CNN

I gotta admit that even though I am a supporter of Obama I'm alittle miffed that he didn't back Clark on this.
Clark is 100% right and this has been blown way out of proportion.
McCain, from day one, has used his Military experience to promote himself as to why he would be better to handle the wars, and our national security. If he is going to do that then we need to be able to ask him what specifically he did that makes him in a "better" position than Obama to handle those situations.

If you ask me, all the experience in the world can not justify continuing to keep our troops there when the situation is not going to change. We have to have a new approach and I believe Obama has a much better approach on this one.
.

To tear down John McCain's credibility doesn't require tearing down his military record at all. All Yyou just have to look at is his affair with Cindy while being married to his first wife, his use of his power and influence to keep his current wife out of jail for her stealing drugs to support her drug habit, his connection to the Keating 5 scandal and his 95% voting record to support Bush's disasterous national economic policies and totaly failed policy to end terrorism including the capture of Osama Bin Laden. He voted for a war based on lies by the Bush administration and his current support of that war and failure to support our returning veterans. McCain supports soon-to-be $5 a gallon gasoline, higher unemployment, American jobs going overseas, a mortgage industry scandal and a list that can go on and on and on. McCain's credibility is total shambles and his precious military record is still intact. His military record and his POW status and his hero status still don't equate with the vision, ability, intelligence or the experience to serve as President and Commander-in-chief.

Tim from WV, I feel sorry for your fellow statesmen. They must be shaking in their shoes at the fact that someone as rediculous as you is representing them. I'll bet that you condemned Obama for his relationship with Rev. Wright before and now you do the same once he rejected him. Obama showed character by trying to stand by Wright up until Wright went overboard and I agree with each move Obama made. Obama so called "gave up" his church for the church's benefit because it was the subject of unfair judgement. He never gave up his grandmother. Stop forming opinions and drawing conclusions based on snipits of information that are intended to keep you ignorant of the whole truth.

Wesley Clark was a pathetic General who had to cry and beg to get his 4th star..WEASLEY Clark

I guess this man Orson "Swindle" is living up to his family name. In order to be a true patriot one must be honest. Oh well, Orson Swindle failed this test. McCain does seem to surround himself with some very unsavory characters. This is a good preview of what a McCain administration would be like. On top of this, who wouldn't want a President that admits he knows nothing about the economy and little about computers!

Clark is right. The real question is where these people when it was time to uphold the military honor of John Kerry. Fact Kerry served his country, Bush and Cheney did not. I guess you have to be rebuplican to honorably serve your country. Just like Clinton Obama is playing their game better than they are now they want to cry.

If McCain and his supporters are so proud of McCain's POW years how come they are so upset about Clarks statements?

Ha... we should be able to check McCain's POW years and see why they think he would make a better president!

Ha,ha,ha,ha..... This is called Swift-Kick!

Go Dems! It's about time you took this fight to the GOP!

Man was 5 years in prison, multiply that 5 x 365 days.
For most of you including me in this group, get pissed off if your supervisors ask you to come in saturday or stay late even though gettin paid.
Think about being locked for 5 years, I am pretty sure they did not hand over flowers in those camps. I read a testimony of one of his navy friends that was in the camp with him. he preached the bible to prisoners he served as a "doctor" to them helping the injured ones.
If there is one person who in this presidential race who loves his country and his countrymen and will go whatever is in this power to protect them, than that John McCain.
Now in OBAMA camp or "jehova's vitness' " , they are promoting HOPE its hard to compete with that. But there is not track record.
It is really hard for me to accept somebody to work for me especially highest office in country with no CV, except they are good speaker or professional BS. I hope we dont find out the hard way

well now it is even one each for the campaigns.bet this attack
on Gen.Clark will not get as much play as the comment by Gen. Clark.
McCain campaign sounds as if they are holier than anyone.
McCain will throw out comments trying to upstage Sen.Obama.
Like the town hall meetings,he knew Sen.Obama would not agree
to his proposal.Sen.McCain and his will play cotcha through the
campaign.

