It's typical of this administration's tin ear. Either the sitting president or a "first tier" administration member (usually the Veep or high ranking cabinet secretary) addresses the VFW convention.
Not this time, according to Fox:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars convention this week will not feature a top-tier official from the Obama administration, a breach in tradition that the group's commander described as an "insult of the highest magnitude."
However, an administration official claimed Monday that the White House made "every effort" to provide a speaker for the event, offering up a range of top officials.
"In all instances, the VFW declined those offers," the official said.
[...]
"It is an insult of the highest magnitude that for the first time in the history of the VFW, the White House has apparently decided that this great and iconic organization of combat veterans and all of its members are not worthy of its notice by not at least offering a first-tier speaker from the administration."
The senior administration official said the White House did offer several potential speakers, including U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. The Air Force pitched its secretary and chief of staff; the National Guard offered the Army National Guard director.
It's not clear why they were turned down. The VFW did not return requests for comment.
I find it very revealing that the administration considers the UN Ambassador a "first tier" speaker. And the other speakers offered by Obama are minor functionaries, perhaps worthy of speaking at a Jaycee's meeting or a Chamber of Commerce breakfast but not the national convention of combat veterans.
One more group needlessly insulted by this arrogant, tone deaf administration.
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