Obama Launches Ad Touting His Support Among Veterans

Barack Obama is out with a new campaign ad that includes a cadre of veterans -- including 2006 congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth -- vouching for the Senator's foreign policy and proposals for Afghanistan and Iraq.

The spot, put together by the Next Generation Veterans for Obama, seems designed to precede tonight's scheduled presidential debate in Mississippi. But the timing could be ill-fated. For starters, a debate may not actually occur -- with John McCain threatening to push it back in order to work on a bailout in Congress. And even if the debate were to go on, in all likelihood it would shift in focus to the economy.

Nevertheless, the spot is a solid one. And if the debate ever shifts back to Iraq, expect to see the Obama campaign push the idea that it is he, not McCain, who is reflecting the desire of the soldiers and veterans.

Comments

[angryveteran]

I LOVE this ad. Americans need to know that McCain being a war hero does NOT give him automatic veteran support. It has been more than a generation since he wore the uniform. Don't get me wrong ... our more senior veterans paved the way for the generations that followed. I had a successful career because of their sacrifices. However, the military has CHANGED a lot since then. I enlisted in '86 and retired in '07 and it changed significantly in those 21 years. I believe we must pay special attention to our enlisted veterans. Our enlisted veterans of today are NOT those of McCain's era. They're more educated ... they have spouses with degrees who have careers. I actually had enlisted folks who worked for me that earned food stamps. When they reenlist during a time of war, they're not necessarily reenlisting because they support the war ... that's a ludicrous assumption. I cringed when McCain spoke of the reenlistment ceremony during the first debate as if this ceremony somehow signified military support of the war. This ceremony symbolized military support of our country. To us, “Country First,” is not just a slogan, it’s a way of life. Yes, even for us who want to see Obama elected as our next president of the United States.

[rich3324]

Obama makes me want to be a better American. US Army veteran, 1983-2003.

[Mahi Joe]

You couldn't have said it better. Funny how once in a lifetime someone like Obama comes along and inspires people to do the right thing.

[J-Ville]

As a veteran myself I have been blessed to serve this great nation with some courageous people. Threw the good, the bad decision to go to war, and now the ugly economic crisis it is time to get the hell out of Iraq. To much money spent there and still no REAL exit plan. The military has done their job; its time for our dipolmatic politicans to do theirs. President Barack Obama is the one to make it happen!

[LittleTart]

That is a good ad. Made me cry.

[Dustee]

Veterans for Obama approved of that message. I'm accustomed to hearing, "My name is Barack Obama and I approve this message". So is this ad from the Obama campaign?

None the less...gre­at Ad!

[joshuahmcdonald]

Tammy Duckworth's speech at the convention was one of the highlights. When she left the podium it brought tears to the eyes of my entire family watching together.

I am a proud Liberal AND Anti-Federalist from a family with a long history of military service. I believe that National Defense is one of the ONLY areas where we should have federal (rather than state and local) oversight and, as such, support our troops with every fiber of my being.

This administration has used our troops in shameful ways and has used the "Support our troops" slogan as a punchline to a cruel, cruel joke.

A vote for Obama is a vote for respecting our troops and their families.

[Daly]

speak on!

[kmich718]

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of you who have so valiantly served us, our people, OUR COUNTRY!

You are true heroes! It is my pledge to you, that I will fight for you when you return as you have for me overseas!!!!

God Bless you and God Bless America!

[dkuz09]

This is so inspiring to see Tammy Duckworth out and about for Obama... I don't mean to promote anything on here, but her story is very compelling and worth noting...t­here's been a book written about her and other veterans and their stories about the Iraq war and their lives afterwards, and that book was turned into a play that's now risen to an off-broadway production. It's called "In Conflict", if you're in the NY area, I implore you to check it out. Very eye-opening and detailed about the struggles of our troops and their lives before and after this war.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

[floydSmoot]

If anyone deserves a better boss, it's these folks.

[AKAchip]

As the wife of a retired Naval officer I know what it means to serve our country and all the sacrifices that go with the decision to serve. There are also immense rewards as well. I support our troops and want more than anything for ALL of them to come home as I have never supported this Iraq war. "I agree with Obama that our role in the fight against terroism is in Afghanistan and with Bin Laden.

God Bless America, our troops and Obama/ Biden08/12.

[Petey131]

As a proud American I know what it is to have family in the military: Oldest brother fought in Vietnam, younger brother served two years in the army, nephew fought in Iraq and is presently deployed, uncles fought in WW II and Korea. I respect the service of ALL brave men and women. Let us not forget the POWs and MIAs.

Thank you for your service to our great country!

[OldGreenBeret]

As a former Army Special Forces solder I want to say the day is coming (and soon) when it will be much more comfortable to be in our military and proclaim that "I am a Democrat and a
Liberal"

[TheFirst]

Forty years ago on September 21, 1968, I was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force after serving four years of active service. I too approve this message.

[happypup]

Thank you for your service and a high five to you also!

[barackobama4prez]

wow....mak­es you have such respect for our vets. i've met several and they fight no matter which president is in office. they serve this country.

[Nolewoman]

Yes they do and I am forever grateful for their service. I am not in favor of this war, never have been, but it never ceases to amaze me how our service personnel serves our, theirs and mine, country without hesitation. Thank you, each and every one, past and present.

[obamanation31]

Fantastic AD!

[happypup]

Yep - very compelling!