GENERAL CLARK STATES THE FACTS.

IF MCBUSH CONSIDERS THAT A SLANDER, MORE PROOF

THAT HE IS OUT OF HIS INCOMPETENT, SENILE MIND.

I agree with Clark. I always thought that being sucessful in combat was the more honorable outcome...not getting captured. While I think that enduring captivity is laudible it is NOT heroic. That's a bunch of propaganda I do not get. Things are so messed up in this country's dialogue that nothing is getting through without some idiot interpreting it as ir was NOT said or intended. Candidates and the media alike do this disservice to the voters. The media are like the kid in elementary school who eggs the fight on. Sad!

> General Westley Clark has just given us a major reason to vote for John McCain

Please be our guest but shut the h ell up about it. We don't care about you, about anything you stand for or what your vote means. Good riddance.

General Wesley Clark is right on! Whatever happened to freedom of speech? General Clark was stating a fact and the fact is the truth.

Here's what General Clark said as best I can recall.

"Because in the matters of national security policy making, it's a matter of understanding risk. It's a matter of gauging your opponents, and it's a matter of being held accountable. John McCain's never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in Armed Forces as a prisoner of war. He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and he has traveled all over the world. But he hasn't held executive responsibility. "

Where in there do you find that Senator McCain is disparaged for his military service?

As a McCain voter I think McCain supporters should be drafted first. If you support military action then support military action! Come on people first Bagdhad and hopefully Iran next!
McCain/Dole in 08!

Oh come on. Now all these POW's are coming out ot the woodworks, claiming to be some kind of military experts. It may sound harsh, but these are the guys too dumb to keep from being caught by the Cong. And remember, during the Vietnam war, there was a draft. Most of these mouths probably wouldn't have joined had they not been threatened to be drafted. Or they were drafted and wen't against their will.
Just because we went to Nam, doesn't know make us any kind of experts. And I hardly think a Marine POW is expert enough to dress down a successful General.

mr clark is a joke
so why listen to him
every one will say tp you face to back the men and woman in are military
but you put us down the frist chance you get
mr clark should keep his face out of it and go home to his wife some one who cares

Four years ago, Republicans thought it was fine to denigrate a decorated war veteran with the disgusting act of wearing "purple heart" Band-aids on their faces during the convention. Four years ago, John McCain spoke against the Swift Boat liars while Bush did nothing.

This year, when Gen. Wesley Clark praises McCain's service but in answer to a direct question makes the correct point that getting shot down doesn't qualify anyone to be president, McCain drags out one of the Swift Boat liars and sends another military man to attack Clark.

Nice going, Mr. "Straight Talk."

Just because he was a POW still doesn't meen he's qualified to be president and Clark was right what all the Republican hacks say. Saying that, all of our poor are over qualified for being in poverty prision. If McCain's war record was so brillant, how did such a smart decider allow himself to get shot down in the first place????? I guess he'd not smart enough to fly a plane and his decission on Iraq has held us hostage too. Bottom line, no vote from me and the rest of my republican friends. Republicans unite, vote NO for McCain, just a Leiberman lookalike.

i'm starting to wonder if mccain is really bush disguised as john mccain. mccain cant do ANYTHING right!!! everyone should just skip the election in november and just declare obama president.

obama '08

HAHA that's ironic!

Mccain can't lead his own party. Never has, never will . He is a pawn to the GOP.

He says no to negative ads, for example, and the GOP responds with "shutup old man"

Thank you Mr. Clark and don't back down!

What's the matter? Did Clark's true derail McCain's Straight Talk Bus or Plane?

I am glad that this issue is on the table and the media needs to vett McSame... look under the hood and kick the tires!

I am tried of hearing how McCain is better for our national affairs because he was a POW! Well... how so? That means he didn't fight for 5 years or do any commands. McCain also voted on the Iraq war and we haven't gone after Bin Laden...

