Free Republic

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry talked about war, health care, his rivals and his wife at an hour-long session Tuesday with USA TODAY and Gannett News Service reporters and editors. This is the first of a planned series of question-and-answer sessions with the Democratic presidential contenders. Excerpts from his remarks, which have been edited for length and clarity: On health care ''We will get to universal coverage, but I'm not trying to sell a pipe dream here about what you get in the first five years. I'm doing this in a reasonable, thoughtful, affordable way, which addresses all of the concerns...

<p>WHILE IT is understandable that President George W. Bush and his secretary of defense are receiving plaudits for the relatively swift military victory in Iraq, the fact of the matter is that most of the credit for the successful military operation should go to the Clinton administration.</p>

Recently, noted military expert Al Franken taunted Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz with this question, "Clinton's military did pretty well in Iraq, huh?" Let's review exactly what Bill Clinton did to our military: 709,000 regular (active duty) personnel. 293,000 reserve troops. Eight standing army divisions. 20 Air Force and Navy air wings with 2,000 combat aircraft and 232 strategic bombers. 19 strategic ballistic missile submarines with 3,114 nuclear warheads on 232 missiles. 500 ICBMs with 1,950 warheads. Four Aircraft Carriers and 121 surface combat ships and submarines plus all the support bases, shipyars and logistical assets needed to sustain such...

After three weeks of conflict, Baghdad fell to United States Marine forces. People in every corner of the world watched live as the Iraqi people aided by US Marines toppled the statue of Saddam and rode the head through the streets. Years of pent up frustration and fear were released for the whole world to see. It left the Arab Street in shock, it left 'Old Europe' looking very stupid, but as always the American left was out as soon as it happened attempting to spin the event. It started on Wednesday with a column from Tribune Media Services writer,...

By Michael P. Canzoneri Saddam Hussein’s regime has fallen. Resistance in Iraq is sporadic. Those fighting against the winds of change are terrorists, foreign national heeding the Iraqi regime’s call for martyrdom, and regime loyalists who will most likely be held responsible for crimes against humanity. This is a victory for all Americans, not just Republicans but Democrats as well. We have protected ourselves and others against a terrorist whose only limitation was his twisted imagination. We should hold our heads up high, waive Old Glory, and contemplate what could have happened if we would have left Saddam in power....