FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Revelations that Connecticut senatorial candidate Richard Blumenthal lied about serving in Vietnam couldn't have come at a worse time for the Democrats.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/19/art.blumenthal.jpg caption=" Democratic Senate candidate and Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal holds a press conference to explain discrepancies in claims that he served in Vietnam. "]
It's not like they don't have enough problems with their candidates getting knocked off right and left; and with the Republicans' renewed efforts to retake control of the Senate in November.
That's why Blumenthal, who is Connecticut's attorney general, was carefully pre-selected and packaged to replace Senator Chris Dodd. Closest thing to a sure thing they could find. Except it turns out he's a liar and overnight has become a liability and an embarrassment to the Democrats.
Republicans are all over this, calling Blumenthal's lies "a serious blow to his candidacy." They say it's appalling that he would lie about such a significant issue.
And a lot of veterans aren't happy either. True to form Blumenthal surrounded himself with veterans during his non-apology yesterday at a VFW hall in West Hartford. Turns out Blumenthal isn't a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars - and he's not eligible to be - you know, because he didn't go to Vietnam and he's not a Veteran of Foreign Wars. In fact, Blumenthal received five military deferments before finally joining the Marine Reserves.
The Democrats may be shooting themselves in the foot by continuing to support Blumenthal. They're trying to contain the damage by circulating other videos that show Blumenthal accurately describing his military service. So sometimes he was honest and other times he lied... and apparently that's okay with the Democrats.
His primary opponent, Merrick Alpert, calls Blumenthal a "coward" and a "liar." Connecticut Democrats decide this weekend on their Senate candidate. If they're smart... well, we'll see...
Here’s my question to you: Could supporting Connecticut's Richard Blumenthal cost Democrats the Senate?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Katty writes:
I surely do hope so. My husband served 30 years in the military, over 6 of those years as a POW. Anyone lying about their military service will certainly lie about everything and anything else to get elected and stay elected....we've already had too much of that. These jerks had the chance to do what they claim they have done but didn't because of cowardliness or whatever reason they thought they had.
Dan writes:
I think the outrage over Blumenthal's lies will only grow stronger. Leaders in the Democratic Party are only making themselves and their party look sleazy by continuing to support this guy. Huge mistake.
Bud writes:
Yes! And it should. It's gotten to the point where these guys lie, cheat and steal knowing that everybody knows it and they don't even bat an eye. But it seems not to matter.
Jim writes:
You bet your boots it could cost the Democrats a Senate seat. He stepped over the line and disrespected every single legitimate Vietnam Vet. There are over 58,000 of my would-be peers whose names are on a long black wall who would object too, if they could.
Deborah writes:
Yes, that and the other gaffes they have made. Specter was just the first to go.
George writes:
I am a former state Democratic Party chairman and a Vietnam veteran (for real), and urge the party in Connecticut to find a new candidate and fast!
Greg in Las Vegas writes:
Doesn't matter, Jack. They don't know what to do with the majority when they have it.
They can and they will. It is a dishonest, unethical party. Witness their push and accompanying lies about Health Care Reform, about Arizona's Immigration law and count the number of broken Obama promises. You notice the Republican (Souder) resigned when he was caught dirty, a democrat will first lie about and then blame it on Bush.
What's a lie among friends? How many Obama appointees failed to properly complete their income taxes? Blementhal is just another Putz trying to graze at the public trough.
Hello Jack Cafferty and CNN friends,
Democrats can NOT afford to continue to support Richard Blumenthal,
who lied about Vietnam service,
otherwise the Democrats, especially Eric H. Holder Junior,
are NOT doing the RIGHT thing for the United States of America!
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
No, they cannot and must not support him.
The man is a velvet tongued lawyer. He knew what he was saying.
He is a liar. He needs to go.
Nope. He wasn't truthful, and that was not an unintentional mistake.
If you can't trust what he says, he doesn't belong in Washington.
If you want to test the depths of hypocracy among Democrats change the name Blumenthal to Bush in the above article, and then gauge the response.
Republicans supported Bush/Cheney in the 2004 election, even after they misled us into the war with Iraq. As bad as Blumenthal's lie was, it didn't kill anybody.
Ed
Texas
Jack, Jack,
You are NOT paying attention. No one LIES anymore; they just "miss-speak". Why are you so hard on everyone ?
Jerry in Blairsville, GA
No one in their right mind would support him. If this was Mayor Daley of Chicago in another time it probably wouldn't matter, this guy should withdraw and not embarrass himself further
No, Democrats cannot afford to support a politician who lies about anything or does anything that is unethical. Integrity and ethics matter in today's politics and people must be able to trust the people they elect to public office or the political system will not work. Bill Clinton's unethical behavior during his presidency cost the Democrats their majority in Congress and the Whitehouse. They cannot afford another ethics scandal involving a democratic politician. Mr. Blumenthal knowingly and repeatedly mischaracterized his military service record and should be called on it. He knew the difference between serving in Vietnam and serving during the Vietnam era. He chose to mislead the public by saying that he served in Vietnam when in fact he did not. This man is a glaring example of what is wrong with American politicians and with politics,is unfit for the U.S. Senate and must be rejected as a Senate Candidate.
No.However, I have been listening closely to how some (especially younger voters) seem to think it is simply not such a big deal. I am 66 years old and remember the young men from my hometown who did not return from that war.It is a VERY big deal to me and to their loved ones.
Jack,
I am a life-long Democrat, and a very active one. Let me say this to my friends in Connecticut ... dump this guy, and the sooner the better! Anyone who has ever worn the uniform, or knows someone who did, is offended deeply by this jerk. He should also resign his position as Attorney General.
Rick,
Medina,OH
Let's see. He lied about his participation in the Vietnam war. How many lives were lost in that lie? How much tax money was expended based on that lie? None? How about the lies of George Bush and Dick Cheney? No comparison. If people think that Richard Blumenthal will do a good job, vote for him!
The video speaks for itself. His clear expression and his body language shows a person who is sure of what he is saying. Too bad it was not the truth. In any event his statements will make this race much more interesting
No worse than Bush lying about finishing his Air Guard commitment. And yes, he did duck out. Even if the Guard misplaced attendance records, there would be pay records and a W-4 trail.
But, then again, conservatives can duck military duty (Rummy, Cheney, Skrocroft, etc) and it is OK. Kerry gets tarred despite the fact he was recognized for heroism.
So, probably not.
