Obama criticizes McCain on veterans' benefits

updated 11:12 p.m. ET May 24, 2008

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico - Barack Obama told veterans Saturday that he can't understand why Republican John McCain opposes legislation that would provide college scholarships to people who have served in the U.S. military.

"Now, let me be clear: No one can dispute John McCain's love for this country or his concern for veterans. But here's what I don't understand. I don't understand why John McCain would side with George Bush and oppose our plan to make college more affordable for our veterans," the Democratic presidential candidate said. "George Bush and John McCain may think our plan is too generous. I could not disagree more."

Obama's criticism renews a clash that turned personal after the Senate approved the scholarship bill Thursday.

During the Senate debate, the Illinois senator questioned why McCain — a Navy veteran and former prisoner of war — would oppose the measure.

McCain fires back
McCain responded with a sharp statement saying that he wouldn't listen to any lectures on veterans' affairs from Obama, "who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform."

The Arizona senator opposes the scholarship measure, as does the Pentagon, because it applies to people who serve just three years. He fears that would encourage people to leave the military after only one enlistment even as the U.S. fights two wars and is trying to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps.

Instead, McCain and Republican colleagues proposed a bill to increase benefits in conjunction with a veteran's length of service. Senate Democrats blocked that measure.

"While Barack Obama engages in the same tired partisan politics that has failed our veterans time and again, John McCain has offered legislation that will expand needed education benefits for veterans while promoting retention in our armed forces," McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said Saturday.

Clinton campaigns in Puerto Rico
Only three primaries are left in the battle for the Democratic nomination, and Puerto Rico is holding one of them. Puerto Ricans can vote in party primaries but not in the fall general election.

Clinton spoke at an evening rally in Aguadilla, where she reminded the crowd of her ties to Puerto Rico as a first lady and then as senator from New York, which has approximately 1 million Puerto Rican residents.

"My commitment to Puerto Rico did not start last month or last year," she said. "I will always be your voice as president."

Through her speech, Clinton drew applause by insisting Puerto Ricans should get the same tax breaks, health care and economic opportunity afforded mainland U.S. citizens.

"You deserve a president who will give Puerto Rico's issues as much attention as the president gives to any state," she said.

Obama leads political parade
Both candidates are hoping to increase their share of the 55 delegates who will be chosen June 1.

After Obama's speech, he led a caminata — a short political parade — through the streets of Old San Juan. With an oceanfront park on one side and colorful colonial buildings on the other, Obama shook hands with cheering fans as scores of supporters marched behind.

Occasionally, he clapped or wiggled his hips to the Latin beat of his campaign song.

About 100 pro-independence advocates noisily protested a couple of blocks away. "Presidential primary is colonial trickery!" they chanted, criticizing both Obama and Clinton for not pledging to resolve Puerto Rico's status — remain a territory, become a state or declare independence.

But Obama was careful not to get caught up in the controversy, repeatedly saying that Puerto Ricans should be given a chance to decide their status for themselves.

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