Why do military donations favor Obama over McCain?
Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When it comes to the money race, it appears Barack Obama is ahead on the battlefield. Members of the military are donating more money to Obama than to the military man John McCain. A lot more money.
A nonpartisan organization called the "Center for Responsive Politics" reports U.S. troops serving abroad have given almost six times as much money to the Democrat Obama as they have to the Republican McCain.
Watch: Cafferty: Military $ for Obama?
These are pretty shocking results when you consider that historically military donations favor the Republican. Also, McCain is a decorated war hero who spent almost 5 years as a POW in Vietnam. He graduated from the U-S Naval Academy and was a naval aviator for 22 years. His military experience is a big part of his candidacy. Obama has never served a day in the military.
It might just mean that Obama's message of being against the war in Iraq is resonating with the people who have been called on to fight it. Obama says he would pull out all combat troops from Iraq within 16 months.
McCain has been a staunch supporter of the war and insists the U.S. will only withdraw troops when the conditions on the ground are right. At one point, McCain suggested the United States could be in Iraq for 100 years.
Here’s my question to you: Why are members of the military donating more money to Barack Obama despite John McCain’s military background?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Michael from Greenfield, Wisconsin writes:
As a Vietnam era ex-Marine veteran with a son who is in the Army and was wounded in Iraq in 2003, I would never give a penny to John McCain. I personally do not know any other veterans who are donating to McCain either. Jack, veterans hate war, wrong wars, and the people who talk so cavalierly about waging them. Usually those who never served during war, or never served at all, are the ones who talk so loosely about war. The veterans who I knew that liked war were either stupid, crazy, homicidal, or all of the above. Where does that leave McCain?
Ronald writes:
As a resident of Arizona and a combat veteran, I have had occasion to contact "our" senator on a matter of interest to veterans. Not only did his staff do nothing, they didn't even have the courtesy to acknowledge they received my emails (2). McCain can say he is "always there" for veterans, but that is just hot air. Contrary to what George Bush said, both he and McCain opposed the new GI bill.
Shana writes:
As an active duty sailor who has been in the Navy for the entire Bush administration, I am tired – sick and tired of fighting in a war I opposed from the beginning. I did donate to Obama's campaign because the U.S. needs change and not more of McBush. Who wants to spend 100 years in Iraq if need be? Not me. If McSame is elected, I would have spent my whole 20 years in the military in Iraq.
David from Tampa, Florida writes:
Jack, The reason is the lower ranks, guys with their butts on the line doing the dirty work, want to return home quickly. They will support that candidate who will extract them from harm’s ways, they hope. Higher-ranking officers, who spend most of their time brown-nosing for their next promotion and are in the rear areas and pretty much out of harm’s way, support those they believe will increase their lot in life. Respectfully a Vietnam era vet.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
McCain means more war. The military is becoming war weary.
Because they know that under a McCain presidency, they would likely be deployed fighting one war or another for the balance of their enlistments. Under Obama, there is a chance they would return home soon.
It shows they too want change and hope for a future without unwanted wars.
They favor Obama because he's the one telling them that they would be able to come home and live their lives.
Maybe because the members of the armed forces don't want to stay in a war for the next 100 years.
Because military personnel are pragmatists, and know that an open-ended war is bad, both for the country and the economny, but also are a direct threat to their lives. As a military brat myself, and a Viet Nam era veteran myself, McCain's vastly overrated "military background" gives me no confidence in him at all, plus he has consistently voted to undermine the Veteran's Rights and benefits. Our enlisted military survive on barely minimum wages for putting their lives on the line, and in return are promised certain future benefits. McCain has tried repeatedly to reduce those benefits, while keeping them in harm's way. Our military isn't stupid!
out of curiosity jack, what percentage of military donors are black as opposed to the white donors? answer that and you will probably get the answer to Your question.
The members of the military are tired of repeatedly being sent back to Iraq and Afghanistan and not being allowed to leave when their enlistment is up. They want to come home to their families and friends alive and in one sane piece.
Because nobody hates war more than the military. McCain has said so himself.
They are fed up with bushwar, They don’t want any more of their loved ones killed in a needless, senseless self aggrandizing war for the Bush/Cheney egos. And they know Obama will do what he can to extract us from that stupid situation.
Jack,
I think it's fair to note that Ron Paul received more donations from active miliatery personnel than either of these clowns in the primaries. Dr. Paul is a true conservative and is fighting to bring the troops home. McCain is a Neo-conservative and wants to bring the troops back on "our terms". Obama just wants to bring the troops home.
If you ask me, it looks like their looking out for their best interests by supporting Obama. They aren't looking at the best interests of you or I or the best interests of the Iraqis. But do you blame them?
Warren – Detroit, MI
Because they are tired of going back to Iraq over and over again. Need I say more?
Paul
Texas
Dear Jack
Isn't it obvious our troop realize the 8 years of disgraceful foreign policy ever in the Republicans and many realizer McCain offers no difference. McCain will do more of the same but worse. McCain has a bad temper. He has already used the same tuff talk like Bush that has got us into trouble already. If the Republicans are so go why is the economy not better. Failed policy. I take my chances on the other guy. New ideas and solutions.
we must have missed that poll. my husband is retired (over 20), disabled, US Army. saddened over years by base closures and depleting of our military. We're not prepared to defend our own.
These men and women are on the front lines of this war. They know better than anyone that the US government made a huge mistake and they're doing what they can to say...NOT ON MY WATCH.
The average soldier is like the rest of America. Sick of the lies and incompetence of his masters.
Because Obama wants to keep American troops and America's billions here in the United States in order to help us, not the country where we have already lost more than four thousand of our prescious men and women!!
I'm a USN veteran and I have definitively NOT donated a cent to the Obama campaign.
Jack,
Our service men and women favor Obama because they know that Sen Obama had the good judgement not to vote for the unwarrented invasion of Iraq. He will end the "occupation" we have sacrificed lives, treasure and our economy for. McCain wants to stay the course till hell actually freezes over.
Their hoping that maybe, just maybe an Obama presidency will get them the hell out of an illegal occupation. You cannot, I type again, CANNOT "WIN" an occupation.
Your blog on this is not yet up. I have my doubts about this poll.
Of course, some respondents simply want to get out of Iraq, and who can blame them? But I would be a bit dubious about the prospects of either nominee getting us out as quickly as they have inplied recently.
Anyone who does a little digging will soon learn of all the bills that would benefit the military that McCain has voted against, including funding for medical treatment for veterans on more than one occasion. One veterans' group gives McCain a "D" rating and Obama a "B+." Apparently, the troops donating to Obama are doing more research than many of the citizens at home.
I hate to postulate Jack, but could it be because they're sick and tired of getting shot at?
