Re: Does McCain Have a Vets Problem?

Obama thinks so. In an unorthodox move, Obama scolded McCain on the issue from the floor of the Senate today:

"I respect Sen. John McCain's service to our country. He is one of those heroes of which I speak. But I can't understand why he would line up behind the President in his opposition to this GI Bill. I can't believe why he believes it is too generous to our veterans. I could not disagree with him and the president more on this issue. There are many issues that lend themselves to partisan posturing but giving our veterans the chance to go to college should not be one of them."

The campaign sent out a tart response (there are few other kinds) under McCain's name, with this acidic kicker:

"Perhaps, if Senator Obama would take the time and trouble to understand this issue he would learn to debate an honest disagreement respectfully. But, as he always does, he prefers impugning the motives of his opponent, and exploiting a thoughtful difference of opinion to advance his own ambitions. If that is how he would behave as President, the country would regret his election."

The McCain team thrives on these kinds of battles -- beating up on Mitt Romney gave the campaign energy when it lacked money -- it will be interesting to see how much Obama chooses to engage in them.