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

[Aprognosticator]

We appreciate your service Max. I already voted and am supporting Sen. Martin. Maybe you ask Mr. Martin to run a commercial with Chamblis reared back in his chair smoking a stogie, while images of Bin Laden in training and target practice on the back wall of his office. The senator has not done anything (along with the other republicans) to catch OBL. I call that giving sanctuary to the enemy.

[Rockerbabe]

Senator McCleland, it has always amazed me that repugs get good marks for supporting the military and national security, but almost never have they served in the armed forces or been part of any security apparatus. I guess the dirty work has to be done by us "elitist".
I have already casted my vote earlier this month and Mr. Martin is my choice (not the best choice, but far better than what we have now). My hopes and prayers are for a Democratic sweep this year; maybe then we can get back to be Americans again!

[katandmoon]

I just want to say -- you absolutely rock! You are a class act, something that is a foreign concept to too many Republicans.

[GaMuppet]

Senator Cleland - thank you for your service to this country, both in Vietnam and in the Senate. I voted for you 6 years ago, and tomorrow I will be voting for Martin.

On a side note, it may be old(er) news, but I just saw on pollster that they now have GA as a tossup....a lovely shade of yellow, not red or pink. And Mississippi is now pink.....God, I hope it's true.

[naschkatze]

That was one of the most egregious political injustices, Senator Clelland, and I do hope karma is a-waiting Mr. Chambliss on November 4.

[Strywever]

According to Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo, Jim Martin's race against incumbent Saxby Chambliss in Georgia is one of the three races that Dem's need to win at least one of in order to reach the magic 60 needed in the Senate. http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/

I just kicked some cash Jim Martin's way . . . join me!!

Sen. Cleland, THANK YOU!

[Mikeatle]

Good for you, fellow American. I did the same thing! I live in Tennessee, but I have relatives in Georgia who are appalled at Chambliss' antics.

[vsupack]

Senator Cleland

I will be casting my vote for Mr. Martin and am doing all I can to remind people of the campaign run my Mr. Chambliss in '02. It was awful, but on par with what so many GOP'ers learned from Rove. We certainly hope to be blessed by your presence here in Georgia. For the rest of the US, please understand that there are millions of people in this state trying to help turn the corner for our country. We have to worry about Diebold machinies, but pay close attention to the vote... we're progressing from the north to the deep south and we are ready to stand united with our new administration.

[bluedawg]

Senator Cleland,

I live in Bartow County and I voted last Friday, on that cold, rainy morning. I was pleased to see the polling place was very busy! There is more support for Obama and Martin here than you would expect. I hope Chambliss is sent packing. He is despicable and I am glad you wrote this blog to remind those who may have forgotten his cowardly, sleazy tactics. You were a great advocate for women, children, and families here in GA. I went to see you speak on Mother's Day 1999 for safer gun ownership laws (my youngest daughter was then just a toddler-- my how time flies). Thank you, sir.

[savannahdem]

Max is a true American hero. We were ripped off here in GA six years ago, and we won't let it happen again. Martin is running very close to Chambliss and may very well pull it off. Heck, based on incredible early voting numbers here in GA, he may have ALREADY pulled it off.

[popizzy]

I'm telling EVERYBODY I know to vote Jim Martin. The hubby and I are going to vote tomorrow and I can't wait.

"I believe that justice can sometimes be delayed, but it can never be denied."....WOW what a quote! Come on my fellow Georgians and let's avenge Mr. Cleland's defeat by getting that coward out of office....YES WE CAN

[Steven Weber - Huffpost Blogger]

You are a real hero and authentic patriot. Please come back. We need you.

[Mikeatle]

Well said!

[proreality]

Mr. Cleland you are a true American and a True American hero. How these draft dodging war mongers and scape goading scum bags continue to get away with their lies is incomprehensible. I listened to a man by the name of Hood today talk about Die-bold and its involvement with Georgia, I pray the truth about how these reprobates have stolen elections and compromised our electoral system come to light.

[oldugly]

Max you got a knife in the back from a coward and a lier Saxby Chambliss...
I was one of the morons who voted for him. Sorry, all i can say is I should have known better.

I sure as hell know better know...

I live in Cobb county (newts home town bright red) and i want to tell everyone what i am seeing at the early polling places right now.

For two days there has been a line of some 200-300 people all day, open till close at the polling places. Whereas the republican party now has nothing but lies, slurs and right wing religious crap to hang their hat on...
The lines I see just don't have a Mccain feel to me. Everyone for McCain around me is either quiet or just mad right now. these lines look like a picture of the Democratic convention, very multiracial, very positive.
These crowds are smilling, quiet, talking amongst thenselves, chairs, books, cell, paper in hand. I think you will be able sleep better after the 4th Max. I hope so, you deserve it.
I am a republican voting a straight Dem ticket. Come on America send a message. Right wing religious bigots are not my idea of America. I am saying it here and by vote.

[popizzy]

Hello fellow Georgian!

Yes you were wrong and it takes guts to admit that. But, you have another opportunity to get it right. Maybe just maybe GA will go blue!

[lemonyashes]

I will be donating to Saxby's opposition from pretty blue in Oregon. I've been watching this race closely especially since I'd read about what Chambliss did to Max Cleland. I'm wondering why the race is so close Saxby C. always up by 2%? But, I heard something that I thought very interesting a week or 2 ago and I'm afraid to share or to give Chambliss any way to counter attack I'm superstitious that way. So sorry but it was definitely good news for Dems in the south. I'm going to see if what I heard matches the
results on election day then I'll reveal what I heard. Got to go donate AGAINST Shambliss now. Bye Max and Georgia Blue.

[Deni]

Thank you for admitting your mistake. It takes a big person to say "I was wrong." I hope there are many more Georgians that come to their senses as well. If so, there is HOPE!

Mr. Cleland you are an American Hero. Thank you for your service to our country. Hopefully this is the end of Saxby!

[disgusted48]

Sen. Cleland, my mother's family is from Georgia. Georgia is a beautiful place with many nice people. That being said, if the people of Georgia did not have the good sense to re-elect you after your performance as a Senator, they simply don't deserve you. As a navy spouse, I was personally offended and mad as heck by Georgia's choice.

[DeeJo]

Senator - You are one of my all-time greatest heroes! You can bet I'll be voting for Jim Martin.

You served the state of Georgia well for many years, and I wish you the best.