We Few... we Band of Brothers

From the venerable New York Times, a transcript of a recent White House Press briefing

QUESTION: Scott, when Senator Kerry goes around campaigning, there's frequently what they call a band of brothers, a bunch of soldiers who served with him who come forward and give testimony. I see, in looking at our files, in the campaign of 2000, you said that you were looking for people who served with him to verify his service in the National Guard.

Has the White House been able to find, like Senator Kerry, a band of brothers or others who can testify about the president's service?

MCCLELLAN: All the information that we have we shared with you in 2000, that was relevant to this issue. All the additional information that has come to our attention, we have shared with you.

The president was asked about this in his interview over the weekend. And the president made it clear: Yes, I want all records to be made available; they're relevant to this issue.

There are some out there that were making outrageous, baseless accusations. It was a shame that they brought it up four years ago. It was a shame that they brought it up again this year. And I think that the facts are very clear from these documents. These documents, the payroll records and the point summaries, verify that he was paid for serving and that he met his requirements.

QUESTION: I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about people, you know...

MCCLELLAN: Right.

QUESTION: .. comrades in arms?

MCCLELLAN: No, that's why I said everything that came to our attention that was available, we made available at that time during the 2000 campaign.

QUESTION: Well, you said you were looking for people. And I take it you didn't find any people?

Just got off the phone with Hugh Hewitt, only had a minute, but got to say this:

If any one is looking for President Bush's Band of Brothers, we're here.

Hugh got it right away; the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Military are mighty proud of the CinC.

I don't think the reporters ever will get it. Sadly I don't think the Democrats will either.

Hugh's archive available here, 'til tomorrow's show airs.

And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.