Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd expressed his hope Friday for talented people to join the military, an issue that arose after someone asked him why the military offered recruiting bonuses.
The Connecticut senator said it has become increasingly difficult for the military to retain soldiers, noting it is difficult for families.
"Families can't take it any longer," he said. "I want to see talented people want to make that a career choice. I don't want dumb, ignorant people who are less qualified joining the military."
Dodd said he was bothered by the perception that volunteers who sign up for the military are not "terribly bright or talented."
"We need to be as a nation here respecting those who do it and encouraging talented people and having leadership that won't send them to war as a choice, but will be there to do things out of necessity."
Dodd said that as president, he would begin redeploying troops from Iraq immediately. . . .