No party can afford to support liars. Of course, we all lie. Politicians are perhaps the best at lying. That is why I am dead set against political parties and politicians. Some religions, like the Baha'i Faith, while encouraging its members to perform public service, strongly urge their members to abstain from politics. It is not impossible for a good person to run for office. It is only difficult for them to win. Because we want to hear what we want to hear, people will vote for the person who most convincingly tells us what we want to hear. We want to be convinced that what we want to hear is actually the truth. The truth, sadly, but truthfully, is all too often all too inconvenient.
Jack,
Although it is very wrong to say what he said,remember contra arms deal by Reagan?Or W. allowing Pakistanis to cover what was the ONLY route out of the caves when we had Bin Laden trapped?Or when W. sent troops to Iraq and Ahfghanistan without any proof of WMD?Politics is a mess.Our founding fathers would be VERY disappointed.
Greg M.
Of course they will support this dressed up con artist. They give everyone else a free pass Dem or Republican. America has a severe case of amnesia when it comes to ethics. Lets vote all the good for nothing bums out. Let them get a real job. We sent them to Capitol Hill to lead and look at what we have. Its either spend or obstruct. take your pick.
tampa, fl only if the democrats want to incur the results of continuing to ignore the taxpaying, voting public that has had enough with cheats and liars. they seem to think it is ok to screw everyone at taxpayer expense, well, no more. i can't wait for the next election to start voting them out, permanently. elected officials should be forced to carry a bond and have a morals clause in their oath of office.
Goes to show what lengths a person will go to get elected. Embellishing ones resume is to be expected, but outright lying should be rewarded with the exit door to his campaign.
Well, it seems like this guy is a carbon copy of the establishment.
Obviously he has absolutely no moral values whatsoever. Which is sad if you ask me, no I would not vote for him let alone trust him.
How do I know that any word coming out of his mouth is even the truth, are you kidding me? A friend of mine is considering running for Congress and I think we need a new set of morals to clean up the "establishment".
I thought that President Obama would be that type of president to clean up the mess his predecessor left and embark the nation in a new road, but he is obiviously sticking to the Party lines.
Also, the sad thing is that mankind's greed has destroyed the Gulf of Mexico. Now, if the issue of drilling for oil ever comes up, I hope the next administration stops and thinks about this. I am not an environmentalist person, but I enjoyed going to the beach. This may be the last time the Gulf coast residents may ever get to use the beaches. Wait til hurricane season, there is no telling how much of that oil is going to come ashore with the storms.
NICE mess we are in!
Not at this time.
Jack, in today's politics lying about serving in Vietnam during the war probably does not seem that much of a big deal for a political party to spin its way out of today. We have we seen much worse in the past. From setting on a stall in the men's room holding hands with the guy in the next stall. To a Nevada senator paying off a staff member who's wife he had an affair. Blumenthal and Vietnam will stay in the news until the next politician gets caught. Then all the news media will move on to that story taking the focus off of Blumenthal.
Why not? The Bush/Cheney combine lied and deceived for eight years and they are still supported by their conservative brethren. Is there a difference in what they lied about?
drop him like a hot potato
I can only say how I feel !st The Civil Rights Bill was the worst Bill to be signed into law. As u can see what happened to our country since this bill became law of the land .It Has some good points but not many. It was 17 boxes of so call rights.Now everyone wants to bring down the USA, through this type of nonsense.We can not secure our own borders without people wanting to come here for all of the freebies that they can get, We are going broke with this person Obama &his agenda. I am for racial profiling if it means that our borders would be secured.,and a limited number of people to come into the country,& become citizens of this country. I am not for muslin to become American citizens. We need to give our children the best education they can get,with some help from our government. we have over 600,000 student in this country going to college, from other countries. lets give our first.
the democrats would be hypocrates to support this liar. Remember, you can tell when a polictian is lying–his/her lips are moving.
Everybody lies, particularly Democrats (remember "Change You Can Believe In"?). Do they have an alternative? My guess is that they will leave him swinging in the wind and he will choose to withdraw, as he should. If he was stupid enough to lie about service in Viet Nam, how can anyone believe he is smart enough to help turn this country around?
I hope that they don't. That was opportunism at its worst. He needs to have support withdrawn because "He's not the man of character we thought he was". There has to be better candidates than him out there.
Jack, lying is wrong and just another thing that politicans do to win the race, and they do it all the time! But if Democrats want to build stronger national support for their policies and their Senators, we need to take the higher ground and stop supporting this liar. Shame on him! let's not let it be business as usual. The long term consequences of standing for the truth build strength, whereas the consquences of believing in a liar always leads to disarray and weakness.
Vancouver, WA
They can't afford to support Blumenthal, but they will. You see Jack, Democrats are like Teflon when it comes to sleaze...... they lie, and the media reports and then forgets it. Republicans, on the other hand, are hounded by the media for their indiscretions for days, weeks and months.
I wonder what Spitzer is doing nowadays.
Jack: Hopifully, Blumenthal is not the only candidate in the upcoming Democrat Primary for Connecticut, but if he is the solo candidate the Democrats will support him. Mr. Blumenthal reminds me of the deer in the headlights instead getting hit by the car his mouth starts to run overtime.
As a Vietnam veteran and Democrat this man has slapped all who gave their all and their families in the face. This man did what many did during the Vietnam era and that was have their daddys get them into National guard and reserve units so they wouldn't have to fight in the jungles of Vietnam. Then we called them cowards and today we call them "chicken hawk cowards and wannabes". He needs to apologize to all Vietnam vets for his lies.
Any Dem that supports this guy should be voted out of office and the same is true of any Republican lame-brain who is guilty of similar misdeeds. It's about trusting these guys and no politician should think they are beyond earning the public's trust. ~ Mike (Anaheim, CA)
1st the man lied intentionally about his service record & is a disgrace to all serviceman that have serve. This was done over many times and he has to gull to say he miss placed some words or misspoke when using service time.,admit the truth and face the shame and move to a different career. As a ex navy man 4yrs I am proud of my service time . Leave the politics and do something else, where u do not have to tell people the truth, its on your mind.
In today's political environment where the publc is tired of the regular deceipt that is going on in Washington, this absolutely matters. If Democrats want a chance of stemming this tide of dissent, they should drop him like a bad habit (because it is) and get some integrity.
Jack they are democrats. Democrats have no moral character on which to base what it means to be honest. Look at all the democrats that you know and then look at all the democrat idiots that they in the past have elected to office, Obama, Biden, Pelosi, Spector, need I say more. (this lying bozo too!)......