Obama is running on judgement and his senate – as well as McCain should.

Again... thank you Mr. Clark and I hope to hear more from you!

Will Barack Obama’s actions ever match his words?

NObama

Obama the same old same old with a new media spin!

NObama

More hate from the left ....

NObama

Clark spoke the truth!

When I was in the service I spent the night in a Tijuana Jail; does that entitle me to executive office?

Getting shot down does not make you a hero. Just means you failed your mission. Sorry but truth hurts.

Coming from a military family, McCain probably didn't want to go into the Navy, at least that's the picture I get from his record at the Academy. Why are war heroes saints that can't be criticized? Randy Cunningham, and Timothy McVey were both heroes, but I don't think they're presidential material either. It's what you do after you get out of the military that counts. For me, the "Keating 5" is all I need to know about "Mr. Straight Talk".

Amazing. Obama rejected the comments by General Clark. He said that he wouldn't question any veteran's service. Period. However, the McCain camp can't let it go. Instead, they get hypocritical, and now they are questioning General Clark's service. So, does Senator McCain now have to denounce these comments? Politics have gotten so ridiculous these days. One slip of the tongue, and you are to be banished and never heard from again.

Swindle. Hmmmm what an appropriate name. He doesn't bother to mention that McCain' s actual war record is not the the slightest bit "heroic". People choose to ignore the fact that McCain ADMITS, both in an interview in the May 14, 1973, issue of U S News & World Report and in his autobiography Faith of My Fathers that, being unhappy with the fact that his captors weren't giving him medical treatment after only four days in custody, he OFFERED to provide the military information which they requested in return for that treatment. That, and not the identity of his father, was why his captors took him to the hospital for treatment. Then, in the hospital, he gave the Vietnamese valid, valuable, current, pertinent military information (the name of his ship, his squadron designation and his target) in return for treatment.

Let's be blunt. Through those actions, McCain betrayed the oath he took when joining the military (and, as a result, he betrayed his country, his country's Navy, his ship and his shipmates) for personal gain. I agree NOT presidential equipment.

I also hope Cindy ism't letting that old codger fly the new straight talk express. He crashed every fighter plane he flew in his military service.

No one has question anyones service except for republicans. Every election that the republicans have run against a war Vet as shown there lack of caring for service. The first thing they do is say "oh he didnt do that well"

America is either stupid enough to fall for the same BS or try something different.

Clark is correct. This is what all of us out here in the real world say – i.e. that being a POW does not qualify one to be in charge of the executive branch. Personally, I don't really care about military experience at all as a qualifier for the presidency. This is touchy stuff for some of the more conservative people in the nation, but what was said was just no big deal – especially since everyone else is already saying the same thing. The bottom line is that McCain is a good man and patriotic, etc... we all feel sorry about the abuses that he suffered during captivity – but he is just not qualified to be our leader.

I'm sick a tired of this double standard from the McCain Camp. A few days ago, he calls President Carter a "useless President" and now he's crying over some comment that General Clark made.

If McCain is offended by General Clark's comment, then he should not have his surrogates question General Clark's service either. Two wrongs do not make a right.

General Clark, said nothing wrong. He praised McCain's service and did not question it. He just thought his service was not a qualification for the presidency.

I think McCain owes President Carter an apology for the offensive comments he made against him.

Typical McCain, yesterday the Republicans were crying about Wesley Clark merely stating the fact that being shot down and being a POW is not an automatic qualification for being POTUS, and now today a McCain surrogate has the gall to say that General Clark's service was less than stellar? I won't hold my breath for McCain or any other Republicans to distance themselves from those comments. My only disappointment is that Obama had to come out and condemn Clark's opinion in order to appease the crybabies.

Obama 08

PICK ME!!!!!!!!!!! July 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

My whole family was in the service. Army and Air Force. Pick me for President. I'm qualified by McCain's standards
==================================
Sorry..you can't be picked. You dont have more than 2 decades of experience in any public office.

Two P.O.W.'s don't make a Hero !

