Clark is right, but he should not have said it.

John in Binghamton :

Clarke was tossed, by the US into NATO, where he destroyed Bosnia. He couldn't command a NATO division. The worst of the worst.

The only thing evident in these posts is that there are those who look at the candidate by their ideals and those who look at them by their accomplishments. That being said of course General Clark was right and Mr Obama was correct in his statment. Mr Obama merely disavowed what General Clark said because of what he believed to be a blanket statement that if taken out of context would be labeled on all veterans. I thank Mr Obama for standing up and recognizing the accomplishments of ALL veterans. We should not diminish the efforts of our servicemen for political gains and THAT is the message that Mr Obama is presenting … PERIOD! He is not caving to any pressure to denounce General Clarks statement but speaking up for his belief that our fighting forces are to be commended and respected accordingly. Whereas Mr McCain has at every turn fought for legislation to demoralize servicemembers and take the focus off of the critical issues that affect the American people. As far as Mr Obama being an "empty suit" well, until you walk a mile in his shoes then formulate your opinions but said opinions will be empty and without merit.

God Bless America and our fighting forces!

I love the consistent theme conservatives are trying to push — that Obama has others do his dirty work. Are you kidding me? This happens every single election cycle, supporters of candidates talk and speak their minds. You cannot attach every single thing supporters say directly to the candidate.

Remember the Swift Boat ads in '04 and how Bush said he had nothing to do with it. Or in '00 when he said he had nothing to do with all the attacks on McCain. Or, right now, McCain and his team tries to say they have nothing to do with the bounds of false claims and lies out there about Obama.

It's the SAME thing. Obama should be no more to blame for what people who support him say (although I still don't see what was wrong with Clark's comments) than Bush or McCain. It's called politics folks. Grow up. And stop trying to act like "your" candidate doesn't do the same thing!

McCain should apologize for criticizing Jimmy Carter so sharply this past few weeks. What the H…. is he thinking. Carter isn't running for office and he is a WWII Navy Veteran, has served his country nobly in many ways as well as after his presidency. McCain says he supports fellow veterans and servicemen but in the last election he stood by and didn't say a thing when Bush attack dogs lied about Kerry's Navy service. Now McCain attacks Carter. Band of Brothers, indeed!

Apparentley the road to the White House will be paved with flattened Obama supporters who have been thrown under the bus.
It's starting to get crowded under there.

don't fall fro this.

clark was pre-approved. this was market tested for donations from moveon.org.

general clark was fired by president clinton for risky behavior and poor judgment was almost starting a real war with the russians over what was essentially a ; 'family feud' in the BALKANS.

i am an no MCEMPTY fan but clark is a conniving stupid little man.

Obama has a lot of explaining to do to Americans.
Please ask him what his beliefs about Black Liberation Theology means to Americans.

After all the attacks on the Clintons and then all of Obama's apologies, only a fool would believe that this is not just what Obama had planned. Someone (Clark) insults and demeans, Obama then denounces and apologises, and keeps his hands clean. Well Obama needs to tell his opponents in his Senate race—the ones he had disqualified because he didn't like their petitions. I am sure they see him for the dirty politician that he is. He is unqualified to be Commander in Chief. I am not so sure he is qualified to be a Senator. His speeches do not impress me.

Clarke was auditioning for vice president attack dog, and just got sprayed with a hose. Jim Webb's stock just went up.

John McCain may've been a tough guy back in 'Nam, but he's sure turned into a big baby now.

Wes Clark was fully within his rights to question whether experience as a POW equates to experience leading a global military effort.

The fake outrage and cries of "I'm a war hero!" from the McCain campaign are really undignified and disappointing.

di from ri: Senator Obama was given the democratic primary by the superdelegates and garnered the # of votes he received primarily because of his race. Does that sound candid and blunt? So what's the problem? I mean, Obama himself said it was true. I think you need to stop thinking in only one direction.

Another snafu for Obama. Have someone else say it then denounce it. He is a suit, without plans, without details, without experience, without real knowledge about real issues.

Democrat for McCain

Fear mongerer !
Is it just you or is your entire family smart like you?You are one of a kind.You should consider freezing this brain of yours.

I agree with Shelly in Illinois, I would not have apologized for General Clark's comments because he was correct. Just because you put on a uniform and was a POW does not mean you have qualifications to be President. We tend to let the republicans get us focused on Commander-in-Chief ONLY qualifications but being President is a lot more than just the head military guy or woman.

Senator McCain and his surrogates have been putting out disinformation and/or supporting disinformation on Senator Obama. Senator McCain has been around Washington politics for a long time and has shown nothing for it. Now, all of a sudden, he is the man to lead America out of this dismal moment. Yeah, whatever!

I find this a "cheap shot" by Gen. Wesley Clark. Could it be an Army/Navy thing? There is not a soul in this Nation that is willing to say that being a POW makes one experienced enough to be President. A Navy Officer and a long-standing Senator, on the other hand, certainly look good on the resume'. I'd say his military background is superior to President Jack Kennedy's…and his Senatorial experience also. I've lost a little respect for Gen. Wesley Clark, U.S.A.

McCain isn't even qualified to be the greeter at your local Wal Mart So debating wether he's qualified to be president really shouldn't even be open for discussion.

I think what he said was correct. They should Swift Boat him the same way that the GOP did John Kerry. Just because McCain served in the military does not mean he knows anything about National Security. Attack his record. Let McCain prove his experience. I read in a blog over the weekend that a McCain supporter said McCain should not be attacked on this issue because he served in the military and was a POW! Nonsense! Kerry served in the military, and look what they did to him. NOW who is flip-flopping! Why is it okay to attack Kerry's war credentials and not McCains? They are both war vets and should be honored for their bravery, but that is it.

I want McCain to show me his experience with national security. Being a war vet and POW is not experience.

Shelly in IL

Well said!!!

Funny how we are talking about Vietnam, America's second biggest military blunder.

