Sunday, February 22, 2004
Going on two years, we still remember the defeat of Max Cleland in the Georgia senate race. Cleland's name has become an instant reminder of the ruthlessness of Republican campaigners - not least of which because his rival, Saxby Chambliss, seems to think he can now bash Kerry on his stance on defense. Chambliss, we all know, used an ad campaign placing Cleland's image beside those of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. As you also probably know, Cleland lost three limbs in Vietnam.
The conservative counterattack has been to question the Democratic description of Max Cleland as a war hero - since he did lose his limbs in an accident when he picked up a faulty grenade that a comrade had dropped. It wasn't enough for them to question his commitment to his country.
Joe Conason cites an Army report on Cleland's performance under fire before the tragic accident:
In 2000, Al Gore made a real mistake by not holding the Republicans to account for the impeachment farce. Kerry has been willing to cite Cleland's treatment and this does deserve to be made common knowledge. If the conservative commentariat thinks they can dodge this by questioning Cleland's record further, there is no end to the hole they are digging for themselves.
The conservative counterattack has been to question the Democratic description of Max Cleland as a war hero - since he did lose his limbs in an accident when he picked up a faulty grenade that a comrade had dropped. It wasn't enough for them to question his commitment to his country.
Joe Conason cites an Army report on Cleland's performance under fire before the tragic accident:
When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Capt. Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to covered positions. Continuing to expose himself, Capt. Cleland organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion communications equipment which had been damaged by enemy fire. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
In 2000, Al Gore made a real mistake by not holding the Republicans to account for the impeachment farce. Kerry has been willing to cite Cleland's treatment and this does deserve to be made common knowledge. If the conservative commentariat thinks they can dodge this by questioning Cleland's record further, there is no end to the hole they are digging for themselves.
