the situation. It is good that Kerry finally adopted the President's position of giving our military what it needs, but a commander in chief shouldn't have to think twice about funding our troops."
-Steve Schmidt, Bush-Cheney '04 Spokesman

THE BOSTON FOG ROLLS OVER KERRY'S SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS:

ON SUNDAY, KERRY REFUSED TO UNCONDITIONALLY SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Kerry Said Money For Troops Depends On Situation. RUSSERT: "If there's another bill to provide money for the troops, you'll vote against it again?" KERRY: "It depends entirely on what the situation is, Tim. I'm not going to say that." (NBC's "Meet the Press," 4/18/04)

ON THURSDAY, KERRY CHANGED HIS POSITION

Reversing Himself, Kerry Now Says He Would Fund Our Troops Unconditionally. QUINTANILLA: "Kerry now says if troops need more money in Iraq, the answer is simple." KERRY: "Absolutely." QUINTANILLA: "No strings attached?" KERRY: "You have to protect our troops and prevent Iraq from falling into absolute chaos." (NBC's "Today," 4/22/04)

KERRY SAYS "YOU HAVE TO PROTECT OUR TROOPS," BUT HE VOTED AGAINST FUNDING FOR THEIR BODY ARMOR

Kerry Voted Against Senate Passage Of Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Funding. The bill provided "approximately $65.6 billion for military operations and maintenance and $1.3 billion for veterans medical care."

• Supplemental Funding Bill Kerry Voted Against Provided "Extra Money For Body Armor For Soldiers …" ("Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures," The Associated Press, 10/17/03; S. Rept. 108-160, Conference Report On S. 1689, 10/2/03)
• Supplemental Funding Bill Kerry Voted Against Provided Increased Combat Pay For Troops. ("Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures," The Associated Press, 10/17/03; S. Rept. 108-160, Conference Report On S. 1689, 10/2/03; "FY 2004 Supplemental Request For Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), And Operation Noble Eagle (ONE)," U.S. Department Of Defense, 9/03)
• Supplemental Funding Bill Kerry Voted Against Provided Health Benefits For Reservists And Guardsmen Called To Active Duty, As Well As Support For Their Families. ("Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures," The Associated Press, 10/17/03; S. Rept. 108-160, Conference Report On S. 1689, 10/2/03; "FY 2004 Supplemental Request For Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), And Operation Noble Eagle (ONE)," U.S. Department Of Defense, 9/03)

Earlier, Kerry Characterized A Vote Against The $87 Billion As "Irresponsible." Doyle McManus (LA Times): "If that amendment does not pass, will you then vote against the $87 billion?" Kerry: "I don't think any United States senator is going to abandon our troops and recklessly leave Iraq to – to whatever follows as a result of simply cutting and running. That's irresponsible." ("Face the Nation," CBS, 9/14/03)

Kerry Previously Pledged To Tim Russert In August 2003 To Fund Reconstruction With "Whatever Number" Of Dollars It Took. NBC'S TIM RUSSERT: "Do you believe that we should reduce funding that we are now providing for the operation in Iraq?" SEN. JOHN KERRY: "No. I think we should increase it." RUSSERT: "Increase funding?" KERRY: "Yes." RUSSERT: "By how much?" KERRY: "By whatever number of billions of dollars it takes to win. It is critical that the United States of America be successful in Iraq, Tim." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 8/31/03)

[Smartass]

WHAT ELSE CAN WE EXPECT...

[Darkwolf377]

Like a Universal horror movie character, Kerry LOVES the fog.