youtu.be/zwV2VM54CYA For Rhonda Helton-Pelletier Political beliefs Since 2002, Keith has made numerous trips to the Middle East to bring entertainment and encouragement to US men and women serving on or near the front lines. “My father was a soldier. He taught his kids to respect veterans,” said Keith. “It’s that respect and the thank-you that we have a military that’s in place and ready to defend our nation; our freedom.” In 2004, Keith called himself a conservative Democrat who is sometimes embarrassed for his party. He endorsed the re-election of President George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election and performed at a Dallas, Texas, rally on the night before the election. Keith also endorsed Democrat Dan Boren in his successful run in Oklahomas 2nd congressional district and is good friends with former Democratic New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. In a January 2007 interview with Newsday, Keith was asked whether he supported the Iraq War. He responded with Never did, and said he favors setting a time limit on the campaign. He also said, I dont apologize for being patriotic... If there is something socially incorrect about being patriotic and supporting your troops, then they can kiss my ass on that, because Im not going to budge on that at all. And that has nothing to do with politics. Politics is whats killing America. Keith performs for the troops at the OCallahans Cantina at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on May 31, 2006. In April 2008, Keith said that Barack Obama looks like a great speaker and a great leader. And I think you can learn on your feet in there, so I dont hold people responsible for not having a whole bunch of political background in the House and Senate.[33] At the same time he remarked, I think [John] McCain is a great option too. In August 2008, he called Obama the best Democratic candidate weve had since Bill Clinton. In October 2008, Keith told CMT that he had left the Democratic Party and has re-registered as an independent. My party that Ive been affiliated with all these years doesnt stand for anything that I stand for anymore, he says. Theyve lost any sensibility that they had, and theyve allowed all the kooks in. So Im going independent. He also told CMT that he would likely vote for the Republican ticket, partially because of his admiration for Sarah Palin. In March 2009, Keith received the Johnny Mike Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award during a New York ceremony held by the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation. The trophy is named for the CIA operative (and former Marine Corps captain) who was the first U.S. casualty in the war in Afghanistan. Spending time with our soldiers around the world is something Ive always regarded as a privilege and honor, he said. Im certainly happy to accept this award, but I wont forget for a second whos really doing the heavy lifting to keep this country safe. And thats why Ill keep going back and spending time with those good folks every chance I get. In April 2009, he voiced support for Obama on Afghanistan and other decisions: He hired one of my best friends who I think should run for president someday...Gen. James Jones as a national security adviser. Hes sending troops into Afghanistan, help is on the way there. And Im seeing some really good middle range stuff. Im giving our commander in chief a chance before I start grabbing. So far, Im cool with it.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 19:36:17 +0000
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