Schieffer acknowledges that Bush spent enough time in the NG to learn to fly a jet plane. Out of context that sounds nasty but he was being as fair as we can expect, and in the context of his remarks it was complimentary. Implication being, flying jet planes isn't easy.
ABC Georgie S. has O'Neill v Podesta
Podesta follows the Kerry spin pattern, "it's Texas Republicans money sponsoring these ads. The Swiftboaters are "mobbed up with Bush Campaign", Podesta says.
Podesta says there's no evidence Dr. Levson treated him. " Podesta said Kerry has schrapnel as opposed to Bush who has 2 fillings in his teeth." (Isn't that a cute line, wonder who wrote it for Podesta?)
O'Neill points out how Kerry campaign tried to say Levson wasn't a doctor and wasn't there, now they've had to admit Levson was the doctor and the signed report was by Levson's corpsman, like a nurse, he explains. Everyone will understand that clarification from their own expeirences with doctors.
Podesta says these swiftboaters all had different stories in 96 when these allegations against Kerry came up. I think this will have a different impact than Podesta intended. To me, Podesta is admitting to American voters that Kerry's military accomplishments have ALWAYS been suspect!!
Podesta is absolutely no match for O'Neill. AND isn't it telling? The Kerry campaign sends out JOhn Podesta to defend Kerry on the very important Sunday morning ABC show. They did not send out Rassmun (sp) or any of Kerry's crew to debate O'Neill this morning on ABC. Viewers have to ask why Kerry is keeping his crewmen under wraps, not allowing them to defend Kerry publicly.
O'Neill manages to get in every charge against Kerry one by one, and Podesta just sits there. "the story keeps changing", Podesta repeats, over and over.
HARK! Podesta explodes just like every other Kerry defender has done. In disugst and anger, Podesta angrily says to O'Neill, , "You don't have any problem with Bush's service in Alabama?". HAHAHAHHA And they haven't even gotten to Christmas in Cambodia!!! George reads the Kerry 'seared seard" quote. (I bet Podesta has damp panties by now.)
Podesta says whether they were 5 miles inside Cambodia or 50 miles away it doesn't matter, they took enemy fire that day. and he's stuttering. hee hee
"you know George, this is politics, McCain, Cleland".., humma humma, Podesta stutters out.
In response to the 2nd ad about Kerry's testimony before Senate, Podesta says "look he was reporting what he had heard". (And how weak is that?) O'Neill makes an impassioned, heart wrenching explanation to the impact Kerry's words about atrocities had on the swiftboaters. OH my, his finest moment yet.