WE'VE SEEN THIS (AND WORSE) BEFORE.... Following up on an _earlier item_ (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_05/023849.php) , Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) clearly has a problem on his hands, after _misleading rhetoric_ (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/nyregion/18blumenthal.html?hp) about his Vietnam-era military service. As far as the political implications go, there's one key question: is this controversy survivable, or is it a career-killer? We'll know fairly quickly whether Blumenthal can persevere -- either he and his campaign will be effective in responding to this, or it won't. Blumenthal hasn't been tested much as a candidate, and this will clearly constitute the biggest test of his professional life. But speaking generally, it's not unreasonable to think a politician can survive -- and even thrive -- after a controversy like this one. One particularly high-profile figure comes to mind. Remember George W. Bush? You may recall, for example, that when Bush launched an unsuccessful congressional campaign, he claimed to have "_served in the U.S. Air Force_ (http://www.eschatonblog.com/2004_09_12_atrios_archive.html#109500958708998636) ." That was clearly not true. In 2002, Bush claimed that he'd "_been to war_ (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2003/0309.mendacity-experts.html) ." That was clearly not true, either. In many instances, Bush claimed to have completed his obligations to the Texas Air National Guard. Again, _that wasn't true_ (http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/roane040908.htm) . In 2007, Bush claimed to have "_firsthand_ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2007/11/09/BL2007110901363_pf.html) " experience with the consequences of combat. That, at a minimum, is misleading. My point here is not to rehash the former president's deceptive descriptions of his military service. My point is that a politician can be caught misleading voters about a service record, and still do very well on Election Day. In Bush's case, he made dishonest claims about serving, and managed to nevertheless get elected president -- twice.—_Steve Benen_ (mailto:[email protected]) 8:35 AM _Permalink_ (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_05/023850.php)
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