Soldiering is a young man's (and woman's) responsibility and the younger generations are far more in line with Barack's thinking than McCain. If you were to look at retirees/veterans, they may have given more to McCain but their time has come and gone. New leadership is prepared to take over and pull this country back up to its heights of glory!
Soldiers know that a strong military prevents war, not starts them. They also know that if MCCain gets into office, they will be fighting over and over again. At least with Obama as POTUS, they know that diplomacy and talk with come before a war. If we keep talking, there is no war. The only time war begins is when everybody quits talking and McCain starts calling everybody our "enemy".
"Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war: neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
– Hermann Goerring
--------------------------–
"Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."
– Julius Caesar
McCain wants a war for the war he never was in, unlike Jim Webb or Chuck Hagel. McCain never experienced being a ground combatant. Apparently many people do not see McCain as a military leader. He got into Anapolis because he father and grandfather were 4 star admirals. He graduated 894th out of 899 students. His claim to fame was being a POW, a victim of circumstances. That is not a hero. He's gotten more out of his POW status than all POW's have since the beginning of time. Only on rare circumstances will war be benifical over negotiation.
When you are apart of an organization, you recognize what's good for you. Military folk recognize, even with all McCain's "hero" status and all, he is a "Military Elitist". He doesn't have a good record in taking care of the guys on the ground. Besides the bgwigs don't have much respect for him either, as demostrated by General Clark.
Jack, It's simple they know Obama has their back's.McCain's votes for veterans does not show he has any regard for them now or in the future.All McCain is concerned about is that we all know he was a POW, at least he got to come home . Over 4100 fine young men and women did not and if he has his way there will be many more that will not .
Connie from Indiana
Because McBush lives in the past and sees no problem keeping our military in action forever. Even the military want a light at the end of the tunnel. They see Obama as an alternative to the war mongering McBush who lives for the glory of war. I'm sure that had he been the president right now instead of Bush, that we would already have troops in Georgia . They are donating to Obamas campaign because they are tired and ready for a change in policy, as are the rest of us.
The thing is, McCain and his republican friends are all about war and waste billions of dollars that could be use in part, to help the many veterans that they always forget about. It's a shame that many of our troops don't have the means to overcome the physical and emotional trauma they suffer. Again, the white house have the priorities mixed up. They should be more worry about what happens inside the country first.
Isn't it obvious, just check the voting records of both of them, McCain has voted against the military 80% of the time, Obama has voted for the military 80% of the time, in spite of what you hear, check the records.
Because they know that military action is not the answer to everything. They are young and hopeful for their futures, and that is what Obama represents. McCain represents the past.
Obama is getting more donations from the military because the military guys have seen IN PERSON the needless and costly war in Iraq. The reason claimed for going to war has been proved inaccurate (WMD); the real reason the administration led us into war has to do with oil and Bush/Cheney ignorance and lack of concern for ordinary people. How many American lives have been affected by their views? It makes me very sad that is why I support OBAMA 08.
Jack, the first reason is that most of the members of our armed forces are poor and most of them are minorities. That automatically makes most of them democrats.
The second reason is that Obama wants to end the war in Iraq and John McCain wants to fight until some mythical point of victory appears. Then John McCain wants to declare war on Iran and Russia and Australia and France and South Africa and whoever else doesn't agree with him that day. MOst service people have had enough war.
Jack,
Maybe because the soldiers would like to spend some part of the next several decades at home instead of in the Middle East, Russia, Georgia (unless you favor southern cooking and hospitality) and any other hot spot the Bush and Cheney can manage to get us into before their terms end thankfully on January 20. 2009. They see McCain as a Republican and the Republicans have totally mismanaged the war front(s). They just want to come home.
Jack,
Let's face it McCain served in the military and has been in congress for 26 years, yet, it took Obama's coming to the senate to stop the government from charging wounded soldiers in walter reed phone bills, McCain would not support bill that was meant to help the soldiers pay for college because he felt they would not serve their country aquired education, Obama supported and voted for the bill. I am sure those military men giving money to McCain are the top echelons that have access to everything just like McCain himself.
Jack, perhaps too many are discusted with Bush and his administration, whose orders have only brought us into a quagmire.. and they believe McCain will only continue them. Perhaps if we were not bogged down in iraq, we may have had more of a chance to get involved in the real crisis between Georgia and Russia - McCain would want to see us stuck in the middle east for the next century. Also, so many are family members who want the best for their loved ones back home, not the nonsense in the economy and environment, for example, the GOP spits out.
Because Obama wants to keep American troops and America's billions here in the United States in order to help us, not the country where we have already lost more than four thousand of our precious men and women!!
Let’s face it McCain served in the military and has been in congress for 26 years, yet, it took Obama’s coming to the senate to stop the government from charging wounded soldiers in walter reed phone bills, McCain would not support bill that was meant to help the soldiers pay for college because he felt they would not serve their country if they aquired education, Obama supported and voted for the bill. I am sure those military men giving money to McCain are the top echelons that have access to everything just like McCain himself.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...
As a Disabled Vet I can take a guess that the people who have to carry out this insane occupation of Iraq are seeing what supporters of this War can not. People are dying for no good reason, we are stretching our military far too thin, and we are loosing our Military as soon as they can get out. We need to change and the Military know it. Listen to them and not the 4 star politicians who owe their very jobs to what ever administration is in power.
If you were risking your life, for a war that everyone now realizes was supported for with lies and propaganda, and having your tours of duty extended more and more, who would you support?
This didn't take alot of thought on my part Jack. Because they want to come home or at least go fight where the fight should have been in the first place. God bless all our brave men and women.
Our service men and women know as well as anyone else how the war in Iraq has damaged our nation. We've run up the national debt, destroyed international respect for American foreign policy, and handcuffed ourselves when it comes to responding to unforeseen threats like the Russian invasion of Georgia. John McCain has suggested he would be just as irresponsible as Bush when it comes to the military- there's absolutely no reason for us to have troops in Iraq for 100 years. They'll serve honorably and fulfill their duties to America, but our military personnel are not foolish enough to let McCain continue America's path to ruin.
The fact is John McCain's voting record shows he will not support either veteran's rights or women's rights and is very dismal in both these areas. People from either of these two categories would have to be morons to support someone who won't support their needs and agendas.
The better question might have been why don't the news medias pubicize McCain's record on these important issues instead of all the unimportant sensationalism that seems to dominate their broadcasts?
I think it's because the military in Iraq realize that they are policeman under fire, in a religious civil war and they want out. They hope that Obama will facilitate their removal from that situation.
Jack,
Because Obama supports the troops and wants to bring them home. Unlike McWar, who wants to not only keep them in Iraq and send them to Iran, but doesn't support them by voting for their rights, and now wants to start the Cold War all over again.
The troops and the American people see McCain for the hawk he is.
