Proving once again what a genius he is when it comes to political acumen, John Kerry seems to have insulted all the U.S. troops in Iraq by implying they're uneducated and not "smart".
You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.
Way to support the troops, Senator! What's he going to do next, compare them to Ghengis Khan? Oops, been there, done that already. Political pundits sometimes define a "gaffe" as accidentally letting the truth slip out. Will Kerry and his fellow Democrats be compelled by the Democrat-leaning press to answer for this in the next week? Is calling our troops stupid better or worse than calling some opposing campaign staffer "macaca"? We'll see if the MSM gives this as much coverage. We will not hold our breath.
More:
Michelle Malkin has a big roundup of reactions.
Patterico's Pontifications, anticipates the post-gaff spin:
I’ll play Devil’s Advocate: Kerry is talking about Bush and not the troops.
At least that’s what his spokesman will say tomorrow.
That just won't fly, given that the president is highly educated (with degrees from Yale and Harvard).
UPDATE: Kerry responds to his critics with his typical grace and humility.
[...] Senator John Kerry at Pasadena City College: You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq. (source) [...]
Pingback by In the Bullpen » Senator Kerry: If You’re Stupid, You’re in Iraq — October 31, 2006 @ 9:15 am October 31, 2006
jean Francois Qerie calls US troops idiots....
jean Francois Qerie calls US troops idiots....
Trackback by discarded lies - hyperlinkopotamus — October 31, 2006 @ 9:17 am October 31, 2006
Get real.
Anybody with a brain in their head knows he was referring to being trapped in the Iraqi fiasco, versus having the opportunity to attend college, etc.
You people on the far, far, far right will say literally ANYTHING to defend the mess Bush has created.
Comment by Gene — October 31, 2006 @ 10:00 am October 31, 2006
When the Right says something offensive, the dismiss it as defying the PC establishment.
When the Left says something truthful, it's considered as offensive? Give me a break!
Comment by Kevin Miles — October 31, 2006 @ 10:05 am October 31, 2006
The truth hurts. Especially for those who make a living off of lies. The fact is that the enlisted ranks across all services now accepts those with a lower I.Q. than previous to the Iraq war. The fact is that many young servicemen and women are bigots and their bigotry becomes obvious in foreign countries. The military spends little or no time educating troops on how to relate to natives of different countries in which we are the foreigners. It is our obligation to learn their languages, not they ours unless they choose to come to the U.S., something that is becoming less likely as this administration continues to ruin our country's reputation around the world.
The U.S. was better off with the draft. At least with the draft the military more equally represented all segments of our society rather than the gung ho brainwashed, and the too simple and too immature to function appropriately in foreign countries. This is nothing new. It has been a problem for centuries.
Our ambassadors should speak the language of the country each is sent to. Prior to 9/11 the U.S. had so few translators who could speak or read Farci that the C.I.A. advertised for seventy, (count them - 70,) translators the following day. Graham, who served on the Foreign Intelligence Committee stated in his recent book that if our intelligence agencies had done the most basic of intelligence gathering techniques - the reading of publications from foreign countries - the would have discovered that the 9/11 plot appeared in Egyptian newspapers prior to 9/11.
There is no secret that military recruiters have been seeking out recruits from poor rural and urban areas. Drop outs, the young unemployed, and certain non-violent ex-cons are now being accepted in the enlisted ranks of the military. Think about it. Who on earth with even half of a brain would volunteer to fight in an unnecessary war, some say illegal war of invasion of a country that represented no immediate or short term threat to the U.S. Iraq was well contained because the economic sanctions had crippled the nation and its military. With constant fly overs, occasional bombings and inspections Iraq was barely prepared to defend itself against its neighbors let alone have a showdown with the U.S.
The currenat administration has tried to conflate Iraq into the worst threat since Nazi Germany. The fact is that while the effort to do so was not completely unsuccessful, it was foolish for anyone to believe it, and a measure of the ignorance of those who did.
Comment by gc wall — October 31, 2006 @ 10:14 am October 31, 2006
GC Wall , you are a stupid ass! Kerry is such a fool - and an asset to Conservatives-
He is demeaning himself by saying such things about the armed forces.
Comment by jms — October 31, 2006 @ 10:41 am October 31, 2006
how many on this board would send their kids to iraq...knowing what you know now?
let's take a guess: ZERO
Comment by Gene — October 31, 2006 @ 10:46 am October 31, 2006
I am a Democrat, and I must denounce both Kerry's words and their obvious intent as well as his utter tone-deafness in the closing days of a congressional campaign.
