Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military service

[Hatuey]

Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military service | The Ticket - Yahoo! News

Freshman Rep. Joe Walsh, who has earned a reputation for caustic remarks and spontaneous tirades, this week accused opponent Tammy Duckworth--a double-amputee who lost her legs while serving as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in Iraq--of using her military service to score political points.The Illinois Republican-- who has not served in the military-- on Wednesday chose not to back down from comments he made accusing his Democratic opponent of talking too much about her time in the Army.
"She is a hero, and that demands our respect, but it doesn't demand our vote," Walsh said Wednesdayon CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. "All she does, guys, is talk about her service."


On Thursday, Walsh stood by his comments, telling CNN host Ashleigh Banfield: "This wasn't a slip up. I don't regret anything I said." Walsh added that he honors every man or woman who served in the military and accused Duckworth's campaign and his opponents of "manufacturing" an issue and of conducting opposition research against him.

There is nothing funnier than a Republican complaining about people "politicizing" military service. Anyone remember when Republicans were lockstep in their "with us or against us" mentality? And if you were against Iraq you were against the troops and whatever vague mission they had that week?

 

[AdamT]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Calling this Walsh prick an asshole would be an insult to assholes everywhere.

 

[jerry7]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

As a veteran I feel very comfortable saying that there are definitely some politicians that try to use their military service for political gain. Now whether it is taking place in this particular instance I don't know, I am unfamiliar with the race. But having read the link provided it seems like a big deal about nothing. It's not like he called the military commander in Afghanistan a liar while testifying to Congress. General Be-tray-us, anyone?

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

As a veteran I feel very comfortable saying that there are definitely some politicians that try to use their military service for political gain. Now whether it is taking place in this particular instance I don't know, I am unfamiliar with the race. But having read the link provided it seems like a big deal about nothing. It's not like he called the military commander in Afghanistan a liar while testifying to Congress. General Be-tray-us, anyone?

Wait, let me see if I understand your position here: this isn't a big deal because other people have acted like assholes too? Really?

 

[jerry7]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Wait, let me see if I understand your position here: this isn't a big deal because other people have acted like assholes too? Really?

As I stated some politicians attempt to use their military service for political gain. And sometimes they're called on it. It's not a crime and I don't find it offensive. What I do find offensive are unwarranted attacks on the integrity of active duty military personnel by politicians for political gain.

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

As I stated some politicians attempt to use their military service for political gain. And sometimes they're called on it. It's not a crime and I don't find it offensive. What I do find offensive are unwarranted attacks on the integrity of active duty military personnel by politicians for political gain.

So unwarranted attacks on vets is ok, on active duty soldiers bad. Why do you make that distinction?

 

[jerry7]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

So unwarranted attacks on vets is ok, on active duty soldiers bad. Why do you make that distinction?

That's not what I said. I have not followed this particular campaign and stated that I don't know everything that has been said. I also stated that my opinion was based on the link provided. And what I read in the link did not appear to me to be an unwarranted attack on a vet. Can you point out the unwarranted attack on Duckworth in the link? And bear in mind that an active duty soldier appearing before a political committee is very limited in responding to character assasination. It's no where near a level playing field.

 

[Bronson]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

As a veteran I feel very comfortable saying that there are definitely some politicians that try to use their military service for political gain. Now whether it is taking place in this particular instance I don't know, I am unfamiliar with the race. But having read the link provided it seems like a big deal about nothing. It's not like he called the military commander in Afghanistan a liar while testifying to Congress. General Be-tray-us, anyone?

I side with Walsh 100%

We're at 8.2% unemployment in a shrinking Job Market. Military service is always to be honored and respected, but it doesn't mean that's the only thing you can run on. This is the hypocrisy of the left however. They can slime the military, call them murderers and terrorists, cut their pay and benefits, raise the cost of their benefits, and now suddenly they act outraged when one of their political opponents says they should campaign and run on the issues? Doesn't pass the laugh test.

 

[Bronson]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

So unwarranted attacks on vets is ok, on active duty soldiers bad. Why do you make that distinction?