Simple Jack, they want Obama to become President. No one wants to go to war unless they absolutely have to, why esle.
Shirley
Akron, Ohio
Jack: It's just that military personnel have a lot more personal experience on this particular issue. We know that those who served believe Iraq has overstreched the military, and for years that those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan are solidly against the current policy.
Now, members of the military are speaking with their checkbooks, and reiterating just how strongly they believe we need to begin to redeploy from Iraq, and go on the offense against al Qaeda, which is making huge gains in Afghanistan. And by the way, yes, things are getting much worse in Afghanistan.
You're kidding, right? Go spend a year and a half in Iraq full of people who still behead each other, with sand spiders to boot, and then ask this question.
I think if I was in the military today and was rotated in and out of Iraq as many times as some soldiers. I would be supporting a candidate that wants to set a timetable for withdrawal. I would not support a candidate who make statements like keeping our troops there for 100 years if necessary and will follow in President Bush footsteps.
Because there goal is Obama's goal: Getting out of Iraq and fighting only those wars that are necessary not wars of convenience.
Democrat = Ticket home. Republican = Don't mark you calendar, because you're going to be there a while.
The military folks serving in Iraq know it's a waste of time and are ready for a Commander in Chief who will bring them home.
As the people holding the bag, I guess if they have a choice they will go for the candidate that wants them out of there. McCain will not be serving his 2nd or 3rd tour there, they will be, so I guess they are just making their choice known, Can you blame them?
I was in the Navy, and I learned that, in the military, there are two classes. One is the enlisted men, who do most of the work (or when necessary, most of the fighting); and the other is the officers (also known as the elite). John McCain, with his big shot military connections, was one of the elite. The average veteran can't relate to him.
As a mother of a soldier in Iraq, most of the soldiers don't understand why they are sill there.They also know that Mcsane and his sidekick Liebermann will be sending them to more wars.
Why should they support someone that has voted against the military for years? Why should they support someone that wants a neverending war? Why should they support someone that wants to bomb Iran and get us into another mess? Why should they support someone that claims to have "experience" in winning wars when he has zip, nada, zilch, nothing, zero for winning any war? And I want you to know, I was for McCain before I was against him. 😉
the military has always disliked and feared McCain and his hair trigger temper....they feel he is dangerous, stubborn and mean spirited and would never make a good leader...that alone is enough reason for us not to vote for him....
Because, Jack, contrary to elitist beliefs, grunts ain't stupid. Neither are their families. They KNOW who is the real supporter of the troops, and it ain't John Mcmore of the same. He has missed or voted against every measure to supply relief to the troops and their dependents. HE even allowed Bush to credit him with passage of the new GI Bill he voted against. Troops won't support a flag waving four flusher. But what can you expect. After all the guy WAS and officer!
Pablo in Arlington, Texas
The members of the military recognize the vast differences between Obama and McCain in their approach to an International crisis.
McCain appears to want to muster the troops, draw a line in the sand and confront the issue with head on with brute force while it looks like Obama would rather gather all parties around a table, talk WITH them and come to a “war-less” solution.
Obama and many in the military understand that you only go to war when you have to, not because you have an opportunity.
Quite frankly, I think the troops (with the exception of the Marines) are getting a tad-bit tired of the war in Iraq, all the lies that got us into it and are keeping us there and...they are seeking a change in attitude with the new Commander in Chief that will take over in January.
Ps. Jack, I served in the Marines in Viet Nam so I understand that Marines are always looking for a little more adventure.
That's easy. They don't want to be there for 100 years or to lose generations to this war or to come home from war only to lose their house, benefits, and healthcare. Soldiers want what the citizens want...freedom at home!
Wildwood Crest, NJ
Funny how people always throw race into the equation (see comment by Sarah, Indiana). Maybe the military is suffering from battle fatigue, we need a break from combat, Obama offers us that out.
My guess is that McCain (legacy Naval Academy officer, son of admiral) represents the elite military, the ones who never dirty their hands while sending others off to die or become maimed while executing the elite's flawed strategies. At the end of the day, the elite military sips cocktails in exclusive areas while the real military is sitting in the dust eating some crap out of a can. It's no wonder that the majority of the real military have little respect for the elite and identify more with Obama and change.
Military donations favor Obama because the military knows the Horror of war “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” DDE
Howard
West Chester, PA
Obama actually supports the troops by voting FOR their benefits and taking care of them.
McCain has not voted to support Vets Benefits to any major degree in better Health care and continuing education in almost a decade. He's more prone to send them out in unnecessary wars, but flat out refuses to give them the respect of proper and humanitarian benefits. Its all "on the Google"
They are tired of eating sand and they never wanted us there in the first place. You can not win a war on wrong principles. These men and women are just plain knackered and would love to have time with their families. They have done the G. I. Joe bit and now it is time to leave and let Iraq get on with rebuilding their torn up country thanks to Bush
The vast majority of the military, like the vast majority of US citizen's don't donate to anyone. It's probably even less than the general public, because they are too busy doing their jobs. Since monorities are disproportionately represented in the military, and 95% of blacks support Obama, then a small number of black military members donating can easily bias the statistics. If Obama is favored 6 to 1, is that out of 7 people, or 700, or 7000 or 70,000?
Jack,
Not only has Bush destroyed his party's brand but he has also weakened a key voting bloc within the GOP, soldiers and veterans. They are tired of being sent to fight a useless war and not being given adequate health care when they become casualities of a useless war.
Obama means a more accountable commander-in-chief.
Would you contribute a penny to a man who would condemn you to another 100 or 1000 years in the hell that Iraq has become?
Jack, most of the soldiers that are fighting and dying for this country come from economically depressed areas. What good is it to defend a country that sends your friends’ jobs overseas or where oil companies profit off the backs of American labor or where a CEO gets a 10 million dollar bonus for laying off factory workers? Patriotism and love for one’s country is not mindless devotion. When the government has become unresponsive to the needs of the populace, we have the right to remove that government. Hence, they are supporting regime change here at home and supporting Obama.
Oxford, MS
It's for the exact same reason that they donated more to Ron Paul than anyone else during the primaries: They believe that he will bring them home. Unfortunately for the troops, Ron Paul was the real deal. Obama is just paying them lip service. I feel sorry for every troop who has given Obama money. It was money well wasted. The dream of ending the war in Iraq died with the end of Ron Paul's candidacy.
Simple.They don't want combat and they think Obama will remove them from combat.Kinda sorry when the military doesn't want to fight.I always thought that thats why a person joins the military,so that when there is a need,they can be counted upon to fight.
For the same reason a fireman would favor an arsonists opponent.
Sophia
Louisville, Ky
Our military men and women are over there in the trenches knows that Senator Obama is looking out for their best interest in more ways than Senator McCain ever would. McCain would not even vote for the GI bill giving them better benefits – I would not support nor vote for him if I were in the military.
