Georgia On My Mind

Six years ago this week, I was campaigning across Georgia for re-election to the United States Senate. I loved being a U.S. Senator and serving the people of Georgia. As our country headed to war in Iraq, and continued to fight to find Osama Bin Laden, I believed that my service in Vietnam, my experience as a combat veteran, would be of added value to my home state, and to my country.

My opponent at the time, Saxby Chambliss, disagreed; running a television commercial against me that not only had Osama Bin Laden's face morphing into mine but also questioned my "courage to lead." I felt at the time that surely, my service and my sacrifice in Vietnam would be seen in a more positive light than that of Mr. Chambliss's, who was forced to miss the war with a bum knee.

Sadly, as my good friend John Kerry would learn two years later, the power of well-funded lies can be hard to overcome with the truth, and six years ago next Tuesday, Saxby Chambliss won.

It was a devastating loss to me personally, but rest assured my friends, I am doing well. I am hopeful for a resounding Democratic victory across the country next Tuesday and I am encouraged to see that Jim Martin is running a great race against Saxby Chambliss here in Georgia. Jim is gaining ground and if you can help him in any way, please do so.

I believe that justice can sometimes be delayed, but it can never be denied. I served my country to the best of my ability and I hope to serve it again. And like Jim Martin, I will serve with character, dignity and grace.

Something I can not say about the man I pray he replaces.

Comments

[BottomLine2008]

You're a great American, Senator. You'll be back.

[truesusieq]

Thank you, Senator Cleland, for serving us Georgians so faithfully and devoting yourself to our country's veterans.

Chambliss continues his disgraceful actions. His current ads characterize opponent Jim Martin as neglectful of children and allowing 2 foster kids to die during his watch. Shameful. I'm a Georgian who will be voting for Jim Martin and Barack Obama.

[MadxAsxHell]

Senator:
In 2000 the election was stolen in Florida
In 2002, your seat was stolen by Saxby Chambliss, a useless and worthless Bush ditto-head
In 2004 the election was stolen in Ohio.
In 2006, even the best attempts to steal the election wasn't enough, almost, but not enough.
In 2008, hopefully we'll have redemption and oust Chambliss, McConnell, Dole, Coleman and a bunch of other Rethugs. States that haven't gone Democratic in decades will come over from the dark side.

I hope President Obama has a place for you in his cabinet.

[slimcat]

Dear Max,
As a fellow Vietnam era combat veteran, I will never, ever forget what these pseudo religious, neo/authoritarian conservative, 'patriots', like Sham-bliss, did to you.

I was in Oklahoma at the time, now in 'Swamp Fox' country and keeping my powder dry. I hope you'll run for office again. Our country needs good, honest and true men like you.

[NuiLocSon]

Why the Republicans are Un-American
Ever hear of "United we stand, Divided we fall." How about "E Pluribus Unum"

Starting with Newt Gingritch and continuing with Tom Delay the Republicans have waging a war on the UNITED States of America by thier "Culture Wars" pitting Americans who actually have more in common with each other against each other using primarily Gay people and Womens rights (abortion) also "Patriotic" i.e. Lovers of Jesus against everyone else.
I am also a Vietnam Vet Max, and i think that what was done to you and Kerry was part of this criminal action.

[krocklin]

Let's call it like it is. These Republicans need to fade into oblivion.

Trying to make Obama and Cleland and Michelle Obama even into these evil twisted allies of our enemies proves that the ghost of McCarthy stalks across the Republican Psyche.

Let's portray them for the meanspirited name calling cretins that they are. Enough of this playing it down the middle. They have overstepped the boundaries of decency repeatedly and endorsed brownshirt tactics for too many years.

A more decent nation wouldn't tolerate their continued existence for a minute. The longer the Media provides them with a voice for their hateful rhetoric the more assured we are as a Nation to go into the toilet with them.

[shawhan]

Max, you're one of my heroes. The Republican sleaze machine will go to any length to discredit good people.

[cactusgal]

Senator Cleland, I hope a front row seat is reserved for you at Obama's swearing in ceremony. Your many sacrifices have not been unappreciated by true American patriots. We salute you!

[karela]

The DSCC needs money if we're going to accomplish all that we need to. Democrats in the Senate races are either ahead or very close in Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Oregon, North Carolina, Alaska, New Hampshire, Georgia, Mississippi and Kentucky. As the article says, Saxby Chamblis of Mississippi is a jerk. McConnell of Kentucky has organized and led the republican fillibusters that have grid locked the past two years. We are close enough in all these races that money will make a major difference. It's within our grasp if we step up to the line and donate the money to make it happen today. I'm a nurse and I'm coughing up $200 online to the DSCC tonight. Join me with whatever you can wring out of your budget. We'll be mighty glad we did when Obama is able to accomplish the things we elected him to do. Tonight's the night for heroes. Fast draw that credit card and put on your white hat!

[pbley68]

People like Saxby Chambliss are a disgrace, they are a brand of Republican who exploited the events of 9/11, for their own political gain.

[lemonyashes]

So what Max is really saying here is there is a BIG (SHAM-bliss) ELEPHANT in the room!

[commentator]

Here's greetings to you from Denmark, Max! I want to echo what others here have said: You ROCK and you're a true class act.

[thexfiles]

Hi Senator Cleland,

I'm so glad to hear from you! I got a warm, fuzzy feeling when I read in the NYT last week that Jim Martin has a chance to winin Georgia.

He really represents GA because is a kind, honorable and intelligent man just like you.

When I took a look at Roll Call and saw where the current senator ranked, it was shameful.

Georgia Needs Jim Martin!

[RnR]

I really suspect that although the smearing and lies might sway a few voters, that the ultimate purpose of them is to give cover to the theft of elections.

Thank you so much Senator Cleland. You know, once you get a 'nick it sticks forever :)

[KayWrites]

Thank you for your service to our country, Sen Cleland. I voted for you in 02 and will vote for Jim Martin on Thursday. I could not believe that the people of GA fell for that lie then, and I actually cried when the numbers came in on election night. With any luck, the story will be different on this Tuesday night.