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H.R. 2642 (Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 ) Measure Title: A bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
At a town hall meeting in Denver on Monday, John McCain was called onto the carpet, by a fellow Vietnam veteran, voting record on veterans' issues.
What was McCain's response? To ignore the man's question (twice), lie about his own record, and tacitly accuse his fellow vet of lying.
Here's the video, with commentary by Rachel Maddow. Here's a transcript of the exchange: (from The Washington Independent)
The first question from the audience came from a Vietnam veteran, who challenged McCain's record of supporting health care for veterans. It was followed by this testy exchange, during which McCain fell back on his endorsements from veteran groups:
McCain: "I don't know what bill you're referring to...and I'll be glad to have you refer to it. The reason why I have a perfect voting record from organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and all the other veterans' service organizations is because I support them."
Audience Member: "You do not have a perfect voting record with [Disabled American Veterans] and VFW. That's where these votes are recorded. The votes were for proposals by your colleagues in the Senate to increase health-care funding for the [Veterans Administration] in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. You voted against those proposals. I can give the numbers of those Senate votes right now."
McCain: "I thank you and I'd be glad to examine what your version of my record is. Again, I've been endorsed in every election by all of the veterans' organizations that do that. I've been supported by them and received the highest awards from all of those organizations, so I guess they don't know something you know. I thank you very much and I will continue to be proud of my support for the veterans of this country."
Has McCain never heard the old adage, "Never try to bull**** a guy who's clutching a sheaf of papers?" I think it was Mark Twain.
I really loved this part: "I'd be glad to examine what your version of my record is."
I bet he would, since the man apparently had the version that was true. From The Independent:
Disabled American Veterans gave McCain a dismal 20 percent rating, out of a possible 100 percent, during the second session of the 109th Congress, which ended in January 2007 -- their most recent rating. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of 'D.'
Vietnam Veterans of America does not offer a rating or grade, but they do provide a chart that compares McCain's vote to their preferred position. Since 2001, McCain voted with VVA nine times and against them 15 times. He also missed eight votes.
In the words of Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much!"
The McCain campaign is clearly unprepared in this area, and it could cost McCain dearly. His image as an honorable warrior is the biggest of his few remaining assets. He runs the risk of eroding that with things like this, or his hiring of a Swift Boat Veteran for his "Truth Squad." Both of these hits were self-inflicted, and McCain should make sure that, the next time one of his brothers in arms wants some answers, he is ready with some true ones
I'm certainly not a McCain apologist but anti-american? I imagine he went through all he did in Vietnam simply because he had nothing better to do right?
I'm certainly not a McCain apologist but anti-american? I imagine he went through all he did in Vietnam simply because he had nothing better to do right?
Yes, if you continually vote against our troops, our vets, then you are anti-American.
Audience Member: "You do not have a perfect voting record with [Disabled American Veterans] and VFW. That's where these votes are recorded. The votes were for proposals by your colleagues in the Senate to increase health-care funding for the [Veterans Administration] in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. You voted against those proposals. I can give the numbers of those Senate votes right now."
H.R. 2642 (Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 ) Measure Title: A bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
Wow, This was a really big Bi-Partisan Effort. It looks like Senator McCain wasn't willing to work across the isle and support the troops. Is working across the isle all talk when it comes to signing on and Voting? Is it just a campaign slogan?
Wow, This was a really big Bi-Partisan Effort. It looks like Senator McCain wasn't willing to work across the isle and support the troops. Is working across the isle all talk when it comes to signing on and Voting? Is it just a campaign slogan?
Oh no, I'm sure you're wrong since on Sunday McCain told Stephanopoulis he always worked across the aisle....
Didn't (Mc)Cain kill his brother.....?.. or just show him no respect or human decency???
Notice how Obama voted - that sneaky liar! Voting "Yea" to trick us into thinking he supports the troops! WHAT A RAT!
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