Maybe its because they are the younger generation and they do not understand the scarfice that it take to defend and protect the U.S.
If we leave a mess over there and we have to go back to protect
Europe against attacks...maybe then they'll get the picture. We will need to have a presence there for many years. MAYBE WE ARE AGAINST BUSH BUT,we still have to clean up the mess when he retires to the ranch. We can't be selfish whinning babies.
I can remember the posters from WWII on how we should behave I think we need to bring them back and post them where we can be reminded of our responsibilities.
Carol in Oregon
Barack Obama is for the fighting men and women. He has
worked hard to improve their lives. And has totally been
against this unjustified war.
Mccain, totally the opposite.
Did you read, Jack, where the VA is not allowing voter
registration in their hospitals and nursing homes? Now
how un-American is that??
A soldiers thought of becoming a POW is the furtheriest thing from his/her mind. I believe they do admire and respect John McCain's military background without being reminded he was a POW, but they do not want to share that experience.
As a vetean of the Vietnam war I know how devistating a long term war can be to a soldier and his family. You pray for an end to the fighting. With McCain there is no end in sight while Obama gives a ray of hope with his policy. Putting ones self in their shoes I can see why they prefer Obama and I don't blame them. When you are in the middle of a war it is hell.
The military knows who has their interest at heart. McCain wants to
win a war no matter how many countries he makes angry, or how much of the tax payers money he spends.
Obama wants world peace and give the American people a better life.
GO, GO, Obama
because they know they have been fighting and dying over a lie.
It's not surprising that the military supports Obama over McCain. For all his talk about supporting our troops, McCain has a terrible record on veterans' issues. And for all his talk about not wanting to surrender and lose the war, those actually fighting the war know that the policy favored by McCain makes no sense. We are not fighting an enemy of the U.S.; we are merely taking sides in a civil war, and the side we are taking is that of the pro-Iranian Maliki government, thereby helping Iran by getting rid of those opposed to the Maliki government and Iran.
Jack, the reason is the lower ranks, guys with their butts on the line doing the dirty work, want to return home quickly. They will support that canidate that will extract them from hams ways they hope. Higher ranking officers, who spend most of their time brown-nosing for their next promotion and are in the rear areas and pertty much out of harms way, support those they beleive will increase their lot in life. Respectfully a Viet Nam era Vet.
John McCain thinks tactically, not strategically. If diplomatic and military decisions were a chess game, McCain would be playing checkers. He doesn't think two moves ahead.
Jack, I think that most people sense that Obama has a better grasp of facts and is able to arrive at sound judgments that McCain despite his military background is less likely to do. He supported the illegal invasion of Iraq and still stands by that decision. So much for military experience. He has bluster but still lacks comprehension of what his rash decisions may lead to.
The same reason they overwhelmingly supported Ron Paul in the primaries .... They want us out of Iraq. But since when does any country's leaders listen to those on the Front Lines?
for one thing there's more black people in the service now days. there's less opportunity for them in todays world. but with what they get payed i don't understand how they have anything left after living expenses to donate. they don't trust McCain, they know he's not really a war hero. and there tired of getting blown up , over a pack of lies.
Because after 2, 3 and 4 tours of duty, they want to get the hell out of Iraq for good.
I think soldiers recognize that Obama is not all bluster, that he will give thoughtful consideration to the use of the military, and that he recognizes that the military is the foreign policy course of last resort. People like John McCain and George Bush apparently have an inferiority complex like most bullies.
Thre military,more than the rest of us, know exactly what the Bush regime's war has done to them. They see the fact that we are so war-worn that we can do nothing when something really serious happens. They are voting with thier dollars to defend our country against yet another war mongering fanatic.
Maybe because they do not want their children and the next generations of their families fighting GW's war.
JACK,
brave men and woman know obama supports them more than mccain, I mean just look at both obamas and mccains voting records one can clearly see obama is graded better obama gets bt and mccain gets a D mccain only wants to use our brave troops for his war games.
Likely if you figured it out the ratio would be the same for military men and women as it is for ordinary civilian men and women as far as donations to the two candidates is concerned.
The Republicans and John McCain don't have a single policy or platform to benefit the middle and lower classes. Bush has proven tax cuts to the wealthy & corporate elite don't create more jobs just more poverty.
The old Republican lines used to justify their trickle down economics doesn't hold water like it used as people are getting smarter as well as getting poorer.
carol from oregon.you think our troops are young and dont know about sacrifice?they've learned more about sacrifice in one month,than most americans see in their entire life.i find your comment distasteful and way out of line.
Servicemen and women who have been in Iraq know that those calling for any protracted involvement in Iraq are simply trying to "save face" by putting the troops' lives and well being in dire peril. I was surprised to learn this when traveling back from overseas with troops who spoke openly and forcefully about the corruptness that exists in our current administration and the top military leaders, who have not resigned or been fired.
gc
Obama's personality, message, ideas, and youth coincide with
the men and women in the military. He connects with them; he
knows that they dislike and distrust the country's warlords
and warmongers who support them. The man is part of their
time, resonating in the 21st century against the ill-formed lousy
judgments of angry ex-war prisoners who missed out on a
war that should never have been waged and in a more obvious one
that also should never have been waged. Obama understands
all the people of this nation – especially its youth – far more
that McCain and his 'kind.'
Bill – Catskills, NY
Im sure there are many reasons for this. The one that comes to my mind is, Mcsame has voted against improved beifits for troops and constantly sweeps veteran affairs under the rug. All he seems to want to do for the troops is extend their tours and enlistments.
Military rules dont allow service men and women to really voice a political position, so the next best thing is to send a message with our pay. 5 tours to a war that should not have been waged and overlooking the war that should have would cause any american to make their stand or statement the best they know how. Obama is more diplomatic...as for the other guy he wants 100 years in a war that should be drawn down. Our military is over stretched and other countries know this, and are now starting to act out....Russia-Georgia!
They are defending thier country with thier money as well as thier lives. More than the rest of us they know how much damage the Bush regime's lie based war has done, and they are doing thier best to make sure another war mongering fanatic dosen't take office. It's called true patiotism.
A vote for veterans' benefits has been a vote for Obama. The military is not made up of slaves and their lives are frequently in danger. Why not reward them? Also, as so many of you have said today, there are ways to do military duty outside of Iraq.
Two main reasons; One- look at the ratio of Black Americans in the picture and Second; the military is tired of going to Iraq. Our neighbor is on his third tour and he is in the Army National Guard. He has to leave behind his wife and two young sons and for what.
because they know they are fighting for a lie.
Do you really think the people serving in the military like fighting a war wage under false pretenses? Do you really think they find the use of torture Honorable? Do you really think they believe it was even tactically wise seeing as the majority of Iraqies are Shia, the same as Iran? Maybe they are imformed a bit more than the average American after all they are putting their lives on the line and we won't even impeach this dishonorable commander in chief we've stuck them with.
