Obama focuses attack on McCain
Barack Obama ratcheted up criticism of Republican John McCain today comparing him with the unpopular Bush administration and continuing an effort to make the former war hero's opposition to a college aid bill for military veterans a campaign issue.
McCain was a Navy fighter pilot who was shot down and spent nearly six years imprisoned in Vietnam. He has stressed his impressive military record and Obama's lack of one as Obama appears close to beating Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton for the presidential nomination.
Today, Obama appealed to military veterans, saying while campaigning in Puerto Rico that he cannot understand why McCain opposes legislation that would provide college scholarships to people who have served in the US military.
Puerto Rico holds its primary on June 1, but does not vote in the general election.
"Now, let me be clear: No one can dispute John McCain's love for this country or his concern for veterans. But here's what I don't understand. I don't understand why John McCain would side with George Bush and oppose our plan to make college more affordable for our veterans," Obama said.
"George Bush and John McCain may think our plan is too generous. I could not disagree more."
The issue may gain traction, in part because the United States is marking the Memorial Day holiday weekend to remember military service members who have been killed in battle.
McCain's campaign was quick to respond.
"While Barack Obama engages in the same tired partisan politics that has failed our veterans time and again, John McCain has offered legislation that will expand needed education benefits for veterans while promoting retention in our armed forces," said McCain spokesman Brian Rogers.
The Arizona senator opposes the scholarship measure, as does the Pentagon, because it applies to people who serve just three years. He fears that would encourage people to leave the military after only one enlistment even as the US fights two wars and is trying to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps.