Obama will make America weak with his weak leadership.

The truth hurts. Good for Clark. Getting shot down and held prisoner does not qualify McCain to be president. Simple fact. It is not a smear on his service, which is appreciated. It's the simple truth. Clark went out of his way to praise McCain just prior to making the statement.

The false umbrage of the McCain camp is very transparent on this, and it shows. It reinforces the fact that they are all spin and can't be trusted.

COME ON PEOPLE ... MCnothing is such a hypocrite as those that are defending him.

Were was he when Kerry's service was being questioned? I don't recall McGoing-no-where and his followers getting their panties all bunched up about like they are doing now? Guess what, what Clark said is the thruth. Period. Full Stop. Obama will not say, but we can and there a lot us that feel that way. So McAN't-FLY, I'm glad that you made it back, unlike many others from Iraq, but we don't care about your past since you don't want to share your service records.

And for the ultimate act of hypocricy, McHYPOCRICY has a former swiftboat person working in his McSPIN thruth site.

And as some old men yelling at the clouds likes to say: "That my friends", is the epitome of hypocricy.

Just goes to show that McSame is no better. Like a cry baby he wonders why someone criticizes his military record and yet allows his surrogates to do the same to Clark.

McClown is out of touch and not worthy to be president.

It amazes me how John McCain has been attacking Barack Obama even before he knew he would be the Democratic nominee and now that an Obama supporter said something he did not like he pulling out his surrogates. Clark said what he said because that is what he believes and I agree with him.

At the same time they are attacking Obama for not controlling his supporters. the McCain campaign has a supporter out there questioning Clark's military service? This is laughable.

Clark is right......it would be like saying a police officer shot and wounded in the line of duty now deserves to be Attorney General of the United States. Being a POW does not give you credentials to be POTUS.

My dad said almost the exact same thing about Clark. The only reason Clark got through the ranks of the military was because of his political connections. There were alot of people that were more qualified and better prepared, but he got through because he knew powerful people. Perhaps he should keep his mouth shut seeing as his own personal record isn't much to speak of.

Senator McCain's service no more qualifies him for the presidency than my 6 years in the USN. If military service were a key component, the GENERAL Clark is FAR more qualified to be President than Sen. McCain.

Thanks to both Sen. McCain and Gen. Clark for their service to their country. NOW let's move on to actual substantive issues like the economy, health care, education, and the other REAL issues that face and concern the U.S. electorate.

Yesterday the Cafferty file asked a question insulting McCain's military record. Where was the outcry from the left about that? Oh, so if a democrat does it you consider it alright?
Hypocrites!

Clark's statements were factual and right on. This guy Swindle needs to put a sock in it. Just by being a POW hero doesn't mean you're not stupid. Put a sock in it old man.

I COULD SEE HOW THE REPUBLICANS HAVE A

PROBLEM WITH GENERAL CLARK'S RECORD.

THEY ARE CONDUCTING A 100 YEAR, FOR PROFIT WAR,

WITH THOUSANDS OF OUR CHILDREN DEAD, DYING &

MAIMED. AND SENDING OUR ECONOMY IN A TAIL SPIN.

ON THE OTHER HAND

GENERAL CLARK CONDUCTED A NOT FOR PROFIT WAR,

THAT WAS SWIFT, EFFICIENT & DIDN'T COST A SINGLE

AMERICAN LIFE, AND DID NOT TRASH OUR ECONOMY.

YE THAT IS A PROBLEM FOR THE SLEAZOS LOOKING

FOR BLOOD AND DOLLARS.

Guy Kirby, I accuse you of being republican schill. I doubt that you are a Hillary supporter, since she has endorsed Obama for president. Additionally, no thinking, sentient democrat would pick up this obvious attempt at framing General Clark's statement and run with it. If you are that easily swayed by rhetoric, please do us all a favor and stay home in November. Unless you really want four more years of Bu$hCo Inc. for president.

Obamanation is an abomination. Vote for the emtpty suit.

