Retired Gen. Franks criticizes Kerry's record at Nevada rally

AP ^ | 10/10/4 | MARTIN GRIFFITH

[SmithL]

RENO -- Retired Gen. Tommy Franks launched a four-state campaign swing for President Bush by criticizing Sen. John Kerry's anti-Vietnam War activities and voting record on the military.

Franks, former commander of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, faulted Kerry's votes on major weapons systems and intelligence issues, and against the 1991 Gulf War.

"If his voting record ruled the day, Saddam Hussein would not only be running Iraq but Kuwait," Franks told about 200 people Sunday at a Reno rally.

"The choice is very, very clear. We need decisive, strong, no-backing-down and no-equivocating leadership," he said.

Franks praised the Democratic challenger's military service during the Vietnam War, but said Kerry's later anti-war activities upset him.

"The men I served with in Vietnam weren't war criminals and I'm proud I served with them," Franks said.

[SmithL]

Thank you, General!

[Rokke]

"If his voting record ruled the day, Saddam Hussein would not only be running Iraq but Kuwait,"

What a great quote.

[KsSunflower]

Bush has to find a way to slide in the, "Sadam running Kuwait.." quote on Wednesday night. Homeland security is considered domestic, right??

Surely he will be able to slip it in there somehow.

[TheEnigma47]

I am still complely baffled as to WHY anyone who'd served in the military would vote for kerry.

[KsSunflower]

Bush has to find a way to slide in the, "Sadam running Kuwait.." quote on Wednesday night. Homeland security is considered domestic, right??

Surely he will be able to slip it in there somehow.

[hipaatwo]

FINALLY!!! Lock and load General Franks!

[KsSunflower]

Sorry for the double post!

[No Longer Free State]

I am still complely baffled as to WHY anyone who'd served in the military would vote for kerry.

Easy. There are still some left who joined for college tuition money.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

I am still complely baffled as to WHY anyone who'd served in the military would vote for kerry.

I wonder what Wesley Clark's answer to that riddle would be?

[oolatec]

I wasn't aware that Kerry had a record to criticize in the first place...

[gpapa]

I like this one too.

"There are two options: to fight them (terrorists) over there or to fight them over here. I'm an over-there-kind-of-guy," he said.

I'd add our goal is very simple, to prevent another 9-11 here at home.

[silent_jonny]

It's about time Franks got his act together and pushed for Bush publicly. Don't get me wrong, I think Franks is a good guy, but during the summer he showed symptoms of "retired general" disease, saying bizzare things like "absolutely" John Kerry would make a good commander-in-chief and "I'm a strong Independent ... leaning" toward Bush and complaining to the press that he wouldn't be allowed to speak at the RNC. Geez, it seems as soon as these generals put on civilian clothes they lose their common sense (eg. McPeak, Zinni, etc.). I'm glad Franks has finally made up his mind, but damn, it shouldn't have taken him this long.

[RedRepublic]

Yes, Thank you General Frank.
We need more of the administration's members to speack out for the president. We need Condi Rice, Collin Powell and Mel Martinez to come out to support President Bush. I heard from those figures time to time that the president himself asked them to stay neutral. But in a time like this, we need all the help we can get. And seems like the majority of black voters need to hear the truth who is really on their side, the snobby man from New England, or our president.

[Terp]

"If his voting record ruled the day, Saddam Hussein would not only be running Iraq but Kuwait"

What a great quote.

And true.

[no dems]

I don't know if he will or not; bless his heart. He seems to do a good job countering sKerry the day AFTER the debate. I wish he would have gotten more traction out of the Duelfer Report.

[soccer4life]

http://www.stolenhonor.com/

[45semi]

http://www.wral.com/news/3796547/detail.html
Soldiers Paying Close Attention To Presidential Race
FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Many people are interested in the presidential candidates' plans for the military, especially the troops themselves.
The U.S. Department of Defense says $2.7 million Americans are either on active duty, in the National Guard or in the reserves.
According to some Web sites, more than 80 percent voted in the last presidential election.

In a town like Fayetteville, politics and the armed forces go hand in hand.
It is common to see signs mentioning both the military and a candidate.

"It's important to care. You have to," Spc. Blake Graham said.

According to the Army Times, a popular newspaper among soldiers, President George W. Bush is the clear favorite.
The Army Times surveyed 4,000 soldiers. Those on active duty picked Bush with 72 percent of the vote.
Sen. John Kerry got 17 percent. Those in the Reserves and National Guard gave Bush 73 percent of the vote and Kerry received 18 percent.

For troops, the next president will have a big impact on their lives.

Yes, I live here in Fay. & served in the Army,
as did my brother, Uncles, Father, neighbors, friends, etc etc...
I dont know personally ONE person (in or out of the army) who is going to vote for sKerry...

[huynh1775]

As a Vietnamese, thanks to General Frank and the U.S. Armed Forces for coming to Vietnamese in trying to bring freedom and democracy to South Vietnamese. Thank you to those 58,000 men and women who gave up their live the well being of every South Vietnamese citizen.

As a U.S. Marines and a son of a former South Vietnam Military Colonel, it very painful for me personally whenever John Kerry bring up Vietnam. I think everyone appreciate the "Liberal Senator" senator in Vietnam, but his action after he return to stateside was below the belt.

The war in Vietnam wasn't decided on the battle field, but it was decided by the antiwar protesters. Let hope after this election, when President Bush return for a second term, the issues about Vietnam will never be mention again. To those of us refugee who are connected with the South Vietnamese Military, it a painful issues that will never go away. Specially when the person that gave the Communist of the North Vietnamese the ammunitions that they desperately need to promote their propaganda. Semper Fidelis, my fellow Americans!

[RedRepublic]

Thank you for your service.