Four years ago, retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf enthusiastically endorsed George W. Bush in his presidential bid.
“… Recalling back to Operation Desert Storm, I can’t help asking myself: Wouldn’t it be great for our armed forces and for America if we could have another commander-in-chief named George Bush with Dick Cheney on his team?” Schwarzkopf said.
This year, however, “Stormin'” Norman appears to be singing a different tune. On Tuesday’s Hardball television show, host Chris Matthews tried to sound out who Schwarzkopf would be voting for.
MATTHEWS: Who are you voting for?
(LAUGHTER)
SCHWARZKOPF: I’ve—you know, I’ve…
MATTHEWS: Boy, would I love to know!
SCHWARZKOPF: I’ve always told you…
MATTHEWS: I’d love to know.
SCHWARZKOPF: I’ve always told you I’m an independent.
MATTHEWS: But you got to vote, you know? Is it going to be for Bush, Kerry, or Nader. I don’t think it’s Nader, so how about one of the other two?
SCHWARZKOPF: What’s wrong with Nader? You don’t like Nader?
MATTHEWS: I’m just—I don’t think he’s your man. I’m just—I’m trying to probe here, General. I’m just probing. No comment?
SCHWARZKOPF: Let me put it this way. You know, I’ll know exactly who I’m voting for the day I pull the lever on that machine…or push the buttons, whatever it happens to be.
Okay, sure, it’s not exactly an endorsement for Kerry (or even Nader), either, but there’s definitely not the cheerleading for Bush that was going on during the 2000 presidential race.
If word does come out that Schwarzkopf’s vote really is going for someone other than Bush, that could probably give a good many people pause.
(via Atrios via Al Rodgers)
iTunes: “Is There Anybody Out There?” by Pink Floyd from the album Wall, The (1979, 2:39).