The only thing worse than a lying Democrat is a lying, hypocritical, Corporation-owned Republican.
Blumenthal is a bad choice, but a Republican would be a worse one.
It could and it should. For anyone to support a liar like Blumenthal shows a real lack of integrity on their parts. Their support of Charlie Rangel proves they don't care about what is best for the country or the citizens of it, all they care about is maintaining power and controlling our lives.
Puma continued after Hillary lied and that's why she lost.
The American people want somebody to tell them the truth, period.
They are adults and citizens that pay these people's salaries. They deserve the truth, but the lying Status Quo connected people, just think they can hoodwink the people "all of the time"
Dems are doing a good job of trying, the repug a good job of lying.
They will get some seats covered, but the bluedawgs standing with the Party of I don't have to work to get my paycheck, are going to lose, lose, lose.
Be it T-bagger, or Democratic or Independent, the lying Republicans don't deserve to get paid for another day.
In fact, "They owe US!
The answer is a resounding "NO.". Mr. Blumenthal has become unnecessary baggage. How can anyone trust what he says, forget the Democrats, what about the voters? If he lies about a non-existent service in Vietnam, what else will he lie about?
Blumenthal's credibility is hanging out and it ain't pretty. By saying he misspoke, is not enough damage control. "Misspeaking" won't work, but it will supply the Rebpulicans with good copy to use in their political ads come November.
And, Oh, remember what they say about liars, "if they lie, they will steal."
. .
,
There have been a lot of people who have lied about their Military Service(s) over the years and the main reason that I could see was because they wanted to blend in with, or become part of the mainstream society. I don't approve of Elected Officials lying to the public, but I can accept an occasional "fib" providing that it doesn't have any effect on the job they are performing.
However, I would have been less surprised if Blumenthal have served in Vietnam and lied that he didn't. Back in the 1970's I had to lie to people about my Vietnam service whenever I was looking for a job, otherwise the perspective employers would not hire me. This was during, and after the Vietnam war protests when we were called "baby killers and murders."
Times have changed over the past 40 years, and now many people who protested the war are claiming to have supported it. Once again, I think it is mostly people who are trying to be accepted by the people who surround them.
So what's new Jack? Politicians lying isn't one of them. Just a few years back, we had a candidate ducking sniper fire as her husband didn't swallow or was it inhaling? Then there was the time a faithful politician going hiking...all the way to Argentina.
At end of day, lying for a job in the US isn't illegal. Just getting caught is.
Yes to the extent that he loses and he certainly desrves to lose. He should withdraw..
The answer is a resounding "YES.". Mr. Blumenthal has become unnecessary baggage. How can anyone trust what he says, forget the Democrats, what about the voters? If he lies about a non-existent service in Vietnam, what else will he lie about?
Blumenthal's credibility is hanging out and it ain't pretty. By saying he misspoke, is not enough damage control. "Misspeaking" won't work, but it will supply the Rebpulicans with good copy to use in their political ads come November.
And, Oh, remember what they say about liars, "if they lie, they will steal."
. .
,
Apparently the Democrats falsely believe they can pass off a flat out lie as a simple mistatement. Once again they are underestimating the intelligence of the voters. In a time when we are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore, they should realize their continual support of and denial is fooling nobody but themselves.
Jack I think the democrats are caught between a rock and a hard place with Blumenthal. They do not want to lose face or seats so instead of doing what is right and cutting him loose they are going on to support him. This clearly to me means that honesty and integrity don't mater to democrats. Any way you slice it the guy is a liar. By supporting a liar the democrats are condoning his behavior and that isn't good.
Yes – Connecticut's Democrats support of Blumenthal should cost them the Senate seat. If they had just encouraged him to apologize and admit he embellished his war record on multiple occasions they would've had a better chance at earning the respect of the CT voters. I'm insulted he didn't man up and admit how wrong he was.
Now that it's clear he lied to improve peoples view of his character I have to wonder what other tales he's been making up. His Senate chance is over and now we need to worry if he's the right man to be our A.G.
Teri Buhl
New Canaan, CT
Supporting Blumenthal can cost the Dems a chunk of what little credability they still have. I suppose it could cost them the Senate. That depends on what GOP Senate races tank...and some could. It's a crap shoot.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
Democrats cannot afford to support a politician who lies about anything or does anything that is unethical. Integrity and ethics matter in today's politics and people must be able to trust the people they elect to public office or the political system will not work. Bill Clinton's unethical behavior during his presidency cost the Democrats their majority in Congress and the Whitehouse. They cannot afford another ethics scandal involving a democratic politician. Mr. Blumenthal knowingly and repeatedly mischaracterized his military service record and should be called on it. He knew the difference between serving in Vietnam and serving during the Vietnam era. He chose to mislead the public by saying that he served in Vietnam when in fact he did not. This man is a glaring example of what is wrong with American politicians and with politics,is unfit for the U.S. Senate and must be rejected as a Senate Candidate
Like gangrene, cut it out before it kills you. Luckily, like centipedes the Democrats have enough feet to keep shooting themselves. Maybe it's the survival of the fitest & they don't deserve to be in office.
David, Las Vegas
Could supporting Connecticut's Richard Blumenthal cost Democrats the Senate?
Did it cost the Republicans to have GW Bush intalled by the Supreme Court to be president even though he was AWOL during his tour of duty?
It didn't cost the Republicans it won't cost the Democrats.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Not really, Jack. If military groups were up in arms about this, it would be a real story. However, all that I have seen is the media making hay, and they will get distracted by another non-story quickly enough.
Americans are accustomed to fuzzy explanations from politicians, but a majority of us don't cotton to outright lying, Blumenthal lied. And therein you have the downfall of a bunch of Democrats if they choose to support such a yellow-belly.
I surely do hope so.
My husband served 30 years in the military, over 6 of those years as a POW. Anyone lying about their military service will certainly lie about everything and anything else to get elected and stay elected....we've already had too much of that.
These jerks had the chance to do what they claim they have done but didn't because of cowardliness or whatever reason they thought they had.
Yes, supporting Blumenthal will cost the dems the seat. But so will supporting Dodd who is one of the lawmakers directly responsible for the current ressession given his past support for Freddie and Fannie and supporting irresponsible loans over the past decade which caused the collapse of the housing market and thus current woes. The GOP will take this one in CT. Go Tea Party.
