George W. Bush's position on

Commander-in-chief qualifications: One of the president's duties is to be the commander-in-chief, as per Article II, Section II of the Constitution, which outlines several powers: the power to command the army, navy, and state militias, power to make treaties; power of appointments. Thus, this presidential role involves how the individual views the world. This year, the debate stems off of two main positions: military service versus on job training as commander-in-chief.

Description of candidate's position: President Bush stands on his presidential record of providing defense against terrorism and violence in a post September 11th world, while downplaying his Air National Guard experiences. He plans on continuing his commander-in-chief abilities through offensively fighting the war on terror, intelligence reform, troop redeployment, and homeland security. Each of these efforts is part of his general strategy to aggressively fight against terrorism and provide protection for the United States. (link)

Quotation from the candidate: "This election will also determine how America responds to the continuing danger of terrorism and you know where I stand. Three days after September 11th, I stood where Americans died, in the ruins of the Twin Towers. Workers in hard hats were shouting to me, "Whatever it takes." A fellow grabbed me by the arm and he said, "Do not let me down." Since that day, I wake up every morning thinking about how to better protect our country. I will never relent in defending America whatever it takes." Presidential Acceptance Speech, September 2, 2004

Assessment of the situation:

Positive: Artie Muller, President of Rolling Thunder, a group dedicated to POW/MIA issues, endorses President Bush for his ability to protect the U.S. and promote veterans issues: "We are grateful for the President's leadership in honoring our nation's commitment to veterans. We appreciate his leadership in the War on Terror and in protecting our homeland against those who threaten our freedoms and way of life. We will put our manpower and resources to work to ensure four more years of the President's leadership." May 27, 2004 Link

Negative: Negative Assessment: Bush's continual attacks on Kerry's credibility, through the Swift Boat ads and other attacks, are seen by some veterans as a way to avoid discussing real issues. Richard Klass, president of Veterans Institute and retired Air Force member, commented: "These attacks are an attempt to divert the American people, especially veterans and their families, from the real issues that concern veterans, including the unnecessary and disastrous war in Iraq that has killed over 1,000 soldiers […] Even more cynically, it diverts attention from how this Administration has not kept faith with past veterans or veterans newly home from Iraq." Veterans Against the Iraq War, September 12, 2004

Stewart Nusbaumer, the editor of Intervention Magazine, a magazine dedicated to Vietnam Veterans issues, agrees that Bush's attacks on Kerry as a Vietnam veteran are merely divisive instead of adding to political discourse: "By trashing these three combat veterans, two Democrats and one Republican, they have trashed all combat veterans of the Vietnam War. Is this what Americans want? […] Their war against Vietnam veterans is a war against America. They see what they believe is a soft spot in America, veterans of the Vietnam war, and they are attacking. […] The war on Vietnam veterans is an extension of this Republican class war, a branch of the Republican war against working Americans. Not only do these Republicans not represent the heartland of America; they don't represent anything about this country." Intervention Magazine, August 15, 2004

Comparison: Both sides of the debate are very politically charged. In many ways it is difficult to determine whose military service was "better." What is known, however, is that many of the reports surrounding President Bush's lack of service have been falsified; specifically, CBS has admitted the fact that the Texas Air National Guard documents are no longer credible, reported by The Annenberg Political Fact Check Organization. The Bush administration's position is that Bush's days in Texas Air National Guard are of the past; his experience as president is what is important&emdash;and what opponent Kerry is lacking.

Link to Kerry's issue page.