Because the military are peoplejust like the rest of us. They are sick of the lies, the war crimes and the treason in our white house, they know how weak we now are, and the know which party is responsible. They see the simple fact that we no longer have the moral high ground, and we no longer have the power to be there when something serious threatens us. They are just as ashamed as the rest of us.
Because they are young, intelligent and don't like to be lied to about the war (s) they are in or the one's they maybe called upon to fight in the future. Because they love their family, friends and community and would like to spend time with them instead of endless rotations. I could go on but it could get ugly.
thank you,jack
Wow, VERY INTERESTING question!!
I’m surprised by the statistics you are reporting. Please understand that I don’t doubt your credibility or sources, as I’m certain both you and CNN have done your “homework”.
Rather than ask us here at home this question, I’d be more interested in what or why our brave “troops” have to say about their reasons for donations, support or endorsements.
Let’s get these answers straight from the source instead of us couch potato generals.
The poor soldiers who have fought this war have had their adversary redefined at least five times, from the Iraq Army to the insurgents, to Al Quaeda, to Sunni militia, to Shi'ite militia, and back to insurgents again. They have seen to reason for the war shift from WMD's, to regime change, to establishing a free and democratic state, to protecting the oil services contractors. I don't think we could blame them for thinking the commander in chief is an incompetent boob. They probably also see the wrinkly old white-haired dude as part of the problem. His votes against veterans rights and benefits probably doesn't help much either.
Simply put: They believe in him.
Steve
Laguna Niguel, CA
That's an easy one Jack. They want peace not more war. McCain seems to know more about war then peace. Our soldiers are worn out and need a real break and talking tough with nothing to back it up is stupid. barrack was right when he said we needed to prepare for other issues in the world, but sorry to say another issue has popped up and we`re not ready. Our soldiers have given all they have while those who are past the age limit to serve are the ones calling for action.
Jack, if you were told by a Presidential contender that America is staying in a war for the next 100 years and then told by the other contender that America is getting out and bring the troops home, who would you send money to ?
John McCain is talking about keeping the troops in Iraq for another 100 years. Barack Obama is talking about having them home by 2010. I'm not surprised the troops favor Obama over McCain.
Because like nearly everyone else on this planet, our troops and their families agree we have no business being in Iraq and it's time to end the war.
Boise, ID
Because they want the hell out and why shouldn't they? It was a war that never should have been waged.
McCain has less military behind him because he has the Generals, Majors, and high ranking Military who know what they are doing.
Simple as that.
James J
Minneapolis, Mn
because Barak is trust worthy, good, and knows about the economy...they do not need another booosh!!!!simple...I suggest sen. obama to take Hillary as VP. thanks, god bless our nation, the usa...
I voted for Obama, will vote for Obama...no change in my decision!!!
our nation needs obama now....
Because we have turned into a bipolar society. A society of the haves and the haves nots. The middle ground is fading away just like the middle class.
As a Vietnam era ex-Marine veteran with a son who is in the Army and was wounded in Iraq in 2003, I would vever give a penny to John McCain. I personally do not know any other veterans who are donating to McCain either.
Jack. Veterans hate war, wrong wars, and the people who talk so cavalier about waging it. Usually those that never served during war, or never served at all are the ones who talk so loosely about war. The veterans that I knew when I was in that liked war, were either stupid, crazy, homicidal, or all of the above. Where does that leave McCain.
Majority are young, inexperienced and still learning about life; and can be manipulated w/fluff and farce.
The high ranking Military that know what they are doing are supporting McCain.
John J
Madison Wi
Hi Jack:
As a former member of the 101st Airborne, I can tell you a little about
the reason military donations favor Barak Obama. We don't mind dying
so long as it's in defense of our country and to "guard our way of life."
Our troops are better informed now-a-days and are reluctant to give their lives fighting for oil and business interests that don't benefit their
countrymen. Obama will bring them home.
Some of them have been on the ground in Iraq fighting for 3 or more tours of duty. They know we should never have been there and they
respect Obama for having had the judgement to oppose a war based on lies. They know Obama will get them home safely and quickly unlike McCain who wants to stay for God only knows how long. They also have heard McCain's blustering about Iran and Russia. They don't want to fight another ill conceived war based on a President's ego.
Obama wants to end the war not keep it going, plus he's young and not the establisment like McCain.
All that money wasted when we could use it at home.
The reason is simple: They take seriously McCain's quip that we can be in Iraq for 100 or more years. Obama wants to bring our service men and women home and cares more for their welfare back home.
They are the ones that have paid the price for the bad decisions of the Bush administration. McCain will continue those policies, or be even worse. Our military is stretched to the limit, and they need a break!!
I live where the military lives. They know they are tired and need to get well. They know Obama knows they need to get some R&R and get their equipment repaired. McCain is tired also but for another reason. He might have a better outlook had he spent more time in the mud or sand rather than in the air. They see real good judgment in Obama and that is what we need. Someone who sees what really needs to be done. That is OBAMA.
Simple, they know Obama is there only hope of getting out of Iraq. Like Bush, McCain will find a reason to keep them there as long as he is President, even if there is no reason.
Hi Jack,
because Obama has more judment!
Because they know when an old warhorse need's to be put out to pasture!
I too! Support Senator Obama. Barack Obama is the one to lead.
Obama 2008
They want OUT, Jack..........Senator Obama is their "light at the end of the tunnel". God bless them all!
When I was in the military, speaking out against anything was frowned upon. Maybe this is their way to silently say, "We are tired of fighting and dying for a bunch of rich republicans who make no sacrifice".
People like Bush, Cheney and McCain are ruining this country, and getting rich doing it.
I'm waiting for the movie to come out, "Grumpy Old White Men". We love WAR and will sacrifice millions of our poor working class citizens to prove it. I don't think being a POW makes you a "Hero" either.
As a active duty Sailor who has been in the Navy for the entire bush administration. I am tired...sick and tired...of fighting in a war I opposed from the begining. I did donate to Obama's campaign because the U.S needs change and not more more of McBush...Who wants to spend 100 yrs in Iraq if need be. Not me if McSame is elected I would have spent my whole 20yrs in the military in Iraq. Not Cool!!!
Obama 08"
The average enlisted personel is from a working class family. Senator McCain is more represenative of the "upperclass elite". Navy Academy, son and grandson of top brass. And it's well understood that the brass are more interested in themselves than they are in some grunt getting shot at. For example I give you Rumsfeld and his "go with what you got" statement.
Maybe, with their military experience, they agree with Wesley Clark that getting shot down a la John MCain actually isn't a free ticket to the Oval Office.
