Posted on 08/08/2004 3:11:17 PM PDT by Kaslin
WASHINGTON (AP) - Retired Gen. Tommy Franks, producer of the early military successes in Afghanistan and Iraq, said Sunday that criticism of John Kerry's war record is political hyperbole and Kerry is "absolutely" qualified to be commander in chief.
A year into retirement, Franks also said he has not decided whether to endorse President Bush for re-election. "I don't know yet. I'm leaning in that direction," he said on ABC's "This Week."
Franks, whose hometown is Midland, Texas - where the president and first lady Laura Bush grew up - has been making television appearances in recent days to publicize his just-published memoirs, "American Soldier."
"Do you think Senator Kerry is qualified to be commander in chief?" Franks was asked.
"Absolutely!" he said.
But like the criticism of Kerry, the retired general said the Democratic nominee's recent harsh words about the war plan Franks created in Afghanistan was motivated by politics and his failure to capture al-Qaida network leader Osama bin Laden.
"I think a presidential election year is a marvelous thing. I think Senator Kerry is a patriot. And I think what ... what we're doing is, we're seeing an attempt to sort of draw the lines between the two parties in this country. And I wouldn't have it any other way," Franks said.
The characterization of Kerry as a coward and liar who did not earn the medals awarded him for his Vietnam service came in a television ad sponsored by a group that fashions calls itself Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Kerry was skipper of one of the small Mekong River boats and received the Silver Star and Bronze Star for valor and three Purple Hearts for wounds.
"I really work hard to stay away from hyperbole," Franks said. "People ask me all the time about 'Fahrenheit 9/11' and then others will ask me about some equally vitriolic view at the end of the continuum on the conservative side."
"I believe that life really is someplace between the two," Franks said, "and so I am not a fan of hyperbole, whether it is for or against Senator Kerry or George W. Bush."
"Fahrenheit 9/11" is the anti-Bush film by documentary filmmaker Michael Moore.
Franks said he also has not decided whether he would want to speak at the Republican National Convention.
"I'm a fiercely independent kind of guy and rather proud of it," Franks said.
Bill Clinton lowered the bar so low that Franks could say nothing less.
If this report is true, General Franks is nothing more than a Weasly Clark wannabe.
"I really work hard to stay away from hyperbole," Franks, who never served one minute with Kerry, said.
There, that's better.
A year into retirement, Franks also said he has not decided whether to endorse President Bush for re-election. "I don't know yet. I'm leaning in that direction,"
Common Tator wrote this on a thread pertaining to McCain, but I think it is equally applicable to Tommy Franks:
This is fine if it weren't for the fact that seeing McCain campaign for Bush is reminiscent of bringing my son to the dentist. McCain is not the most enthusiastic Bush supporter out there.
sure, he's "qualified" anyone 35 years or older who is a US Citizen is "qualified." This means nothing.
sure sounds like BS to me.
Franks is one of the most democratic and patriotic Americans to speak in public in recent years. A former military commander does not attempt to discredit someone running against his former commander in-chief. Think of the implications of a general who recently oversaw one of the most dramatic mechanized campaigns in history saying that a leader who was chosen by the opposing party's deliberations was unqualified.
Even if Franks detests Kerry he'd never say so, not during this political campaign. Track down Franks in 10 years from now and see what he has to say.
I hope that he runs for president someday.
Anyone want to guess what he's striking for?
Tommy Franks: another useful idiot.
He ain't no Patton!!!
Even if this where true, it's irrelevant. I, and probably everyone else on the right, oppose Kerry not on his qualifications, but his positions. The man is a hard core leftist, and that's why we vote against him. We don't care about any qualifications he may have on paper. His ideology is what we oppose.
This type of "non partisan" statement is offensive, simplistic, and meaningless.
good post. Still, I like my Swift Boat ad!
Fahrenheit 911, General, is far different than "Swift Boat Vets for Truth."
The Swifts WERE in the same units with John Kerry.
Michael Moore's fat a__ was no where near WTC, the Pentagon, Iraq, Afghan, the Oval Office, etc.
Someone needs to ask the MEDIA why Kerry's commander got to rate him if they weren't in the same unit? LOL! They're laughable.
What a stupid statement! fic, sometimes your shotgun mouth makes you a laughingstock.
Calling Tommy Franks a "useful idiot" is one of those times.
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