If there’s anything worse than partisan sniping, it is partisan sniping enhanced by weasel words. The Obamacrats have a new favorite weasel word: “automatically.”
Merriam-Webster defines “weasel word” as “a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.” The term, according to that same venerable source, comes from the weasel’s “sucking the contents out of an egg while leaving the shell superficially intact.” From Wikipedia:
Weasel words are deliberately misleading or ambiguous elements of language used to avoid making a straightforward statement while simultaneously generating the illusion that a direct, clear form communication is being utilized. This type of language is used to deceive, distract, or manipulate an audience.
The new Obamacrat weasel word is being used by such folks as Ariana Huffington and Alan Colmes to disguise the tawdry attacks on John McCain’s record of military service. As in, “I don’t think that military service automatically qualifies someone to be President; do you?” If the mark answers “no,” then the next step is, “So what did [insert name of attacker] say that was wrong – - after all, he or she was merely pointing out that McCain’s military service doesn’t automatically qualify him to be President.” Of course, that is NOT what Wesley “Knucklehead” Clark or any of the other Obamassassins said. They denigrate McCain’s service, state that he lacks command experience, and worse. The weasel word is a ruse.
So what’s the best way to handle this weasel-word? Retired Navy Commander Paul Galanti simply ignored it in a debate with Alan Colmes. When Colmes posed the weasel-worded question (do you think that military service automatically qualifies someone to be President?), Galanti didn’t miss a beat: “Yes,” he said, adding, “the whole package,” McCain as compared to Obama. And perhaps that is the best answer – - ignore the weasel-words and home in on the substance. The video of this interchange is well worth watching. Galanti, a 7-year POW, carries himself with purpose and grace.
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McCain Campaign Launches Truth Squad To Counter Attacks On John McCain’s Military Service
July 8, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Absolutely McCain’s military service qualifies him for the most senior executive position in the world.
That’s why I think Drew Carey would make a great President too.. he was a MARINE. Same with Bill Cosby.
In all seriousness is it an “attack”? I consider what happened to John Kerry as an attack. They actually questioned his service, questioned that he was even there, and questioned his patriotism. I don’t see anyone questioning whether McCain was a POW…or a war hero.
It’s an issue that does need to be asked and addressed though. Does one’s military service prepare them for the Presidency? How does that denigrate his service? (The answer by the way is “not entirely”) I think it deserves more of an answer than a broad dismissal as an “attack” by “Obamassassins”.
July 8, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Leadership training and service in a leadership role in the military is one of many possible qualifications. It is one of many qualifications, specifically, that John McCain has, but Barack Obama lacks.
And, yes, when Obama supporters accuse John McCain of lying about being tortured and collaborating with the enemy, that is an “attack.”
Speaking of John Kerry being “attacked” in 2004: what part of the films of him testifying before Congress, or marching in an anti-war demonstration, or talking about “giving back” his service medals, was false? A: None. Kerry was “attacked” with the words that came out of his mouth; McCain is being attacked with falsehood and innuendo. You may want to ponder the difference in the two situations.
July 18, 2008 at 3:39 am
Wesley Clark trips all over himself every time he says anything.
Last go around, Clark crowed endlessly about Kerry’s service, and how horrible it was that anyone would doubt Kerry’s integrity. He held Kerry up as a hero and ABSOLUTELY advertised his service as a reason why Kerry was fit to be commander in chief.
Now he flip flops right on his face – as he usually does.
Clark is a disgrace to the uniform and it’s a tragedy our soldiers and vets had to listen to him denigrate their service in such a way.
He had NO reason to even bring the issue up other than to attack something honorable about another man.
What a truly stupid man he is.
Danny Vice
http://www.theweeklyvice.com