Democrats and the Military

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How can David S. Broder state that Democrats are "isolated from the military," citing nothing more compelling than Presidents Clinton and Obama not having served [op-ed, May 21]? His insinuation -- that the GOP is somehow more in touch with the armed forces -- echoes Republican talking points despite all evidence to the contrary. Former president George W. Bush's National Guard foibles are well documented. Former vice president Dick Cheney famously received five deferments during the Vietnam War. Former president Ronald Reagan confused military movies with military experience.

And which Republican congressional leader has credibility on this issue? House Minority Leader John Boehner? Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell? Neither has any noteworthy military experience, nor do former speaker of the House Newt Gingrich or former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, among many others.

Republicans are eager to claim that tough talk is the same as experience. I would expect that The Post and Mr. Broder could see through that sham and not pass it on unchallenged.

JIM HAEFELE

Reston