Kerry called 'Hanoi John' by Republican in US House

NZ Herald ^ | 4-23-04

[jmstein7]

John Kerry was denounced as "Hanoi John" in the US House of Representatives on Thursday as Republicans attacked the Democratic presidential candidate's record as an outspoken foe of the Vietnam War.

One by one, several Republicans, many of them Vietnam veterans, stood and challenged Kerry's patriotism. They did so in marking the 33rd anniversary of Kerry's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as a leader of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

"On this day in 1971, John Kerry showed his true colours, and they are not red, white and blue," said Rep. Sam Johnson, a Texas Republican.

"Before the Senate, before America, and before the world, he blasted our nation, chastised our troops and hurt our morale," said Johnson, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

"Is it any wonder that my comrades from Vietnam and I have a nickname for him similar to 'Hanoi Jane'," the name given to war foe and actress Jane Fonda, Johnson said. "It's called 'Hanoi John'."

Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a California Republican, added: "We do not need a 'Jane Fonda' as commander in chief."

Democrats were not in the chamber when Republicans began what one denounced as "a sneak attack," but several rushed in to defend Kerry. They noted he won awards for bravery and heroism in Vietnam as well as three Purple Hearts.

Representative Jim McDermott, a Washington Democrat, took the offensive in speaking up for Kerry by appearing to allude to questions about whether President George W. Bush shirked his duties while a member of the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

Without mentioning Bush by name, McDermott said: "For anybody to come out here and attack his (Kerry's) war record, you have to have pretty good credentials."

"If served and showed up for drills at your local National Guard, I think those would be acceptable credentials," McDermott said. "But if your were in the National Guard, and you didn't show up ... you have real nerve to start an attack on John Kerry's character."

Rep. Ray LaHood, an Illinois Republican, chaired the House at the time of the heated exchanges and repeatedly pointed out that chamber rules do not permit personal attacks on senators.

Yet the drumbeat of criticism against Senator Kerry of Massachusetts continued.

"John Kerry should apologise," said Representative Cliff Stearns, a Florida Republican.

Representative John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat, said: "What we need is leadership, the kind that John Kerry provided in the fields of Vietnam ... that he will provide as president of the United States."

[jmstein7]

 

[MegaSilver]

BUMP

[pookie18]

Chris Matthews just played the video clip on Hardball.

[Fawnn]

Bump!

[irishtenor]

To all: I am sorry for "Bagdad Jim" and his comments. I am even more sorry that he comes from my state.

[cripplecreek]

I got an unwanted claim on baghdad bobs little buddy, David bonior hails from my state.

[sgtbono2002]

I am glad to see the Republicans finally starting to speak up.

McDermott said: "For anybody to come out here and attack his (Kerry's) war record, you have to have pretty good credentials."

Representative Johnson seems to have impeccable credentials after having served as a Prisoner in Viet Nam. Someone should tell McDermott that President Bush didnt attack Kerry some of his fellow Senators did. Maybe he was asleep at the time and woke up in the middle.

[sgtbono2002]

By the way does anyone know McDermotts record?

[Texas Eagle]

Yeeeeee HAAAAAAAA!!!!

Ride 'em Cowboy!!!

[repentant_pundit]

I recall that McDermutt has referred to himself as a "Vietnam-era Veteran" but in fact was a civilian psychiatrist or some such, working for DoD during Vietnam....stateside.

[JackRyanCIA]

John McCain use to lambaste him. Too bad McCain got old and senile.

[Agnes Heep]

He should sue for definition of character.

[deport]

One by one, several Republicans, many of them Vietnam veterans, stood and challenged Kerry's patriotism. They did so in marking the 33rd anniversary of Kerry's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as a leader of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

---

I know that they did this on the Anniversary of the Hearings but I sure wish they'd lay low for a while and at least let Kerry get the nomination... They may have him so damaged that by convention time he'll be run off the stage and someone else will be nonimated...

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Hanoi Kerry at his "moment of glory."
What a piece of ******
The media WILL NOT mention this book.
I will!
The cover is a insult to Iwo Jima vets,
then it gets worse towards Viet Nam vets.
I was there the same time Hanoi Kerry was.
I served on a Destroyer which supplied PBR's
and gave gunfire support in North AND South Viet Nam.
My ship may have even supplied Hanoi Kerry's boat.
I VOW I will do everything I LEGALLY can
to keep this traitor from being elected.
I owe it to those who gave their all.

[Interesting Times]

The proper honorific is "Senator Hanoi John."

[GenXFreedomFighter]

Doesn't matter. McDermott got his sound bite in the national media and thus tarred the President with the dreaded Hypocrite label, even though he had nothing to do with what the congressmen were saying. Standard operating procedure.

