Republicans see an opening for the first time.
Twitter erupted the moment the presser began.
Surrounded my veterans, including Marines, a Marine Corps League member started the press conference off with an emotional defense of Richard Blumenthal, which was followed by the chairman of Connecticut’s Vietnam Veteran Memorial.
Then Blumenthal spoke. He was defiant in defense of his service, but also took responsibility for “misspeaking.” He said saying “‘in’ instead of ‘during’ was unintentional.” However, he also said “I am responsible for my own statements… journalists make mistakes,” referring to articles that printed, including Slate.com, he had served in Vietnam. But he also stated that the New York Times denegrated his service in the Marine Reserves.
There’s no doubt that this press conference was moving, especially when the veterans’ groups representatives spoke. Mo Elleithee reportedly was handling the presser and the one to say “last question.”
If I’m a Republican I’m jumping all over this one. Local press will be, too, especially with regard to his five deferments to see if there’s another thread to pull.
Blumenthal was also asked about Linda McMahon’s involvement in this story but refused to comment; then kept talking, saying the press could draw their own conclusions by what her campaign did.
I would ask how the Repubs can make hay with this when their own favorite armchair warrior Cheney also had five deferments.But they don’t care about inconsitencies.
Anyone who lived through the times understand that many tried to get as many deferments as possible.It was a hellish war that many yong people did not believe in at all.
Let’s see what Lieberman does.
Here’s what we know. Of course the Repugs will jump all over this. If he were a Repug they would ALL stand by him including FOX NEWS.
It’s good to see Dodd standing by him, but thank God, that may be because he is no longer a Democrat after November. Which brings up his real problem: the only people who he cannot really count on are his fellow Dems. They are the spineless ones who will scurry for the hills. They may be the wishy-washy ones who want to wait and see which way the wind blowing before they commit.
Now is the time for him to line up three or four respected Marine surrogates to watch his back who will blast anyone who dares attack their man while he stays above the fray.
This does not look good for Richard Blumenthal. He should not have lied period !! It does not matter if its a republican that lies or a democrat that lies, its still wrong !!! Linda McMahan seems she is is wanting that senate seat. Richard Blumenthal also lied about being on the Harvard swimming team. I was watching Chris Matthews and he thinks Richard Blumenthal needs to quit politics. I am not much of a fan of Chris Matthews but on this one I agree. I think this gave a opening to the republicans thats for sure.
I don’t have time to watch the show, but it is election day, so I did.
But geez, Chris Matthews ripped the bark off Blumenthal today. Simmons is on “Hardball” tomorrow.