How is it an "unwarranted attack on a vet" to ask your opponent during an election to debate the actual issues?

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

That's not what I said. I have not followed this particular campaign and stated that I don't know everything that has been said. I also stated that my opinion was based on the link provided. And what I read in the link did not appear to me to be an unwarranted attack on a vet. Can you point out the unwarranted attack on Duckworth in the link? And bear in mind that an active duty soldier appearing before a political committee is very limited in responding to character assasination. It's no where near a level playing field.

There is no evidence in the link that the attack is warranted. The information there only discusses Walsh's accusation. Based on that and ONLY that evidence, what makes you decide that the attack was NOT unwarranted?

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

I side with Walsh 100%

We're at 8.2% unemployment in a shrinking Job Market. Military service is always to be honored and respected, but it doesn't mean that's the only thing you can run on. This is the hypocrisy of the left however. They can slime the military, call them murderers and terrorists, cut their pay and benefits, raise the cost of their benefits, and now suddenly they act outraged when one of their political opponents says they should campaign and run on the issues? Doesn't pass the laugh test.

Please demonstrate where in the link there is EVIDENCE that this is the only thing she is running on.

And it seems to me that your post is standard conservative hypocrisy. It's OK to support and trust the actions of a vet... as long as that vet is a conservative.

 

[jerry7]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

There is no evidence in the link that the attack is warranted. The information there only discusses Walsh's accusation. Based on that and ONLY that evidence, what makes you decide that the attack was NOT unwarranted?

Attack? What exactly constitutes an attack to you? He called her a hero but said her militay service alone does not deserve your vote. LOL! Where's the attack?

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

That's not what I said. I have not followed this particular campaign and stated that I don't know everything that has been said. I also stated that my opinion was based on the link provided. And what I read in the link did not appear to me to be an unwarranted attack on a vet. Can you point out the unwarranted attack on Duckworth in the link? And bear in mind that an active duty soldier appearing before a political committee is very limited in responding to character assasination. It's no where near a level playing field.

Yes, I can easily point to the unwarranted attack on Duckworth. From the article:

"Now I'm running against a woman who, I mean-- my God-- that's all she talks about," Walsh told an audience in Elk Grove, Ill. "Our true heroes, the men and women who served us, it's the last thing in the world they talk about."

You can hardly call one of the first women ever to serve as a combat pilot, who gave two limbs in service to her country, and has continued to serve and further work for other veterans anything other than a hero, yet he did. Further, she does talk about other issues. And lastly, most veterans, especially within the first few years of service, it is something they tend to talk alot about. I know I do. And lastly, her service to her country is a big part of what she is running on.

By the way, your trying to distract the topic by bringing up unrelated events is very telling.

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

How is it an "unwarranted attack on a vet" to ask your opponent during an election to debate the actual issues?

Issues | Tammy Duckworth for Congress

Oops....

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Attack? What exactly constitutes an attack to you? He called her a hero but said her militay service alone does not deserve your vote. LOL! Where's the attack?

He did not say that until aftyer he very clearly implied she was not a hero, by offering an imagined trait of hero's(that is not a true trait) then saying she did not have that trait. That admitting she was a hero was actually backtracking for him.

 

[Moot]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Walsh must have been reading the RNC handbook that says to go after your oppenents best asset, so I'm guessing that Duckworth's military service must be one of hers.


Meet Tammy Duckworth - YouTube


It is kinda hard to ignore her sacrifice for our country. But I must say Walsh's timing to demogogue the Duckworth's military service on the Fourth of July no less, doesn't say much for his intelligence or credibility. The people Walsh is talking to don't look very convinced or amused either......



At the end of the video he says that those who served don't talk about their service and that is what he admires most about them or something to that effect. But isn't not talking about it one of the reasons so many vets commit suicide? It's like he's saying he doesn't want to know or hear about their sacrifices and he'd prefer they all just shut up about the Iraq War.....

