Duckworth blasts McCain over military policy

DENVER - Iraq war vet Tammy Duckworth blasted John McCain over military policy in a prime-time Democratic convention speech that featured the Hoffman Estates politician as a national voice for veterans.

"Our troops are courageous, strong, fierce," said Duckworth, who lost her legs in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. "This administration has redeployed them until they are overstretched, stressed and strained."

Duckworth's speech rounded off a series of military testimonials about Obama's strength on national security issues. It followed a video on military families and came just before the prime-time slot for vice presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Republicans see national security as a weakness for Obama, but Democrats are quick to point out failures with the Iraq war and McCain's support for it.

Duckworth, who wore prosthetic legs for the speech, made that case before delegates in Denver.

"Barack Obama understands that for a commander-in-chief to support the military, he needs more than a 'Mission Accomplished' banner, more than a borrowed flight suit, and definitely more than four more years of the same failed foreign policy," Duckworth said to cheers.

The former congressional candidate painted McCain as weak on veteran issues, despite his service as a Vietnam War veteran and POW. Duckworth touted Obama's efforts at boosting GI health care and benefits. Duckworth now is head of the state's veteran's affairs department. She recently has been mentioned as a possible successor to Obama in the U.S. Senate should he win.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley delivered a brief speech to convention delegates as well, focusing on Obama's work as a city organizer and state senator.

"Barack Obama stands out because he understands that people want government to work for them again," Daley said. "During these tough economic times he is deeply concerned for our children, our families, and those who have been left behind."