McCain supports war, but his voting record doesn't show support for the troops–including his recent opposition to the GI Bill.
Our troops support Obama 6:1 over McCain because they don't want a reckless warmonger in the White House again. I only wish that all Americans were thinking so clearly.
Hi Jack, oops press submit to fast!
because Obama has more judgment and shows more judgment now since he was not running to make the headlines with the actual crisis...it is the current administrations' job to fix what they have been missing...real ears!
Huh? After the complete failure of the Bush Administration, the lies that led us to war, the intentional and treasonous exposure of a covert CIA operative (for political payback), McCain's idiotic "bomb, bomb, bomb.." remarks, the lack of Republican support for veterans' benefits, and failure to adequately equip the military for battle....I cannot believe you're even asking such a foolish question!
In this world of the Internet, these soldiers and sailors are no longer cut off from the news as it's happening. They know who supported and who opposed the new GI Bil. No matter what Bush said. Besides these men and women in uniform realldy don't want constant war as a McCain presidency would indicate.
They are probably sick of being mercaneries for Halliburton, Chevron, Exxon, BLackwater, and all of the others that fit into that list. They know they are not fighting for freedom and democracy but instead for profit and dictorial power. They didn't sign up for that but that is the hand they were dealt.
When you have lived and believed in Duty, Honor, Country, and proudly worn the uniform of America's military, you will choose to follow those that made the same dedications. Only a leader that knows the full measure of the call to arms deserves to be followed.
It's demographic. The military is composed of younger people who tend to support Obama because they want a different future and not the one the GOP is moving us to. I'm sure McCain does better among older vets because he is one of them and the old folks are insecure about changes.
Dear Jack,
Despite what one might see on TV shows like MASH, officers and enlisted personnel are not all that chummy. Senator McCain is an Annapolis grad, and comes from a family that's the closest thing the US has to a naval aristrocracy (father and grandfather both admirals). I'm guessing that a lot of our servicemen and women believe that a civilian will be more willing to listen to their needs than any member of the military's nobility–regardless of his status as a war hero.
Take care and have a good weekend.
Jack, its like the song said...............WAR! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? ABSOLUTELY NOTHIN.................and our troops know this better than anyone else.......................bring the troops home NOW !
Probably because Obama isn't so eager to send them to their death the way McCain is.
Just look @ who makes up our military mostly lower class, lower income people and minorities. Your not going to see an upper classmen in the middle of the Iraqi desert, plain and simple. I also think it shows that even the military men are fed up with the way they are being used and they want a CHANGE!
Most soilders don't want to fight wars. If they do they would like to know who and what you are fighting for. When you know that this is a war we should have not gotten in to . It's hard to say let's just take a chance now that were here . what the hell it's just our lives their play with.
Jack,
I beleive Obama is getting more donations from millitary personel is due to his realistic perspective of the role of US Armed forces. I think McCain really dammaged his report with the millitary personel, when he said that the US could occupy Iraq for possibly 100 years. I think that statement was insensitive and it really hurt him. There are a bunch of brave and courageous people who feel that it is an honor to serve in the US Armed forces, and when someone says something as non-chalant as that, I believe some of these soldiers do not envision their children and grand-children involved in "no-win" conflict.
Keith,
Birmingham, AL
If I were military I surely would not support someone who wants to keep us in Iraq for a 100 years.
The soldiers are living in the midst of reality while civilians are bombarded with biased news medias focusing on everything but the issues and the realities.
If you read these blogs the ones supporting McCain or against Obama are all pretty much based on fear. Fear of change, fear of terrorism and fear of a religious faith. Soldiers aren't afraid of all these latter scare tactics as they have likely experienced real and warranted fear on a daily basis.
I can only imagine most of these military people would relish the opportunity to come home and only have to endure hypothetical fear over the real and present dangers they are currently facing.
I think the military personnel are tired and are ready to come home. Obama keeps promising home even if he can't make it happen they see light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately that light at the end of the tunnel might just be a train ready to take them to Afghanistan.
Obviously our troops don't support our troops.
Jack, they want to come home.... and if they must stay want some armor to protect themselves..
Because many of our soldiers are tired of t his war and feel that the Iraqi's should be doing more now. Even with the Iraqi's now demanding a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal, McCain still stubbornly maintains that all bets are off and it will depend upon "conditions on the ground." This is an arrogant, defiant attitude that George Bush maintained and Obama knows we are going to have to eventually leave. No Choice! McCain is not facing reality and probably imagines the U.S. being able to continue to dictate policy to the Iraqi's anyway and maintain a long term presence in this Muslim land against their will. Insane!
It just goes to show that when the cameras are off and the military brass isnt standing around listening to these men speak, where their hearts really are. I'll bet the Generals on the ground are probably donating the most to Obama.
Dear Jack;
It appears that the troops are coming to their senses. Perhaps they realize, that the party that usually starts the military action, the GOP, spends their time at home, while the military families, especially in this illegal debacle – just get destroyed.
Futhermore; they heard the storys about the Vets coming home disabled, and the horrendus conditions at the hospitals.
And, perhaps, they now realize that the reasons for this war, were, indeed, illegal, and "trumped-up" to make the no-bid defense contractors rich!
ES
The troops are probably just as thrilled with their Commander-In-Chief as the rest of the country. They may not see it in their best interest to elect a George Bush clone to lead them for the next four years. Or, it could be they think former pilots make lousy presidents. I'm sure they will let us know.
Ex Army, here, Jack. Although the troops can't come out directly and speak against the Commander and Chief, or for their desires of a new Commander in Chief, they have spoken with their limited pockets. Their honor and sacrifice is all over the battlefield and all over our hearts, and in the past their voices were silenced to merely follow the orders as they were given to them. Thank God they finally have a voice and can show their support for the better candidate.
Because they know that this war was faught for nothing and why would anyone in their right mind want to stay over there for a 100 years anyway?
Jack,
The members of the our military, know better than we do that this administrations monumental incompetence has wasted their lives and our treasure in this monumental Iraqi catastrophe. They know that Bush and his lackeys sent then to the wrong place to fight the wrong people. Keep in mind that they, our soldiers, did and are doing an incredible job despite the bone headed, corrupt, bungling, self righteous White House directions. Obama has a chance to bring some sanity back into the military leadership.
Mike C
Wethersfield, CT
Simple
Obama is diplomatic… whereas McCain’s main claim to fame is war. The man thrives on it! If he were president I’m sure US troops would already be on their way to Georgia. With Obama there is a consensus that troops and military force would be a last resort.
Jaye
Bay Area, California
A no-brainer, Jack.
A soldier's job is to put his life on the line to defend the noble ideals of American democracy, everything that Dubbya is the antithesis of. He lied to get them there, has lied to keep them there and extend their stays, and there are reasons to believe that he and Cheney have profited financially from the whole sordid mess.
