For years, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has attended events for veterans and often talked about his service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
But a story in The New York Times is now raising questions about Blumenthal’s military record and his service during the Vietnam War.
• New York Times: Candidate’s Words on Vietnam Service Differ From History
• Richard Blumenthal: Reaction Pouring In From Around The Country
In a detailed story, reporter Raymond Hernandez mentions that Blumenthal spoke to a group in Norwalk in March 2008 at a ceremony that praised both veterans and senior citizens.
“We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Blumenthal was quoted as saying. “And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it — Afghanistan or Iraq — we owe our military men and women unconditional support.”
excerpt
http://www.ctnow.com/news/connecticut/hc-richard-blumenthal-0518,0,7339198.story
In context, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He did serve in the reserve during the war. If he wore the uniform, he would have been subjected to the same vitriol as those who served in Vietnam. He should have said, “during the Vietnam War”, rather than in Vietnam. His point wasn’t his service, but the treatment of the soldiers during and after the war.
I can understand the truth be damned in politics and trying to use everything to your advantage; I just don’t like spin.
His statement of “in Vietnam” was a one time occurrence. If we match that up to the number of times he made it clear he was in the reserves and didn’t go to Vietnam, then I think this is a non issue. But that’s just me because I’m tired of gotcha politics.