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.
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I live in Georgia and I am voting a straight Democratic ticket. I know that Obama has no chance of winning here. At least I'll be one more vote for Obama on his stack of popular votes. I'm sick of the robo-calls from Saxby Chambliss. I would have to guess that the Republicans have shifted their funding from the presidential election down to the congressional level.
I just got a robocall from Saxby Chambliss. It made Jim Martin sound like a crook who wants to steal all our tax dollars (along with all the other Democrats).
Glad I let that one go to message.
Max; to borrow a line from the less-than-honorable Sen. McCain (I promise to rinse with mouthwash afterward): We are ALL Georgians!
C'mon, Georgia; do the right thing -- toss Chambliss out on his sorry @ss.
P.S. I was among those at the St. Paul restaurant last spring who shared N's cell phone. Great to hear you're doing well, Max!
Mr. Cleland I am a veteran also and I would like to Thank You for your service and the honorable way you served in the Senate. This is where I draw the line when people who have never served make veterans the bad guy. They did it to you and John Kerrey both of you served in Vietnam. What Saxby Chambliss did to you should be illegal and I'm so proud of the dignity you showed. But I'm really hoping Chambliss gets his comeuppance and get replaced by Jim Martin. Thank you once again Mr. Cleland.
Thank you Mr. Cleland for what you have done & continue to do!
What a national disgrace that Country Club Boys like "W" & "Saxby" (seriously, Saxby????)
who cravenly sat out the war were victorious over genuine heroes like you & Sen. Kerry.
And now we're supposed to accept the war heroics of Sen McCain as enough to qualify for the Presidency.
I truly hope, as you say, that justice cannot be denied & that the truth wins out this time
Please God!
Per Kos, VoteVets is now airing in GA against Chambliss
well, at least you're not bitter..
He has a right to be bitter. Heck, I don't even live in Georgia, and I'm bitter about what they did to Mr. Cleland, and what the far right allowed George Bush (and company) to do to this country. I'm going to donate to Jim Martin.
Hi, God? I know we haven't spoken in a while but if you could help a brother out...just three elections I care about..... let Obama win and if you're in a smiting mood if you could take out Bachmann and Chambliss I promise i won't bug you for anything else ever......
Hi, God. We talk frequently and you know I try not to ask for much (mostly for wisdom and gratitude when things go wrong). Just wanted to let you know that I've got a little candle burning here on Redbeerd's behalf -- I'm not sure about the smiting part, but I think America needs Obama right now and I'm pretty sure you know what Bachmann and Chambliss deserve. Amen.
You sir, are a TRUE AMERICAN HERO and you are respected and admired, by so many Americans (myself included). God Bless You.
The Rethugs voted in Bush and his shooting buddy twice. Neither went to Vietnam. Nothing surprises me any more. They swift boated a Vietnam vet and voted in two chickens in 2004. Thanks Sir for your service to the Country.
Max-
Don't fret about the Zell Millers or Saxby Chamblisses of Georgia.
My State has it's share of 'Wannabees' too. They think ill-conceived wars are fine as long as all they have to do is participate from a office in DC.
Mr. Cleland,
I still cite you as the prime example of the Republican slime machine in action. How Saxby Chambliss could ever look himself in the mirror and not be disgusted is beyond me. I hope Georgia will have the wisdom this time around to kick his sordid butt out of the U.S. Senate.
I thought about about the way Chambliss treated you as I was voting for Jim Martin last week. I think he is a despicable man and I really hope he is forced into retirement soon.
Max, Georgia still loves and misses you! Saxby Chambliss was and is no good for our beautiful state. I voted for you six years ago and for Jim Martin this year (and secretly wished your name was on the ballot next to Barack Obama's). Thank you for your article.
God Bless You Senator for your service and your courage. It is a disgrace what happened to you six years ago, and the fact that these negative campaigns and character assassinations still go on.
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