This makes Blumenthal seem as delusional as one of those contestants you see on the first nights of American Idol. He is going to have to show up in bikini to pull of this one.
Liar! Isn't that a prerequisite for serving in Congress? If he is good at lying about his military service, then he should be good at lying to the public concerning political issues. Lying and politics-aren't those terms synonymous?
Why not back him? He fits right in with the rest of Washington...a lie and a cheat and doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to make decisions that will make our lives better. On the other hand, Tricky Dick's skeleton's are now out of the closet. What dirt has been uncovered on Mr. Alpert and is Connecticut willing to find out too late?
No if one considers some of the Senators now serving the Senate. Many Americans didn't serve in Vietnam. At least he served in the Marine Reserve.Besides since when has it been a requirement to serve in the Military before one aspires to be elected to the Senate?
Whether the Democrats support Blumenthal or not, they're still going to lose the election in November. This case here will just give the Republicans more seats in Congress in November!
No way, Democratic senators in Connecticut is big like the titanic. Nothing can sink that ship.
From Richmond KY
During Vietnam, my husband served two years of active duty in a MASH unit- stateside, but it was not a "Cush Jig" ( Slang for easy job):John is enraged. He lost a few good friends who died in Vietnam.He thinks if Blumenthal is forced to resign, he should also be forced to spend the remainder of 2010 in Vietnam, prehaps as a clerk on a US base somewhere.
Yes! and it should. if these guys are going to lie, cheat and steal and do it right in front iof us and not even bat and eye – then we are all in a world of hurt.
Anyway, it's pretty damn clear that once these people are elected they spend all their time positioning themselves for re-election. And every now and again they appear on the floor ranting or giving a speech on a subject they probably could care less about hoping that the people watching will beleive they are really doing a good job. Please!
I guess military service accuracy only matters if you are a Democrat politician.
Did Dan Quayle's questionable enlistment in the National Guard during the Viet Nam War cost him the V-P election?
Did the "Missing In Action" questions about George W. Bush's service during the Viet Nam war cost him the presidential election?
Did the questions raised by the Swift Boaters about John Kerry's Viet Nam service cost him the election?
If Democrats are dumb enough to support him, then they should lose the seat in congress, it is already a fact that he is a liar and anyone who believes his tale is dumber than Sarah Palin.
Yes! and it should. It's gotten to the point where these guys lie, cheat and steal knowing that everybody knows it and they don't even bat an eye. But it seems not to matter.
it's pretty damn clear that once these people are elected they spend all their time positioning themselves for re-election. And every now and again they appear on the floor ranting or giving a speech on a subject they probably could care less about hoping that the people watching will believe they are really trying to do a good job. Please!
Richard Blumenthal's lying about his military record is disgusting BUT at least he HAS a military record and didn't dodge the Vietnam Era draft like Dick Cheney or Saxby Chambliss, who smeared disabled Vietnam veteran Max Cleland in his 2002 Senate campaign, and didn't go AWOL like George W Bush when he served in the Air National Guard.
IF the Democrates keep Blumenthal as their candidate, I would think he probably still would have a good chance of holding that Connecticut Senate seat because it's a liberal state AND because they have already seen the consequences of electing a Republican FRAUD like Scott Brown in Massachusetts. voters in that state are already having "buyers remorse".
I think the outrage over Blumenthal's lies will only grow stronger. Leaders in the Democratic party are only making themselves and their party look sleazy by continuing to support this guy. Huge mistake that will have huge costs to the party!
Jack,
The American people are tired of being lied to by politicians. If the Democrats continue support someone who lied about being serving in a war, it will make an already bad situation worse. But the Democrats will continue to do what they've been doing – ignoring the American people.
Yes, an it shows you just how stupid and mind numbingly blind they are to what's right. I not just speaking about the democrats, our entire governmental system can't see just how wrong this is. Claiming you were part of the American fighting force, when you weren't, should be a crime, and punishable by prison time. He sure as hell shouldn't be able to keep the position of attorney general. But he will, the same powers that kept his butt out of Nam will allow him to keep his job!
Dave from NH.
Richard Blumenthal committed the crime of "Stolen Valor" and should be prosecuted.
Yes; unless, the voters are stupid enough to let him get away with his lies. They all are liers, but this guy is way far to the right.
He is an embarrassment to all our brave men who did serve.
He is a typical politician. There are two types; those who are telling a lie and those who are getting ready to tell a lie. My grandad used to say, "Some people will lie when the truth would fit better."
We should not be surprised, he is a politician after-all. Do you think the Swift-boaters would have a field day with him. I would and I am a Dem.
Jack
This is not a political issue but a moral issue. We should never support liars or anyone who breaks the Commandments.
Jack: typical politicians, especially the Democrats, lies, lies, lies.
Don't the Dems like to exaggerate they're war related events. The Sec. of State, Clinton left a plane under gun fire. NOT! Gore was a military photographer in VN, along with his body guard hired by Dad. So, what's new. They know we admire those who sacrifice for our freedom, so why not stretch the truth. He's going to get more pot shots over his lies (not misspeak) than if he really had served in military overseas.
I'm not sure it'll cost them the Senate but it will cost them dearly. It is truly amazing to realize we that so many liars, cheats, adulterers, and more in Congress. Blumenthal has a history of telling lies...oh, oops, misspeaking. And "cheating"...five deferments then a cushy "job" in DC. Go home to mommy, you bum.
With the feelings of the American public, shifting to a mistrust of our government, only candidates with a clean background should be supported. Unfortunately, this will mean that some candidates with more qualifications will be overlooked. It also means that everyone will be on a witch hunt to find indiscretions on any candidate. So either party will have to be more detailed in reviewing candidates backgrounds.
the man said he made a mistake, the only mistake he made was that he lied, If the Dems support him they are just adding another lie to there troubled Party
What should democrats do then? Not support the lying democrat so that a lying republican can win? They are all liars, so one got caught lying about his military service, so what? I'd rather have a politician lying about his background over one lying about campaign contributions or their policy or anything that directly impacts me. As to whether it could cost Dems the senate, if it does, then America deserves every horrible thing it gets if we collectively think putting republicans back in control of anything is the answer.
Mr. Blumenthal is a microcosm of American politicians; virtually say or do ANYTHING to get elected. It's like a strange disease that grips these desperate pathetic folks.
There's a new day dawning. America is sick also. Sick and tired of deceit , corruption and selfish agendas.
