Quick Report from John O'Neill-Swift Boat Veteran Press Conference

na | 5/4/2004 | Amrymarinemom

[armymarinemom]

Kirstinn just call in a quick report from the press conference. He could only stay for the first ten minutes. The Press room was packed to overflowing with at least twelve news video cameras and dozens of reporters. Also in attendance were a couple dozen swift boat veterans to speak at the press conference.

O'Neal said that Kerry spoke with Admiral Hoffman, the chairman of the group, for forty five minutes trying to talk him out of doing this. O'Neal said that the swift boat Captains beleive that Kerry is unfit for Commander in Chief and that is their sole reason for speaking out. He stated that if Kerry is dropped out of the Democratic nomination and is replaced that the group will go away. The group also demanded that Kerry sign the two page release to disclose his full medical records. If he can spend fifty to 100 million on his campaign he can take time to fill out a two page form. When asked for a show of hands for those who served with Kerry about a dozen raised their hands. The group said that they have also received nasty messages accusing them of being alcoholics.

The front of the room was filled with enlarged black and white photographs. One was a photo used by the Kerry campaign and one was possibly the photo from the cover of The New Soldier. Photos were provided by Free Republic's Wintersoldier.com. Kristinn spoke briefly with O'Neal and he had very nice things to say about Free Republic.

[onyx]

Where can WE see it?

That is the question!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks very much for the report. A shame the conference wasn't broadcast live. Looking forward to Fox coverage.

[Momaw Nadon]

"The Press room was packed to overflowing with at least twelve news video cameras and dozens of reporters."

Do you know which news organizations were in attendance?

[OXENinFLA]

Looking forward to Fox coverage.

My guess is that this will get the best coverage on Brit Hume.

[sgtbono2002]

I think this one is going to smart. Kerrys going to feel this hit all the way to his toes.

[mattdono]

stated that if Kerry is dropped out of the Democratic nomination and is replaced that the group will go away

Law of unintended consequences? Maybe we should have waited until the convention, eh? Remember that the snake is waiting in the wings.

[armymarinemom]

Do you know which news organizations were in attendance?

He didn't say which news groups were there but he did say that it was pretty devistating. He also spoke as if the press conference is still going on.

[randog]

The Press room was packed to overflowing with at least twelve news video cameras and dozens of reporters.

I'm shocked. I thought ABCCBSNBCCNN would try to squash this. I'm curious to see how much actual airplay and newsprint this gets. Thanks for the update.

[CougarGA7]

I can't believe there is no live coverage of this anywhere....well yes, I can believe it but it's just incredible that something this big is being ignored.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Kerry spoke with Admiral Hoffman, the chairman of the group, for forty five minutes trying to talk him out of doing this. The group said that they have also received nasty messages accusing them of being alcoholics.

If it can be proved that this happened, it might be more damaging to Kerry than the press conference itself.

[abner]

Ping!

[EternalHope]

We need to get this out in every way possible.

Hey Matt, where's the siren?

Rush? Sean?

[krunkygirl]

Bump and save to follow

[MamaLucci]

This just ticks me off.....if this were a group that had served with President Bush, claiming he was "unfit to serve" as CIC, it would have been front page news in every paper in this country, and shown live on the networks. Where is Fox News on this???

[kellynla]

Laura Ingraham is discussing now O'Neals piece that appears in the Wall Street Journal today.

[Dr Snide]

in regards to you tag line, you forgot Hitler who was also a war hero. Come to think about it he was also a vegan, designed to Volkswagen, anti-semitic, and a dog lover. Hmm, the perfect Democratic canidate.

[Solson]

So the room was overflowing with press people. Sure, they'll show, they'll tape and listen, and then they'll quash the story like a bug and we'll be lucky if 5% of the voting population hear it.

[VRWC_minion]

The group said that they have also received nasty messages accusing them of being alcoholics.

All GOP'ers are cigar smoking DWI alcoholics.

[Republic]

Interested that Kerry the coreless heiress hound was worried enough about this to attempt to have it called off. Also interested in the threats (accusations of alcoholism leveled at many of those who served alongside Kerry, the flipper flop) those present spoke of....dirty, dirty...DIRTY! (Where is Senator Byrd when ya need him!)

[Dr Snide]

only the Fox cammera had film in it though.

[Semper Paratus]

Granted this won't get much coverage but it may short circuit anymore "Kerry's Band of Brothers" road shows.

[Republic]

Who, exactly, is O'Neal ? -thanks!

[cyncooper]

Kristinn spoke briefly with O'Neal and he had very nice things to say about Free Republic.

That's wonderful to hear, as O'Neill has a lot of admirers here. I am one.

[TomGuy]

The group also demanded that Kerry sign the two page release to disclose his full medical records.

How dare they question John F'ing Kerry's patriotism????


lol.

