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."

[Just Lori]

I believe I win that title. Kerry and Kennedy are my "elected" representatives.


I am soooo sorry! You are in my prayers.

[Just Lori]

Will you take Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell along with him? PLEASE????

[Howie66]

I would just call him "Boy".

Hey, BOY! You really don't think you can be president, do ya, BOY?

Screw the butt-munch! And da whore he rode in on!

[Howie66]

Then if that's the case Miss Spanaway Lori, you hve a ton of pennance to do.

[Just Lori]

LOL Quiet! Re-booted my 'puter and all is fine now.
(Musta been the tin foil!)


Well, don't worry. Alcoa loves you!

[Hatteras]

"We do not need a 'Jane Fonda' as commander in chief."

Well, that pretty much puts it all in perspective. Sounds like good bumper sticker material. This should at least be used in an ad. Dang, would that cause a huge ruckus or what?!

[Just Lori]

I agree with the Republicans.


Intelligence reigns supreme!

[go-ken-go]

My husband was a BT on the USS Noa DD-841 off the V.N. coast from Feb. - Sept. '69.

[Libertina]

Gotta get shares... ;0)

[secretagent]

He should sue for definition of character.

Grin.

[hosepipe]

About time somebody is willing to chance not getting re-elected and is speaking the TRUTH.. The conversation about outright traitors has not even begun. Would gladden my heart to see even a little uproar. A big wave of outrage would restore my faith in america, somewhat. Maybe just maybe not all American men are de-balled by Patsy Schroeder.
The enemy is definitely within the gates with few to fall on their swords. Hope I'm wrong.

[Squantos]

Yes it is........We're really gonna have to work hard to insure this nation doesn't get Kerried away !

Why the new moniker Gretchen ??..........Stay safe !

[GretchenM]

"Why the new moniker Gretchen?"

Answer here @ post 28: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1120623/posts?page=28#28

[Travis McGee]

"Hanoi John!" Ouch!

[RobbyS]

Do't have cable. Did he play the statement by Sam Johnson and if so did he recognize Johnson as a former POW?

[pookie18]

They played a clip of Johnson & either Johnson (in the clip) or someone else mentioned that he was a vet, I believe. Just went to the Hardball site to check the 4/23 transcript, but they only had transcripts through 4/22. When they update their site, I'll get back to you.

[arasina]

You mean David Bonior the attack terrier?

[arasina]

I'm sorry about your hero husband's passing and for what he had to endure as a Viet Nam veteran. One of the primary persons who bears responsibility for his mistreatment upon returning to the states is F'n Kerry, who manages to claim HE is a war hero while everyone else who was there were, as you said, "baby killers" and "murderers."

[jmstein7]

BUMP!

[ishabibble]

I believe that Rhode Island is in the lead when it comes to the Hall of Shame.

Sen. Jack Reed (D)
Sen. Lincoln Chaffee (R)(???)
Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D)
Rep. James Langevin (D)

Reed and Kennedy are outspoken pro-abortion "Catholic" politicans. Both "bachelors" are passionately pro-homosexual agenda. Poor Linc has been in over his head since Day One. RI is small but virulent. The fact that MA is right next door only adds to the climate. Big Ted sent his kid over the border to carpetbag that seat. The voters here get what they deserve every single time.