(ThyBlackMan.com) Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sparred late Saturday, arguing over whether the eventual Republican presidential nominee should have a record of service in the military.
Speaking on CNN, Ron Paul slammed the Georgia Republican, saying Newt Gingrich was willing to put soldiers in harm’s way even though he had never gone to war himself.
“When Newt Gingrich was called to service in the 1960s in the Vietnam era, 
guess what he thought about danger? He chickened out on that and got deferments and didn’t even go,” said Mr. Paul. “Some people call that kind of program a chicken hawk, and I think he falls into that category.”
Ron Paul’s comment follows criticism from Newt Gingrich, who said Ron Paul’s foreign policy is “dangerous” for the country. Ron Paul has called for removing U.S. troops from abroad, a policy that has shored up his base in recent weeks.
Earlier this week, the Texas Republican Ron Paul, who continues to heavily trail in recent polls out of South Carolina and New Hampshire, labeled Newt Gingrich a “chicken hawk” because he did not serve in Vietnam. Mr. Paul had served as a flight surgeon during the conflict, having been drafted.
“I think people who don’t serve when they could and they get three or four or even five deferments aren’t — they — they have no right to send our kids off to war, and — and not be even against the wars that we have,” the Texas Republican said. “I’m trying to stop the wars, but at least, you know, I went when they called me up.”
Newt Gingrich, for his part, pointed to his history of growing up in a military family, accusing Ron Paul of distorting his record.
“Dr. Ron Paul has a long history of saying things that are inaccurate and false. The fact is, I never asked for deferment. I was married with a child. It was never a question. My father was, in fact, serving in Vietnam in the Mekong Delta at the time he’s referring to” Newt Gingrich said. “I think I have a pretty good idea of what it’s like as a family to worry about your father getting killed. And I personally resent the kind of comments and aspersions he routinely makes without accurate information and then just slurs people with.”
Ron Paul has repeatedly pointed to the number of veterans who are supporting his bid for the Republican nomination, citing their endorsement for his platform of limited American involvement overseas.
“We get twice as much support from the active military personnel than all the other candidates put together,” the Texas Republican told CNN. “So Newt Gingrich has no business talking about danger because he is putting other people in danger. Some people call that kind of a program a ‘chickenhawk’ and I think he falls into that category.”
That said, the point may be moot. Recent polls show former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney leading in New Hampshire and South Carolina. The Massachusetts Republican secured a victory earlier this month, capturing a majority of support at the Iowa caucus.
Ron Paul 2012. Ron Paul the people choice.
Via AP