[Redbob]

I think the man's name might actually be "O'Neill," but I've been wrong before.

One day in January, 1979, I think it was.

[cyncooper]

Yeah---I meant to ask that, too.

[CougarGA7]

He commanded Kerry's swift boat after Kerry opted out. He also debated Kerry on the Dick Cavet show over U.S. Troops war atrosities in 1971.

[Peach]

Ping to a Freeper report on the O'Neill press conference regarding Kerry.

[So Cal Rocket]

I'm shocked. I thought ABCCBSNBCCNN would try to squash this

They will... it will be buried deep in the paper, if it appears at all. The only places where you will see it on the front page above the fold are the NY Post, Wash Times and WSJ... It will not make the JenningsBrokawRather news cycle, you'll only hear about it on Fox News.

[armymarinemom]

Photos were provided by Free Republic's Wintersoldier.com.

Correction.....wintersoldier.com-->Free Republic Network.

[Dr Snide]

"He stated that if Kerry is dropped out of the Democratic nomination and is replaced that the group will go away. "

So how exactly is behind this? Perhaps another Clinton stunt to pave the way?

[Republic If You Can Keep It]

incredible that something this big is being ignored.

On the evening news last night, only a brief mention was made. It was said that the Kerry campaign thinks many of these vets never served with Kerry, never knew him, etc.......i.e., that this is bogus.

I hope that O'Neill is anticipating these authenticity challenges & is ready to respond.

This is going to get ugly.

[maica]

It might turn out to be a good thing if it comes out slowly over the next few weeks - even more people will see for themselves how the media are actively hiding news detrimental to the Kerry campaign.

[ken5050]

Let's see...C-span can broadcast Calypso Louie ranting LIVE..but this...not a chance.......geeze....

[onyx]

True, but the ones I listed are Americans.
Jeffrey Dalmer had to be dropped for lack of space.

[cripplecreek]

Yeah lets not forget that Kerry hasn't won the nomination yet. Shock and awe will commence soon after.

[jwalsh07]

"Who was the last American POW to die languishing in a North Vietnamese prison forced to listen to the recorded voice of John Kerry disgracing their service by his dishonest testimony before the Senate?" John O'Neill, Vietnam Veteran Against John Kerry

[Wolverine]

O'Neal said that Kerry spoke with Admiral Hoffman, the chairman of the group, for forty five minutes trying to talk him out of doing this. O'Neal said that the swift boat Captains beleive that Kerry is unfit for Commander in Chief and that is their sole reason for speaking out.

 

Fantastic....Kerry Exposed for the liar that he is!!

[CougarGA7]

O'Neill seems to be a sharp character. I don't think he would present someone on false pretenses. Kerry on the other hand will have no problem making any false accusation he feels necessary to discredit these people.

Should be interesting if it gets enough play in the press.

[A.A. Cunningham]

He's the author of Unfit for Office

[Dr Snide]

I'm shocked. I thought ABCCBSNBCCNN would try to squash this.

Only if you assume that in the end it helps Bush. Remember this is before the convention, other parties may have a desire to end Kerry NOW, and get him off the ticket before the convention paving the way for another canidate who did not even have to campaign (I think we all know who). I think Kerry may be facing a two front war although one is a cold war amongst his own party.

[Dog Gone]

It was in April of 1979, so now you've been wrong twice. ;-)

[Dr Snide]

Hey if anyone knows bougus vets its John F'ng Kerry

[abner]

Perhaps another Clinton stunt to pave the way?

Not a chance. John O'Neill has been debating Kerry for over 30 years. He has stayed out of politics even though the right and I imagine other on the left have attempted to get to him too.

O'Neill is a guy that is trying to do the right thing.

Strange, but true.

[AgThorn]

Who, exactly, is O'Neal ? -thanks!

O'Neill (I think is how it is spelled) is the swift boat commander that took over the same boat command that Kerry gave up after he got his ticket home (3rd Purple heart). O'Neill also debated Kerry on I think the Dick Cavett show (?) after the war and after Kerry had made all the rediculous winter soldier accusations on our military's actions in Vietnam.

[Republic]

Nice to know that-encouraging.

[ride the whirlwind]

My guess is that this will get the best coverage on Brit Hume.

You're probably right.

Brit Hume Bump!

[Quilla]

Yes, this could get interesting. Especially considering the fact that Kerry is spending $25 million on ads airing right now that highlight his Vietnam service. Is it too early to say "put a fork in him ...?"

[Dr Snide]

I'm not implying that O'Neil is working with the Clintons, only that the press coverage is at their urging and the "spin" (i.e. problem can be solved at the convention by replacing Kerry) is their doing. I think you are right that O'Neil is doing this for honorable reasons but he would not be the first unwitting honorable pawn.