Antiwar Barack Obama says he once considered military career

Appearing on ABC-TV's "This Week." Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, who built much of his early campaign momentum on an early speech against the Iraq war, let it be known that he once considered a military career.

But because there was no war going on at the time, the candidate said he decided against the military and chose instead to continue his higher education, including Harvard Law School.

On Sunday's program, host George Stephanopoulos asked the freshman senator in a taped interview if he'd ever thought about military service.

“You know," said Obama as if his reply might surprise people. "I actually did. I had to sign up for Selective Service when I graduated from high school. And I was growing up in Hawaii. And I have friends whose parents were in the military. There are a lot of Army, military bases there.

"And I actually always thought of the military as an ennobling and, you know, honorable option. But keep in mind that I graduated in 1979. The Vietnam War had come to an end. We weren't engaged in an active military conflict at that point. And so, it's not an option that I ever decided to pursue.”

During last winter's heated primary/caucus season, the Democratic left eagerly embraced Obama for his staunch antiwar stance, which Obama sought to underline by noting Sen. Hillary Clinton's vote to authorize the use of military force in Iraq. At the time of the Senate vote, Obama was often present in the Illinois state Senate, where the war was not at issue.

Although the Illinois senator, like all candidates, consistently pays tribute to "our men and women in uniform" for their service to the country, this is believed to be the first time that Obama has claimed actually considering military service for himself.

Obama, who is 47, did not mention his military aspirations in either of his published autobiographies, nor during the primary campaign.

This was also the first time he appeared to indicate that he had a personal desire to engage in military combat.

Of course, it's possible that the convention observation by the new Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, that her ticket mate Sen. John McCain is the only one of the four candidates who has actually fought for his country might have stung the Democrat. And it is naturally impossible to verify what anyone once considered.

McCain, whose father and grandfather also served in the Navy, was in that service for more than two decades, 66 months of them spent as a prisoner of war in Hanoi after being shot down over Vietnam and tortured.

He atypically described these events in some detail during his own widely watched convention speech Thursday. (See Ticket item and complete speech text here.)

McCain's two sons are also in the military, as is one of Palin's. Palin's son leaves for Iraq later this week. Joseph Beau Biden, oldest son of Sen. Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, is to deploy to Iraq in October as a member of the Delaware Army National Guard.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: (Obama) Steve Liss  Getty Images

Comments

[dave]

'two wrongs (or any number of wrongs) don't make a right.'
- concerned citizens, patriots and veterans, support the legitimate constitutional republican candidate for president RON PAUL and the campaign for liberty.

[Jared]

What do you mean he "atypically shared these events"??? The POW story has been pushed constantly, in his first campaign for Congress, in his subsequent books, and all throughout this campaign. Yes, he says he's reluctant to talk about it, but that doesn't mean its true!

[sms]

What a pathetic loser! He 'considered' military service?! Does he expect us to believe that? Give me a break. This loser will say anything to get elected. Last I checked, service didn't mean that it only meant serving your country if there's a war going on. He doesn't fool me. He's looking to say anything he can to appeal to everyone in the country! Say NO to BHO!

[James]

During last winter's heated primary/caucus season, the Democratic left eagerly embraced Obama for his staunch anti-war stance, which Obama sought to underline by noting Sen. Hillary Clinton's vote to authorize the use of military force in Iraq. At the time of the Senate vote Obama was often present in the Illinois state senate, where the war was not at issue.

[Jacque Denise Yap]

The dollar is at the bottom in so many countries, people are so stupid they don't realize that if you do not FIGHT FOR FREEDOM it will be TAKEN AWAY, there will ALWAYS be some power crazed maniac somewhere who thinks they have the right to control you.

Any person who comes to this country and was born in this country and reaps the reward for doing so better be ready to fight for the freedom that OUR FOREFATHERS Fought and died for, and moron who does not believe had better get a clue before it is too late, I hate war everyone hates war BUT it is a terrible fact of life and has always been so since the beginning of man.
i just saw their TV ads in pollclash and its getting warmer this time. well you can see the TV ads in http://pollclash.com

[LoveMyMarine]

This is the type of throw-away line that really makes my blood boil, the type of ridiculous non-specific chitchat you hear in a nail salon.

