O'Dell's explanation of the Rassmun rescue incident was clear and concise. The best evidence Kerry's version wasn't accurate is the fact that I wasn't shot, said O'Dell. He explains there was no enemy fire, and the bullet holes on the boats, and broken windows, claimed by Kerry to have taken place that day, actually happened the day before.
Hurley got tough questioning too, and he looked very weak. Hurley wasn't there, O'Dell was, and that tripped him up in his closing spin. Hurley was trapped by Wallace about Christmas in Cambodia too. Hurley was backed into warp speed spinning when he tried to explain away why Kerry's "seared, seared memory", on the Senate floor and in The Boston Herald was so wrong.
Hurley did get in Kerry's mainline defense, which is all these ads and the boat is a Bush enterprise. O'Dell was great in correcting Wallace. He said Perry is NOT the biggest contributor, the American people are, then he gave the numbers on how much money came in. Over 100,000 on one day, and over $200,000 on another day.
Think of it. Hurley is a professional hit man, a hired hack, long time spinner for Kerry. Yet up against an untrained spokesman like O'Dell, someone who has never "done" tv, never been in hardball politics, Hurley was bested. I think, hands down. O'Dell was so sure of himself, so calm.
I caught the end of Van O'Dell on MSNBC earlier this morning, and he was also very terrific on there. Very credible, very calm, very sure of his argument. And Alison (Camerata?) did try to trip him up.
I'm glad the Swiftees have another spokesman who can take part of the load from O'Neill. I'm worried that John O'Neill is going to harm his own health with the schedule he's keeping.
important bump
O'Dell is much more in control than I would be. Hurley could have applied for one of those special Kerry PHs after my left hook.
Thanks for posting this summary.
Right after O'Dell said that Perry had built his house, my station went to commercial and came back as Chris was closing the segment.
I knew O'Dell would give a strong answer. He handled himself extremely well.