A group of veterans declared their support for John McCain today.
At a half-hour press conference in front of the state legislature, nearly 40 volunteers and members of Veterans for McCain withstood 97-degree heat as they argued the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has the right plan for Iraq.
A half-dozen veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Iraq wars said that McCain's support for a troop surge in Iraq was politically unpopular but successful and argued that Democratic nominee Barack Obama would put politics above the success of the war.
"Senator McCain stood by the soldiers, and that's why I'm standing by him today," said John Turner, 33, a former Army artillery officer from Raleigh.
The rally was one of a series around the country arranged by the McCain campaign to take part of the media spotlight off Obama, who is touring the Middle East and Europe. Veterans for McCain organizer Ric Killian is hosting an event in Charlotte.
More after the jump.
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Former Army Capt. Kate Kohler, 33, of Durham, said that "hope is not a method," arguing that Obama's plan to withdraw troops in 16 months would leave Iraq vulnerable.
"We've been in Korea for 55 years — and we won," she said.
Other speakers included retired Army specialist Mike Surles of Fayetteville, retired Lt. Gen. William Thurman of Pinehurst and House Republican Leader Paul Stam, a former Marine. Republican Insurance Commissioner candidate John Odom and former Wake County commissioner Phil Jeffreys also attended.
Stam, who served during the Vietnam War, referred to a recent interview with ABC News in which Obama said that in hindsight he still might not have supported the surge, since its success was based on political factors.
"If the struggle is worth it, you stay in until you finish the job," he said.
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Re: Veterans back McCain at rally
You're absolutely right, Isaac. Thanks for keeping me straight. :)
And thanks, Thomas! This movement has potential...