Dole told CNN’s “Late Edition” in relation to Kerry: “I respect his record. But three Purple Hearts and never bled that I know of. I mean, they’re all superficial wounds. Three Purple Hearts and you’re out.”

Crewmate Sandusky said today, “I was there when he got wounded. I saw the blood. I don’t care what Dole said.”

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I saw Dole’s interview yesterday and came away from it amazed at how quickly a war hero will whore himself out for political gain. Dole is an attack dog for Bush/Cheney ‘04, and they’ve sicced him on Kerry’s military record since Bush himself is embarrassed by his own.

I really had nothing to say on this topic, but Sandusky’s response deserves as wide an airing as Dole’s lies.

Dole should apologize for this smear and for claiming (incorrectly, obviously) that two of the purple hearts John Kerry earned happened on the same day. These are easily verifiable facts. Dole didn’t misspeak, he lied.

Meanwhile, if anyone knows about what needs to happen for you to be awarded a purple heart it’s Dole- he threw a grenade that took an unfortunate bounce off a tree and exploded near him, sending shrapnel his way. He was awarded a purple heart for that incident. I don’t have a problem with that. In my book it’s well deserved. However, if he wants to remain consistent with what he’s been saying about John Kerry’s awards, Bob Dole should give back that purple heart.