Bush Wrongly Credits McCain For 'Working Hard' On G.I. Bill

President George W, Bush wasn't exactly a friend to the efforts put forth by Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and John Warner (R-VA) as they worked to secure bipartisan, veto-proof support for an updated U.S. G.I. Bill, which would provide our veterans with enhanced educational opportunities. But Bush is stuck with the bill now, so naturally, he went in front of the press and deemed himself pleased with its passage.

It didn't escape our attention though, that as Bush acknowledged the House and Senate members who came together to support the bill, he slipped in the name of one who labored to obstruct the bill -- Senator John McCain. Instead of being rightly excluded from the list of thanks, McCain was given the same credit as those who had steered the passage of the bill from day one. Surely, though, John McCain will correct the President, because STRAIGHT TALK, RIGHT?

[WATCH.]

BUSH: The bill is a result of close collaboration between my administration and members of both parties on Capitol Hill. I appreciate the hard work of my cabinet, especially the leaders of Defense and State and Veterans' Affairs and Office of National Drug Control Policy, as well as OMB. I want to thank House and Senate leadership and leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. I am particularly grateful to Congressmen Boehner, Hoyer, Obey and Lewis. I want to thank members who worked hard for the G.I. Bill expansion, especially Senators Webb and Warner, Graham, Byrd, and McCain. This bill shows the American people that even in an election year, Republicans and Democrats can come together to stand behind our troops and their families.

Comments

[Plowboy]

This is not the first time a Republican has lied, and definitely not the first time Bush has done it.
It is, in fact, since the Neocons took the party over, a standard part of their act.
It remains to be seen how long it will be effective.

[JoeBlough]

America was warned back in 2004 that a second Bush term would be disastrous. But America still voted for him based on the false fear Cheney generated.

Looks like America will be scared into voting for McCain as well. Maybe future generations will get it right. There's no hope for the current population.

[Rjmartinelli]

This is beyond an outrage. Not only did John McCain have nothing to do with that bill, not only did he and the administration openly oppose it, but he didn't even have the graciousness to actually vote on it!

Senator Jim Webb needs to come out and publically object to these outright lies as their only purpose is to mislead the American people.

This is not a subject the Democrats, or even the Republicans that voted on this bill should back down from. We need someone to fight for the truth of this matter. Preferably Sen Webb, as this bill is his brainchild.

(And not Senator Obama. This is not his battle to fight.)

[Rjmartinelli]

I'd like to add, if McCain is serious about this so called "Truth Squad", he should immediately denounce this statement.

Oh wait, he tried to take co-credit for the bill just a few days ago. My mistake.

[gonavy]

McCain opposed the bill in that form, changes WERE made to the bill, and McCain supported it. No, McCain did not go to vote on it, but the vote was not going to be close, so it was not necessary for him to fly back for it.

[Rjmartinelli]

It still doesn't change the fact that he did not take part in any level of the creation of the bill or the voting of it, yet is trying to claim credit (with President Bush's support).

That's the act I find reprehensible.

[Kynn]

McCain's stated reasons for opposing the bill were never met.

The "changes" I assume you were talking about is the transferability, which was in it when he was against it.

McCain did not support the bill.

The only reason Bush signed it is because it was attached to a supplemental Iraq spending bill.

[gbht12]

Geez, what a freaking surprise! He didn't know we were close to $4.00 a gallon for gas either. He is so CLUELESS. Who voted for this as*hole anyways, YOU should be signing up to fight his WAR.

[SwingVoter]

Bush's speech was written--it was not an impromptu press conference--it was deliberate to control the narrative though McCain vigorously opposed the bill.

[mlaiuppa]

And people are going to believe it because the President said it. Hey...would he lie?

[LiberTLover]

Well to be fair, only when his lips are moving.

[levibatgirl]

They shi+ on our troops and then try to steal the thunder from Webb and Warner.

The GOP IS the bottom of the barrel. Nobody is lower.

[robXdion]

First McCain, now Bush. They're both trying to claim credit for a GI Bill revision they both opposed. And someone will believe it, because Fox News will help the spin. Sick.

[CindyM2008]

Will the media correct this? Will McCain?
Something tells me no....

[bbrecht]

We should hammer the media if they are running this without a disclaimer.

[jethrock]

Bush is just vile... When I think he can't get worse... He does.

He is a man with zero character

[santamonica39]

the real travesty is that the media won't correct him. Of course Bush lies, but it's the responsibility of the press to tell the truth. The fact that McCain opposed the GI Bill should have been a BIG deal in the press.

[PuppaX]

Truly surreal.

[Zhonni]

He said it on purpose knowing McCain had nothing to do with it.

Worst POTUS ever!

[blackjack19]

The reality is, most people who listened to Bush crediting McCain won't question it. They'll be left with the impression that McCain was working hard for the troops, which is a benefit for the Republicans. Those that know the truth, will chalk it up to Bush being an idiot.

[dejtemper]

exactly.

[SwingVoter]

This was a written (crafted) speech; no mistake here.

[LiberTLover]

Nope, and they are counting on the MSM to be too lazy to research and tell the truth, especially when McCan' starts claiming credit as well. Oh wait, he already started doing that, I 'forgot'.

[CaptainZero]

Cynical hypocracy at its lowest.