Chris Dodd for President

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. . . .

Likening a pact of support for veterans and soldiers’ families to the basic training pledge never to leave a buddy on the battlefield, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., committed never to forget veterans if elected the next president of the United States.

“He’s never forgotten the veterans, and that’s one of the reasons he’s delighted you’re here, so he can say thank-you,” said Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, in introducing the presidential candidate to Iowa Veterans Home residents during a tour of the facility Thursday.

“I’m very impressed. Wonderful opportunities are being afforded to veterans here,” Dodd said.

The senator, who served in the Peace Corps and National Guard, said he authored legislation creating the Family Medical Leave Act and has recently proposed six months of unpaid leave for caregivers of military soldiers returning from active duty.

“I think the stress coming back from Iraq is going to be profound,” he said. “When people say they’re concerned about veterans, I’m glad to hear it, but show me.”

“The military recruits a soldier, but it retains a family,” he added, noting that support for soldiers’ families is critical to maintaining the military’s strength.

Dodd also expressed a perspective on the Iraq war, volunteerism and defending the Constitution, among other issues.

“My life-changing experiences were as a volunteer,” he said. “... I want every person in the country to have the chance to serve this country.” . . .

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., became one of first lawmakers to try to enact proposals from the president’s wounded warrior commission, introducing a bill Thursday night to give up to six months of unpaid leave to the family or caregivers of wounded combat veterans.

Dodd’s proposal would extend to military families benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows up to 12 weeks of time off work.

Dodd introduced the bill, S 1894, at the urging of former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., one of the architects of the original Family and Medical Leave Act who also was co-chairman of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors. That commission reported its recommendations to President Bush Wednesday.

“Our troops are giving their all on the battlefield,” Dodd said in a statement. “The very least our government owes them is its total support for their family and medical needs.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd is looking to give his signature legislative achievement — Family and Medical Leave — a patriotic boost.
Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, introduced legislation late last week that would give families up to six months of unpaid leave to care for a wounded soldier rather than the 12 weeks now provided.

"Our troops are giving their all on the battlefield," Dodd said. "The very least our government owes them is its total support for their family and medical needs." . . .

Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd said Thursday that recent developments are reinforcing his view that the situation in Iraq is intractable and the U.S. military must be withdrawn.
Pointing to reports that al-Qaida is gaining strength while the Iraqi government fails to meet benchmarks, Dodd said that Iraq "has become the petri dish for the jihadists."
The Connecticut senator said the situation was best illustrated by a serviceman he befriended shortly before he was killed in the Iraqi city of Karbala, Army Capt. Brian Freeman. Dodd met Freeman last year; the West Point graduate told him, "This is not sustainable. I want you to know it," Dodd said.
An Army investigation disclosed Thursday found that Iraqi police colluded with insurgents in the Jan. 20 attack that killed Freeman and four other U.S. soldiers.

Such stories, Dodd said, show that even those the United States is trying to help in Iraq are not supportive. "What more do you need to know?" he said in an interview.
Dodd said he differs from other candidates in his views of the war and terrorism. "Back in one of these debates, John Edwards was asked if terrorism was real; he said no, it's basically a bumper sticker. I disagree. I think it's real. My colleague from New York (Hillary Clinton) was asked whether we're safer today or not. She said we were; I don't think we are," Dodd said. . . .