WASHINGTON, June 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It seemed like a new low for John McCain's campaign last week when the Tampa Tribune reported that his desperate fundraising blitz to close out the 2nd quarter included touting events that never actually happened. This week McCain is hitting a new, new low, turning to a member of the disgraced Swift Boat Veterans attack group, Paul Galanti, to host a fundraising breakfast for his struggling campaign in Virginia. [Tampa Tribune, TBO.com's March on Politics, 6/20/07; johnmccain.com]
It was just three years ago that John McCain blasted the self-proclaimed Swift Boat Veterans for Truth for their lies and politically motivated attacks on his friend and fellow Vietnam War veteran John Kerry. At the time McCain 'charged' that the group's claims were 'dishonest and dishonorable.' [Baltimore Sun, 8/8/2004]
Cashing in his principles for support from a Swift Boater is consistent with McCain's do-anything-to-win campaign tactics, which have included walking away from the campaign finance reform he once championed, trying to distance himself from the immigration bill that carried his name in the last Congress, and even embracing the potential of ethanol now that he has to campaign in Iowa.
"John McCain's embrace of the 'dishonest and dishonorable' for campaign cash is deplorable," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Luis Miranda. "The American people don't want someone who will compromise on his own principles and do anything to win. Unless the Swift Boater event is another phantom fundraiser that's not actually happening, McCain owes it to voters to reconcile his charges from 2004 with his fundraiser tomorrow."
GALANTI'S SWIFT BOAT LIES
Galanti Appeared in False Anti-Kerry Propaganda Film. Paul Galanti appeared in a 2004 a right wing propaganda piece known as "Stolen Honor." The 42-minute film was eventually reduced to a five-minute broadcast because of controversy surrounding the film's political slant and controversial claims. [Washington Post, 10/23/04]
Galanti's Wife Appeared In 2004 Swift Boat Ad. Phyllis Galanti, the wife of Paul Galanti appeared in a Swift Boat ad that claimed Kerry "betrayed his fellow veterans" by meeting with "enemy" Vietnamese negotiators in Paris during the Vietnam War. [Los Angeles Times, 10/5/04]
Galanti Accused Of Senator John Kerry Of Being A Traitor, Does McCain Now Agree? During the 2004 election, Paul Galanti said the only difference between President Bush's and Senator John Kerry's service records was that Bush "didn't commit treason when he was serving." In an interview, Galanti said "It's true. Aiding and abetting the enemy in a time of war. He was still in the Navy. I'm not sure why they didn't do it [charge him with treason]. I suspect it was for political reasons, but because of all the stuff he did, we stayed in North Vietnam for an extra couple of years." [Fox Hannity & Colmes, 9/8/04]
"DESPERATE" FOR CASH, MCCAIN GOES FOR SWIFT BOAT SUPPORT AFTER HAVING CHARGED THEIR CLAIMS WERE "DISHONEST AND DISHONORABLE."
In 2004, McCain Called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Claims "Dishonest and Dishonorable". McCain's response to claims made by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth was to charge that they were "dishonest and dishonorable." [Baltimore Sun, 8/8/2004]
Now, Characterized by Robert Novak as "Desperate" for Cash, McCain is Embracing SBVT member Paul Galanti. "Senator John McCain, reflecting dire financial straits for his Republican presidential campaign, has sent a desperate plea for funds to previous contributors who have not reached their campaign limit," reported Robert Novak in his Sunday columnn. Now, McCain is turning to a member of the disgraced Swift Boat Veterans, Paul Galanti for a fundraising breakfast in Virginia. [Chicago Sun Times, editorial, 6/24/07]
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Democratic National Committee
CONTACT: Luis Miranda of the Democratic National Committee,
+1-202-863-8148
Web site: http://www.democrats.org/