Would you contribute to someone who supports continuing that, if your life was on the line in the sand?
Dan, from NYC
Jack,
Serious military personnel put their money behind Barack Obama because he's got a better world perspective overall, and he clearly understands that we cannot go to war with everyone who hates us. We've got to have more options than that, and, more importantly, know how to use them.
McCain has no clue. All you've got to do is listen to him, sans Lieberman, for about five minutes!
It's pretty simple, really. When one candidate is saying he's going to keep you in Iraq for a hundred years, you give your money to the other guy.
Look at the Georgian situation. The U.S. can do nothing more than bluster. We are mired in the middle east because of these "warrior" hawk republicans. Our troops need rest, and assurance they won't be used as pawns anymore. Remember, all past empires over-reached, and fell. Our troops, and country require leader who respect those we elect to lead us.
Because they see the real situation and not just the propaganda of the republicans.
The selling point of war was a free education after coming out of the military. Mccain tried to vote against it saying the government is too generous. Bush said the same thing. Mccain has been out of fighting since he married Cindy Mccain, the very woman who supports him financially in all his campaigns. His back for the military has turned over 10 years ago. He has became an opportunist and a hypocrite since then. He doesn't care for the low income people. The soldiers wants to come home to their family. And I bet they are smart enough to see past those set of yellow teeth that Mccain is wearing.
Maybe our soldiers are as ready for some fresh ideas and real diplomacy as the rest of us. Maybe McCain's bottom of his class performance at Annapolis (894 out of 899 classmates) scares them as much as it scares the rest of us. Really, couldn't he just repeat a year?
Bomb, bomb, bomb... bomb-bomb Iran. Catchy tune. I wonder if they'll play it at the Republican convention?
Jack,
Perhaps the people with first hand knowledge of the situation realize that spending years captive as a P.O.W. and years not supporting them in the Senate, doesn't make Mr. McCain worthy.
Our service people are patriots. They aren't going to sell America out no matter what the cost.
It is excruciatingly painful to lose comrades in arms and then face up to the war being a White House con job, but it would be even more tragic to lose more lives for this greatest blunder of American history.
The reason is obvious Jack. It's 16 months verses a hundred years.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
Why should they give their lives for a lie. Most of the soldiers know that Bush and Cheney are the ones that wanted this war and they want out. The sad part of this story is that when the soldiers return home their jobs will all be in Mexico or over seas.
Jack: Barack Obama is young, smart, and thinks the war in Iraq was wrong. Most military personnel believe the lead up to the war was false or stupid. The real problem is still in Afghanistan with the surging Tailban. Plus the young military men and women know a winner when they see one.
John
Alabama
Probably because our soldiers, and their families, have had enough of this illegal war in Iraq and are tired of being lied to about when they can return home. They think that Obama will end the war sooner than McCain. Since Senator Obama has broken his word over and over again, I am not so sure that either candidate will bring our soldiers home anytime soon.
Brownwood, Texas
Bush/Cheney/McCain have about decimated our Military and the Servicemen and women know it. They're not stupid.
Our Military Heroes have been sent on a mission to relieve the oil wells from Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi people. No thought to the welfare of our Military men and women especially when they sent them over there ill equipped to fight and stay in one piece and alive. Remember Rumsfeld's comment about fighting with what you have not what you need.
The military realizes that McCain is a war monger. He has no intention of doing anything to help end war. Our all voluntary military force is sick and tired of being used to appease the mega egos of the current administration and the possibility of another republican administration is too much.
Besides the obvious reason that they do not want to be in Iraq, they are supporting Obama because Obama has made more of a push for expanding veteran benefits than McCain has. Nobody wants to become that guy on the street corner holding a "Vietnam Vet" sign.
The troops are just mere mortals who can only take so much. If indentured service were still allowed, I am certain that many of them would have bought their way out by now. That's not taking anything away from their patriotism or their courage. For many, it may just be a matter of survival and McCain offers little hope of ending their misery.
tom
las vegas
Obviously, the military is tired of the war just like all the American people and still the republicans wanna stay the course and help another country get rich while our country goes does down the drain.
Jack, McCain has the perfect answer to this question. According to McCain, Obama is the world's biggest celebrity. Well, everyone loves a celebrity! Who wouldn't want to donate to not just any celebrity, but World's BIGGEST Celebrity?!
Plus, Obama actually wants to bring the troops home from Iraq before the year 2108. That could be an important reason too.
K.
Coral Gables, FL
It should be obvious. They don't want their grandchildren getting three or four tours of duty in the 100 year Iraqi war/occupation.
Because if their donations surge it will prevent another military surge that might very well kill them. Or at least keep them stranded in a godforsaken place they feel they have no business being in in the first place.
I think that Obama is outraising money from the military over McCain because the rank and file military are tired of the war. Why would anyone in the military want to support a person that wants to keep us in Iraq for 100 years. It just doesn't make sense.
Most military people understand that their current commander-in-chief has no regard on their behalf. Extended deployments, quicker turn-arounds to war posting while cutting veterans's benefits, while W enjoys lobstering or jetting to the Olympics while his troops are fighting and dying. McCain promises more of the same. That's why they favor Obama.
The troops are smart. They know that if McCain was elected, they'd never get home.
You can't have the best military in the world if it is populated by stupid soldiers. Our troops aren't stupid. They are just so patriotic that they do something about it rather than talk about it. They believed in their President, and wanted to complete the mission. So it takes a while for them to turn around their thinking. It takes a lot to make them change their mind, after all, their commitment is their life. But these clowns in Washington and McCain the clone, have fumbled and bumbled so much that even the most committed can see the light. We should follow the example of our brave troops.
Jack, I am a retired USAF Noncommisioned Officer. I served in Vietnam and supported the first Gulf War while serving with NATO in Germany, so I think I might have an idea.
Our military people are tired of this "war of no end" and see no other way to stop the constant deployments other than to vote against the party that started the damn thing. The American fighting men and women will crawl through mud, blood, and guts for a good cause, and Iraq isn't it.
McCain would rather start a war (Georgia) to win an election. He appears to have the influence with that nation. Same scare tactics from a different direction. What is his relationship with the Georgian leadership?
Answer. Barack is smart, kind, and a natural leader, by example, in speech and bearing. He also comes from a common background and loves this country because he recognizes how much it has done for him. Most troops believe in the United States of America and not a Red state America and a Blue State America. He's young and not an old man sending young men to war.
Robert Koontz
Major, USMCR (Retired)
The vast majority of military members (that vote) will vote Republican...
This is a representation of people who didn't contribute before...
The republicans take better care of us... we still remember the millions cut by Clinton... and old timers still remember starving under Carter... Obama will cut the military to the bone... and we know it.
