ABC "This Week" - Transcript

Interview

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BLUMENTHAL: My biggest strength is that the people of Connecticut know me, they know me as a fighter, someone who has been on their side. They can count on me. And I have been with them for 20 years.

AMANPOUR: Why, then, has a 41-point lead diminished so -- so dramatically since January, if they know you and they trust you and -- and they know what you've done for them?

BLUMENTHAL: We've said from the beginning that this would be a tight, tough, competitive race. And a $50 million negative attack machine is bound to narrow the polls, and we expected it. It's happened.

AMANPOUR: Why did you think it was going to be so tough, given that this is a Democratic state? No Democrat expects to lose this; no Republican is supposed to win it.

BLUMENTHAL: What I know about people is that they vote for the person, not necessarily the party, and that is increasingly true these days.

AMANPOUR (voice-over): McMahon has outspent Blumenthal 16 to 1, she told me roughly $25 million to $30 million of her own personal fortune. And those millions, according to voters I spoke to, have had varying effects. (UNKNOWN): You can't just have someone who's made a fortune (inaudible) in my opinion, that's what she represents. (UNKNOWN): The money's an advantage, because she can get her word out, but the business experience I think is equally part of it. We want someone in there who can balance a budget.

AMANPOUR: But Blumenthal's lead has also narrowed because of statements he made misrepresenting his military service in the Vietnam War. All of his Marine Reserve duties were in the United States.

BLUMENTHAL: ... since the days that I served in Vietnam... (UNKNOWN): He lied about Vietnam. What else is he lying about?

AMANPOUR (on-screen): How badly has that hurt you?

BLUMENTHAL: I have answered the question about Vietnam saying that I am sorry that I inaccurately described my military record. I'm proud of having served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. And I think the voters of Connecticut are concerned about the real issues, and I believe that those are the issues that will be center in the election. My opponent may have more money, but I've got 20 years' worth of friends.

AMANPOUR (voice-over): The president has campaigned for him. The first lady is on her way. And the Democratic Party is pumping in $2 million, which means less money for their candidates in true swing states. (on-screen): Is anybody worried?

BLUMENTHAL: You'd have to ask them.

AMANPOUR: Are you worried?

BLUMENTHAL: I always run like I'm an underdog, like I'm 10 points behind. But I think there is a very clear contrast between someone who has been a CEO, claims to create jobs, and has treated people in a way I don't think the people of Connecticut would want anyone representing them to treat them.

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