Where did the myth originate that Democrats are...?

Question

weak on defense? Considering that they almost all support the invasion of Afghanistan and a more aggressive war against the actual terrorists, and want us out of Iraq because that will make our military stronger? And please don't tell me that Clinton "gutted the military," I guess that's how we were able to achieve such stunning initial success in both of these wars....or did Bush single-handedly rebuild our gutted military in his first few months in office?

one_for_...

So the reason that the Democrats are weak on military issues is because they are weak on military issues? Great details, you really convinced me.

And yes, I am indeed a coward for posing this question. You found me out!

"That we were as succesful as we were is testament to our military strength. Clinton did strip our military, so we succeeded in spite of him...not because of him."

Nothing like good old fashioned logic!

Answer 1

I agree, the Democrats are strong in their support for the military forces of Al Qaeda and Taliban. Just like they supported the Soviet Union and the North Vietnamese communists, and the Sandinistas, and Cuba, and North Korea.
If anyone opposes the United States, they will find a staunch ally in the Democratic party.

Answer 2

As with every myth, there is a certain grain of truth to it. If one considers traditional Democratic platforms there was a tendency to balance a need for domestic concerns and social services ahead of defense and international issues. That said, current Republican rhetoric seems to have less to do with that than a simple attempt to "own" the defense issue much like George W. Bush has declared himself a "war President".

Answer 3

The myth came from the "cautionary tale" that the republicans threw around during the last couple of elections. Saying things like "if a Democrat is elected, we WILL get attacked again" It imposes the idea that Dems are the reason, or are unable to defend the country from an attack.

A persons ability to act as commander and chief has nothing to do with party affiliation. There are republicans I would trust and there are Dems I would trust. And there are certainly plenty on both sides that I would NOT want to see in charge of the Armed Forces.

The "myth" came from mud slinging.

Answer 4

The Republican side wants to associate the Democrats with quitting in Iraq, because that makes the Dems look bad and the Reps look good. The more popular message from the right is that the left wants to "cut and run", a message rehashed almost daily. Another spin is that if Dems are allowed to bring about a "surrender" from our side in Iraq, it will somehow embolden the "terrorists" to come here. It is using a kind of psuedo-patriotism to make the Republican party look strong on defense and protective of the U.S.

Answer 5

That we were as succesful as we were is testament to our military strength. Clinton did strip our military, so we succeeded in spite of him...not because of him.

Answer 6

Clinton didnt gut the military?


tell that to the men and women I served with and listen for the laughter.

I like how you cowards discount someone who actually served in the military. But you people can not stand the troops so why agree with one.


Dems are weak on military issues. Its why the military vote always favors the GOP.

Answer 7

Democrats have always supported the idea of a "lean mean fighting machine" which is exactly what Bill Clinton did.
This rumour was started by the lunatic fringe on the right and perpetuated by the regime in command-unfortunately if you tell a lie long enough people start to believe it.