[PhiKapMom]

I keep thinking the same thing -- let him get the nomination.

Do admire these Reps though for taking to the floor to get the truth out about Kerry.

[CyberCowboy777]

Washington State Ping List

This is all known Washington State Freepers and interested parties as of 3/8/04 - 365 FReepers
Less those who opted out
If you want on or off this ping list Freepmail me.

[Dan from Michigan]

GET YOUR BUMPER STICKERS HERE!! - Vietnam Veterans against John Kerry

[Temple Owl]

I kind of like Dennis Kucinich!

[kcvl]

McDermott said: "For anybody to come out here and attack his (Kerry's) war record, you have to have pretty good credentials."

Randy "Duke" Cunningham has very "good credentials", so shut up "Baghdad Jim"!

In 1966, at the age of 25, Cunningham joined the U.S. Navy and became one of the most highly decorated pilots in the Vietnam War. As the first fighter ace of the war, Cunningham was nominated for the Medal of Honor, received the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, fifteen Air Medals, the Purple Heart, and several other decorations.

Duke's experience in Vietnam and his background as an educator prepared him well to train fighter pilots at the Navy Fighter Weapons School -- the famed "Top Gun" program at Miramar Naval Air Station. As Commanding Officer of the elite Navy Adversary Squadron, Cunningham flew Russian tactics and formations against America's best combat fighter pilots. Many of his real-life experiences as a Navy aviator and fighter pilot instructor were depicted in the popular movie "Top Gun."

[Libertina]

Every picture on my threads has a red x in tongight... what's the problem?

[deport]

Every picture on my threads has a red x in tongight... what's the problem?

---

Shush...... It's a secret for the time being.....

[MarkL]

By the way does anyone know McDermotts record?

IIRC, he was a very strong supporter of Sadaam Hussien... Didn't he pretty much call the President a liar on world wide TV while he was visiting his buddie in Bagdahd?

Mark

[justanotherday]

I believe I win that title. Kerry and Kennedy are my "elected" representatives.

[nopardons]

Benedict Arnold was a far superior WAR HERO,than Hanoi John can ever lay claim to,but Arnold was also a traitor.So is Hanoi John...a traitor.

[SoDak]

Is it making him cry?

[Dan from Michigan]

I have to wonder. Was Viper (Tom Skerrit's character) based on Cunnningham?

[cripplecreek]

I'll trade you two Levins and a Stabenow for the McDermot.

[pookie18]

Hope not...some then might mistake him for a compassionate Conservative ;-)

[F.J. Mitchell]

If the only leadership credentials Kerry has in his resume is a few months in Nam. as a junior grade officer, he is far from qualified for promotion to Commander-in-Chief, 33 years of professional gigolo and playboy experience later.

[SoDak]

No worries, Chrissy won't ever get mistaken for any kind of conservative.

[onedoug]

McDermott and Bonoir both claimed to be Vietnam veterans when thy came back from stroking Saddam, pre-war.

Liars and Traitors, both.

[kcvl]

I bet Chris Matthews didn't mention the service of either of the Reps who called pansy Kerry names either. They didn't get their medals for scratches in less than four months either. I hope they cram Kerry's medals down his lying throat. Kerry started the crap not President Bush or anyone else in the Republican party.

*****

After growing up in Dallas and graduating from Southern Methodist University, Johnson began his 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying demonstration team. In the Korean War, he flew F-86s in 62 combat missions.

In the Vietnam War, Johnson flew F-4s. While flying his 25th combat mission in 1966, he was shot down over North Vietnam. He spent nearly seven years as a prisoner of war, half of that time in solitary confinement. Fellow POW Capt. James Mulligan, USN (Ret.) recalled the day Johnson was allowed to return to a joint cell. He walked into the room with the two other detained American officers, "stood at attention with tears in his eyes, and said simply, 'Lieutenant Colonel Sam Johnson reporting for duty, sir'...after he had not talked to or directly been with an American for three full years." Johnson recounts the details of his POW experience in his autobiography, Captive Warriors.

A decorated war hero, Johnson was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.

[Joee]

Great Grit for "Letters to the Editor!"

[GretchenM]

FYI. I don't believe I've ever seen the likes of this.

So glad the veterans are standing up to their stateside oppressor.

[GeronL]

Hooah!!

Salute to our PROUD veterans who didn't commit atrocities =o)

[Two-Bits]

Nah I win, Boxer and Feinstein are my representatives....

[get'emall]

We've got Dennis Kucinich in Ohio. What a proud day when that twerp was elected.

