One of my two closest girlfriends is a bit right of center. She voted for GW both times, but by the second election was less enthusiastic to do so. She knows I've been a big fan of Bill Clinton's. Okay, less so now, but that's a subject for another time. She knows I've done some work on the Obama campaign. So with this knowledge between us, we don't talk politics much. I've mentioned her in comments in the past. She's the friend that while she was open to considering Obama, ultimately she's decided to vote for McCain. She agrees we need change, but as you'll see below, she's not convinced Obama is 'the one'.
More below the fold.
Yesterday, I received an email from her regarding Barack. I need to respond to her at some point, though will do so AFTER we go on long weekend road trip in a couple weeks. Here's her message:
This isn't an e-mail that's going around the web. It's a REAL view from a friend in ATL...who knows this Army Captain. Just read it. I know you have your mind made up...but this man doesn't support our Military and doesn't seem too concerned about our National Security. I think he seems to be a really "smooth talker" with not much to back it up. This is a seriously important election. I'd LOVE to see some REAL CHANGE...but I don't believe he's "the one". We'll see. I'd really like to be wrong...just don't think I am this time. Please research this candidate all the way.
Obama's Visit
Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram. As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service. So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.
I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country. If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.
In service,
CPT _________________ (name removed by diarist)
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier
I don't believe this account. This is likely just his perception of how the visit was conducted. Perhaps HE already had his mind made up about Obama. But I do want to respond to my friend with some good FACTS that will show how 1) Barack does care about our troops 2) McCain is NOT competent to be POTUS/CIC. I know I can go to votevets.org, factcheck.org and find other references mentioned by the fine diarists here. I need to do this in a respectful way, but want to set her straight.
Has anyone done this? Any pointers?