Now it's personal
Thursday, 22nd May 2008
In my piece for the magazine after Obama effectively wrapped up the nomination on May 6th, I wrote that things would get personal very fast. Today, McCain released a scorching statement from him—not some campaign spokesmen—responding to Obama’s comments about McCain and veterans benefits
Here’s how it starts:
McCain then goes on to talk about his own family’s service and says that he “will not accept from Senator Obama, who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform, any lectures on my regard for those who did.” Somehow, I suspect that the respectful campaign that they both talk about waging won't happen.“It is typical, but no less offensive that Senator Obama uses the Senate floor to take cheap shots at an opponent and easy advantage of an issue he has less than zero understanding of. Let me say first in response to Senator Obama, running for President is different than serving as President. The office comes with responsibilities so serious that the occupant can’t always take the politically easy route without hurting the country he is sworn to defend. Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America’s veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge. I think I have earned the right to make that claim.”