Knowing how to use a computer doesn't necessarily make you the most qualified person to design one. Why does Obama need to reject General Clarks comments? We need a democratic candidate who is willing to say, yes I appreciate the contributions of all our servicemen, but, no, I don't think being a POW in anyway automatically qualifies you to be in command of our military.

What makes Mc Crappy a war hero…..is it the getting shot down or the POW stuff that makes him a war hero…….or is it that he is an ex POw that has become a senator in a Arizona…..the only state that did not support MLK holiday……..I am just curious…..I probably will vote for Obama……but I need to figure out why I am not voting for Mc Cain before election day

I am an Obama supporter but I disagree with his position on General Clark's statement. I hope that Obama will stop apologizing for the truth.

General Clrak is right in his statements about McCain. Where was the outrage when John Kerry and Max Cleelan's military service was questioned.

CNN, how is it that you don't even include the most controversial remark Clark made which was:

When Schieffer noted Obama has not had wartime experiences, Clark said: “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.”

mccain is a loser anyway!

A semi-smart move by Obama to reject Clark's statement—however, he only did it after McCain called him on it.

Meanwhile, Obama continues to pull the wool over his supporters' eyes when it comes to the Iraq War. Check out Obama's agreement with Bush in this must-see video on on Youtube, titled :

The Iraq war video Barack Obama does not want you to see!!

Clark's comments are illogical. Obama is wise to reject. According to Clark, only some military commanders are qualified to be commander-in-chief. Even a lot of generals have never commanded a war squad. So even many generals are not qualified to be the commander-in-chief. What is the logics? You have to command a war squad to be qualified to be the commander-in-chief? According to Clark, Neither Obama nor McCain is qualified.

I think this is a mistake by the Obama's campain to expand his campain too fast.

More of Obama Camp's tiresome game played throughout primary, I see. Send a "supporter" out to make some offensive and below the belt remark, let the media report it over and over again, and then send Obama out to refute.

McCain '08.

Being a prisoner of war doesnt qualify you to be president. It qualifies you to survive in gitmo

Those who have seen a little talk too much about being prisoners of war, but those who have seen a great deal in wars cannot find words to describe what they have been through. General Clark’s words of wisdom about war cannot only aggravate fools.
May life smile at you General Clark, you are my hero.

If it was all about military leadership experience then one of our greatest presidents would have been Ulysses S. Grant.

How long until America figures it out? It's not about experience, it's about JUDGMENT.

Todd: Actually, working at Walmart while going to college would indeed put you on the track, if you were so motivated, to running the company. Much more so than someone who had no idea what the heck Walmart did or how they did it and though you didn't mean for this to happen, is a perfect analogy for why McCain IS ready to run the country (after all he's been "working at Walmart" at progressively higher levels for many years) and why Obama isn't (He got into "Walmart" only because he knew someone and not because he could do the job and doesn't have a clue as to how the "company" works.). I want to thank you for proving the case for McCain and against your own candidate. Next time you take that gun out, check really closely as to which direction the barrel is pointed in.

Obama didn't owe McSame an apology, he owes Wesley Clark one. All General Clark did is tell the truth, something foreign in this society. As a retired General I think Wesely Clark is right to question McSame's executive experience. Just because he was a POW doesn't mean he shouldn't be held to the high standards as anyone else.

Have we all forgotten when Wesley Clark paraded top military men on stage and emphaticially declared that only Hillary Clinton was fit to be the next commander in chief and Obama was NOT..!!!
This man has been bamboozled by the Obama hype and in the process lost integrity and credibility.
Isn't that what Obama does best , get's his surrogates to do the dirty work and a day or two later he tells us that he doesn't agree with whatever was said or done.
Obama is a phoney and an empty suit , but very good at using and then discarding people.

I am not an Obama supporter– or even an Obama fan, for that matter– but I must say, I am pleased to see that the Senator is walking the walk on his pledge to avoid these sorts of attacks. It speaks well of him.

mcbush will have us in ww lll,before the election is here.joe lieberman is planning terrorist attack on us.

i want to add a few words regarding John McCain's service and his period of time in prison. I honor his service and sacrifice, however, I am ashamed of his exportation of the Vietnam war and his time as a POW. I find it reprehensible he is referred to as a 'hero'… he did not save any lives, as so many of my friends and shipmates did.. he was shot down while flying…HEROS save the lives of others, he is a SURVIVOR, NOT a HERO -OK… and he, I am sure, suffered greatly, and he should be honored for his service, BUT he lived to USE his imprisonment as a POLITICAL TOOL, which has become the norm today…General Clarke's views are shared by many of my Vietnam era vets who lost 57,000+ of their TRUE heros.

I hate this tightrope we all have to walk. No one, least of all me, wants to disparage John McCain's past service…..but that was then, this is now. We are hiring a leader, now.

There was a time, 4 years ago, when I might have said McCain was a leader, but not today. If we were debating whether we are going to award a medal for past service, McCain wins. However, our decision is whether we are going to rely on this person's ability to lead and inspire and do what need to get done and say what needs to be said to the persons who need to hear it. The McCain that I hear today cannot. He is so tight on cash and short of supporters that he has to promise everything to every right wing cause just to field a team. He cannot afford independence. And that is a shame.

Obama is an unknown quantity. Personable, to be sure. Energetic, to be sure. And he can deliver a speech like no recent candidate amd frankly, I like that. I do have very deep concerns about the racial rhetoric that he only recently found so upsetting after listening to it for so many years without a word of complaint. But, I have listened to Obama's speeches, even those he gave years ago, and can find no hint of that kind of vindictiveness in any of them.

He is trying to engage, without pandering, to those in his party who felt alienated during the primary, and that is a good indication of his personal attitude toward reconciliation. He is moving toward the center, maybe more than I am comfortable with, to try to speak to the needs of the nation, not just those who agree with him, so that is a positive as well.

Between the two choices, Obama's current behavior speaks best for his qualifications for president. Past behavior of both candidates having been duly considered and weighted, and pending any stunning revealation that alters my opinion, I will vote for Obama.

