Kerry’s character lacking, Bush tells Guard group

LAS VEGAS – President Bush ignored a fresh round of questions about his service in the Texas Air National Guard and instead repeatedly questioned the character of Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry during an appearance Tuesday before a National Guard convention here.

Pointing to Kerry’s evolving position on how much the United States should be spending in Iraq, Bush said, “It is critical that the president of the United States speak clearly and consistently at this time of great threat in our world, and not change positions because of expediency or pressure.

“Our troops, our friends and allies, and our enemies must know where America stands – and that America will stand firm,” Bush said to a cheering audience of 4,300 active and retired Guard members at the 126th annual conference of the National Guard Association of the United States. “We cannot waver, because our enemies won’t.”

Bush was referring to a recent speech in which Kerry said the $200 billion the United States had spent in Iraq had meant cuts in health care and education at home. He also repeated his criticism that Kerry had joined most members of the Senate in giving him authority in 2002 to wage war against Iraq, but that he later voted against money for the war.

Kerry is to speak to the convention Thursday. In a statement released after Bush addressed the National Guard Association, Kerry said: “I’ll be straight with the American people: Things are getting worse. … The situation is serious, and we need a president who will set a new direction and be straight with the American people.”

Although Bush holds a commanding lead over Kerry among veterans, according to polls, Tuesday’s appearance was crucial for the president because of public concern about the rising death toll of U.S. troops in Iraq and renewed questions about the president’s own National Guard service during the Vietnam War.

Bush said nothing about the brouhaha but pointed out that 19 presidents have served in the National Guard. “And I am proud to be one of them,” he added, to applause. White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Bush voters are concerned about the future, not such questions, and that the bottom line is that Bush was honorably discharged.

The Democratic National Committee on Tuesday announced “Operation Fortunate Son,” an effort to impugn Bush’s credibility by drawing attention to questions about his Guard service with 30 events in 21 states this week.

For the second day in a row, Bush made no specific mention of the burgeoning bloodshed in Iraq, including Monday’s car bombing in Baghdad and two separate attacks on Iraqi police and police recruits Tuesday. “Despite ongoing acts of violence, Iraq now has a strong prime minister, a national council, and national elections are scheduled for January,” he said.

Associated Press

President Bush speaks at the National Guard Association of the United States convention on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.