Romney on defensive after Kerry called him out for not thanking the troops

[ProSense]

From Kerry's speech:

And let me say something else. No nominee for president should ever fail in the midst of a war to pay tribute to our troops overseas in his acceptance speech. Mitt Romney was talking about America. They are on the front lines every day defending America, and they deserve our thanks.

Transcript: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021289267
Video: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021289518

Romney Defends Not Mentioning War, Troops In Convention Speech

Mitt Romney on Friday defended his speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa last week, in which he made no mention of the war in Afghanistan or the people fighting in it.

"I didn't use the word troops," Romney told Fox News' Bret Bair. "I used the word military. I think they refer to the same thing. And of course going to the American Legion the day before during the middle of our convention made it much bigger statement to our military and our troops than the president who did not go to meet with the American Legion. I spoke to the (Veterans of Foreign Wars) the week before. So I think our american military understands that I'm fully supportive of their effort."

The word "military" appeared twice in Romney's convention speech, but they both referred to military capacity in general. The first:

His trillion dollar cuts to our military will eliminate
hundreds of thousands of jobs and also put our security at
greater risk.

And the second:

Everywhere I go there are monuments and now for those who
have given their lives for America. There is no mention of
their race, their party affiliation, or what they did for a
living.
(APPLAUSE)
They lived and died under a single flag, fighting for a
single purpose. They've pledge allegiance to the United States
of America. That America, that united America can unleash an
economy that will put Americans back to work, that will once
again lead the world with innovation and productivity, and will
restore every father and mother's confidence that their
children's future is brighter even than the past. That
America, that united America will preserve a military that's so
strong no nation will ever dare to test it.

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/romney-defends-not-mentioning-war-troops-in-convention

Hate to break it to you Mitt, "monuments" are not troops serving in Afghanistan and calling out President Obama for defense cuts to the Military is not thanking the troops. Fact: You failed to mention Afghanistan and the troops currently serving in harms way.

[ellisonz]

1. John Kerry is absolutely right...

...Mitt Romney and his Republican friends treat our service men and women like toys.

[tjdee]

2. He is a liar.

I just watched the questions asked to him today and he repeated that lie AGAIN.

Not only that, but he completely ignored Kerry's charge about offending British people.

And MSNBC just let the lies stand.

Gee thanks liberal media.

[jberryhill]

3. "I'm fully supportive of their effort"

Let that sink in....

"I'm fully supportive of their effort"

No, Mitt, when this country commits its young men and women to horror, it is not some light entertainment they are putting on for our pleased amusement.

It is not "THEIR" effort.

They did not send themselves to war on some idea they cooked up by themselves. They went there at the order of the Commander In Chief.

THAT happens to be the job for which you are applying.

They are not looking for someone to "support their effort", they are looking for someone to LEAD OUR EFFORT.

Do you even get that?

Of course you don't. You would NEVER understand the concept of selfless sacrifice, of high risk for little reward. You would NEVER understand why anyone does anything like that at all.

"Their effort" - Well, I hope you get their praise and thanks for supporting it.

Now, how about a subdued "hear, hear" and a golf clap for our troops.

[ProSense]

5. Excellent point. n/t

[tallahasseedem]

7. Please make this into a separate post...

it's amazing and should be seen by many!

Excellent points!

[hughee99]

4. If you study hard and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well.

If you don't, you forget to thank the troops when you accept the Republican nomination.

[ProSense]

6. Kick! n/t