Kerry called 'Hanoi John' by Republican in US House

NZ Herald ^ | 4-23-04

[jmstein7]

John Kerry was denounced as "Hanoi John" in the US House of Representatives on Thursday as Republicans attacked the Democratic presidential candidate's record as an outspoken foe of the Vietnam War.

One by one, several Republicans, many of them Vietnam veterans, stood and challenged Kerry's patriotism. They did so in marking the 33rd anniversary of Kerry's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as a leader of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

"On this day in 1971, John Kerry showed his true colours, and they are not red, white and blue," said Rep. Sam Johnson, a Texas Republican.

"Before the Senate, before America, and before the world, he blasted our nation, chastised our troops and hurt our morale," said Johnson, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

"Is it any wonder that my comrades from Vietnam and I have a nickname for him similar to 'Hanoi Jane'," the name given to war foe and actress Jane Fonda, Johnson said. "It's called 'Hanoi John'."

Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a California Republican, added: "We do not need a 'Jane Fonda' as commander in chief."

Democrats were not in the chamber when Republicans began what one denounced as "a sneak attack," but several rushed in to defend Kerry. They noted he won awards for bravery and heroism in Vietnam as well as three Purple Hearts.

Representative Jim McDermott, a Washington Democrat, took the offensive in speaking up for Kerry by appearing to allude to questions about whether President George W. Bush shirked his duties while a member of the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

Without mentioning Bush by name, McDermott said: "For anybody to come out here and attack his (Kerry's) war record, you have to have pretty good credentials."

"If served and showed up for drills at your local National Guard, I think those would be acceptable credentials," McDermott said. "But if your were in the National Guard, and you didn't show up ... you have real nerve to start an attack on John Kerry's character."

Rep. Ray LaHood, an Illinois Republican, chaired the House at the time of the heated exchanges and repeatedly pointed out that chamber rules do not permit personal attacks on senators.

Yet the drumbeat of criticism against Senator Kerry of Massachusetts continued.

"John Kerry should apologise," said Representative Cliff Stearns, a Florida Republican.

Representative John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat, said: "What we need is leadership, the kind that John Kerry provided in the fields of Vietnam ... that he will provide as president of the United States."

[jmstein7]

 

[MegaSilver]

BUMP

[pookie18]

Chris Matthews just played the video clip on Hardball.

[Fawnn]

Bump!

[irishtenor]

To all: I am sorry for "Bagdad Jim" and his comments. I am even more sorry that he comes from my state.

[cripplecreek]

I got an unwanted claim on baghdad bobs little buddy, David bonior hails from my state.

[sgtbono2002]

I am glad to see the Republicans finally starting to speak up.

McDermott said: "For anybody to come out here and attack his (Kerry's) war record, you have to have pretty good credentials."

Representative Johnson seems to have impeccable credentials after having served as a Prisoner in Viet Nam. Someone should tell McDermott that President Bush didnt attack Kerry some of his fellow Senators did. Maybe he was asleep at the time and woke up in the middle.

[sgtbono2002]

By the way does anyone know McDermotts record?

[Texas Eagle]

Yeeeeee HAAAAAAAA!!!!

Ride 'em Cowboy!!!

[repentant_pundit]

I recall that McDermutt has referred to himself as a "Vietnam-era Veteran" but in fact was a civilian psychiatrist or some such, working for DoD during Vietnam....stateside.

[Agnes Heep]

He should sue for definition of character.

[deport]

One by one, several Republicans, many of them Vietnam veterans, stood and challenged Kerry's patriotism. They did so in marking the 33rd anniversary of Kerry's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as a leader of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

---

I know that they did this on the Anniversary of the Hearings but I sure wish they'd lay low for a while and at least let Kerry get the nomination... They may have him so damaged that by convention time he'll be run off the stage and someone else will be nonimated...

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Hanoi Kerry at his "moment of glory."
What a piece of ******
The media WILL NOT mention this book.
I will!
The cover is a insult to Iwo Jima vets,
then it gets worse towards Viet Nam vets.
I was there the same time Hanoi Kerry was.
I served on a Destroyer which supplied PBR's
and gave gunfire support in North AND South Viet Nam.
My ship may have even supplied Hanoi Kerry's boat.
I VOW I will do everything I LEGALLY can
to keep this traitor from being elected.
I owe it to those who gave their all.

[Interesting Times]

The proper honorific is "Senator Hanoi John."

[GenXFreedomFighter]

Doesn't matter. McDermott got his sound bite in the national media and thus tarred the President with the dreaded Hypocrite label, even though he had nothing to do with what the congressmen were saying. Standard operating procedure.

[PhiKapMom]

I keep thinking the same thing -- let him get the nomination.

Do admire these Reps though for taking to the floor to get the truth out about Kerry.

[CyberCowboy777]

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This is all known Washington State Freepers and interested parties as of 3/8/04 - 365 FReepers
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[Dan from Michigan]

GET YOUR BUMPER STICKERS HERE!! - Vietnam Veterans against John Kerry

[Temple Owl]

I kind of like Dennis Kucinich!