Where did Obama come up with this brilliant tidbit?
While chatting up the gal giving him his mani-pedi?

[Lourdes]

I believe Obama's position has always been that he is not against all wars, just "dumb wars" -- so it seems a bit misleading to call this post "Antiwar Obama..." and then try to contrast that with whatever past considerations he may have had regarding signing up for duty.

[Easy Ed]

Why no mention of his considering the military in the two memoirs he managed to write in the past few years? What a joke and how pathetic. A liar willing to say anything now that he's desparate.

[SOF Vet]

I'll be the first to say that the military isn't for everyone - and that's ok. Prior military service isn't even required for a Commander in Chief. Any productive American who pays their taxes and contributes to society is a good American doing his or her part. Military service isn't required of everyone nor are all suitable for the military. Not all citizens are suited to be brain surgeons or an auto mechanic either. Many have a physical disability that prevents them from serving in the military.

During my military service the attitude of the military was one of gratitude and respect for all the hard working tax payers regardless of their military background. That is always the attitude of professional soldiers and Great Americans regardless of race, religion and all that other PC jazz. Not the disparaging image that the Hollywood Left loves to portray about the military. It was always a respectful and dignified "Sir" or "Ma'am" to every civilian. After all they were our fellow Americans and we were honored to serve them and our beloved country. Without their collective hard work and entrepreneurship, there would be no nation, no military. These things are basic to all who "get it".

But for Obama to say in an interview that he "thought about joining the military in 1979" - it's just lame, weak, and further draws attention to himself. He didn't and instead chose a different path. Obama makes the further irrelevant point that "it was 1979 and there was no active conflict going on". As if that somehow gives him cover for his disingenuous attitude and actions.

I also "thought about joining the military in 1979". In 1980 I did just that. A lot of people did. The outstanding people I served with and those who came before and after my time - are my hero's and people I looked up to. Brothers-in-arms who I hold in far greater regard than my humble share of 21 years of service.

I joined the Army and there "wasn't any active conflict going on". But there was a very serious and "active" Cold War going on in 1979 and it lasted for another decade. It was darn sure serious and worrisome, especially to those in the military. Serious training for all-out horrendous war on an unimaginable scale was conducted on a daily basis.

One of the first things I was told upon reporting to my Airborne Infantry unit in Italy was; "your life expectancy is about six minutes on the battlefield here in Europe-should the "balloon go up". Make it count, and take as many of them with you as you can". I recognized it, accepted it, and intended to do just that. And so did my comrades. On the front lines of a Cold War Europe gone hot, when the Soviet Blitzkrieg poured through the Fulda Gap, combined with the world's largest collectively massed artillery, bombers and tactical nukes lighting the night sky against clouds of chemical gas flowing across the land, over soldiers dying by the tens of thousands - it was suicide duty. Like it or not. It was no joke and we knew it. A nightmare war of WMD's on a massive scale. We stood against it. That's what it took to stare down the Red Menace.

Where was Obama? Why didn't he stand with the rest of us against Communism and the Evil Empire? Perhaps the fact that he has always been unduly friendly with Communists and anti-America agitators - has something to do with him being "Not Present". He didn't even try to serve in any military capacity what-so-ever. Fine, but don't try to talk about it now Mr. Obama.

There was "action" for those who wanted to find it during that era. Especially in the Special Forces and various Special Operations units who often operate in backwater parts of the globe in concert with Three Letter Agencies conducting operations Americans never hear about. And conflicts and skirmishes did break out - all the way from 1979 until now. Some of our comrades died in the service of our country along the way.

Obama could have joined the Airborne Infantry to see if he was tough enough or man enough. Or to simply serve for whatever his personal reasons may have been. He could have further tested himself in Special Forces, as I and some of my brothers-in-arms did in our long journey to serve under the true motto of "Free The Oppressed". There is plenty of danger in military service even in peace time, in certain professions. Military personnel died in training and still do. Obama could have joined as a Chaplain's Assistant, a Clerk Typist or a JAG officer with just as much duty, honor, country and pride that comes from service if he had chose to do so.