Clark's an idiot. But beyond that, notice that he did not say anything about what he believes Barack Hussein Obama's qualifications are to be Commander-in-Chief. Why? Because there's nothing to say.

talk about sending out surragates...... This is so crazy. All Clark did was point out a fact....that being in the millitary doesn't automatically qualify you for being President of the United States. I could care less who has or hasn't been in the military. I care about where they stand on the issues. McCain set himself up for this by trying to say he is more qualified to be President and using this topic as areason why.

it was wrong for general clark to criticize senator mccain's service (which he didnt), now let me attack general clark's service as Nato commander

“If he can’t even lead his surrogates, he won’t do a very good job of leading the U.S. troops.” Swidler...oops Swindle.

Black: McCain would do good if there was a terrorist attack
Lieberman: there will be an attack on US soil in 09'
Swindle: "if he can't even lead HIS surrogates, HE won't do a very good job leading the U.S. troops."
Mr. Swindle...well said, i dont think Mr. McCain would do a good job leading our troops either.

Gen. Clark was asked a direct question and gave an honest answer...i believe well still have freedom of speech here in the US...dont we?

it seems a bit paranoid for the McCain camp organize these kind of blatant attacks on Mr. Obama and Gen. Clark even.
did Gen.Clark make a comment on McCain giving up military information or anything like that?

i think the McCain camp has gotten a little to reactionary and grandios i hope his hot tempor will calm down before the Nov. election i mean...really no one wants to see him continually going over bord like this...it is sad.

okay people take a deep breath and consider the following:
wes clark said being shot down and taken prisoner does not make one qualified for the presidency. technically true, but offensive, since mccain has never said that being a pow makes him qualified for the job.
mccains qualification comes from leadership in the senate, in the navy, and his service to his country for more than 30 yrs.
fact: obama never served his country in the military.
fact: obama has only been in the senate for 3 yrs and he has spent almost 2 of those yrs. campaigning to be president.
fact: obama has gotten earmarks in legislation that resulted in his wife getting a huge raise.
fact: obama was a community organizer.
NONE of the facts about obama make him qualified to be the president and wes clark needs to stop ignorant pointing fingers.

I guess what they say about the truth always hurts must be true because Mccain seems pretty cut up about what Wesley Clark said. personally, I find absolutely nothing wrong with what he said. If it's not true does that mean Jessica Lynch is qualified to be Commander-in-Chief?

I also wish that Obama didn't reject his comments because for me there was nothing to reject.

So... when Obama supporters (and pundits like Cafferty) question McCain's military record it's ok, but when McCain or any other republican does it to a democrat it's considered repugnant?
Hypocrisy alert!

Wesley Clark said the truth. The attacks on him, and not what he said, by former military officers show that.

An experience in one area, does not make you qualified for anything. I have had 5 root canals, therefore I am qualified to be your dentist.

Those outraged and think he disgraced the uniform are either partisans or deluded.

Those who purport to have been Clinton supporters and now are using this to vote for McCain were never really Clinton supporters. McCain stands for most everything Clinton opposed,meaning that you never believe in women's rights, for example. My guess is that such people are frauds, faking outrage whenever possible to support McCain and undermine Obama.

SLAM! Duh, duh , duh, duh, duh,. duh,
LET THE BOYS BE BOYS SLAM!!

My whole family was in the service. Army and Air Force. Pick me for President. I'm qualified by McCain's standards.

MR. AMERICA is LAUGHING at the mock indignation over this silly garbage.

If Obama wanted to attack McCain, he would. He doesn't "let others do it for him" then condem them later. He's not 12. You people need to get a life, get an education, and grow up.

Yawn! Clark is not running for president, and this is a distraction. It's not newsworthy.

Orson SWINDLE? Nice nom de guerre, pal!

swin·dle (swndl)
v. swin·dled, swin·dling, swin·dles
v.tr.
1. To cheat or defraud of money or property.
2. To obtain by fraudulent means: swindled money from the company.
v.intr.
To practice fraud as a means of obtaining money or property.
n.
The act or an instance of swindling.