Supporting Blumenthal is and will be lethal.
He is going to cost them the Senate seat. They deserve it though. They need to examine their vetting process. Surely he isn't the only candidate they had in the running and if this is the best they've got then they are in trouble.
Why would they support a wannabe just for the sake of a vote in the senate?I would rather wait for the next time around for a needed social program we cant afford anyway than support a liar. There are plenty of REAL VETS who deserve that position. find one and run him instead!
UNLIKELY this one candidate could ruin everything for the Dems who want to retain control; but the dearth of candidates with integrity and the plethora of politicians with scandals, questionable ethics and flip-flopping stances (Craig; Ensign; Sandford; Leiberman; Benedict Arlen, and ad infinitum it often seems) leaves the disillusioned populace with little hope save Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.
I think it might cost the election if the democratic party backs him. Whereas I think he's a jerk for saying he "fought in Vietnam" and "when he returned from Vietnam", I believe he's a veteran of a foreign war. So what that he didn't step foot on foreign soil. He still served during war time. He was a part of the total effort. In WW2 my dad served in flight test in California which built and tested planes that were used in Europe. Was his effort just as important as those on the ground ? You betcha !
Blumenthal has already proven himself to be a liar BEFORE he gets elected! Can you imagine what he'd do if he's elected??!! Throw him out now. He's norhing more than another political leach on society – I don't care what kind of a job he's already done.... it's irrelevant.
Jack, supporting Blumenthal could and SHOULD cost Democrats control of the Senate, and even the House. Any Republican who "misspeaks" as Blumenthal is said to have done is quickly called a LIAR! Had it been one incident, we could excuse Blumenthal's remarks as "misspeak." But not the several times that he lied, especially since he did not try to correct his error until long after the accusation of lying arose!
Possibly, look how fast Tiger Woods was dumped by his sponsors after his private life was exposed. No one likes to put their faith in a cheater, what else might they be capable of? We don't elect these folks to find greener pastures for their romance life. Most of them are so homely they have to carry bags to put on their heads and their lack of character should not be endearing to anyone of the opposite sex.
No. He's a twerp. Too many of them in Congress who will say and do anything to get elected.
If lying disqualified politicians from holding office, the halls of Congress and the White House would always be empty.
No! He not only lied about that, but he also lied about taking PAC money. He is both a politician and a lawyer. Therefore, he lies for a living and he is untrustworthy scum. He deserves to be treated like any other habitual liar – with contempt – thus he is not qualified to hold any office.
If the CT Dems do support this liar, then they are not only stupid, but they deserve to lose the Senate. How can any rationale thinking person support someone who is a PROVEN LIAR before he gets elected??!! What do they think will happen if god forbid, he is elected. Throw him and anyone like him out NOW. Whatever good he may have done in the past doesn't erase the fact he's a liar. God knows, we've got enough of them in both major parties.
Jack; I don't care what happens in congress or the (W.H.) They are ALL liers, crooks, and they can not be trusted. I know it hurts, But JACK I have lost my pride. I was in the service for 20 years, I worked offshore for 15, and all I hear is lies, What will happen to the U.S.????
Since all politics is local, it will only affect this race since both parties have their share of crooks and liars. Sadly, the media will only focus on this controversy since actually discussing issues & policy is boring. (Look at what happened to Al Gore.) In this environment one mistake is enough to end a campaign like Senator George Allen's "Macaca" moment.
I, too, am a Viet Nam Era veteran who served three years stateside on ACTIVE duty. BTW, Cheney's multiple deferments and Bush's reserve duty didn't hurt their careers much.
Connecticut Democrats should take the honorable and proper position which would be to thank Blumenthal for his interest in being a U.S. Senator, but the citizens of Connecticut deserve better than what Blumenthal can offer. They should also suggest that he resign as AG.
The NYT wrote the article on Blumenthal based on an edited clip. The Huffington Post has the unedited version where he clearly stated he was in the reserves. End of this story and the start of a bigger story depicting the death throes of respectable journalism, perhaps?
Is this even a question? The party had better throw this guy under the bus – no later than yesterday!
Susan
Tuscaloosa AL
Yes, Jack. It could. I have been very disappointed with the Democrats. They have a great leader in President Obama, but will take him down with them. One has the thought that the GOP is paying Democrats to do what they want. I don' t know where this will all end up. But we are on a one way trip to Hell!
Jack–
I think that it will cost them this seat. He should step aside. With that said, where do the Republicans get off talking about liars with some of the folks that they have supported over the years? Blumenthal should get out of the race and publicly apologize for his lies. The Democrats are making a mistake by continuing to support him.
I have a hard time supporting anyone that wants to be elected SO BAD they will lie to get it. Regardless of whether we are talking about military service or being a swim team captain.
Mika Brzezinski yesterday morning stated that she personally knows him and that it has been his goal for quite a while to be elected a Senator. Then you have the fact that none of his staff corrected these lies over the years. As a result, I have to believe that the lying was a deliberate act and therefore he does not deserve to be elected in my book because he will obviously pander to anyone who can vote.
I thought so until I heard from some Marines. Not supporting him will cost more, since he may have mispoke, but did not lie and he has been tireless for vets.
YES!!!!
If the Democrats want to hold onto the Senate this November, the President Obama needs to become personally involved in stopping this kind of deception. He needs to go on National TV and demand that Connecticut find another candidate. Otherwise, his pledge of "transparency in government" becomes just meaningless rhetoric.
Les
Strasburg, VA
Let me see...... if I could read "tea leaves"......I'd say that supporting Richard Blumenthal WILL cost Democrats the Senate. This man seems
very lacking in his judgment, not to say integrity.
Let's think back to a few other names that ring the same bell:
George Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, Dan Quail, etc. etc.
None of them served, they all got deferments but were a bit teeny-tny more honest than this guy.
He lied, outright lied. His "when we served" really didn't mean "when me served". Kick him out, We still own the White House.
I served in the US Army from 60 to 66. I, too, did not serve in Viet Nam but served as a regular and so say if asked. To besmirch the honor of those who did serve by pretending to have served is reprehensible.
He will fit right in with his party. A liar.
I don't know who Merrick Alpert is, but seeing as he's a politician, I can be sure he's lying about something just as bad. As for losing the Senate, I think that was a given long before this issue came up.
