"Not supported by the facts" - NOT!

From the New Hampshire Democratic debate: (transcript)

JENNINGS: General Clark, a lot of people say they don't you well, so this is really a simple question about knowing a man by his friends. The other day you had a rally here, and one of the men who stood up to endorse you is the controversial filmmaker Michael Moore. You said you were delighted with him.

At one point, Mr. Moore said, in front of you, that President Bush -- he's saying he'd like to see you, the general, and President Bush, who he called a "deserter."

Now, that's a reckless charge not supported by the facts. And I was curious to know why you didn't contradict him, and whether or not you think it would've been a better example of ethical behavior to have done so.

CLARK: Well, I think Michael Moore has the right to say whatever he feels about this.

CLARK: I don't know whether this is supported by the facts or not. I've never looked at it. I've seen this charge bandied about a lot.

Not supported by the facts? Bush was definitely AWOL (absent under 30 days) and most likely a "deserter" (absent more than 30 days). For those interested, check out our table that chronicles Bush's service (or lack therof) in the Texas Air National Guard. Note the several-month period (June, July, August 1972) when he was away from the base without permission.

posted by Quiddity at 1/23/2004 06:53:00 AM