I agree with RENEA… a lot of hypocrisy going on, and the media doesn't say a word! Its all about trying bring Obama down… he has to explain everything, even if he didn't state it! McCain on the other hand has so many shady things to answer… He is not mentally, morally or professionally ready to be a president. He has no leadership skills, you can tell when he tries to make sense when he speaks in public and he changes his opinion according to the audience he is talking to at that time. McCain is unqualified to lead a troop of Boy Scouts - he doesn't know east from west, north from south, Shia from Sunni, Vicky from Cindy, lobbyists from citizens. We don't need an old angry cowboy who sadly suffers of war and torture flashbacks. McCain is not right in the head… ask anyone who has worked with in Washington about that!

Screw you, McSame/GOP. Grow up. I hate how the politicians are spinning experiences in their lives (or lack thereof, HILLARY) as wisdom. Honestly, both candidates for President this year are lacking in so many areas…but get over it. This is who we have to choose from. Just decide which 3 or so issues are important to you this year and go with the candidate that best represents those. Simple as that. No one is perfect…

Only idiots can believe what Obamas' said, they keep CHEATING American for what they want, they keep CHANGING for the presidency.
IS THAT WHAT THEY CALL "CHANGE" FOR AMERICAN???

What the heck was wrong with what General Clark said?? How was that the "lowest form of politics"?? Ridiculous. There was nothing personal about what Clark said. Clark has had executive responsibility both with the US military and heading NATO and was pointing out that McCain's experience does not provide executive experience. It's actually a straightforward, non-personal observation.

Geesh, I don't like dirty politics myself, but it seems lately, from crybaby Clinton to now crybaby McCain that certain camps this political season are extremely sensitive. Things said about Obama have dwarfed anything said about McCain or Clinton.

We need to grow up and be able to understand the difference between negative personal and false attacks versus observation. Nothing Clark said was a personal attack and nothing he said was false.

This is why BTW Obama will probably win. I'm on the fence myself, but candidates who whine and are weak and reactive never win. It's why Clinton lost and now Obama has McCain crying on the ropes.

I don't get it. What does war experience have to do with management of a countries government? It makes more sense to advertise "I managed a little league baseball team" than it does to advertise "I spent x years in a POW camp". What does that have to do with ANYTHING?

Actually, my advice to McCain is to stop beginning every one of your speeches with "I was in a war…". Honestly, people aren't happy with war and it's making him look like the title "warmonger" is true.

Republican voting Obama

Clark, you have been swift-boated out by Obama. Get a life!

the country needs some one to lead us out of the mess of the last 12 years of r .the dems need to stand up and tell the truth like clark .

Why is Barack always held responsible for other people's comments and opinions ?? Geez!! Clark was right just because Mccain was a POW doesn't qualify him for president. Plus he is old and way too out of touch

I really wish Obama hadn't rejected this statement. I didn't see anything wrong with what Clark said. It wasn't anything more than what we all think about McCain. You shouldn't be apologizing for anything that is said by others unless it's something you asked them to say.
Considering what the Republicans have said about Obama and did in past elections I'm sure they have/will say much worse about Obama.

No where in clark's comments did he disrespect McCain. He said that he honored McCain's service and considered him to be a hero. However, McCain served in the military and did not lead troops. Serving in the military does not equate experience in foreign policy. If serving in the military is required to be president, Kerry would have won the last election. Second, people are outraged by clark's comments to McCain. Where was the outrage when Kerry was swiftboated and his military record was called to question? The hypcoricy amazes me.

It is a shame that American can't say what is true anymore. How is beeing a soldier makes one a commander in chief when you have not command any position in millitery before been shut down?

Maccain can't win on any issue either, he doesn't know enough about economy and Americans need someone who will create jobs.

Am still surprised that some republicans are still using Hillary Clinton name in a nagective manner. I don't know the reason behind this, but if it is to devide democrats? They should think again. Hillary is a srtong supporter of Obama presidency so do Bill and all the notable leaders that have initially supporter Hillary is nomination bid.

So, Republiacn do not use Hillary's name to stage your fight against Obama.
Democratic party is not dumb, we know those behind causing trouble by portraying that they Hillary's fans to instigate bitterness among democrats.

Please stop the devision, blog for republican if you are a republican and blog for democrats if you a democrats.

You know Maccain has no chance of winning the fall election, so they are trying to devide democrats against each other. I trust true democrats.
God Bless Americans and save Obama.

As a retired U.S. Marine who served from 1969 to 1991. living through both Vietnam and the first Gulf War, I feel comfortable in agreeing with General Clark. Although Sen. McCain should be praised for his sacrifice, being a POW doesn't qualify him for the highest office in the land. Furthermore, the leadership roles that he played in both the military and the senate are, at most, comparable to a "senior management" position. John Kerry got "swift-boated" out of an election. Al Gore's Vietnam service was totally ignored, while George Bush's service record is at best qustionable. And what was done to triple amputee Vietnam vet Max Cleland was the worst kind of gutter politics. So the belly aching coming from the McCain camp is, in my opinion, overly dramatic.

Clark is right and Obama should not reject it. Too much has been said and overrated about McCain's military experience. Yes he was a prisoner of war and he served his country very proudly, is that enough to make you a president?NO,No,NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor uneducated Americans like ERIKA, KS talk about McCain's experience without understanding what his "experience" is. If you think GW Bush alone got us into the "mess" we are in then you have been asleep over the last 5 years!

Why is it Barack Obama never speaks about God. After all this is the
United States and our country is based on 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. If
Barack Obama can not find the time to speak of God in his speaches
why should this man be elected president. I am sure he is probably a fine person however I find it offending to our country that you would elect a person who can not let the citizens of the United States know that he is a God believing man. If a person is now willing to stand up for God, how could you expect them to do anything for this country in a prosperous way. Another thing, why is it you always hear about his grandparents and not so much about his parents. Just to set the record straight, it doesn't matter if the person is african american or caucasian as long as we have a straight forward honest leader. All the dirt will come out in the wash. Seems to me, the negative of anyone can never be trutfully answered and so a mistake was made, admit it. I do hope this is published as I have sent in many comments before this one and they are not seen.
May the best man win. God has already won.

