Kerry's Anti-War Record Discussed at White House Briefing

2/10/2004 | Jeff Gannon

[Jeff Gannon]

This was the exchange at today's White House press briefing, much of which focused on George W. Bush's service records with the National Guard.

JEFF GANNON (Talon News): Since there have been so many questions about what the President was doing over 30 years ago, what is it that he did after his honorable discharge from the National Guard?

Did he make speeches alongside Jane Fonda, denouncing America's racist war in Vietnam?

Did he testify before Congress that American troops committed war crimes in Vietnam?

And did he throw somebody else's medals at the White House to protest a war America was still fighting?

What was he doing after he was honorably discharged?

MR. McCLELLAN: We've already commented on some of his views relating back to that period the other day. And, obviously, this was a time period also when he was going to get his MBA at Harvard. But the President was certainly proud to serve in the National Guard.

TERRY MORAN (ABC NEWS): And would the White House consider those actions by Senator Kerry, that Jeff mentions fair game in the political season?

MR. McCLELLAN: Terry, I think -- I know that that's a way to try to draw us into a Democratic primary that is ongoing.

[Dog]

fyi...

[Miss Marple]

You are my hero! I would pay cash money to see David Gregory's face when you let loose with those questions! Good show!

[plain talk]

Terry, I think -- I know that that's a way to try to draw us into a Democratic primary that is ongoing

Gret job! The answer above is very depressing. Here, the WH spokesman was given the softest pitch he will ever receive and what does he do, he ducks. Our guys are friggin' cowards and wimps and if they don't learn how to fight they will be history. The other side cheats, lies and steals and our side won't even fight back.

[Lokibob]

Way to go Jeff, and by the way, good interview on Hannity this afternoon.

[dmanLA]

Bravo!

[mass55th]

Great job! Thank you.

[Jeff Gannon]

The White House response is why I have to phrase my questions as I do.

[Jeff Gannon]

The White House response is why I have to phrase my questions as I do.

[Dog]

Check this out.

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

Great segment on Hannity's program. Look we got to keep stirring this up. Ollie thinks that Kerry will turn radioactive over his VVAW days.

[Miss Marple]

Look at this! A hard-hitting question about Kerry's past, and the White House press corps is gobsmacked!!! HA!

[carsonsig]

AWESOME

I am soo glad that was said. lord knows we wont see it on the out takes on the networks.

I think Kerry is going to wear out the Vietnam hero crap, and all that will be left will be his anti American statements then. as well as his WORTHLESS senate record

[dalebert]

Fantastic!!!

[Camel Joe]

Outstanding. Simply outstanding.

[kevkrom]

Gret job! The answer above is very depressing. Here, the WH spokesman was given the softest pitch he will ever receive and what does he do, he ducks. Our guys are friggin' cowards and wimps and if they don't learn how to fight they will be history. The other side cheats, lies and steals and our side won't even fight back.

No, this was perfectly correct. The White House should keep hands off of Kerry until he has the nomination locked. Let Kerry have enough rope to hang him with. If the Demorats want to shoot their pitifiul wad this early, let 'em.

[marty60]

Don't be shy. State the facts. Don't ask the media rhetorical questions. They are lazy. I sure hope the WH is ready to do some serious campaign carpet bombing. Especially using some good ole show and tell. The pictures of these scumbags looks like a gathering of terrorist.

[jigsaw]

I hope Brit plays your questions at the end of his show!

[alnick]

Way to go, Jeff!

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

You gotta learn how this game is played. If the WH gets into it the issue will come back to slap the POTUS. That won't happen if we use other media outlets. Meanwhile, there will be plenty of time to slime Kerry. There is alot out there.