To lie about such a serious matter such as lying and saying he served in Vietnam when he didn't could more than likely cost the Democrats control of the Senate in November! I honestly think anyway that Linda McMahon will win the Senate seat in Connetitticut when the primary comes up anyways and for a Republican she's a great choice and a great candidate! I find Mr Blumenthal's lies perpousterous and offensive beings that my father served and fought in Vietnam with dignity and pride for his country!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
Candidates will say any thing , do anything. I guess because Vietnam was one big lie it OK to dis-respect the men and women who gave up everything their all 65000 of them
There are still many voters living who hold the vets who served in Vietnam near and dear to their hearts. Their sacrifice must not be further diminished by this liar who chose not to serve with them. All Democrats need to distance themselves from this liar and opportunist. It wasn't enough that the Vietnam heroes didn't get a heroes welcome when they came home, now this jerk who didn't even go wants to be a Vietnam hero now! He needs to hide under the rock he crawled out from. My disabled husband served in Vietnam proudly.
This is a serious issue but the Democrats have already fallen on their swords. This will be but one more thing to rub their noses in.
Hey Jack, didn't you beat this subject to death YESTERDAY? How about something new for a change. We get it, you think the guy is a cretin, so do the majority of us now move on.
Gee what a surprise Jack. A lying politician. How unusual.
It depends. If that was the only time he mentioned that he was in Vietnam, then he misspoke, but it is no excuse. If he has previously stated that he was a Vietnam vet, then he is a liar and a liability.
I am a former state Democratic chairman and a Democrat, and urge the party in Connecticut to find another candidate and fast.
Absolutely, Jack!
This man has no conscience...these politicians will do ANYTHING to get elected; and if the Democrats stand behind him, this Democrat will vote Republican!
Tyika
San Mateo, CA
It could cost Dems the Senate, and it should, Blumenthal needs to go away.
No, another liar won't make much difference.
Seriously do not think this would affect anything. Hell the republicans still support the hoopla over the night clubs and they have what's her name sarah palin. Don't worry we want better so if we have to get over one that's better than the thousands ruined by republicans
I think people are sick and tired of liars. The Dems can't afford to lose more seats. This is a perfect example of putting candidates out there who are full of crap. American voters are fed up with politics as usual.
Absolutely!
You bet your boots it could cost the Dems a Senate seat. He stepped over the line and disrespected every single legitimate Vietnam Vet. There are over 58,000 of my would-be peers whose names are on a long black wall who would object too, if they could.
Doesnt matter they are all lairs
The Democrats can cost the Democrats the senate.
All they have to do is keep on as they have been, and it's a shoe out, and another shoe dropped. Or they could pull themselves together and do the right thing by the people, of the people and for the people and actually make something good take place for and in this country.
Vietnam 1963 65 no I would not vote for him kick the bum out ,
I am a former state Democratic party chairman and a Vietnam veteran (for real), and urge the party in Connecticut to find a new candidate and fast!
(NOTE: I INADVERTENTLY SENT AN EMAIL A MOMEMT AGO THAT MADE NO SENSE....THANKS.)
Jack: He lied. Why would anyone vote for a lier. I was in the Army during Vietnam war, but I went to Germany just before the BIG RED ONE went to Vietnam. That war was hell and no one should ever try to say they were there,if they weren't.
Beside the issue, Ohio will replace a GOP Senator with someone that knows more than the word " NO"!
The polls show that it's closer, but Blumenthal is still ahead in the race. The reason they showed him in all those clips accurately describing his service was not to show that he didn't lie all the time, but more to prove that those only two video clips were a case of misspeaking on his part. It's dishonest for you and the rest of the media to paint it otherwise, as a slip up once or twice with a single word can happen to anyone and it was an easy mistake to make.
Yes, that and the other gaffs they have made. Specter was just the first to go.
Supporting Blumenthal WILL cost Democrats the Senate. Do they think anyone is going to vote for a liar? If they are smart they will find another candidate.
Blumenthal needs to withdraw, much more apologetically, from the Senate race and do a few more laps as Attorney General, if the people of Connecticut will have him in that office and let the dust settle on this. To continue with him as the Democratic candidate is stupid.
Oh, wait; maybe he isn’t such a bad idea after all. Don’t the people of Connecticut keep re-electing Joe Lieberman over and over for no particular reason, regardless of party affiliation? Forget what I said. It could still work.
Given their morally bankrupt state, the Dems will still support this abomination. Hopefully he'll win the primary so he's the nominee to go to the general election, where he'll be creamed.
Yes because you can't trust anyone that lies about being a Viet Nam Veteran. And now the punk refuses to take responsibility for his lies. He's an incumbant waiting to happen.
Jack,
Support of a liar could and should hurt the party. There's a tenant in law that if someone lies about one matter, there's an assumption that he's lying about another. Is this who we want in Congress?
Too bad Blumenthal lied but it did not hurt the republicans when they lied about Kerry saying that he was not a hero and never in Viet Nam when he was. Bush won didn't he? Hillary also exaggerated about being under fire. Vets do not like when people lie about being in the service but if he is a good candidate in any other way..he should be given a chance. Not sure if the democrats want to take that chance. By the way, I don't think the democrats were blown out of the water and too much is being made about Specter. He blew himself out of the water with his statement that he only joined the democrats to get re-elected. People felt he was not a true democrat.
Jack,
Who cares if it costs the Dem's to loose a majority. What really matters is that Blumenthal is just more of the same of both parties. We the people are going to go to the polls in record numbers to get ride of the life time members to the DC Country Club.
I never thought is would be so much fun.......
Jack, this is a no-brainer. Of course they can't support Blumenthal.The
Democrats have to find someone with a little more integrity and honesty. Not hard to do.
If it is hard for the Democrats to find someone to replace him ...them Dems are in big trouble. Honestly, if I heard that George Washington lied
and did chop down the cherry tree, I wouldn't support him either.
Jack? As a Vietman veteran myself, first you would have to convince people that being a veteran of the Vietnam war is really worth anything at all, given the regretable historic statistics of alcohol and substance abuse, agent orange exposure, high incidence of divorce,homelessness and suicide, why I would ask would the general public suddenly care now?
Jack as a former Marine I know how to fix his lies put him in the Brig for 6months and 6 months no pay and a Bad Conduct Discharge from the Marine Corps. send a good message to liars Semper Fi
You bet your boots it could cost the Dems a Senate seat. He stepped over the line and disrespected every single legitimate Vietnam Vet. There are over 58,000 of my would-be peers whose names are on a long black wall who would object too, if they could.