[GretchenM]

fyi

[jackbill]

Rep. Ray LaHood, an Illinois Republican, chaired the House at the time of the heated exchanges and repeatedly pointed out that chamber rules do not permit personal attacks on senators.

Yet the drumbeat of criticism against Senator Kerry of Massachusetts continued.

I suspect that Representative LaHood was saying, quietly, "You go guys".

Finally, we see some Republicans with cajones.

[GretchenM]

fyi

The dam broke.

[GretchenM]

fyi

[GretchenM]

This is so bogus. "McDermott said: "For anybody to come out here and attack his (Kerry's) war record, you have to have pretty good credentials."

No one has to have served in Viet Nam with hero status to be enraged by and speak out against what Kerry did to my fellow American citizen soldiers.

[kcvl]

The "hit the brakes and he'll fly right by" maneuver was invented by Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a Vietnam ace and the first commanding officer of TOPGUN.

U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the man on whom the movie "Top Gun" was based.

Randy H. “Duke” Cunningham was the first American pilot ace of the Vietnam War. Born in 1941 in Los Angeles, California, he was told by a soothsayer as a child that he would become a famous pilot. After earning two degrees in education from the University of Missouri and then coaching two high school swimmers to Olympic medals, Cunningham was commissioned in the US Navy in 1967. He graduated at the top of his class in 1968 and was then sent to the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Replacement Air Group at Miramar, California. Upon graduation, Cunningham’s new unit, Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96), was unprepared to receive him so he was given temporary duty at the new “Top Gun” Fighter Weapons School. He eventually joined VF-96 and participated with them in the Navy’s first-ever Fleet Adversary Program, which was similar to a mini-Top Gun class. It was also at this time that his love for John Wayne movies and his aggressive character earned him the nickname “Duke.” Following an uneventful tour in Vietnam aboard the USS America, his unit returned to Miramar to complete a second Fleet Adversary Program. VF-96 then returned to combat aboard the USS Constellation. On 19 January 1972, Cunningham and radar intercept officer, Bill Driscoll, downed a MiG-21 Fishbed in a treetop-level dogfight. It was their first victory and ended a 2-year lull in the air war. On 8 May 1972, Cunningham engaged three MiG-17 Frescos and shot one tailing his wingman. Two days later, at the onset of Operation LINEBACKER, over 20 MiGs attacked his formation while flying east of Hanoi. In an intense battle, he quickly destroyed a MiG-17. Turning to assist others, he downed a second MiG-17, saving his executive officer. He then flew head-on into another MiG-17. However, this adversary was no ordinary pilot. It took three engagements, but Cunningham managed to down him. Unfortunately, while heading back to the carrier, his Phantom was hit by an SA-2 Guideline. Ejecting over the Gulf of Tonkin, he and Driscoll were rescued by a Navy helicopter. After the war, Cunningham held several staff positions and eventually commanded Fighter Squadron 126, the Pacific Fleet Adversary Squadron. He retired in 1987 and took a position as the Dean of the School of Aviation at National University in San Diego, California. Passionate about civic affairs, Cunningham ran for public office in 1990. In 2002, he was elected to his seventh term in the House of Representatives, representing California's 50th Congressional District. Cunningham currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and on five subcommittees.

SETTING: On 10 May 1972, Duke Cunningham became the first pilot ace of the Vietnam War and the first Navy jet ace in history. He was also the only American to down three MiGs in one day, including a victory over a leading ace. Unable to out-climb the MiG, Cunningham chopped the throttles on his McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II and slowed to 150 knots. When the MiG overshot him, Cunningham closed quickly and destroyed it. His actions earned him a Medal of Honor nomination. He was also the inspiration for the hit movie Top Gun.

[Petronski]

LOL funny, and of course, Baghdad Jim McDermott was there on the spot to defend old Flipper.

[mystery-ak]

Thanks for the ping...Mike and I got a chuckle out of this...

[SJSAMPLE]

Randy Cunningham was already engaged in a "scissors" fight for some time when he FINALLY managed to outmaneuver the Vietnamese pilot. They had both been trading and gaining both altitude and speed, at extremely close range, for some time when the Vietnamese pilot finally overshot Randy. That dogfight was far more than the BS maneuver in Top Gun. Every military pilot I know (at least six fighter pilots) was embarassed by that maneuver.

[kcvl]

Jim McDermott's Military Record:

U.S. Navy Medical Corps, Lieutenant Commander, Chief Psychiatrist, Long Beach Naval Station, California, 1968-70.

[F.J. Mitchell]

Look on the bright side, it could be worse............maybe not.