Katie Couric's Notebook: The Military Vote

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

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Notebook: The Military Vote

One of the highlights tonight at the Democratic Convention will be a salute to the military. In recent campaigns, we've come to think of military families as more closely identified with the Republican candidate than the Democrat.

Four years ago, exit polls showed those who had served in the military voted overwhelmingly for President Bush over John Kerry. But Kerry actually edged out Mr. Bush among those with no military experience.

This year it might seem a no-brainer that John McCain, a war hero, and former POW, would get the military vote. But it's Barack Obama who's being promoted. The non partisan Center for Responsive Politics says campaign donations from troops overseas are going to Obama six to one.

It's not clear why. Perhaps because Obama promises to end an unpopular war that McCain is supporting. But whatever the reason, those who have served our nation are sure to be a key, and perhaps surprising, voting block come Election Day.

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by AndyBoucher August 28, 2008 4:47 PM EDT: Katie is so partisan it isn''t funny. Most of America does not take anything she has any opinion on for more then what it is... I love watching her, listening and reading what she has to say, then show time and time again, how she is totally misguiding and misleading as to how things really are. You may have your own opinions Katie, but how about JUST reporting the news, and leaving those things to yourself.; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw August 28, 2008 3:57 PM EDT: It was important to include a salute to the military in the Convention program to honor the sacrifices of our military personnel and their families, and it was important to hear their viewpoints on many issues at the Convention. And their collective power as a voting block may have a significant impact on election results in November.
May God protect our troops, and may peace come to all peoples and countries of the world.; Reply to this comment


by morgalker23 August 27, 2008 9:29 PM EDT: The Fact that McCain is a war hero isn''t going to get him the vote when he over uses it. Like on your show, he used that as an excuse to counter the 7 houses gaffe. And he did it last night on Leno, too. In response, which 23/6 made a rebuke which you might find hilarious (if not tasteful). Check it out: http://www.236.com/news/2008/08/27/torture_its_a_scream_8522.php; Reply to this comment