Linda McMahon Goes Hunting, Gets Blumenthal’s Scalp

–updated– (also see video of press conference)

At a 2008 ceremony in front of the Veterans War Memorial Building in Shelton, he praised the audience for paying tribute to troops fighting abroad, noting that America had not always done so. “I served during the Vietnam era,” he said. “I remember the taunts, the insults, sometimes even physical abuse.” – Candidate’s Words on Vietnam Service Differ From History

Never underestimate what a female will do to win. The last time we saw a wrestler take down like this one was when Jesse Ventura became governor.

The piece, fed to the paper by the Linda McMahon Seante campaign, is accompanied by a chilling 2008 video of Blumenthal blithely making the false claim. – McMahon Strikes. Turns Blumenthal into Bruce Caputo.

If you don’t know the name Bruce Caputo you’re not alone. But if you know anything about Tim Russert’s dig deep political style that he took to “Meet the Press,” but also into his presidential debate moderation, it won’t surprise you.

Whether Linda McMahon is at the heart of the New York Times story or not, you can bet the opposition research engine that is against Mr. Blumenthal shared what they had with her team (at the very least). As someone who’s been involved on oppo campaign hit teams before, I also wouldn’t be shocked if McMahon’s people had their hands on this one, but as is often customary, the candidate is kept out of it directly.

It’s a righteous political blow that hits directly at Blumenthal. Lies are fair game.

“Since the days I served in Vietnam” are the words that are currently ringing forth, even as the DSCC does their best at damage control.

Linda McMahon didn’t miss a beat, widely circulating the article from the New York Times.

Rob Simmons, who actually did serve in Vietnam, released this statement:

“As someone who served, I respect Richard Blumenthal for wearing the uniform, but I am deeply troubled by allegations that he has misrepresented his service,” Simmons said. “Too many have sacrificed too much to have their valor stolen in this way. I hope Mr. Blumenthal steps forward and forthrightly addresses the questions that have arisen about this matter.”

To add, Ben Smith posts a classic cannibal moment, with Simmons now attacking McMahon on the issue.

Richard Blumenthal is scheduled to give a press conference, and according to Sam Stein on “Morning Joe,” he will have members of veterans groups behind him. Unfortunately, Blumenthal’s team already came out swinging at the New York Times reporting, saying it’s an exaggeration, according to a statement read on MJ today.

Wrong move. They need the Jack Ryan approach. “Give them no place to go, nothing to report, no story.” This is obviously what was done in the video of Blumenthal shown here, but there are too many other instances and opportunities where he lied by omission.

Ambition is a treacherous wave to ride. It will take you down if you don’t control it.

If Blumenthal survives, one thing is certain, it’s quite likely the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth will be back for a command performance in Connecticut.