Posted on 03/01/2007 7:14:37 AM PST by Mike Bates
WASHINGTON - If this presidential campaign is anything like the last, John McCain’s Vietnam service will inevitably be contrasted with GOP rival Rudy Giuliani’s avoidance of a war that he opposed.
“Any suggestion that he was dodging the draft is totally, factually inaccurate,” said a senior Giuliani campaign adviser who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. “He opposed the war on tactical and strategic grounds.”
But as far back as 1993, when he successfully ran for mayor of New York, Giuliani has been dogged by accusations that he pulled strings to avoid the draft. By contrast, McCain has long been feted as a bona fide war hero for his harrowing stint in a Vietnamese prison.
Anyone who dismisses the significance of Vietnam as a potential issue in the 2008 campaign is forgetting how surprisingly potent it proved in 2004, when there was enormous interest in the military records of both President Bush and Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts. Four years later, with the nation still at war, Americans likely are to again scrutinize the military records of those who seek the job of commander in chief.
Giuliani, who once said of the Vietnam war, “I disagreed with it,” obtained an occupational deferment in 1969, when he was a law clerk. Although critics say such deferments were rare, the Giuliani campaign disagrees.
“He wanted an occupational deferment, which was very common at the time, because he wanted to be a lawyer,” the Giuliani adviser said.
When Giuliani’s deferment expired in 1970, he drew draft number 308, which was never called. His campaign suggests this proves he was not a draft dodger.
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
Again?
Who "scrutinized the records" of JF'nK last time?
I must have missed the record-release party.
Well Well Well! I guess we never should have elected George Bush because he picked Cheney for his VP! (/sarcasm)
Barring his becoming ill, Rudy will be the GOP nominee. Some things are obvious.
Am I hearing this correctly?
In other words, RUDY WAS OPPOSED TO THE VIETNAM WAR.
And now his boosters think Rudy's the guy to hold the line with another war where liberals are trying to sap our resolve?
Fine - raise the issue - and Rudy must address the issue.
Strength will be measured by ones willingness to answer questions.
Was Cheney opposed to the Vietnam War as Rudy was - by the very admission of RUDY'S OWN SPOKESMAN HERE?
If military experience is going to count, then how about Duncan Hunter, better credentials than McCain without the insanity
Y'all have GOT to see this one - Rudy was opposed to the Vietnam War!
What is Hillary's or Obama's militaty record?
I thought so.
"Strength will be measured by ones willingness to answer questions." Yep. Good thought - and given that Rudy got 3 deferments it should be asked. Others went in his place, as they did for Dick Cheney.
Hillary was opposed to the Vietnam War. Like Rudy.
I think Cheney was for it...but not for it enough to fight in it.
Right, at about the same time she was going to sign up for the Marines.
Draft dodging and anti-war. Hmmm.
Well, he is expert at raising money for militant gay groups with ties to anti-war communist groups.
once the bloom is off the RudyRose, the MSM will turn their sites to these issues.
Is Cheney running for president? If he was, you can bet your ass that would come up.
Playing the chickenhawk card against Cheney? I figured someone would attempt that. Oh, how depraved the Rudy boosters can be. Even turning on the sitting Veep to make a point.
Did you feel the same way about Dick Cheney and his bad heart??? Or Ronald Reagan and his colen operation???? Just curious as to how some of the Freepers pick and choose...
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