You remember John Kerry, don’t you? He’s the French-looking Senator who served in Vietnam and, oh yes, ran for president in 2004. One of the most effective arguments against him was the very large number of former comrades who had served with him in Vietnam, including all of his commanding officers, who not only did not support him but adamantly opposed him, calling him a liar, opportunistic, self-serving, and worse.
Now Senator Tom Coburn, who served with Gingrich in the House, says he “’will have difficulty supporting (Gingrich) as president of the United States’ based on his experience serving in the House during Gingrich’s years as speaker.”
“The thing is there are all type of leaders. Leaders that instill confidence, leaders that are somewhat abrupt and brisk, leaders that have one standard for the people they are leading and different standard for themselves,” Coburn said on Fox News Sunday. “I found his leadership lacking.”
Coburn is not alone. As Michael Barone points out, “few [Gingrich] colleagues are supporting him for president now.”
I’m still not sure who I think would be the strongest Republican candidate, but I do believe now, as I did in 2004, that “swift-boating” by former comrades is not only legitimate; it may be the best evidence of character and leadership available.