Please Remember Me : Iraq War Tribute - YouTube

 

[Bronson]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Please demonstrate where in the link there is EVIDENCE that this is the only thing she is running on.

And it seems to me that your post is standard conservative hypocrisy. It's OK to support and trust the actions of a vet... as long as that vet is a conservative.

Where did I claim I don't trust the actions of a vet? Stop engaging in emotional reasoning and objectification.

It's laughable that any liberal would claim anyone is insulting veterans after you spat upon vets getting off planes after the Vietnam War. I don't see any quotes from Walsh disparaging her service. I don't see a quote here like " Marines killed innocent civilians in cold blood" like Murtha and you leftist shrieked after Haditha (Those Marines were vindicated btw). Spare me your fake outrage.

This is an election. I went and took a look at her campaign website. There are no details. No real plans. Just the same tired old cliched rhetoric we hear over and over from the left. Invest in Infrastructure. Vague references to targeted "tax credits" which are not tax cuts but actually more Government Spending. It's ambiguous at best with one central theme. More centralized power, more Government, more spending which have proven to not work economically. I separate the politician from the soldier when we have an economy with 8.2% unemployment and the worst economic recovery since the Great Depression. We need more substance and less cliche emotional rhetoric. Walsh is right and I'm glad he's not backing down to these typical left wing smear attacks.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Attack? What exactly constitutes an attack to you? He called her a hero but said her militay service alone does not deserve your vote. LOL! Where's the attack?

No, that's NOT what he said. He said that the entire focus of her campaign is her military service, directly saying that voters don't know her positions because that's all she talks about. That's an attack.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Where did I claim I don't trust the actions of a vet? Stop engaging in emotional reasoning and objectification.

You made a stupid partisan hack assumption. So I countered with one of my own to demonstrate how dumb you sounded. Seems like it worked.

It's laughable that any liberal would claim anyone is insulting veterans after you spat upon vets getting off planes after the Vietnam War. I don't see any quotes from Walsh disparaging her service. I don't see a quote here like " Marines killed innocent civilians in cold blood" like Murtha and you leftist shrieked after Haditha (Those Marines were vindicated btw). Spare me your fake outrage.

More stupid rightwing partisan hack nonsense that has zero to do with the topic. Conservative hypocrisy at it's finest.

This is an election. I went and took a look at her campaign website. There are no details. No real plans. Just the same tired old cliched rhetoric we hear over and over from the left. Invest in Infrastructure. Vague references to targeted "tax credits" which are not tax cuts but actually more Government Spending. It's ambiguous at best with one central theme. More centralized power, more Government, more spending which have proven to not work economically. I separate the politician from the soldier when we have an economy with 8.2% unemployment and the worst economic recovery since the Great Depression. We need more substance and less cliche emotional rhetoric. Walsh is right and I'm glad he's not backing down to these typical left wing smear attacks.

These are positions. It is irrelevant as to whether or not you don't like them. You just proved yourself wrong. Not surprisingly. But mostly, your comments are MORE conservative partisan hack crap. Do you actually discuss issues specific to the topic, or do you just spew right wing talking points regardless of what is being discussed? Please let me know so I know whether or not you are worth my time debating. If it is the latter, which seems to be what you are doing, you are not.

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Where did I claim I don't trust the actions of a vet? Stop engaging in emotional reasoning and objectification.

It's laughable that any liberal would claim anyone is insulting veterans after you spat upon vets getting off planes after the Vietnam War.

Holy irony!

By the way, I was 10 when Vietnam ended. I was not spitting on any one.

I don't see any quotes from Walsh disparaging her service. I don't see a quote here like " Marines killed innocent civilians in cold blood" like Murtha and you leftist shrieked after Haditha (Those Marines were vindicated btw). Spare me your fake outrage.

Wait, you can show where any one in this thread said anything like that? Bet you can't. He did call her not a hero because she talked about her service, which is to me disparaging her very clearly.