If being serving in the military and getting locked up makes one capable of being president, shouldn't our next president come straight from Ft Levenworth?

Wow, Obama is throwing another supporter under the bus. Ah well, same old tired politics as usual.

. This war over words is getting out of hand why should any one walk away from what one military man thinks about another . If the McCain efforts is to twist every word then ladiies and gents you better hold on it going to be a bumping reide till NOV.

The General was asked a question by Bob Shieffer on Face The Nation. He answered it honestly and truthfully on the fly. Clark didn't attack McCain. He didn't lie.

He stated an unspoken truth that many American's held.

There is nothing for Barack to repudiate.

Indepedent voters though should contrast the way Barack managed this "little dust up" to that of McCain on the subject of 527 political action committees.

REmember McCain said " I can't be referee for the [527 gorups ... i.e. swiftboaters]. What he was saying was that he had no authority nor intent to influence people that would violate his stated principles for the campaign.

Obama, on the other hand, had enough leadership influence such that MOVEON.org said that it would follow the wishes of Obama and not run 527 ads.

Which of these two candidates has the right stuff?

I believe this speaks to the issue of LEADERSHIP capabilitie and MORAL FOUNDATION.

Clark is correct. The ONLY thing McCain is running on is being a prisoner of war. While we all respect him for that, his record as
a republican, supporting all decisions that have gotten our
country into the worse mess it has ever been in are what
voters need to be looking at.
And "my friends" Bush, cheny and the war mongers are now
setting us up for WW111. They are planning on Israel attacking
Iran and the U,S. supporting them. Then because Russia will
support Iran. Heaven help us.

Under the bus you go Mr clark, wow must be crowded their with all of obama's casualties.

Having been a POW does NOT qualify McCain to be president.

Pay attention people!

Of course he will try to deflect the whole patriotism issue. When he doesn't have any he sure as heck can't point to anyone else. This man is such a flip flopping salesman. Toss in his wife's comments and then just watch the Republicans tear him apart. This will be the first time in 30 years I have voted for a Republican. We can live through 4 more years of a bad Republican the country could not take 4 years of a worse Obama. To all the party leaders who tried to shove this liar down our throats…talk to us when the election is over and you are crying for us to come back and save it once again from the super liberals who destroyed it the first time around.

I'm so tired of Obama and McCain being held responsible for what everyone else says. If a person were to be held responsible for whatever else says then ever other statement would be rejected. Stop the insanity!!!!!

But on another note, McCain is a hypocrite. His campaign will cry foul for Clark's statements but not reject Lieberman’s or Blacks statements. So please…just stop already.

Reply to Ross in MD: "What Clark said was factually obvious. How is flying a plane a credential to be President? I think the Republicans are grasping at straws."

Exactly. Bush flew jet fighter planes too, sort of, in that TX ANG draft dodging champagne unit. Look how well that skill set carried over & applied toward being a successful POTUS.

But in this day and age, criticizing our sainted faultless military and its veterans in any way, shape, or form is strictly taboo, unless you happen to be talking about a Democrat who fought in a war and then turned against it. Then it's OK to be viciously 'Swiftboated' and hounded into obscurity.

Interesting to note now that the Army published it's detailed study on how and why the Iraq war went South after the invasion, how thoroughly FUBAR it was. That also happens to vindicate everything Obama and other war critics said from the get-go. Oops, 4100 dead. Our bad. Oh well.

The upshot of this episode is, if Wes Clark was ever on Obama's VP short list, he ain't now. I'm still rooting for Jim Webb for VP.

why question past? Past is a buried corpse? only perverts dig it.. You are what you are now and if u are committed u can become what u are…the key is to commit and enroll others in what we all are going to get by it.

Old politics never leaves LOL.. thinks takes more than 3-4 generations i think?

Being a POW is not a qualification for being President. There were many POW's does that mean they are all qualified to be President?

This is TOOO reminiscent of what he did to Senator Clinton….try and take the high road while your surrogates crawl in the muck, then claim you don't have anything to do with it!

What….does Senator Obama think all voters are stupid?????

He can talk about unity while twisting the arms of those around him…but that is not change…that is what politicians have been doing for years. Unfortunately, I am a Democrat that ALWAYS votes for the best person, not the party. Senator Obama better START detailing his policies and how he is going to pay for them. I'm tired of the crap he and his campaign keeps dishing out.

How fast did Wesley Clark become a "military adviser" for Obama when he was a strong supporter of Hillary only 3 weeks ago?!?!

I think I can strike Wesley Clark off the Obama V.P. list now.

Correct me if I am wrong here, but doesn't Clark know something about military service??? Doesn't Clark know something about commanding an army? Didn't he used to do something like that being a general and all???

McCain should shut his mouth when a general speaks about military service. He is out of his league.

Clark was right!
Obama needs to stop listening to the spin of the neo-cons.
We need to go after the right as hard as they went after John Kerry.
I wish Obama had some advisors with a little moxie.
Quit backing down from these guys, it is making us all sick.

why isn't anyone concerned that mccain won't be able to run his country because he was a pow.

i have many relatives in the armed forces and war is mentally and physically draining.

this man was held captive, there is no telling what kind of psychological problems he has. we know he has a fiery temper, what else could be lingering?

.
And Obama served in the US senate for 1 1/2 years before announcing thet he was running for president.

Let's see when McCain was in his 20's he was serving his country and was a POW.

Obama stated that when he was in his 20's that he was smoking dope! Those were Obama's words.

Lete's see, 1 served his country and the other smoked dope.

Hmmmm

It is such a hard decission.

.

John McCain spent five years as a prisoner of war. General Clark is a life long military officer who rose to the rank of general and was NATO commander. According to the McCain campaign, this does not give the general the authority to actually question McCains 'extensive' millitary expertise. Let John McCain prove his 'executive' experience instead of milking his prison years with his flag waving phoniness. How would you like a commander in chief, who at a rally last year was 'jokingly' singing 'Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran' to the tune of a Beach Boys song. Don't you see the the similarities between 'W' and Mc Cain? Both are from influential families, both were party types when young, both were poor students but the family name secured graduation and both used their family name to get into politics because they had no other talents.