-Jim, Cleveland
why would voters even have to THINK about this one? He proved himself to be a liar and that should disqualify any candidate from
running for a seat in the Senate.
You're kidding right?
There's no "could" about it – The man should be deeply ashamed of himself. So he lied about his service, and even got into the VFW when he doesn't qualify in the first place? That's a slap in the face to both the Country and the Service Men & Women.
If he has any self-respect left, he'll concede the nomination to someone else and maybe even step down entirely since no one will want to trust him. It's like you keep saying Jack, gotta throw 'em all out and start over. I truly feel sorry for Obama for having to deal with the Congress & Senate's shenanigans rather than getting important work done.
Supporting a liar and a fraud could cost the Democrats the Senate and a whole lot more! How could he be supported by any group? I am a liberal Democrat and a veteran of World War 2, bud I never saw any acdtion ,and I would never do so.
Supporting Blumenthal cold cost Democrats a seat, but not control of the Senate–there are plenty of self-destructive Republicans that will ensure that Democrats still "control" the Senate. Let's just be thankful we found out about Blumenthal early on. When the Republicans hand-picked George W. Bush to be their candidate for President in 2000, we had to suffer with that choice for eight years. In fact, we are still suffering from the aftereffects of that choice.
I am Zuzile from Toronto, Canada, Jack what are you smoking? The republicans are the worst criminals and liars, check this hypocrite(congressman) from the republicans who had to resign his seat.
I think one of the quality of a leader is "honesty", and if Blumenthal cannot tell voters a true record about his service, no question but should be shown the exit sign
Yes, I believe it would!!! How do you think the Republicans got into trouble? Pres> George H W Bush saying NO NEW TAXES!!! It cost the Republicans the White House in 92!!!!
If lying is lethal to politicians, Sanford must have hiked the Appalachian Trail, Vitter must have been evangelizing DC prostitutes, and Grassly must be sending condolences for the death panel loss of everyone's grandmother.
This is not the first time the democrats backed a liar but the American people are becoming more and more aware and sensitive to the democrats coverings for the wicked among them while screaming about integrity and honesty within their party, so yes this and any other support of those with immoral issues will cost them and cost them dearly.
It is interesting to see the Republicans jumping on Blumenthal as a "liar". It is the same people who supported Reagan when he claimed he personally saved a Jewish couple from Nazi soldiers while he was stationed in Europe (In reality he was never in Europe during the war and was in fact stationed in the Midwest USA.). Their explanantion at the time was he was so "engrossed that he thought he was in Europe". Buy it and they have more sh– to sell you. And by the way – were these Republicans feet held to fire when they claimed Death panel and all other lies they spread during the Health care debate?
So goes the "unbiased and free press in our USA."
The mind of the people is changing against liars Jack. Of course Democrats will lose some support in Connecticut after this lying about being a veteran. It must anger veterans who fought and even people who have lost loved ones in Vietnam. I just find it astounding how Blumenthal expects everyone one to forgive him. He probably just wants the vote and to join the other corrupt people in Congress.
How in the heck did anyone expect this guy's lack of service to say hidden? It's not hard to look up someone's military service to see if its real.
It's one thing if Blumenthal tried to fake the funk... that simply demonstrates a combination of arrogance or idiocy.
But if this guy was "carefully pre-selected and packaged," then someone needs lessons in "careful preselection." The alternative explanation is that the Democrats tried to pull a fast one on the American people, which also demonstrates arrogance or idiocy... but on a different, more harmful level.
Democrats deserve this black eye for sloppiness, and perhaps it really is time to rid the capitol of Democratic incumbents. (And this coming from a longtime independent to Democratic causes.)
Foley,al I am a peon, but I am embarrassed that this man hasn"t BEEN, withdrawn , from the race, and that you would have the option to even ask this question! I have only one comment to make to whomever put this man in the running, A WISE MAN CHANGES HIS MIND, BUT A FOOL NEVER DOES!!!!!
Imagine that. A politician not telling the truth. It is not likely that Blumenthal's comment will hurt anyone but Blumenthal, if it even hurts him. Right now, the American people are unhappy, but will be unhappy a year from now regardless of the outcome in November. Neither Republicans, Democrats, Independents nor Tea Party politicians can fix what is wrong with America.
I hope so. The Democrats have lost their way just as Republicans. We need more politicians who will support Americans and not the bimbos, illegals, and big business who violate immigration law.
Of course the dems should find another candidate. Otherwise there will be no difference between this liar and Bush, (WMDs) Cheney (We don't torture.) Palin (I can see Russia from my house.) Or Boehner (Every time he opens his mouth). We have had enough of that.
And Linda McMahon? Who made a fortune (literally) from the "sport" that everyone knows is fake, while she wrote memos about hiding the steroids? Time we had better people representing us.
Dishonor and deceit are not traits exclusive to either party.
We don't need anymore lying politicians and if a party supports them then they should suffer the consequences in the next elections!
Mr Blumenthal got to stand up like a man and admit that he lied about serving his country in Vietnam ..Waterbury,Connecticut
Blumenthal should be repremanded for his lies and given the opportunity to apologize to the Viet Nam vets who risked their lives in guerilla warfare; this was a war which we did not know how to fight. Blumenthal is not the worst liar, however.
The worst lie about a war is when John McCain said he knew where Osama bin Laden was hiding and that he would get him. Why is Osama bin Laden still not caught?
Yes, they Democrats could loose the Senate supporting the illegal immigrant, Presudent Obama and liar candidates like Bluementhal
I would like to know what he said. I think that if he was saying "I was in the military in Vietnam" but not specifically mentioning being in country I can understand that. I think the Democrats should check up on what he has said and stand behind him if this is just a case of him saying "in" instead of "during" but dump him fast if that is not the case.
You use the word "lie" very casually. While what he said is incorrect, in context, it probably conveyed the correct meaning. If he was really trying to deceive, he probably would have joined the VFW. If he was trying to say that military of that era were often thought of badly, then he is certainly included. It was normal for people in school during that era to get deferments to allow them to finish school. That certainly wasn't indicative of someone trying to avoid their obligation. If Republicans keep trying to blow nothing into a big something, it will certainly help the Democrats in November.
