FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Democrats may soon wish they had a different horse in the race for the Connecticut senate seat being vacated by Chris Dodd.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/18/art.blumenthal.jpg caption=" Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal reportedly lied about serving in Vietnam. "]
The New York Times has an explosive front page story today about Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal - saying he has lied on multiple occasions about serving in Vietnam.
Blumenthal, who is the state's attorney general, never served in Vietnam. Yet on numerous occasions he has said things like: "We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam." He's also referred to: "When we returned." These are lies.
Blumenthal never returned from Vietnam, because he never went to Vietnam. What's more, he got at least five military deferments so he wouldn't have to go to Vietnam. And he eventually joined the Marine Reserves - so he wouldn't have to go to Vietnam.
Blumenthal's campaign was quick to slam the New York Times story calling it an "outrageous distortion." How is it a distortion if the New York Times said he lied about serving in Vietnam if he never served in Vietnam. He just lied about it.
Blumenthal held a news conference this afternoon where he said he unintentionally misspoke on a few occasions, adding that he regrets it and accepts full responsibility. What does that mean? Unintentionally misspoke? Is he not sure whether or not he ever fought in Vietnam? What garbage. He repeatedly referred to his comments as "a few misplaced words."
It's called lying.
In what will prove to be a huge mistake, Democrats say they will continue to back him in the race to replace Chris Dodd in the U.S. Senate. If he wins, Blumenthal will fit right in in Washington with the rest of the weasels down there.
Here’s my question to you: Should Connecticut Democrats support Richard Blumenthal who lied about serving in Vietnam?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Larry writes:
It seems that our only standard for politicians is that they be slightly above room temperature. Lying? Not a problem. Cheating? To be expected. Self-serving? Of course. When did the idea of a "public servant" die? These guys are supposed to working for us and if we do our duty we should vote these slime balls out – or in this case not in.
Hank writes:
As a Vietnam vet, I find it extremely distressing that someone would lie and then lie about his lie. Misspoke my rear end. By piggybacking on the sacrifices of brave young men and women who gave life and limb for their country he dishonors himself and his party since the party continues to back a liar.
Paul writes:
Ease up on Blumenthal, Jack. Let him set himself right by giving up the election and volunteering to go to Afghanistan, front line duty. He can stay until the last REAL soldier comes home.
Laura in Connecticut writes:
As a Connecticut resident, I can tell you that Attorney General Blumenthal has been viewed as the front-runner for this Senate seat – and has enjoyed support from many unaffiliated voters and even Republicans because he's done a pretty good job overall for many years as AG. However, this "misrepresentation" of his service, this news, is a bombshell, and may well lead to his undoing. This changes the whole race.
Jim writes:
The guy didn't misstate anything. He lied and was caught. I watched the press conference. It was a joke. No Democrat, no Republican, nobody should support this guy. Reserve units, during the Vietnam war, were difficult to enter. They were a form of "legalized draft dodging." I should know. I was in one.
Jim in New Jersey writes:
Jack, As a Vietnam veteran, I felt sad when I heard that Mr. Blumenthal lied about serving in Vietnam. I felt sad for all of those men and woman I had served with, those who came home and those who didn't. I don't feel sad for Blumenthal. In fact, I feel nothing for him. It's pitiful what he did. Yet, I have no pity. And, as a Democrat, I hope he loses. Big Time! I'll take any Republican over him.