Howard Dean’s Back

Posted on November 24, 2003 in Campaign 2004

Howard Dean got a legitimate deferment based on an examination by military physicians (who reject for all kinds of physical deficiencies.) He did not shirk his duty. There is no question of his loyalty to the country or his willingness to serve. He showed up for his physical examination. They would not take him.

This is the worst sort of jingoistic spin spiced up with the tiniest hint of Spencerism, a bald attempt to cast aspersions on the status quo’s strongest critic within the Democratic Party. It’s a reflection on the army’s medical standards, not on Howard Dean.

This is a non-issue. I doubt that it was floated by the Rove Dirty Tricks Squad. Bush cannot afford to have the question of military service brought up. This comes straight from Saruman — not Sauron — the DLC.

Supporters of Kuncinich, Braun, and other dissident candidates should not take this bait. It can be used against them, too by the same people.