Jim, Craig, CO
It seems thet when president Bush Jr. couldn;t find nor anyone remember his military service it was fine. Max Cleland, a friend, wasn't considered American enough even after losing an arm and two legs. Another American hero was swift-boated by political hacks even when under enimy fire. I don't think anyone can be American enough if not approvied by a republican. I served during the Viet Nam era and Bloomintal did also. His characterzation that he was "in' the war isn't a big deal concidering.
Advice to Dems and VFW members who would support the lier AG Blumenthol. If you lie with dog you get fleas. Thinking people wipe out fleas.
Jack, as a former Marine Sargeant , Vietnam Vet and District 3 Commander in the Department of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars I find Mr Bluminthals comments appauling , if A VFW member is found not to be a person that served in a foreign war the do not qualify for and are therefor not allowed to be a member of the VFW
period. If the Democrats back him it will serve them right when they loose in the elections .
Additionally any VFW member or Marine that stands by rep Bluminthal is not living up to their oath of integrity and should be ashamed .
Former Sgt Milton Hoke Portland Oregon
I watched the Secretary of State Richard Blumenthal's press conference on the Web last night. I did not see any VFW's standing behind him but to my surprise I did see a lot of Marine Corps Leaguer's members there. As a Marine Corps veteran who served in Viet Nam I cannot excuse his false claims that he served in Vietnam. Of the 2,709,918 who really served in Vietnam there are over 4,000,000 persons who claim to have served there. This inexcusable to me and I could never vote for anyone who would lie about such a thing.
Blumenthal has spent his entire adult life grooming himself for the Senate. He had it in the bag and let it slip away. He would honor those who really did serve in Vietnam by stepping down and show a little dignity...if he has any left.
The last three presidents did not serve in the military, so why would any but an out-of-touch politician seem to think that military service would matter, especially when getting found out has such negative consequences? A liar cannot be trusted and is subject to blackmail on possibly other matters which have been lied about. Blumenthal should do the honorable thing and resign from his Senate run. If it is true that he has no honor, then Connecticut Democrats should stop his run for him, or otherwise jeopardize their possible Democratic seat in the Senate. One two-faced senator just lost, so I hope Connecticut Democrats wake up before next Saturday. We've had enough of these politicians who "speak with a fork-ed tongue."
Herschel Dosier
San Francisco
Jack,
It appears that Blumenthal flip flopped on his own embellishment...Be that as it may, we Americans have a history of electing and re-electing liars on both sides of the aisle.. We could start with Newt, Mccain , Bush, Cheney and move on to both clintons,,, FDR, Kerry, et al!
Doubt , if the Conneticutt support is strong, it will make much difference..THOUGH IT SHOULD!
Republicans can be outraged all they want but they must look at Souder, Ensign and the current crop to see the hypocrisy of the argument. It is a project of questionable merit!
blumenthal lied,lied and he got caught he should not run also as a
attorney general he lied while in office. when a person go into court
he swears to tell the truth,but not if you are attorney general.
It probably won't matter to Democrats, who will vote for anyone, no matter how sleazy they are, if they have a "D" after their name. We saw JOhn Murtha continue to get elected despite his ethics problems. Chris Dodd kept getting re-elected. Democrats generally aren't too concerned about lying as long as they can keep a seat in Democratic hands.
If the Democrat Senate's refusal to pass the Hire American ammendment to the stimulus package didn't seal their fate, nothing will. Not to mention an overwhelming number of other issues.
As a Democratic supporter, I am embarrassed. Lying and five deferments from Vietnam? What is he, the Democratic Dick Cheney? I don't think this guy alone will cost the Democrats the Senate though.
Don’t know if supporting Blumenthal will cost Democrats but it probably should. If we are judged by the company we keep then once you know rather than suspect someone is unethical then it’s time to assist them in getting help anf distance yourself from them until they start living ethically. Having said that, it seems that birds of a feather … well you know; they just can’t help it – it’s in their nature.
Yes, it is a fact that richard blumenthal is a liar, but considering that he is a politician this does not come as a surprise. The issue is what he lied about. Just think for a minute, what kind of a person would lie about being a veteran of the Vietnam War with such detailed stories. I would be more concerned about his character and would I want someone with obviously no character in any office.
Supporting someone who as a lawyer, has been TRAINED in the use of words to make their point, seems like political suicide to me. Mr. Blumenthal has been c,aught on video tape stating he was in Vietnam when he wasn't. You can't whitewash that, nor should you.Time to pick a new candidate. State College PA
Hartford, CT
The Democrats don't deserve to keep the Seante. Chris Dodd voted in favor of Bush's illegal invasion and occcupation of Iraq. Joe Lieberman lost the last primary and ran as an Independent. He won because Rush Limbaugh told Connecticut Republicans to vote for him. With Democrats like these, who needs Republicans? I was in my teens when the Vietnam nightmare got going in ernest, and I was in my twenties by the time it finally ended. Young men those days faced difficult choices, none of them dishonorable. The dishonor lies with people like George W. Bush, and Richard Blumenthl who like to make much of a military service that they did not actually perform.
The reported and confirmed on videotape lies about implying being a VFW AND serving in Vietnam will certainly bring down Blumenthal and the Democrats. The Republicans have a solid Vet to run against this fellow Blumenthal whose admiited to doing this and the videotaped statements deliberately and convincingly misled the people of Connecticut. Mispoke is a very weak attempt to brush away calculated falsehoods. We have enough of this going on without adding another "pants on fire" to the election. It's incredible that the proper Democratic Party folks actually missed this absurdity.
It could. then again a lot of the voters today were not even born during the Vietnam War, and really don't hve any idea how important it was at the time, and the impact it had and the way the country was either really pro or con.
And a lot of those young voters, who apparently are heavily courted by candidates, are not interested in joining the military and maybe going to war, so they really don't care.
And a lot of them also are not too bothered by the lies that may come out of the mouths of politicians.
As a 40 year old resident of Connecticut, I know how hard Blumenthal has worked for my state, and he has done very well. Yes, he did lie. Because of his record in CT I look upon it as more of an embellishment of a resume.
Who hasn't done that?
My own mother, who never graduated from Sacred Heart University but did attend for a short period of time, was able to get and secure a job for the past six years by saying she did graduate for a position that did require a college diploma.
Democrats should back Blumenthal based on his prior record as Attorney General. In conclusion, no, he would not cost us as democrats the Senate.
-Rocco
He has been a very good AG in CT for a while. Is this good, no, will this kill him possibly but it doesn't have to. Apologize, own your mistake and keep going. Draft dodging didn't derail Clinton from the presidency.