Because deployed soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen are younger than their state-side and retired counterparts. Younger Americans in every walk of life, profession and career favor the Senator from Illinois. I am among them.
What precentage of the military is Black and what percentage is White? What pecentage of the military is female and what percentage is male? What percentage of the military is over 40 years of age and what percentage is under 40?
If these statistics were known, I'm sure a statistician could provide you with an answer to your question based on racial, age, and gender demographic considerations alone.
I don't think it has anything whatsoever to do with the war in Iraq, Jack, which I think is the subliminal message in your question. I'm convinced that the vast majority of our military feels, as does Sen. John McCain, that the war we are fighting in Iraq is fully justified.
Jack,
The Troops Know the record of both Obama and McCain not just when it comes to the war, but especially when it comes to the one who votes and works to support them; and that is Obama. Obama has voted on more bills for funding and benefits that McCain has during his short term as a senator. It was Obama who drafted and passed legislation ( in just one week) to clean up Walter Reed and to imporve treatment of the Vets there. When it comes to the Troops Obama has always been there, not because he served; but to honor the hero in his life his grandfather who served. McCain served but seems to think that a solider is only worth rewarding if he has served at least 5 years, that was his reasoning for not being present or voting on the last GI bill. Add that mindset of long term presence in Iraq, I quess the Troops feel they should put their hard earned money in the candidate that looks out for their best interests....Obama
Jack,
Prior to the Iraq fiasco, the mere mention that US Marines or US forces might be utilized was enough diplomatic pressure. Today countries (to include Russia) all over are disrespecting American policies simply because they know we are streched to thin!
Saddam was removed and killed, it is not our (American) responsibily to reconstruct Iraq, we have our own problems here.
It is clearly a war about oil!
When McCain repeatedly warns that there will be many "other wars," he must scare the pants off our military personnel who know first hand that the invasion and occupation of Iraq should never have happened and should be long over by now. They've also witnessed the greed and war profiteering made possible by "privatizing" military functions, with nary a word of complaint from McCain. McCain's temperament and rush to think "war" without bothering with "diplomacy" sure scares me.
Barack is smart, kind, and a natural leader, by example, in speech and bearing. He also comes from a common background and loves this country because he recognizes how much it has done for him. Most troops believe in the United States of America and not a Red state America and a Blue State America.
Robert Koontz
Major, USMCR (Retired)
Because just like most Americans the military and their families want to come home. They know if McCain is the commander in chief that there's no telling when they will get to spend the holidays with their family and friends here in America. They are banking on Obama to bring them home and I don't blame them. Everybody should take a good look at this as a way of the military trying to tell us something. Especially with the money coming from troops abroad. WAKE UP, AMERICA!!!
They're tired of killing people and becoming murderers, instead of soldiers. As one soldier put it,He felt guilty invading homes and going thru personnel effects. A soldier is one thing, an invader another. And continually being sent back is unreal plus many soldiers are complaining whlle waiting for their discharge orders, they are,instead receiving orders to go Afghanstan. I guess everyone is hoping Obama continues on the right track, we don't need another leader who thinks war is the answer to all problems.
Jack, I am a retired USAF Noncommisioned Officer. I served in Vietnam and supported the first Gulf War while serving with NATO in Germany, so I think I might have an idea.
Our military people are tired of this “war of no end” and see no other way to stop the constant deployments other than to vote against the party that started the damn thing. The American fighting men and women will crawl through mud, blood, and guts for a good cause, and Iraq isn’t it.
Jack:
You question has a very simple answer, while our troops respect others who have served in the military it doesn't automatic give that person their support. I served in the military and I honor McCain’s service, will I vote for him because of that service, no, will I vote for him on the issue, no. I do not base my vote for President on past military service, while history and experts may disagree with me, I do not feel military service translates into being a good or even a fair President.
Jack,
Because they are too worried about staying alive and just confused I'm sure voting or donations are not on the top of the list when they wake up in the morning. They will soon come to their senses when they realize the horrible mistake they made.
Well if I had one guy wanting me and my comrades to spend 100 years away from home and dying to stay there and another wanting to bring us home in sixteen months the choice is easy. The other problem is that the white hair dude has said he is going to veto all my beer. Not acceptable Jack
They're putting their money where their mouths are. Let's see, McCain wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years, and Obama wants to pull the troops out in 16 months. If you were a grunt with the Marines Jack, would you rather be wearing full gear and 50 pounds of flack jackets in Iraq's 120 degree heat, dodging bullets and IEDs or would you rather be sporting a swimsuit, surfing the waves year round at Camp Pendleton? Tough choice!
Because our troops – all those good men and good women who protect us – know who sent them to WAR and why.
Jack,
I want to thank you for your integrity and a most passionate take of our world at large. I've read the excerp from your book and certainly do appreciate your backround that has moulded your honest interpretation. Thanks for keeping the "powers that be" out in the open and for eradicating such ignorance!!!
Your book will soon be on my shelf!
Many in the military are young and can identify with Obama. There are many who want to continue to fight even after being wounded, and they continue to re enlist to finish the fight. I don't know if that means they are voting for Obama because they want to come home, or they are just young and want a youger man they can identify with as president.
When Obama was in Iraq and did his foreign tour he not only talked to the military personell, but he actually listened to what they had to say and let them know that he would do what he could to get them home as soon as possible.
When Obama toured Iraq and Europe he showed what a powerful foreign relations person he is. That means a lot to to those serving our country wherever they're stationed. John McCain is so hung up on his own experiences and "superior" knowledge that he doesn't listen to anyone but himself.
Republicans have abused our troops and stretched them inhumanely, not to mention abandoned them after their service. Is it any surprise they'd want a change?
Doesn't a six to one donation ratio, plus watching their brothers in arms dying in a senseless war make your question just kind of stupid Captain Obvious?
Jack,
It's no surprise to me that our battle weary, multi-time redeployed, soldiers whose lives coninue to be devestated by our present, illogic Republican administration decisions ...back McCain's opposition.
Think about it. Would you as a combat exposed vet back , McCain? ? He's a military-educated, quick -tempered, Bush-hugging advocate of more of the same,...... arrogant, and incompetent, war mongering ?
Bob
Brady's Bend, PA
I think the donations are an indication that military personnel are
hopeful of change. McCain is a new bush, we need a president who is
willing to attempt diplomacy instead of rattling sabers. McCain and other full time warriors must learn that peace is often negotiated.
Maybe they know that McCain only has a 20% rating from Disabled Veterans of America compared to the 80% rating Obama has, or that McCain got a D from the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America) while Obama got a B+. That speaks volumes about who cares more about the troops.
To Vegas- what history are you talking about? Cheney closed more military bases and reduced the numbers of of our miltary forces. And speaking of doing well, you obviously must be a rich republican because nobody else has prosperer during the past eight(8) years.