If made in response to some attempt by McCain or his supporters to present McCain's military service and POW experience as somehow making him more qualified to be president, then Clark's remarks were entirely appropriate. But if Clark just pulled them out of his hat as a reason to consider McCain "unqualified" they were probably uncalled for even though they are factually correct, and not of much help to Obama, who doesn't really have any particular advantage over McCain in this area of experience..

After waiting way too long to see what, if any, fallout there would be and finally recognizing that it was strongly against himself and his buddy Mr. Clark's statements, Mr. Obama decides to comment instead of taking the immediate high road. I see the McCain camp has already gotten used to Obama's same old garbage type of dirty politics. Good for them! Of course Obama supporters will support this dirt. So much for unity and change.

General Clark's comments are completely fair and logical. Also, he was very respectful to Senator McCain in how he phrased it. It's disappointing how both the McCain and Obama camps are handling this … Just more games.

There goes Clark's VP chance..lol

McInsane has no chance- his ways are out of date, so he and his mindless republican followers make issues out of non-issues.

Guess what, McSame's ability to crash five plans and get captured, along with giving up military information to the enemy for better treatment, does NOT make him qualified to be the President.

The fact that he is an American-hating republican should be reason enough.

AND PEOPLE HAVE SUGGESTED THIS MAN FOR OBAMA'S VP. KINDA SAD THAT HE HAD TO SCREW THAT ONE UP

Now "experts" can't even make statements in their expert opinions anymore. Why did Clark's statements have to be rejected. He is a high ranking general. If anyone knows what represents "commander service", it would be a guy like him.

I'm disapointed that Barack rejected.

There are more serious things going on in the world right now and worse comments being made by McCains EMPLOYEES as opposed to regular supporters.

Please I have being hoping that somebody ask Senator McCain why being shot down in Vietnam and being a prisoner for several years gives you experience to be a commander of troops he has never command troops or anything

I interpreted Clark's comments as a response to those who attack Obama as having no executive experience - sort of a 'well if it comes down to it neither do you'.

I'm going to get really disappointed in this campaign really quickly if it degenerates into expectations that the candidates have to make public statements denying third party comments simply because someone on the other side complained about how someone really must be a surrogate. If they want to start playing that game, neither one is going to be doing anything *but* that.

Clark was right.

Regardless of what McCain says and how Obama wishes to soften Gen. Clark's words, Gen. Clark is 120% correct. While it is laudable to have a war hero like McCain among us, his personal experiences do not make him a great potential commander-in-chief! Beware of the Truth Squad and remember too what they did to John Kerry. McCain has approved of them because he hopes they do for him what they did for Bush. Bud Day et al. are racists pure and simple who would rather die a thousand deaths than see an African-American in the White House. So while it is very fine for Obama to take the high road once again, I hope he will not eliminate Gen. Wesley Clark from consideration in his cabinet or even as VP because he spoke and continues to speak the truth!

Obama nailed it, respect and value McCain's service. Period. I do not think it is a shame, it's been what Obama has been saying all along. I think Clark took it upon himself to launch this attack, mostly because I remember how much of a horrid interview this guy gives. When he ran for president he was completely clueless as to what the right thing to say was or how to say it. He may have the military know how but not a great guy for the morning talk shows.

I'm not sure I get it. What's wrong with Clark saying he respects McCain's military service, but that being a POW is not in itself a qualification to be President? I'd say that's true.

Hasn't General Clark also earned the right to say what he wants as a high ranking member of the military and a respected veteran and hero? I'm disappointed in the McCain campaigh for making General Clark a target. Certainly he is a better judge of who possesses executive decision making on military issues then some McCain flunky! Shame on McCain for always putting his sevice out there but then making it an issue if anyone dares to say that this isn't enough for him to be President. Sorry but you just don't get it both ways.

=== CLARK SERVES CLARK ===
We only know that Clark show loyality to one person - himself.

Obama is weak and throw everybody under the bus quickly. I like Obama but I am starting to believe that Obama is a fraud. Why can he stand for somethign?

RENEA,
You almost got it right but you forgot Obama is a Marxist and a friend of mad bombers.

Hey Ross, how is being a community organaizer is a credential to be President?

Obama never ceases to amaze me. Rising above the false rhetoric I see on these message boards, I would clearly like to say I find his responses to be refreshingly honest, well thought out, and respectful. I would surprised if many of his advisaries eventually feel a lot of respect for him. Unlike Hillary who took every opportunity she had to cast as negative a light as possible on her adversary, Obama repeatedly treated her with respect, dignity and fairness. No I am not drinking the kool-aid, but just like this dialogue, instead of piling on McCain and using this at an attemp for political gain, he instead rejects it flatly and speaks to all of us the importance and need to always treat those who have made the greatest sacrifice in protecting our country and way of life with the respect they deserve. Well said Obama, I am so proud of you.

This is the problem (1 of many ) that the United States has and that is they are a bunch of war mongers. Your entire history is from war, with other countries and with itself. When will the madness stop? must we always be at war to run this country? (I think not) it would be more beneficial for us as a nation to sit down and try to understand our percieved enemy instead of launching war against them because in the end they are going to hit back. Countries are much like individuals, they don't like anyone to impose their will upon them so instead of approving billions of dollars to pursue war why not approve billions of dollars for peace.

General Clark is absolutely right! I'm tired of people acting like McCain is somehow entitled to the Presidency because he had his arms broken. That sucks for him, but I've gone through some bad stuff too, I guess I deserve to be Secretary of State….oh wait, I have no executive experience. Kind of like McCain.

Being shot out of the sky doesn't make you a good President.

the dems need to grow a back bone. please stand up for yourselves

Senator Obama needs to get it together and stop apologizing. The statement is true…get a backbone man stick up for yourself and the Democratic party. McCain would not have backed down from this statement and furthermore he flat-out called you a lier because you opted out of public financing.

