Democratic Party Values: Serial Liar Nominated For Senate In Connecticut

To channel Michael Gerson, at this point, the options for Obama, Menendez and Reid are limited. They will either repudiate Richard Blumenthal's candidacy or they will be tainted by Blumenthal’s lies.

Blumenthal's campaign is still reeling from the controversy caused by his videotaped speech in Norwalk in 2008 in which he said he had served in Vietnam, when actually he served stateside during the war in the Marine Corps Reserve.

"I have made mistakes," Blumenthal told the crowd at the Democratic Party nominating convention in Hartford. "I regret them. And I have taken responsibility. But this campaign must be about the people of Connecticut."

In an acceptance speech that lasted 12 minutes, Blumenthal never once said the word "Vietnam." He did mention his troubles, however.

"This week, as you all know, I had a little bit of a tough time myself," Blumenthal told the crowd. "You all have been hearing what my wife, Cynthia, has been telling me for almost 30 years — that I am not perfect. That I make mistakes."

Mistakes?

Get off at the wrong exit from a highway is a mistake.

Hooking up with an ex after a few too many drinks is a mistake.

Repeatedly saying you served in Vietnam when you didn't? That's a pathological condition.

As Shakespeare wrote in Henry V's St. Crispin Day speech,

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Is this Blumenthal's way of dealing with that feeling? Was he just trying to gild the lilly when it came to his service?

Don't know, don't care.

Whether or not or you served in a war zone is not something you are unclear on. It's not a trick question. It's a bright line kind of thing.

Aside from his repeated statements on the matter, he let reporters constantly report on his 'Vietnam service'. In his defiant press conference he said he wasn't responsible for correcting mistakes of journalists. Well, he took it upon himself to correct some mistakes.

Mr. Blumenthal is quick to correct unflattering statements published about him or to refute opinions with which he disagrees. One reporter got a call from the attorney general for inserting a middle initial in his name. He has none.

Good to know what his priorities are.

At their convention, Republicans nominated Linda McMahon for the seat. She didn't get enough vote to prevent a primary against former Congressman (and real life Vietnam vet) Rob Simmons.

I know McMahon is a hero for her role in the Blumenthal story but she makes me nervous.

Untested candidates are inherently dangerous but that's doubly true for a woman who has been involved in running a major professional wrestling company. Anyone willing to bet a lot of money there won't be some sordid stories coming out the day after the primary if she wins? Anyone?

Personally, I prefer a nice clear choice between the serial liar and the war hero.

posted by DrewM. at 02:24 PM

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