Obama Hits McCain Over GI Bill

By: Maria Gavrilovic
Topics: Barack Obama

(CBS)

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

BOCA RATON, FLA. -- Barack Obama used the Senate floor today to jab at his rival, John McCain, for McCain's opposition to the GI Bill. Obama flew to Washington early this morning to vote in favor of the bill, which he co-sponsored with Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va. In his brief remarks before the Senate, Obama said he respects McCain's military service but "can't believe" his opposition to a bill which would increase education funding for troops.

"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," Obama said. "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."

McCain, who was not present for the vote, quickly responded to Obama's remarks in a written statement.

"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." McCain believes the bill doesn't do enough to encourage soldiers to stay in the armed forces.

Recently, Obama has been using the GI Bill and veterans issues to jab at John McCain. While campaigning in Michigan, Obama said, "John McCain has called for three to four hundred billion dollars worth of corporate tax breaks, building on what George Bush did, and he's saying we can't afford $2 billion to provide our GI's the kind of education they need? It doesn't make any sense."

Obama returns to Florida this afternoon to host a town hall meeting at a synagogue where he is expected to outline his Mideast policy and support for Israel.

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by jone775 May 23, 2008 3:40 PM EDT: Repukes are in for a good thrashing this year! It''s the wisdom, stupid! Prior military service is not a pre-requisite for the presidency. Despite McBush''s service, he shows (like most Repukes these days) a general disloyalty to the U.S. I am also a veteran, and I also approve this message.; Reply to this comment


by dmresident May 23, 2008 12:03 AM EDT: Hillary is crying, complaining like a loser. She is not displaying Role-Model behavior.

Is it sexist to try to change the rules when you are losing
Is it sexist to lie about Bosnia
Is it sexist because you did not plan pass Super Tuesday
Is it sexist to constantly beg for money..

A good Role-Model displays values Loyalty, Discipline, Integrity, Courage, Selfless Service; Reply to this comment


by dmresident May 22, 2008 11:53 PM EDT: I volunteered for the Military and stay 20 years....

Veterans for Obama; Reply to this comment


by dmresident May 22, 2008 11:50 PM EDT: Have any of you encountered a young soldiers who has returned from the war, if not go to your local VA Hospital. It will break your heart.

We are tired of hearing how the solider are appreciated. It is time to show some appreciation.

Hillary lied to me (Sniper Fire). McCain did not support me (GI Bill).

I am a Military retiree (Veteran), and I approve this message%u2026

Veterans for Obama; Reply to this comment


by cttullie May 22, 2008 11:18 PM EDT: John Leberman was at the (A pac or O pac) Summit with John Hagee,Leberman called him "The Moses of our time".Not knowing that Hagee''''''''s support of Israel is the ushering in of their annihilation.And their belief of the second coming of Jesus Christ/ (the rapture).It''''''''s not because Hagee has a deep hearted love of the Jewish people,it is only to fulfill prophecy and convert them to Christianity.

Ron Parsley is the other disciple of John Hagee,(to whom McCain has not rejected) spewing out mouthfuls of hate with passion and conviction.And the media wants to focus on Rev.Wright?-(absurd)!
Please, Let''''''''s be real, and take a closer look at the true meaning behind Hagee & Parsleys'''''''' sermons.What do these 2 individuals tell us about John McCain?

WATCH CLIP OF RON PARSLEY ON FULL BLAST:

http://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=WXZbIGJ
rDkg

-oh,but the word "sweetie" is outrageous and offensive?!?!...lol!; Reply to this comment


by riptide213 May 22, 2008 10:11 PM EDT: Keep It Simple, Stupid principle usually works best.

After years of unpopular war on two fronts, Stop Loss and In Lieu of Tasking backdoor drafts, contractor cash siphons, Walter Reed penthouse vs. pauper medical treatment, Ft. Bragg barracks slum lord exposure, 15 month combat zone tours, VA staffer touting PTSD diagnosis dodging, and various other lack of admiration degradations piled on our weary troops I reflected on this basic fact.

Obama for better GI Bill.

McCain against better GI Bill.

Apply KISS. Pick which candidate passes my litmus test on this issue?

Our troops and veterans deserve the best entitlements we can provide before, during, and after war.

Troop support and quality of life programs should not have to forage in the leftover budget scraps after all the influential vultures have gorged on tax payer funded contract and corporate caviar.

Better educational investment in our veterans who always return to their civilian citizen status at some point is worth some extra tax payers investment.

Better than some other misuses of Uncle Sams cash.; Reply to this comment


by eroosevelt08 May 22, 2008 9:19 PM EDT: Obama has never volunteered to serve in the military.; Reply to this comment


by eroosevelt08 May 22, 2008 9:17 PM EDT: When someone namecalls someone else ''low class'' they are telling the world they think they are ''high class''

Also, there seems to be a pattern with Obama. He does something wrong and then he does the ''hangdog'' Sorry Act.

Twenty years with Reverend Wright?

Sorry.

Mrs. Tony Rezko land deal where the Obamas got way more than they paid for when they bought their ritzy home.

Sorry. It was a boneheaded'' thing to do. (Obama is a lawyer who graduated from Harvard in 1991 although he was not at the top of his class).

Obama said he''d meet with every head of state, which includes the terrorist ones without preconditions? Now he''s flip flopping and says there would be preconditions.....

Oh great, another flip flopper...

Calls an adult professional woman Sweetie? That insults women everywhere. I''m NOT his sweetie, do not want to be.

Sorry!

Sorry!

Sorry!
Sorry!

Super delegates and primary voters: Vote or change your vote for Clinton so we can fix this Democratic train wreck before we are SORRY IN NOVEMBER!; Reply to this comment


by mattcat25 May 22, 2008 9:08 PM EDT: The Republicans really don''t support our troops.; Reply to this comment


by igorpdx May 22, 2008 9:01 PM EDT: "Obama absolutely does not know anything about the military and what the vets need." love234

love234,

Are you saying that former Marine Jim Webb who was Secretary of the Navy doesn''t know what is good for Vets? Senator Obama not only agrees with the Webb bill, but was one of the first to bring attention to the dreadful conditions our veterans were faced with at Walter Reed Hospital.

McCain has always been too busy championing the business interests of his wealthy corporate lobbyists to pay attention to the veterans who have served their country. Indeed, he never needed GI benefits after marrying into one of the wealthiest families in America. With eight homes and his own corporate jet, you think he cares about the middle class? Think again.; Reply to this comment