Take that Mr. Swiftboat!

A spectre is haunting the Democratic Party..... I don't know about anyone else, but I am sick and tired of hearing the whole "Hillary supporters will vote for Mccain" angle being beaten to death. It's pretty obvious to me that all claims about Mccain attracting her supporters are over-stated.

So let me get this straight; voters who supported a candidate that was for universal health care, ending the Iraq war, reforming the twisted Bush tax structure, and fighting to preserve Roe v Wade, are going to now support someone on the complete opposite side of all those important issues? Nice try Mccain supporters. I think many of the people trumpeting their "new-found" support for Mccain were supporters of his all along, shamefully trying to use the advertising tactic of "everybody else is doing it, I will to." I can safely say that's a bandwagon that no Hillary supporters I converse with have jumped on.

This idiot just bashed General Clark military service and at the same time says nobody should be bashing one's military service. What a hypocrite and all in one sentence. And then he states Obama is is giving a wink and nod while he as a McCain surrogate is bashing someone elses military service. And finally he states to "knock this crap off" at the same moment he is doing it himself. How much more hypocritical can you get??? McCain needs to get a grip on this guy before he does more damage to the McCain campaign.

Just by backing the Democrats and Barak Obama we know Gen Wesley Clark to be a fool. He's only looking for a job anyway. Shame!

Another case of an Obama surrogate making an outrageous comment, thus giving the Good Senator Obama the opportunity to state that he "rejects these types of comments" and vow to rise above such rhetoric...this is a clear pattern with Obama, and it shows his lack of leadership skills, even with his own campaign.

ok, it's on now. when the Tn repugs made that hate tape of Michele Obama, mcsenile came out with a lame statement about he doesn't agree with it. he looked like an incompetent jerk.

when fox news spreads their hate on a daily basis. everybody knows that rush idiot is a mccain surrogate. but he develops and perpetrates Oper Chaos loudly and openly. I didn't hear a whimper from the inept mcBush.

I beg for Sen Obama to use Mcbush's words, "if he can lead his surrogates, he can do a good job of leading US troops," every single instance that the repugs send out their hate-mongers attacking Sen Obama.

Mccain is a lying hypocrite that deserves zero respect for the way he is running his campaign!

McCain isn't the only one who ever served. Yes, he was a POW, but he has to EARN his way into the White House just like anyone else.

I support our troops! I was a troop! I have lost friends who are troops!

This VETERAN is supporting OBAMA!

Love our troops, bring them HOME!

If McCain's military experience does not qualify, well then it follows that Obama doesn't even have that now does he?

Gen. Clark did NOT criticize Sen. McCain's service. That is total baloney. Is anyone in the GOP capable of honesty? So, they've decided to follow a truthful statement by Clark that being shot down in the war does not necessarily qualify anyone to be President with nasty attacks on Gen. Clark's prestigious record.

To Nova, Gen. Clark never discredited Sen. McCain's service record. Please just try to prove that because he did no such thing.

The GOP has really become the party of muckrakers. Disgusting! It won't camouflage the incompetence of the last 7 years. They can't rake that much muck.

Ecce homo. General Clark is a giant whose words of wisdom give headache only to those who want to fool us.
Wouldn't be wise for McCain to fire Mr. Black who is praying that another terror attack be unleashed against us? Wouldn't be wise for McCain to ask his buddy "Joe Libersomething" to stop his art of deception?
McCain, please don't let your foolish friends rob you of whatever remain of your marbles.

MORE THAN HEATHER-NC DON'T HATE .

WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION, WHY DID BUSH LOOK OVER JOHN MCCAIN, NOT ONCE BUT TWO TIMES FOR A V.P. SPOT. CHENEY WAS NO POW OR WAR HERO SO WHY DID BUSH NOT RESPECT MCCAINS MILITARY SERVICE AND MAKE HIM A V.P.? ANSWER MY QUESTION, SOMEONE PLEASE.

