Lefty Activist Tries to Tag Romney with Chickenhawk Label

Following a speech in Iowa, a woman who is a member of a lefty antiwar organization (Quad City Progressive Action for the Common Good) tried to stick Mitt Romney with the "chickenhawk" label by asking this question:

"Thank you so much for being here and asking for our comments and I appreciate your recognizing the Iraq War veteran. My question is how many of your five sons are currently serving in the U.S. military and if none of them are how do they plan to support this war on terrorism by enlisting in our U.S. military?"

It was a stupid question that tickles the emotions of the wacky left but has no meaning in the real world. Romney responded appropriately:

"The good news is that we have a volunteer Army and that's the way we're going to keep it," Romney told some 200 people gathered in an abbey near the Mississippi River that had been converted into a hotel. "My sons are all adults and they've made decisions about their careers and they've chosen not to serve in the military and active duty and I respect their decision in that regard."

He added: "One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president."

The AP left out the majority of Romney's answer which discussed ways in which average citizens can support the military by supporting the families of servicemen. You can read the entire answer at HughHewitt.com.

Romney, in my view, let the questioner off easy. He should have said that his sons are all grown adults with the right to make their own decisions, and if she wants to know why they're not in the military, she can go ask them. Now go ask Hillary Clinton why Chelsea didn't sign up (they do take women these days, you know). Next question.