Obama criticizes McCain on veterans' benefits

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080524/ap_on_el_pr/democrats

Barack Obama told veterans Saturday that he can't understand why Republican John McCain opposes legislation that would provide college scholarships to people who have served in the U.S. military.

"Now, let me be clear: No one can dispute John McCain's love for this country or his concern for veterans. But here's what I don't understand. I don't understand why John McCain would side with George Bush and oppose our plan to make college more affordable for our veterans," the Democratic presidential candidate said. "George Bush and John McCain may think our plan is too generous. I could not disagree more."

Obama's criticism renews a clash that turned personal after the Senate approved the scholarship bill Thursday.

During the Senate debate, the Illinois senator questioned why McCain — a Navy veteran and former prisoner of war — would oppose the measure.

If you watch McCain's debates in 2000 and 2008, he falls back on his war experience when he is uncomfortable addressing an issue, even if it's unrelated to the subject at hand. That's what his response to Obama's criticism did. That's even what he used to explain away his abortion position in the Bush-Keyes-McCain debate back in 2000. Obama's campaign should target this as a weak spot for McCain and exploit it.

in his medical records? I didn't read it, but wonder about his temper tantrums and outbursts.