I am not obligated, nor is anybodu else, to parse Kerry's words for their 'true intent'. The words he spoke are condemnable.
Comment by Walt B — October 31, 2006 @ 10:47 am October 31, 2006
I interviewed Kerry about ten years ago for a documentary about veterans. It was clear during that interview that he was condenscending and arrogant about his fellow vets.Over the course of time, I'd interviewed several other veterans for the project including Bob Kerrry, Chuck Hagel and Jim Webb. None came close to the pure snobbery of Kerry. I decided way back then that he was an ass and a blowhard.
Comment by Bill — October 31, 2006 @ 11:03 am October 31, 2006
My only thought is that where do you draw the line? Who else would you like to stereo-type as being perfect for this war? Is there another group of people that should be over there fighting in Iraq vs. farm-boy(girl), uneducated types. Seems like a slippery-slope to me.
The fact is that the majority of the people in Iraq and surrounding areas want to kill us.
And it isn't just because G.W. is our president and it isn't because we can't speak or understand the language.
It is because we are not Islamic and don't bow to Allah. I have heard people complain and complain
all the time about this war. But the bottom-line this is a religious war, not political.
Frankly, I am glad that this country you are free to bow to whoever you want if you so choose.
We have it good here. You have it good because you can say those things about the current administration
without being beheaded. I don't care what Kerry says. But one thing I do care about is that I have freedom from persecution because I am not Islamic. Freedom to make choices as to what god I want to serve or follow. If we don't put an end to this type of thinking it will slowly infuse itself into our culture and the very freedoms that we enjoy today will be gone.
Maybe I am ignorant, maybe I should be over there fighting in the war (the fact is I am not). But
be glad for the freedoms that those who are over there fight for. Maybe in your eyes this is an "illegal" war? But what do you recommend? Would you rather bow to Allah?
Comment by Fred W. — October 31, 2006 @ 12:05 pm October 31, 2006
Are they really despicable Republican attacks; or just denunciations of your vitriol?
John Kerry, you are not a veteran; you are just someone who wore the uniform. Those of us who have served know the difference!
Comment by Rick Parrott — October 31, 2006 @ 12:08 pm October 31, 2006
Gene,
I commanded a squadron and have served for over 20 years. My son is on his third tour in Iraq/Afghanistan.
I'm very proud of what he has he has accomplished and what our military has accomplished in the Global War on Terrorism.
By the way, a few years back one of my troops retired after 20 years of service.
I requested letters of appreciation from her home state Senators for her service.
Senator Kennedy sent a very nice letter. Senator Kerry never responded.
jms...you called it correct
Comment by dph — October 31, 2006 @ 12:51 pm October 31, 2006
It's amazing that Gene thinks anyone's opinion that doesn't agree with him is far, far right.
Gene uses the same phrasing and terminology that the liberal press spews, but claims to think for himself, the enlightened man he is. With 20/20 hindsight, it's amazing how many liberals have proven their intelligence quota. Tell me this Gene, how did the color associated with the right become Red? When I grew up in America, Red was associated with Communism, Socialism, anarchy and the other virtues espoused by the LEFT, not the far, far, far right. When did the map of America change on television to Red for the GOP? During the Clinton administration, probably about the same time as the flag burning, dope smoking, intellectual moved into the White House.
It is appalling for a US Naval officer to imply by his remarks what Kerry contributed this week. Period.
Comment by Ozzie — October 31, 2006 @ 1:14 pm October 31, 2006
[...] Tuesday - October 31, 2006 « « John Kerry: US troops in Iraq not smart, uneducated | MAIN | John Kerry responds to critics of his insult of U.S. troops [...]
Pingback by The Unalienable Right » John Kerry responds to critics of his insult of U.S. troops — October 31, 2006 @ 2:21 pm October 31, 2006
I don't understand why "intellectual" is a disgrace; in fact, even being a dumbass is not a disgrace. It is what one does with his mind dumb or smart that matters. It also matters a great deal how emotionally mature a person is. What matters even more is the willingness to sacrifice for a cause. So far almost all the sacrifice for the Iraq War has been made by the poor and the middle class. The upper classes have sacrificed nothing; not their tax-cuts, not their luxuries, not their arrogance, and not one drop of sweat. The Iraq War is not being fought for America, it is being fought for the profits of energy companies, defense contractors, and those who invest in them.
If the U.S. cannot win the hearts and minds of Islamic people, then yes we will have to fight their bigotry, just as it is necessary to fight our own. Considering that Arab nations do not have nuclear missiles, a massive navy or air force, nor intelligence gathering technology as the U.S. has, excuse me if I'm wrong, but I do not perceive them as a real threat.