This is an election. I went and took a look at her campaign website. There are no details. No real plans. Just the same tired old cliched rhetoric we hear over and over from the left. Invest in Infrastructure. Vague references to targeted "tax credits" which are not tax cuts but actually more Government Spending. It's ambiguous at best with one central theme. More centralized power, more Government, more spending which have proven to not work economically. I separate the politician from the soldier when we have an economy with 8.2% unemployment and the worst economic recovery since the Great Depression. We need more substance and less cliche emotional rhetoric. Walsh is right and I'm glad he's not backing down to these typical left wing smear attacks.

Her website is as detailed as any one, which is not saying much, but still the truth. You may not like her plans, and that is a perfectly valid reason to go after her. Going after her as not a hero when it would take a huge stretch to claim that, especially from some one who has never served, that is not a valid reason, and makes Walsh a first class asshole.

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Just for the hell of it, I went back and dug up a quote of my referencing the "BetrayUs" add. Here it is:

...I, and many of us on the left, found the add disgraceful...

See, this is what we call consistency. I will condemn people on my side who act like assholes too. I wish more people did that.

 

[Bronson]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Issues | Tammy Duckworth for Congress

Oops....

Yea did you actually read it? So what's stopping her from making it the main focus of her campaign?

Transportation is critical to a strong economy, and to the 8th District. We need a new transportation bill, immediately, to repair and expand our roads and bridges, rail network and the critical hub at O'Hare Airport.

More Government Spending on supposed "shovel ready jobs" and infrastructure. About 6% of Obama's Stimulus went to "infrastructure projects". 79% of his Green Job Spending went to foreign companies. How'd that work out?

We also need to invest in our public schools now

More Government Spending. We spend more on education than ever before and our students are not performing up to standards.

Down the line her only solution to every problem is more Government Spending. After her party added 5 trillion to the deficit in 4 years it's not wonder why she doesn't want to actually talk about her "solutions" in an open debate.

And speaking of attacking military service during an election:

Wesley Clark continues Democrats' attacks on Mccain's heroic service - National Right Side Politics | Examiner.com

When Schieffer noted Obama has not had wartime experiences, Clark said: “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.

“McCain was a fighter pilot, who dropped laser-guided missiles from 35,000 feet. He was long gone when they hit. What happened when they [the missiles] get to the ground? He doesn't know. You have to care about the lives of people. McCain never gets into those issues.” (Paul J. Nyden, "Jay Defends Endorsement Of Sen. Obama," The Charleston Gazette, 4/8/08)

“Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s family background as the son and grandson of admirals has given him a worldview shaped by the military, ‘and he has a hard time thinking beyond that,’ Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., said Friday. ‘I think he’s trapped in that,’ Harkin said in a conference call with Iowa reporters. ‘Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.’” (Jane Norman, “Harkin: McCain Too ‘Military,’” The Des Moines Register, 5/17/08)

“Sadly, Sen. McCain was not available during those times, and I say that with all due respect to him. … I think that the notion that the members of the Senate who were in the ground forces or who were ashore in Vietnam have a very different view of Vietnam and the cost that you described than John McCain does because he was in isolation essentially for many of those years and did not experience the turmoil here or the challenges that were involved for those of us who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam war.” (Teddy Davis and Molly Hunter, “Dem Guru: McCain Limited By POW Years,” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 6/30/08)

 

[Redress]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Bronson, you realize that the rest of us are talking about the topic, while you are doing everything to divert from the topic? That is kinda like a hint that you are not doing well.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Bronson, you realize that the rest of us are talking about the topic, while you are doing everything to divert from the topic? That is kinda like a hint that you are not doing well.

I called it in post #19.

 

[wbcoleman]

Re: Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military serv

Rep. Joe Walsh stands by accusation Tammy Duckworth politicizes her military service | The Ticket - Yahoo! News

There is nothing funnier than a Republican complaining about people "politicizing" military service. Anyone remember when Republicans were lockstep in their "with us or against us" mentality? And if you were against Iraq you were against the troops and whatever vague mission they had that week?

John Kerry politicized his military service. John F. Kennedy politicized his military service. John McCain politicized his military service. This is standard operating procedure for politicians.