Powell Joins Dole, Kemp At Vfw Military Needs Modernization, More Money, Dole Tells Veterans

Campaigning for the first time with retired Army Gen. Colin L. Powell by his side, Bob Dole on Tuesday told the Veterans of Foreign Wars that the Clinton administration has “squandered” America’s defense budget, and he vowed to increase military spending and modernize the armed forces.

The Republican presidential nominee also chastised the administration for not dealing more harshly with nations known to sponsor terrorism. And on the domestic front, Dole said that as president, he would declare war on drugs, citing new government surveys showing the percentage of teenagers using drugs has risen.

Such policy pronouncements notwithstanding, it was the surprise presence of Powell on the campaign trail with Dole and running mate Jack Kemp that aroused great enthusiasm from the thousands of VFW conventioneers here.

Speaking to reporters upon arriving in Louisville, Powell denied rumors that Dole has offered him the post of secretary of state in a GOP administration. “We haven’t had any such discussions,” Powell said.

In a comment likely to keep such talk alive, however, he said: “Anything’s open. But right now, the important thing is to get the team elected.”

Powell clearly enjoyed special status at the VFW annual convention. Indeed, the Dole campaign broke with protocol by having Kemp introduce Powell, who received a loud ovation from the audience of about 6,000.

Powell, who in turn introduced Dole, lavished praise on both the former Senate majority leader and Kemp.

Dole, as he did during his acceptance speech in San Diego Thursday night, revisited the Vietnam War, noting that he and the VFW had “stood together” to fight against a move in Congress to cut off funds to U.S. forces there.

“I will never commit the armed forces, not one single soldier, without the prospect of victory,” Dole said.

Dole, who wore his own VFW cap from a chapter in Kansas, was strongly critical of recent defense spending reductions and suggested that the cuts Clinton pressed through Congress, about 11 percent, might have been deeper were it not for the GOP-dominated Congress that drew “a line in the sand.”

Under the Clinton administration, military pay has fallen 13 percent below comparable civilian levels, Dole said, adding that today some 17,000 junior enlisted personnel rely on food stamps.

“That should not happen if you wear the American uniform,” he said. “No question about it, we can do better. We must restore our nation’s commitment to our men and women in uniform.”