Louisiana Republican And Former Sheriff Normand: Rispone’s Attempt To Minimize Edwards’ Military Service “Infuriates Me”

WWL Radio Host Newell Normand, a former Republican sheriff, panned Eddie Rispone’s attack on Gov. Edwards’ military service and his later excuse for it.
Rispone has been in hot water for saying Gov. Edwards “hurt the reputation of West Point.”
Normand says, “Here is a guy [Edwards] that served as an Army Ranger in the active service for eight years, returns home, goes to church, raises a family, further educated himself, practices as a country lawyer, participates in government, and ultimately becomes the governor, and he’s hurt the reputation of West Point?” To Normand, it doesn’t “make sense at all.”
Days later, Rispone was asked to back up his statement going after Gov. Edwards’ military service. Rispone said, “I was only repeating what I had heard from other people.” Normand didn’t buy that excuse.
“Republicans know Eddie Rispone’s attack on Gov. Edwards’ military service is beyond the pale,” said DGA Communications Director David Turner.
Listen to the segment or view the transcript below:
WWL Radio: Normand: We’ve got to be better than to smear veterans from opposing parties
Folks you know as we approach Veterans day there are things that go on and the way that folks treat military service for there own purposes that completely mystifies me all the time. And you know, as we approach Veterans Day, which is this Monday, I always reflect about the heroes of our country, who have served in the military or who are presently serving, and for the obvious reasons, and I have said this before, I have always felt a little less I guess and slighted for not having served. You know they didn’t even have to register for the draft when I turned 18.  So, when folks attempt, and they make these silly attempts to minimize the service, the duty, the loyalty, and in many cases the sacrifice, just absolutely infuriates me. And what infuriates me even more is when its done for political expediency or gain. You know recently on the view, Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar, neither of whom I have much respect for, attempted to propagate a theory put forth by Hillary Clinton that Tulsi Gabbard, who is presently serving in the military and she’s running in the Democratic primary, and they where trying to say that she is a favorite of the Russians and is being groomed by the Republicans for a third party run. Hostin and Behar both, you know they really just kind of threw caution to the wind and motivated, I guess by their disdain for Trump and their love for Hillary Clinton, and decided to embrace Clinton’s comments on this. I don’t know. I mean I guess I can understand that if Hillary is their candidate of choice or better yet their hero,  but what I don’t understand is why would they choose to attack a presently serving member of the military, who has spent two tours in the middle east, blinded by whatever affection, love or whatever they have for Clinton or their hate for Trump. Joy Behar went on and referred to Tulsi Gabbard as a useful idiot to the Russians. Now I have to give kudos to Gabbard. Gabbard requested to go on the show and challenge Behar and said the following. She said, “I’m going to set the record straight. I am a patriot. I love our country. I am a strong intelligent women of color, and I have dedicated almost my entire life protecting the safety, security, and the freedom of all Americans in this country. It’s offensive to say that I am a witting or unwitting asset of a foreign country. This is a country I am willing to lay my life down for, and if you are saying it’s not deliberate. Then you are implying that I am too stupid and naïve and lack the intelligence to know what I am doing.” And all I can say about that statement is BAM! [5:00] And it sounds like  Joy is being used by Hillary Clinton. You know Joy is just repeating what Hillary has told her. Now interestingly enough it doesn’t really matter if you are on the left or the right on whether or not you’re going to engage in this kind of conduct. Just right here, closer to home, this gubernatorial challenger to Governor John Bel Edwards, Eddie Rispone was asked by a reporter about Governor Edwards experience at the US military academy at West Point.  Should have been a softball right? I mean do you have to dig real deep to say that you have the respect for everyone who has served even if it may be a competitor to you or a political opponent, or otherwise. Softball. How wrong we were, are. Cause Eddie Rispone’s response didn’t make any sense at all. He says, “Yeah, you know I’m disappointed in that, if I had to be candid.” Well please do Eddie because it might be the first time you are in this campaign. Cause I think we’ve been waiting. He goes on to say, “I think he’s hurt the reputation of West Point.’ What? Never mind, maybe we really don’t want you to be candid Eddie. Cause it doesn’t sound like this is going to be an intellectual stream of consciousness that’s going to come out of your mouth. I mean here is a guy that served as an Army ranger in the active service for eight years, returns home, goes to church, raises a family, further educated himself, practices as a country lawyer, participates in government, and ultimately becomes the governor, and he’s hurt the reputation of West Point? So what was Rispone’s case and point? I don’t think West Point wants to turn out a bunch of trial lawyers that will say or do anything to stay in power. Hm, okay. That’s it? Days later he was asked by another reporter, If attacking a West Point graduate was a good move. Once again, candid response, Eddie Rispone says, “I was only repeating what I had heard from other people.” You know what’s really scary, he’s sounding a lot like Joy Behar. And If that doesn’t keep you up at nights, I don’t know what will. We’ll be right back.”