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.
GTW, I think the TV generals come out looking like fools in Franks's book.
I really think Franks is going to vote for Bush. BTW, I think you and Mike might enjoy Franks's book, American Soldier, which is very supportive of Bush and makes a strong case for the invasion of Iraq.
Amazon hit parade:
1. The 9/11 Commission Report
by National Commission on Terrorist Attacks
2. A Matter Of Character
by Ronald Kessler
3. Unfit for Command
by John E. O'Neill, Jerome R. Corsi
4. American Soldier
by Tommy Franks, Malcolm McConnell
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/549066/ref=b_tn_bh_be/103-6185710-4023860
I'd like to vigorously (and respectfully) disagree. I just finished Franks' book a few hours ago. He doesn't say anything directly that supports the president or slams the Democrats. But from the indirect comments in his book it's obvious he has a bias in favor of Republicans.
I know he claims to be somewhat independent and open to both sides of a political argument -- I think what you're hearing is a very smart man who knows his principles, and and man who knows enough to present an appealing face to Democrats and moderates as well.
To me, Franks appears to be playing both sides of the fence and keeping his options open.
I might read it, but I doubt Mike will...he lived it.
If Franks cannot figure the difference between President Bush and jacka$$ Kerry, then I have lost respect for him. Maybe this General had little to do with the Iraq war and it was the foot soldiers who were lead by LT, Sgt, etc. that won the war for him. He is beginning to look like a flake to me.
He's just being cautious. It's not impossible that Kerry is his Commander in Chief and could make life miserable for him.
What's wrong with someone giving his honest evaluation when asked a question? These latest attacks on Kerry are going nowhere fast based on comments on television and elsewhere. Perhaps Franks does want to be president. If so, he must come across as intellectually honest. Strictly speaking, Kerry IS qualified. So is Bush. In the end it will come down to whether or not we believe one or the other is more effective in fighting terrorism. That is what will determine who wins on November 2, 2004. All of this other stuff is just a side show. People tune this stuff out. They have made it perfectly clear that negative campaigning is not what they want to hear. The good and successful politician recognizes those facts and tells the people what he is for or against and doesn't make it personal. I believe the record will show that Bush didn't run a campaign of negativity toward Gore. Would I be wrong?
I sent the book to my son without any comments from me and will wait to see what he thinks of it all.
He's a brilliant guy and he has good, strong opinions about his politics. That's crystal clear from his book -- it's not explicitly hostile toward Democrats, yet on every page he's putting forth ideas that makes him basically sound like a freeper. If he chooses to downplay the strenghts of his convictions right now, there's a good reason.
I'd love to see him enter politics -- men of his caliber are always in short supply.
If I were selling a book, I would be too, especially if the book was mostly favorable to the Bush administration.
Franks reminds me of the little game Powell played when he was hawking his book. Maybe I will vote for Bush, or Kerry. Maybe I will run for President or not.......
Franks said on Hannity last week, that he HAS decided who to vote for, just NOT when to announce it. Hannity asked "Who are you leaning towards"? Franks laughed, and responded, " I am leaning towards George W. Bush!
His publisher reqires him to remain independent, until after his book has been shipped in numbers.
LLS
Well, to hell with Franks too!
Opinions are like rectums-everybody has one, Frank's isn't worth any more than any one else'.
How come everyone is writing books lately, anyway ?
I think Franks can figure out the difference just fine. My respect for him very high and fully intact.
In politics (like war) there are times when it's smart to not tip your hand to your opponent -- Gen. Franks knows this maybe better than anyone on the planet.
Franks is retired.....no need to worry about Kerry being his CinC.
Rats don't buy books by war generals....
The Swifties deserve better from the General IMHO, particularly since one of them, who knew Kerry, whom Kerry served under, and who himself is a retired general officer, has indicated directly that Kerry is unfit for command. IMHO, that deserves something more from Franks than a summary dismissal.
Just my opinion on the matter though.
...the controversay would probably end up selling more books anyway.
I don't believe Franks was ever allowed into the Iraqi theatre.
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