If any of the Arab nations were to get too terribly out of line the U.S. could turn their nations into contaminated glass, and Allah wouldn't do a damn thing to stop it. The only behavior that makes them dangerous is their willingness to die for a belief in a heaven that does not exist. Once they are educated to what nonsense it is to believe that 72 virgins and martydom awaits them rather than simply becoming dung beetle food, their willingness to die for a superstition, that has not served them well, will end.
Comment by gc wall — October 31, 2006 @ 4:14 pm October 31, 2006
I've only read what Kerry said and have not seen the video tape so I can't claim to know what he meant. One thing I do know is that actions speak louder than words. And it's the actions of the current administration which go far beyond insulting the troops and the American people. Twisting the tragedy of 9/11 into the decietful war in Iraq, for personal gain is an absolute disgrace. Starting an unecessary war, based on lies with no plan to win is beyond an insult, it is treasonous. Any of you out there who thought invading Iraq and establishing a Western style democracy in anything less than 10 years for under 1 trillion dollars you were and are dillusional.
Comment by Richard Samuels — October 31, 2006 @ 4:15 pm October 31, 2006
I am currently serving in the USMC. I am totally offended by some of the comments you have all made. While in high school I had a 3.8 gpa. Wow yea I'm an idiot. I could have made it into several good colleges. I chose to join the military so I could serve my country, not because I'm stupid. The thought of one of our Senators calling the troops stupid is a complete insult and is unacceptable and the idea that some of you support this f***ed up, yes f***ed up, way of thinking, really shows how stupid you are. For once how about you say thank you for what the troops are doing for you. I don't see you out there risking your life so that people back home can insult you.
Comment by NIck Vana — October 31, 2006 @ 4:43 pm October 31, 2006
How dare anyone defend John Kerry's statements. If you did research you'd find that the enlisted personnell in the military are
more educated than 75% of the general US public. Also, 99.9% of enlisted personell have at LEAST a high school education.
73.3 percent have some college, 16.2 percent have an associate’s degree or equivalent semester hours, and 4.7 have a bachelor’s degree.
What’s more, over 85 percent of field grade officers have advanced degrees – 70.7 percent have master’s degrees, 12.1 percent have professional degrees and 2.5 percent have doctorate degrees
-http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/10/31/135841.shtml
This isn't the first time Kerry has said something so distasteful. He has stated that our soldiers terrorise, rape, and torture women at night in Iraq, which is false...This shows Democrats who they really are. As a party in general, the Democrats have never been for defense and have continually voted for defense cuts. Clinton's administration was notorious for this. I do not understand why anyone would elect him senator when he says that. Disagree with the foreign policy but support the troops. If you listen to anyone who has recently come back from Iraq they will inform you that the drive-by media is misrepresenting whats happening over there. The drive-by media will not cover any good news comming from Iraq. Instead CNN decides to give the terrorists a "fare share" by airing a propoganda video showing them sniping U.S. Soldiers. However if CNN got a video from the US military they wouldn't air it because they'd consider it biased, and military propoganda. Servicemen and women commign abck from Iraq state that there is a lot of good happening in Iraq but we don't hear that..No we get daily death counts. However, if you look at the violence here in America California has more violent crimes and death than Iraq. California has more homocides, rapes, and assaults. These are deaths from crimes not war! In war people die. War is not pretty. But no one reports that in America you are more likely to die from violent crime than die in Iraq.
Comment by Brian — October 31, 2006 @ 5:19 pm October 31, 2006
How's the Iraq war going?
Left, right or sitting on the fence with the fence post stuck up their butt ... The entire cadre of representatives of We the People have failed the duty of bringing the nation together as one and supporting and upholding the dignity of those who serve us to defend us...
The proof? The divisive tone of this entire thread.
Comment by Been There Done That — October 31, 2006 @ 9:32 pm October 31, 2006
Firt off I'd like to say thanks to Nick for his service to the country and say that I certainly don't believe that our service men and women are in any way uneducated.
Having said that I have to say that Kerry wasn't saying that either. Of course people on the right are wilfully chosing to misunderstand Senator Kerry's comments, but It is certainly nothing new for Democrats to decry the ignorance (and many would say lack of intelligence) of our president and point it out as a factor in his poor descision making.
The editors would have you believe that because Bush went to Yale Kerry couldn't possible have been refering to him as uneducated, but how often have we heard Bush compared with a chimpanzee or described as stupid. Or how about "Bushisms" (those classic statements where Bush sounds like a mix between Yogi Berra and a 7th grade dropout). Given such a history when it comes to bashing Bush's intelligence, can the editors of (and so many commentors on) this blog seriously believe that there is no possibility that Kerry was actually just trying present Bush as stupid? Puhleez!