Stop aplogizing man, you can't please everyone.

The media has lost so much credibility already, this doesn't surprise me. They are taking a true statement and turning it into an insult. It wasn't. Unbelievable. How come some people can be smeared into the dirt, but others cannot speak candidly. That's what Gen. Clarke's statement was-candid and blunt. What is the problem? Sen. Obama shouldn't have backed down. The media pundits and hosts have too much power over eveyrthing. I'm sick of them all. They're allowed to destroy people they don't like, but kiss up sickening to ones that are on the 'good' list - for the moment.

Senator Obama,

How can you bring people together when you keep rejecting people when they say things you don't like? There is some truth to what General Wesley Clark say? He didn't question John McCain's patriotism? He just said being a prisoner of war does not gives one the qualification to be commander in chief. Senator McCain is the one who makes jokes about 'Bomb bomb bomb Iran', at least I hope that is a joke. Bombing a country is a serious matter, and he makes a joke out of it.

I am still a supporter of you, but I must say, I am a bit disappointed by your response. If you feel you must defend Senator John McCain, you too must find a way to defend General Wesley Clark. General Wesley Clark actually has the executive experience in exercising a war, making decisions that affecting life and death, and he just expressed his views, and it's unfortunate that you choose to reject him in favor of defending Senator John McCain.

Would you please stop w/ this denoucing and rejecting stuff? If you are to bring the people in this country together - how does denouncing and rejecting people help your cause?

I don't see that General Clark's comment was in any way showing lack of respect for Senator McCain's service to his country. McCain's service to this country has never been disputed, however General Clark has a right, as an American citizen and voter to express his personal opinion…as we all do. while I honor John McCain for his service to our country, he seems to play on his being a POW in attempt to gain sympathy votes, for all he went through. Too bad he wasn't as loyal to his first wife and ditched her after her serious accident for his current rich wife. Now there is integrity for you.

I understand why Obama said what he said; however, I have to agree with General Clark. Just because a person was a POW doesn't give them the authority on national security or to be president of the United States.

being a half term senator and a community organizer qualifies Obama to be the president(god/king) but captain of a fighter squadron and over 25 years in congress isn't enough for McCain. I must be missing something here. Oh, he running against Obama, that means he must be evil or he wouldn't dare to challenge Obama's godgiven right to be president(god/king). The terrible slurs against McCain and his wife are the same tactics that Obama ran against Clinton and her husband. Its the same tactics of divisiveness that won Bush his presidency. This is the new politics of hope. Thats why I left the dem party, PUMA. McCain/Clinton 08

I think McCain is a little over the top when he claims that his experience as a prisoner of war is enough to qualify him to be president. Sure, he probably understands the life of a POW as well or better than anybody else in public life, but there's more to the job of president than that!

When exactly did John McCain say that being a POW would make him a better president? I never heard him say it. What makes Obama and his supporters think that Obama is more qualified to be commander in chief?

Being a POW does not, on its own, make one qualified. With that said, it is certainly more than what Senator Obama has in this area which is absolutely nothing.

One poster mentioned that working at Walmart doesn't qualify him to run the company. I agree, but it does make one more qualified than someone who has never held a job.

This story did not even mention the actual quote Clark said regarding McCain being shot down. A little liberal bias maybe?

The nerve of Obama supporters to question MCain's ability to lead. What has Obama shown in terms of exective leadership or bipartisan initiative? He has given speeches about change, but all he's done really is change his mind …about NAFTA, the schedule of troop withdrawals in Iraq ( note that from "immediate withdrawal", he has now been using "responsible withdrawal"); public funding for campaign; AIPAC; capital gains tax… who knows whatever else will come to light. I can foresee that his next political move will be to give an elegant speech about the virtues of flip-flopping; and the media will hail this as the best speech given so far in the campaign. Give me a break!

THE TRUTH SQUAD - geez, get real….too bad Obama feels it is necessary to distance himself from Clark, because Clark is right - just because McBush flew a plane, was in service, was a POW and has traveled - THAT makes him qualified to be President and an expert in foreign affairs - if that's all it takes, then tens of thousands of veterans are qualified - what it takes is DIPLOMACY and a willingness to TALK to people - not McBUsh and MCBully them into compliance - which never, ever works! Obama has all the right instincts to serve and to convince and to affect world peace. Just wait until his upcoming trip - watch BBCAmerica - the world is waiting for him!

I understand why Obama said what he said; however, I have to agree with General Clark. Just because a person was a POW does give them the authority on national security or to be president of the United States.

There was no need to reject those statements. As an Obama supporter, I am totally tired of rejecting statements. Obama should not have to be held to such a high level. This is sad. I guess my mother told me correctly when I was a young boy. She said, "Son, as a black male you HAVE to be twice as good in order to be considered equal". Just sad.

Obama has about as much experience to be President as a dog catcher. Period!

It's not that it qualifies him to be President but it does give him an insight on WAR that no one eles can bring to the table. So if he becomes President and the flashbacks start getting to him maybe he will make a better decision as far as IRAQ is concerned. I've been there it doesn't qualify me to be President but I sure know that I would think twice about sending troops somewhere to die unless I they have a dang good reason to be there.

Clark was right. there is nothing to repudiate. Being a POW while honorable is not enough to be president.

It is sad when someone can't state the truth bc it offends McCain. That is crazy. McCain has talked about how even his own father wasn't proud of him for caving under torture. People have a right to question his record if he is going to hide behind it.

I'm so tired of people being attacked when they actually speak the truth and don't blow politically correct smoke up our derrieres. While I feel bad for McCain and him becoming a POW during the Vietnam War, it has nothing to do with executive experience as far as the military is concerned.

If you're going to have people in the Swift Boat campaign try to bring down Kerry's lack of military executive leadership, then you have to give the same consideration to McCain unfortunately.

This extreme PC society that we are becoming is very dangerous and very irresponsible.

General Clark, the last time I checked, Senator Obama has not held "executive responsibility" either. Unless for some unknown reason you count a few years as a US Senator and another few years in the Illinois State House, teaching Con Law, as executive experience.