To me these statements from Obama just leaves him open for ridicule and derision for even mentioning it. It's a mistake. It seems like wistful back-look wishing. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. It shows he knows he is lacking in that area. Maybe if he hadn't spent so much time with America-hating Left Wing Terrorists like Bill Ayers or haters like Reverend Wright - he would have had more time for a bit of military service to embellish his political ambitions.

Key Point: Barrack Hussein Obama just turned 47. Up until a few short years ago, he still could have joined the military. And probably still could with a waiver. He is certainly in good enough physical condition. So what's his real excuse? Either do it or don't, Mr. Obama. But don't tell us how you thought about joining the military - now that you want to be president. That's like saying "I thought about becoming a professional boxer but I didn't". It is meaningless. You step into the ring and take your shots and your chances like everybody else - or you don't.

Remember - Obama is this guy who would not wear the flag on his lapel but was finally shamed and pressured into it cause he "wants to be prez". But at one of his campaign headquarters, a Marxist Cuban flag honoring the Leftist Terrorist Che Guevara was displayed. Either mean it and stick with your original convictions not to wear it, or show your love for country and flag in the first place. You have to wonder why this kind of schism is always associated with Democrats and their supporters. Far Left is As Far Left Does... Sympathies to any conservative Democrats reading this, but the far Left has taken over the Democrat party and shamed it beyond repair. It no longer resembles the party of JFK.

Obama would not place his hand over his heart during the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance - a simple custom that denotes respect and solidarity. This was a regular practice of Obama until recently. Now suddenly he gets with the program?

If you have never seen it, Obama is seen in a video as recently as the Democrat primary debates - standing there in the on-stage line up while Hillary, Biden, Richardson, and all the other Democrat primary candidates holding their hands dutifully over their heart while Obama smugly stands there refusing to do so. The odd bird out. You can see this incident for yourself at the link below. He did this routinely. Part of the meaning of this simple act of respect is to show solidarity with your fellow citizens. To show that you collectively believe in a common cause greater than yourself. Obama doesn't show his solidarity with us. He's an empty suit that happens to be good at soaring rhetoric. So are a lot of flim-flam salesmen.

WARNING: The worst example of Democrat-Party-style "soul-singing" & butchering of the National Anthem being sung here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwog6E08CFU (Make sure your speakers are turned all the way down!).

Why can't they simply sing the National Anthem in a straightforward, honest and clean fashion - as it was written? It is a simple anthem - keep it that way. It was never meant to be an "American Idol" tune. The disrespectful tortured renditions that we hear played at Democrat events are an abomination.

Obama stood there disrespectfully, hands clasped firmly at his waist, when every other candidate showed the proper attitude and respect. He looked like he thought he was Joe Cool, or too intellectual or too good for it. Or something. The attitude is contemptuous. Like he is uncomfortable with the concept of simple patriotism. I can't relate to that mentality. To me patriotism and love of country are as natural as breathing. The word "immature" and "self-serving" comes to mind watching Obama. Obama and those like him are welcome to join us in patriotism - they simply choose not to for a variety of immature and self-centered reasons. Now he wants a pass. Don't think so.

Even Hillary looked like a patriot in the video and stood properly with her heels together, back straight and hand-on-heart at a modified position of attention. She at least gets credit for that and she did it with textbook perfection.

His attitude is completely opposite of that of the vast majority of Americans. He always had an excuse for it. He was always arrogant about it. No doubt he feels that "that type of thing is for those people in small towns who cling bitterly to their guns and religion". The vast majority of Americans feel honored to wave the flag, place their hand over heart and recite the pledge - regardless of whether or not they served in the military. A lot of American blood was lost for that flag. Friends of mine died serving for duty, honor, country. Relatives died for that flag. It means something. These are basic things for those who aspire to top leadership - and he can't even get the basics right.

After his convention in Denver, the Obama campaign took 12,000 American flags and simply threw them in the trash. Again, just one more aggregate indicator of a general attitude.

It is rather curious now that Obama wants to be Commander in Chief, he is suddenly doing all these things that the rest of America has done since they were small children.