Comment by Bob_L — October 31, 2006 @ 11:04 pm October 31, 2006
Bush hardly maintained a C average while
mommy and daddy sent him off to the best university money could buy.
Then Daddy bought him a football team and George junior played around with that for a while.
The man is average, common, and no leader. Of course he's bogged down in Iraq, what did you expect from C grade material.
You rarely get a Clinton who was a Rhodes scholar or Fulbright I forget which.
But we the people should expect and demand a quality mind to take charge of the highest office of the land.
We can do better. Unload these republicans who spy on you and just took take away you rights to your home. How?; by putting their boys into the supreme court, which recently made a law for the rich who can now evict you from your property if they want to develop it.
This party is dangerous and is pulling terrible karma down on the heads of everyone who voted to keep them in office and this war going.
We can do better. We deserve better.
Daniel S.
Comment by Daniel Springhill — October 31, 2006 @ 11:52 pm October 31, 2006
Ah, nothing like the smell of fake outrage in the air! Kerry was obviously poking fun at Bush's lack of intelligence in dumping thousands of troops into Iraq. Jokes about Bush's stupidity are nothing new, and Kerry clearly expected everyone, even the dumb***es on this site who can't understand plain English, to get the joke. Dick Armey, for example, laughed at the Republican's fake anger and made it clear that those who read the entire transcript would get what Kerry was poking fun at.
Comment by GeorgeBushCan'tUnderstandEnglish — October 31, 2006 @ 11:55 pm October 31, 2006
Bob,
"...but how often have we heard Bush compared with a chimpanzee or described as stupid...."
We agree, there are a lot of Democrats out there with absolutely no class or decency. John Kerry is only one of them.
Comment by The Editors — November 1, 2006 @ 8:21 am November 1, 2006
Thank you editors. It sounds like you're agreeing with me that Kerry was directing his comments at Bush and not the troops.
[It sounds like poor Bob can't read very well - The Editors]
Comment by Bob_L — November 1, 2006 @ 9:50 am November 1, 2006
I can't believe he said that!
i am canadian and follow U.S. news and have very close ties with the the U.S.
Alot of my family and friends are American.
I was greatly offended by his idiotic remark.
I could not begin to imagine what shape the U.S. or better yet the world would be in if Kerry was in power during and after nine eleven.
What would he do , put his tail between his legs and run away/ perhaps hide like BinLaden . That 's right i said it , his comment shows about as much respect to the active and fallen soldiers , victims and families of nine eleven and americans in general as "the coward" himself.
He appologized to all Americans but he should have appologized to the world. Even if he did, it should not be accepted by anyone.
Sincerely,
Keith Hawco
Nova Scotia, Canada
Comment by keith hawco — November 1, 2006 @ 2:56 pm November 1, 2006
regarding nick vana's comment ( #17 )
WAY to go man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Comment by keith hawco — November 1, 2006 @ 3:02 pm November 1, 2006
I rank Kerry and Bush about the same in
intelligence. The only difference is that Kerry might have a bit more spiritual understanding than Bush, but not much.
The thing is that the American people can do much better than these two mediocure types. We deserve the best. But we can't get it until we the people wake up and stop letting the two parties divide us into quarelling camps. Ghengis Kahn once said, 'divide and conquer.' Our present leaders do not have an attitude that they are supposed to be our representatives. They, because of our attitude take on a celebrity status and go off to serve their own party, not us.
Many people may still remember Pat Brown the California Gov. He was thought to be one of the best leaders ever. Why?
Because he refused to go to the left or the right. He always made his decisions somewhere in the middle of the road, as to what would be the best decision for the whole of the people.
We have lost that and need to gain it back. But we can't if we the people refuse to listen to each other and remain in a left, right camp, fighting each other like fools. There is a way and it can be a peaceful way, but believe me, the powers that be would fight it tooth and nail.
Daniel Springhill
Comment by Daniel Springhill — November 1, 2006 @ 3:24 pm November 1, 2006
I can't believe some of the garbage that comes out of people's mouths. I don't really care if you are a Dem. or a Rep. Neither party should even acknowledge one word that flies out of this moron's mouth. He's nothing but a tree hugging bigot! I've served my country and am proud of all who have served it with me. I'm only 28 and still have a long way to go, but my education moves right along with me. Some of the brightest people that I have ever known are in the military.
I don't know how anyone can defend or misconstrue John Kerry's comments. Unbelievable! Boy am I glad we didn't get stuck with that guy during the last election!
