Another Shameless Steal

This time from the Kerry Spot on just how "spot on" the KerRather campaign's focus on military records really is:

WILL VOTERS BE SWAYED BY SERVICE RECORDS? [09/16 12:06 AM]

Tonight on Hannity & Colmes, Democratic pollster/pundit Pat Caddell brought up an important point.

Why is there all this talk about Bush's National Guard days? Well, critics of Bush want to "expose" that he was a irresponsible, heavy-drinking young man in those days. And of course, this contrasts with Kerry's Vietnam years - er, months... Let's just say it contrasts with the reenactment of "Platoon" and "Apocolypse Now" that constituted the Democratic convention.

So do voters automatically prefer war heroes? Of course, just ask President Dole. Or ask George H.W. Bush how his war record carried him over the top in 1992.

Caddell tonight brought up another fascinating example of how utterly meaningless a distinguished service record is to the vast majority of the electorate. Think back to March 3, 1992. The Georgia Democratic primary is in full swing. Bill Clinton is dogged by accusations he dodged the draft. Even worse, one of his opponents is Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Navy SEAL, awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.

Bill Clinton recieves 259,907 votes, or 57.17 percent.
Bob Kerrey? 22,033. 4.85 percent.

In Georgia.

Service records are not going to determine the winner in this election either.

Uh, yeah. Spot on I'd say. Not to mention we have no idea what W would do under pressure now that he's not "young and irresponsible"...