Senator Obama does not need to feel responsible for what other people say about anything. He only needs to provide his own opinions, and not worry about which pastor said what, or which general said what.

I will say that I do agree that getting shot down and being a POW, while an honorable thing to have on your resume, does NOT qualify you automatically for President. If that were the case, maybe some of our YOUNGER military personnel should be running, instead of someone that might kick the bucket at any time.

If McCain did not have this POW/fighter pilot on his resume, please tell me what would make him more qualified against Obama for anything. He cannot even keep illegals out of his own state, nor keep FLDS folks from collecting welfare in their baby factories.

Ok. So, McCain doesn't have "executive" experience. Neither does Obama. Obama supporters are hypocrites to say this about McCain. McCain has been around the block a time or two. More than Obama. I'll take experience, thank you very much. We're going to need real action, not just talk of "change" to get us out of the mess that Bush created.

heh, i like how Obama and McCain have spokesmen speak for them… honestly why not do the talking yourself? if you're such great candidates (which neither of them are) why not speak for yourselves? Don't be sucked in by words or likability, please listen to the issues and see who's better. One very charismatic and likable leader was behind one of the most evil atrocities that humanity has ever seen. These squabble of words only makes this election even more disgraceful than it already is. I swear, if Reagan were alive and endorsed someone, that person he endorsed would be the republican nominee in a heartbeat, and i know it would not have been McCain.

Clark is correct. Just read the transcript of the interview carefully and pay no attention to the editorials. He is right.

It is the same as saying that being the son a former president did not by itself qualify George W. to be a president.

You need more than just been a POW to be a good president and that fact does not diminish McCain's sacrifice.

McCain and his apologists are a bunch of big babies. I've yet to hear a convincing explanation of how a horrible and traumatic experience like being a POW prepares one to be president. My grandpa was a POW, and I loved him very dearly. But in all honesty, he would have been a pretty lousy president.

As someone who will vote for Obama in November but who has become very disenchanted by Obama's recent statements and positions, all I can say is that Clark was right. And Obama should be ashamed of himself for caving to ridiculous pressure from the John McBush campaign.

The McCain campaign is trying to have its cake & eat it, too….if I were Barack, I'd not comment when being baited.
Any Navy pilot who loses 5 Navy planes, three of which were a direct result of incompetence, should NEVER be in a position of leadership, so General Clark is NOT way off base here….that doesn't even mention McCain's serious character flaw….a repeat adulterer!!!

Finally, someone with enough backbone to utter the truth. He is not knocking McCain's military service. He is simply pointing out that sitting out the war in a POW camp does not give him the experience needed to be President. It certainly does not give him any more experience in security matters than Obama. Also, the McCain camp should remember that Bush and his cronies actually swiftboated him and tried to make light of his military service, something that Clark is NOT doing. Clark is doing nothing more than telling the truth. Maybe if there were more of that, we wouldn't be in such dire trouble.

How many times is Obama going to have to renounce the truth to get elected? Sad.
"The truth? Young man, you can't handle the truth."
Bombing innocent civilians, aiding and abetting the enemy, divorcing your wife for convenience. That makes you qualified to be what? Mr. McCain - speak up…….
We don't hear you.

The thing here is that what Clark said is true. Why does being shot down and spending as a prisoner of war make you presidential? Obviously it does not. The press however fails to see this. Thank you Gen Clark for saying waht the media types won't.

"So McLame says this the lowest form of politics and then he suggests that Obama was behind the statement? Is that just a wee bit contradictory?

Anyways, all McLame does is repeat a thounsand times that he was a POW when his military service is brought up. Even when it has nothing to do with question. Does this mean that McLame thinks that only former POW's are able to make "straight" decisions?

When is this guy going to stop using scripted answers! I appreciate what has given my country, but I am sorry to say this, he is 100% lame."

What's the problem with Clark's comment?? Military service, even as a POW, does not in fact qualify anyone to serve as Commander-in-Chief, much less President. Yes, John McCain served his country honorably but, Clark's comment did not dispute that stature. If someone said that owning a baseball team didn't qualify W as CEO of America, they would have been spot on!

Could we please not let either of these campaigns dissolve completely into the ridiculous!

Let me see: It ok for Mccain to link Obama as the candidate of Hamas,Revard Wright , Future terror attacks,not liking the Constitution and the Elitist candidate! All of those things are signs of respect and truth coming from the Mccain camp!

It is obvious Obama had Gen Clark go out on Sunday and attack McCain to set up his "Patriotism"speach for today.

Obama is one smart cookie. McCain and the Republican Party better start figuring this out quick.

As to Clark - he has been looking for a job in any Democrat administration and will go out and say anything about anyone to get one.

He did this for the other loser he backed the unhonerable Senetor Kerry who lied about the men he served with and trashed the U S Medals he was awarded under false pretenses.

I don't need a speech on "Patriotism" from a guy who refused to place his hand over his heart when the Pledge of Allegiance was been recited or who quit wearing a U.S. Flag pin until he couldn't take the heat any more.

The candidate of change? Obama is proving by the day that he is just another slick politician and his Chicago creds are showing.

If we extrapolate from McCain's position then anyone who has been a prisoner of war is qualified to be commander in chief, right? So then why not have the RNC find a younger POW and make him the presumptive Republican nominee? After all, any POW is qualified, right? Give me a break.

I don't see anything wrong with Clark's statement. It's true. Being shot down or being a war hero absolutely DOES NOT qualify him to be President. His military service was magnicent, and all of us as Americans appreciate his great sacrifice. But that just does not qualify him to be Commander in Chief. There are more requirements for President which he does not possess…..such as good judgement, even temperament, understanding the economy, etc. Understanding Foreign Policy does not qualify him for the Presidency!!!