Comment by Sgt. Air Force — November 1, 2006 @ 3:32 pm November 1, 2006
Who cares what some Democrat spews out of his mouth? Nothing will change
the fact that Iraq is/was the worst decision made by one government.
[Pete, that's not a fact, it is your opinion. Learn the difference. - The Editors.]
Comment by Pete — November 1, 2006 @ 5:06 pm November 1, 2006
Ok I have another comment to make. Lets say Kerry didnt mean what he said, which is totally possible. I'll even be generous and give him that, but him not apologizing in the first place is totally unacceptable. How hard would it have been for him to come out and say "I am sorry if my words were missunderstood. I did not mean to direct this towards our troops and am sorry if they took my words as an insult." Instead though yesterday he said he would not apologize to anyone. Now yes today he did come out and do this, but only after political pressure from not only Republicans but also fellow Democrats. Only after no longer being invited to political rallies and pressure by his own advisors would he come out and apologize. Whether he meant to say it or not, his actions afterwords truly shows how he feels.
Also thank you for all those supporting us out there and thank you Brian for the link ot the statistics. Great info to have. Th
Comment by NIck Vana — November 1, 2006 @ 8:05 pm November 1, 2006
Well folks... my son came home from Iraq in September and returns in January.
I have listened and read to what has been said. I have observered his (Kerry) actions and words from the past and current.
Saying it was a joke is only a clever (he thinks) way of trying to cover for he himself being stupid in the mouth.
Years ago I coined the phase 'crainial rectal inversion syndrome' and that is exactly what Kerry is a victim of.
I am happy to see everyone scrambling to distance themselves from this joke of a man.
My son is not stupid, he chose to enlist and is proud to serve, as I am of him.
It is sad that so many 'wealthy' (either in money or status) people feel that alone gives them the right to flap their lips and get press and recognition. Maybe it is time the real people out there start to voice our opposition to those with an entitlement attitude.
We are there now regardless of how it came to be... let's finish the job and help keep all of us safe, even those that are afflicted with crainial rectal inversion syndrome.
-Stephen Foster
Comment by Stephen Foster — November 2, 2006 @ 3:00 pm November 2, 2006
what john kerry said was rude and down right mean our troops are over in iraq
fighting for all of those who lost thier lives on september 11th for those
who have already died in iraq/ the middle east. THEY fight so WE dont have to! our troops are doing a great job i ( like alot of other americans) have family
members over in iraq right now fighting for this country. i personally think
that john kerry is still mad that he didnt become president in the past
election this is a man who voted to give the money to NASA instead of making
sure that the troops that are over fighting for this country are safe with
body armor and guns. I love that now today after he mad this comment no one
has seen or heard from him being that he has gotten so much heat about it. To
all of those people who dont like the way this country is running i just want to say that NO ONE IS FORCING YOU to live in this country there are plenty of other places to live like canada ( if you dont like the idea of war correct me if im mistaken but im pretty sure that canada isnt fighting in any war right now so i mean it perfect for you guys because in canada they are all pretty rude also!) President Bush is extacly that our President and yall need to treat him with respect he is doing a great job with this war and yall just need to remember what we are fighting for. here are some
lyrics from Darryl Worley about rememebering what we are fighting for
I hear people saying we don't need this war
I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground?
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start preaching
Let me ask you this my friend
CHORUS 1
Have you forgotten how it felt that day
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away?
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside
Going through a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it every day
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right
Comment by Tiffany F. E — November 2, 2006 @ 4:26 pm November 2, 2006
It doesn't matter if you are left or right, anyone in the public eye who makes a statement such as
the one Kerry made deserves criticism. He should apologize, not by a statement on his web site,
But in the public eye where he first made his ignorant comment.
I personally do not trust him. During his presidential campaign he stated over and over again that
he had a plan for Iraq, but couldn't give any kind of idea what it was. Judging by his comments
since the election everything tells me, had he been elected, he would have already pulled troops
out. Thus bringing the battle to the U.S. That scares the hell out of me.
If you know someone in the military thank them for me. They know what is at stake. That in itself
makes them smarter than Kerry.
Comment by Lee — November 2, 2006 @ 7:49 pm November 2, 2006
Nick, actually I have to agree with you. While I don't think Kerry was directing his remarks at the troops, if he had just come out the same day and said "I can understood how my remarks might have been misunderstood and I apologize..." that would have been much better for everyone. Unfortunately I think he thought the only outrage was that being drummed up by Bush and the Republicans and he didn't get it that real people out there were hurt by his remarks.
Comment by Bob_L — November 2, 2006 @ 10:47 pm November 2, 2006