Dole Blasts Kerry on Purple Hearts, Urges Apology for War Protests

NewsMax.com ^ | 8/22/04 | Carl Limbacher

[Carl/NewsMax]

Severely wounded World War II combat hero Sen. Bob Dole questioned whether John Kerry deserved his three Purple Hearts on Sunday, and suggested that the top Democrat should apologize to his fellow Vietnam veterans for engaging in anti-war protests while they were still fighting the war.

"I respect his record - but three Purple Hearts, he never bled that I know of," Dole told CNN's "Late Edition." "They were all superficial wounds."

"As far as I know he never spent one day in the hospital, I don't think he draws any disability pay. He doesn't have any disability. And he's boasting about three Purple Hearts, when you think of some of the people who really got shot up in Vietnam."

Dole, who nearly died as a member of the US 10th Mountain Division from wounds he sustained during the 1944 invasion of Italy, is the nation's foremost champion of veterans causes, recently completing a successful mission to create a World War II memorial on the Capitol Mall this summer.

Drawing on those credentials, Dole called on Kerry to issue a public apology for calling his fellow Vietnam soldiers war criminals during his 1971 Senate testimony, telling CNN, "Maybe he should apologize to all the other two-and-a-half million veterans who served. He wasn't the only one who was in Vietnam."

"I think Sen. Kerry needs to talk about his Senate record, which is pretty thin." Dole added. "That's probably why he's talking about his war record, which is pretty confused."

[Gucho]

Fox news now has Kerry discussion on swift boat career

[Gucho]

Vietnam is kicking JFK in the butt. Lets talk about now sugardaddy. Tell us about your magic wand and peace.

[Loyalist]

Say what you will about Bob Dole, but when the good of the country calls, he comes forward.

[Republican Wildcat]

He was attacked as someone who would die in his first term in office. Now it is clear he could have not only served one term, but two full terms in office, and in good health.

[A CA Guy]

The girls tended to fall for Clinton's looks over what he said and Dole on substance wasn't getting anywhere.

I do think it is the issue of age not being pretty.

There are too many superficial voters out there.

[faithincowboys]

Thank God for Bob Dole.

[mass55th]

Dole's da man!!!

[maro]

Kerry would be a Hollywood soldier, if Hollywood hired the ugly.

[skinkinthegrass]

Nobody has ever deserved a world-class ass whipping more than Kerry does... You're right. It's unbelievable but he makes even Clinton look more honorable.

...That an "hell of a stretch" isn't it? Let's just say, they're (Klintoons' and their ILK) are the wrong (lying, dis-honorable and treasonous) side of history. :\

[skinkinthegrass]

When Mondale looked offended and said "Senator, you're not calling World War II a Democrat War," Dole's response was priceless. He held out his arm and said "I lost use of this arm in a Democrat war."

..Dole, said THAT?...Priceless. :))

[Libertina]

"I think Sen. Kerry needs to talk about his Senate record, which is pretty thin." Dole added. "That's probably why he's talking about his war record, which is pretty confused."
LOLOL Ouch! Direct hit...

[skinkinthegrass]

WHAT RADIO SHOW WAS OLLIE ON? Was he sitting in for someone? Does he have his own show again?!

Are you sure, it was Radio? Ollie North is on FNC Sunday Night...He was on America Radio Network..I think, some years ago. :/

[skinkinthegrass]

Hell, I don't think he knows the difference between Rice-A-Roni and schrapnel :)

HA!HA!HA!... LOL! :))

[gopwinsin04]

2nd Lt Bob Dole, 1941.

[CyberAnt]

Oh yeah! The gloves are OFF!!

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

PING

[Howlin]

Kerry recanted that Christmas in Cambodia story on the floor of the Senate?

[Howlin]

By G-d, Dole is the one who they ridiculed when he ran against Clinton. Back then, the Stalinist liberals ridiculed his war injuries. They mocked his service. And now? Now the swine feign outrage that anyone question Kerry's mythological status as war hero.

Read this article, please

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Freemyland]

God bless this true American hero. Bob Dole is more of a man now that John Kerry ever was.