Many years ago I had a conversation with a woman whose husband had been a pilot in the U.S. Airforce and had been shot down and captured in Vietnam. He had spent six (6) years in prison, including the so-called Hanoi Hilton. When I told her how proud I was of his service and that I was sure he would be made a General, she shook her head. "No," she said with a sad smile. "He will never be considered." When I asked why, given that her husband had never broken, remained in the military, and was one of the healthiest — mentally and physically — men I knew, she said: "Because he was out of the political loop too long." I did not understand what she meant: until I read General Clark's comments about Senator McCain. Sadly, I believe General Clark was accurately reflecting a shameful reality about promotion, politics and warfare that has little to do with this current campaign and everything to do with the service Senator McCain so nobly served while defending this country.

This is getting crazy!!!!! Black's statement gets a mild rebuke from McCain but when General Clark, a former NATO commander, says that McCain's military experience did not meet executive responsibility, he throws a hissy-fit?! Can we say hypocrit?!?! Especially when what Gen. Clark said was true! No one can take anything away from McCain's service record but nothing about it is strong enough to say that it is presidential. And for those who rightly point out that Obama does not have military experience, I would also point out that Barack is not running for president based on muilitary service as McCain is.

CNN's handling of this story is despicable. Back in 2004 when the Swiftboaters where spreading lies about John Kerry's war record, CNN repeated those lies as if they had some merit.

Where were all the pearl clutching pundits when the Democrat's service was being attacked? I don't remember ever seeing Rick Sanchez rush to John Kerry's defense — even when chickenhawk Republicans mocked John Kerry by wearing purple heart bandaids.

But in this instance we don't even have a swiftboat-style attack, because Gen. Clark DID NOT attack McCain's service and nothing in his statement was untrue. He made a fair point that's worthy of discussion instead of all this phony outrage from McCain's BBQ eating supporters in the media.

This is so stupid. this has nothing do with how barack will run the country. and this complety takes away from what his speech today was about. Good ole mainstream media favoring the war hero john mccain. i wonder how long this will be a story? i bet longer than charlie black, longer than norquist and longer than lieberman.

That is Obama's politic trick, a typical chicago's-dirty politics..

How many times will Obama have to reject his supporters' remarks?

This is a weekly occurrence. Maybe CNN can create a special column for this?

What exactly was wrong with what Clark said? He didn't devalue McCain's service in any way. I think Obama was wrong to disown this statement. (But I'm still voting for him, of course.)

Don't care who wins they are all the same.

Obama people…..If Clark is correct about McCain not having executive experience…..then I guess that really leaves Barak out in the cold.

Just a thought. Guess we get to choose from two inexperienced neophytes.

Clark was absolutely right about McCain!~ His war experience was not in a leadership role- the opposite was true!

Unfortunately, McCain spent the war years as a prisoner.
He is an American hero- but, this does not give him the experience as a military leader!

McCain claims spending the war years as a prisoner- gives him military leadership- it does not!

He, along with many others, suffered as prisoners- and they are to be honored. McCain does not have the right to exploit this event- in to something it was not. He has our sympathy, along with so many others.

Clark got it right!!!

Sitting in a racist church in Chicago and having criminals and terrorists supporters does not make you a better candidate, Senator Obama.
And when I hear such inapproiate remarks from one of Obama's supporters, I believe it reflects on his judgment.

IF WE ANALYZED WHAT OBAMA TRULY ACCEPTED, PURSUANT TO THE LUNATIC FRINGE SUPPORTER AND WOULD BE CABINET MEMBERS OF HIS ARE SPEWING, YOU'D HAVE TO CONCLUDE THAT HE'S SURROUNDED BY MORONS. CHANGE IN WASHINGTON UNDER OBAMA? YEAH, RIGHT

Being in the military does NOT make you "better" than any other person that has not served. How can someone compare armed services as a career and someone that helps the homeless as a career? Both equally have purpose.

General Clark spoke very accurately. Being a solder doesn't automatically qualify you to be Commander-In-Chief. His statement in no way made negative darts at McCain. From what I gleaned from General Clarks interview, he was simply making an observation as an Experienced Military Leader commenting about a position that he is fully qualified to comment on. If he (General) can't make that type of observation, then who can - no military experience commander in chief President George Bush!!!!!

I would appreciate it if retired General Wesley(Ashley Wilkes) Clark
would inform me of the " executive responsibiliyy" that the obama has had that qualifies him for the oval office. What a freeking idiot.

Thank you general clark for stating the truth. But it should be mentioned that Obama cannot afford to agree with you yet…. A lot of potential voters might get negative opinions of Sen. Obama if he were to come off as not recognizing the sacrafices made by his opponent for the country

ok so wats gona hapen if obama chooses clark fr vp grandpa wont be able to attack clark. so lf my guess is right l wait to see who is the loser on this one.

Obama said McCain doesn't care about the families in Iraq when McCain's own son 19 year old son served in Iraq.

I find it hilarious that Obama's supporters say that McCain has no experience. They should not bw talking about a candidate and his experience when their own has FOUR YEARS of national experience, FOUR YEARS. If anyone is not qualified, it's Barack Obama. He doesn't hve a quarter of the experience that McCain has, and suddenly he's more qualified?

Why is it you never hear Barack Obama speak about God. God is the
backbone of this world and mankind. Our country is based on
"IN GOD WE TRUST".

Senator Hussein's response is why flying a FIGHTER plane with the American emblem sets McCain and the republicans aside from make-believe presidential seal.

Its crazy how MCsame left clerk and started attacking OBAMA over what clerk said and after OBAMA had publicly rejected the statement…if this man dont even know how to play a simple politics then he probably will be a very bad commander in chief….
OBAMA THE VOTE !!!!

OBAMA HAS ALMOST ENOUGH EXPERIENCE TO BE COMMANDER AND CHIEF OF HARDEES.

THE DEMS NEED TO UNLEASH THEIR 527 ATTACK DOGS TO DISCREDIT McCAIN"S SO-CALLED HEROIC RECORD.

GETTING KNOCKED OUT IN A FIGHT DOES NOT MAKE YOU WORLD CHAMPION…WHY SHOULD GETTING SHOT DOWN AND CAPTURED BE ANY DIFFERENT????

McSAME SPONSORED THE