Bush's military service record does matter.
Sure the Republicans would like to reach an agreement with the Democrats that the service records of Kerry and Bush are ancient history and shouldn't become an issue. Kerry volunteered for duty in Vietnam and came back with a chest full of medals while Bush hid behind his daddy's rich friends.

The biographies of the two candidates aren't relevant to the campaign? Is that their case?

The contacts that Bush took advantage of in order to secure a place in the National Guard rather than in a combat role are further evidence of a pattern that Bush is often accused of following. He is connected to powerful people that bend the rules for others in their social and economic group.

Bush ran in 2000 claiming that he would restore character to the White House. Character was a central issue in his campaign. (The implication being that Clinton's character was somehow flawed.) If Bush was negligent in fulfilling his National Guard duties, that tells us something about his character.

In both the 1992 and 1996 races, the Republicans made a big deal about the fact that Clinton did not serve in the military. The charge of "draft dodger" was often made. (And Clinton never landed on the deck of an aircraft carrier in a flight suit implying that he was some kind of military hero.)

Once again, Bush has used his privileged status to his advantage, a trait not in keeping with the high level of "character" that he so steadfastly claimed to have more of than the previous administration.

No one has submitted a comment on this statement yet.
Be the first and submit your feedback below.



Submit your comment below
Contributor
(optional)

Location
(optional)

Date
Submitted

3/29/2024

Use your browsers BACK button to return to the Elections list .