In the article linked below, Obama brags that he had to actually "sign up for Selective Service", as if that in some way is his badge of honor instead of simply a common law that all American men must obey and is part of citizenship. Desperately Reaching for Credibility. A credibility that he could have easily achieved, by simply manning up to it. Instead he chose to hang out with the likes of America Haters like Bill Ayers - Left Wing Terrorist and Obama supporter. Its pathetic. All who served, and even those who didn't - know it.

Senator Obama further brags "when I was growing up in Hawaii, I had friends whose parents served in the military!". Uh...ok... Whatever, senator. Whatever.

Meanwhile, the Palin's and McCain's have sons who are either serving in Iraq or on their way there. Some of those reading this may be serving in Iraq and elsewhere around the world, or served there and other stations with honor. Some may have their own children serving.

We have all seen disabled veterans who proudly wave the flag with unashamed patriotism, who have not suddenly discovered pride in their country like the Obama's have - now that they wish to be placed at the top of a great nation. I have seen disabled Vets carry with them a "can do" independent spirit of good cheer, despite having no legs and other terrible scars. They have always had it and its always been genuine.

Underneath the soaring rhetoric is a man who has always had a real problem with America - along with his wife and a whole string of his lifelong associates as well. People like that should not be placed at the top of any nation. Most people could not even get a security clearance if they had the associations the Obama has had.

The late night talk show Liberals like Letterman have used the excuse over and over "Obama just doesn't give us any material to ridicule him on". Meanwhile they savage everyone else on their radar, especially conservatives and those who were never ashamed to show flag waving patriotism and love of country. Well now they have something to start ridiculing Obama on. Bet they won't use it though.

If you support Obama, I would ask that you reconsider based on whether or not he is truly worthy to lead the brave men and women who serve this nation based on his attitude. If you don't, thanks for weighing the facts. And thanks for listening.

[Popeye50]

NO WAY! I joined the U.S. Navy in 1977. Retired 26 years later. There was NO selective service sign-up requirement in 1979. That wasn't required for long after that. LIAR

[John]

I'd first like to say that the Selective Service registration requirement has been in effect since 1940. It was suspended in April of 1975, and resumed in 1980 in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Only a short five year period in between. And since the Soviets invaded in 1979, it was probably anticipated by many that year.

Also, the reporter asked him the question, and he answered it. That's how an interview works. He didn't bring it up just to pander to supporters of the military. He probably did consider it and decided against it, fine. Most people have considered doing something different with their lives. I'm not going to hold it against him for answering a question honestly.

[Jonathan]

Why did the post's author call him "antiwar" Barack Obama. As he's repeatedly said, he's not against all wars, just dumb ones. The post title just seems like a device to imply that Obama is lying.

[carlos]

This is so easy to prove it is a lie. Just go to any site like Wikipedia and research the selective service req. It was cancelled by For in 1975 and not reinstated until July 1980 by J Carter. By then Obama was no longer in Hawaii (see his books and timelines). This just shows that he considers out and out lying fair game. Character issue? Yes! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_Service_System

[Mike]

I spent 7 years in the military, and I was fortunate to not have to be called up to combat, however, I was prepared just in case. The fact that there is no war going on to me, is a lame excuse for not joining.

Today, I am proud to say that I served my country honorably and that I support the men and women over seas who continue to fight for our freedom which so many Americans take for granted.

I am also a proud member of the American Legion and I get to sit and listen to stories from the veterans who actually served in combat. The one thing we all have in common (my fellow legionaires and VA patients) is that we wore the same uniform and we were prepared to defend this country's freedoms which we so enjoy today.

As far as I am concerned, Obama is making too many excuses, instead of just admitting that he does not love or care about this country enough to defend it.

ADMIT IT BARACK: You don't care about this country which we live as much as you care about yourself.

Go back to Kenya where you belong, you terrorist.

[Rose]

Any service person who calls Obama a terrorist should be a Section 8. Actually, anyone saying that is too stupid to have even joined the military services of the USA. Anyone writing that is just some Karl Rove flunky paid to write retarded nonsense. Heckuva job!