McCain and his surrogates would be wise to let this go soon. The fact of the matter is no one is devaluing John McCain's service. General Clark and Barack Obama have had nothing but praise for Senator McCain and both continually offer their respect for the war hero.

The fact is General Clark's statement was acurate. Just because John McCain served in uniform doesn't mean he's more qualified to be president. That was it. It was a bad decision because McCain hasn't specifically pointed to that as part of his qualifications, and it was poorly worded.

That being said, Barack Obama has already rejected the comments and General Clark isn't even really a surrogate, he was in Clinton's corner until the end, he wasn't speaking for the Obama campaign.

All that being said, again, McCain's people better stop bringing it up before they're seen as bikering over a non-issue in a "campaign about issues" that McCain supposedly wants to run.

Ofcourse in the end they're gonna say this is about Obama ::rolls eye's::: what isn't? They're try to spin anything anyone says to being about Obama.

I know the lying republican are not talking about someones surrogates when Mcshames Surrogate said that John Mccain would benefit from a terror attack These Repubicans will spin anything to try to make it in there favor

How long will McCains victim strategy hold up?

General Clark did not denigrate McCain's service or his war hero status. He merely pointed out that his military status is not necessarily a qualification for the presidency. If it were, then there are thousands of American war heros who are qualified to be president. Since that premise is absurd, so is the premise that his service qualifies him to be commander in chief. Denigrating General Clark's staus or service does not make McCain's service any more relevant. Critical Thinking 101.

This ploy is so transparent and ridiculous, and it's really insulting the intelligence of the American people.

McCain has no substantive issues to argue, so he makes a big stink about absolutely nothing-

Here's some news for you, Grumpy: WE SEE THROUGH YOU, SIR!

It appears that nearly everyone who read this story (judging by the comments) sides with Clark. This should be a platform for getting Clark the VP nomination. He is not afraid of Mccain, he has more military command experience than Mccain, he is an ex-hillary supporter, he is an all around excellent pick for VP. I hoped that he would be chosen before. This incident only solidifies my choice,

McCain talks about being a POW all the time. Clark was complementing his war service. There was nothing wrong with Clark saying that it does not qualify him to be president. I'm glad someone said it. Of course the repub attack dogs are now trashing Gen. Clark–typical. The repubs didn't mind when the swift boat liars were painting Kerry as a traitor for his service. Let's hear a relavant fact about McCain, for instance his failure to pay taxes on his condo in California for the past 4 yrs. (One of his 7 residences)

Wesley Clark doesn't think Sen. McCain's service to his country for all of his adult life is adequate experience to be Commander in Chief. Now how about junior Sen. Obama's experience?? What qualifies him for the greatest job in the world?

LOL.. AT LEAST CLARK ATTAINED THE HIGHEST RANK WHICH SHOWS COMPETENCE . HOW ABOUT MCCAIN.

McCain experience as a POW speaks to his character. He turned down early release by North Vietnam rather than have it be used as a propaganda tool by the enemy. When has Obama ever displayed such character? He never has, and never will. He won't even take a tough position by voting for or against something. He misses the vote or votes 'present'.

Anyone else find the extreme hypocriscy here distrurbing? the McCain camp whined and cries about Clarks statements of "attack" which is a complete lie and then turn around and ACTUALLY attack Clarks service the next day?

And would people shut the f up about Obama sending Clark. Clark is a 4 star general and highly respected military man who if anyone is allowed to talk about McCains military experience. I notice how no one talks about how it was the interview not Clark who mentioned the whole "riding in a plan and being shot down" thing and clark simply attached to that statement that it doesn't qualify one to be president. People are acting like he announced and held a press conference to specifically mention those words. I guess when your a follower of a party who lies as much as the GOP it kind of becomes second nature to start spewing out garbage and lies without even realizing it.

Wesley Clark was cashiered for lying to his superior officers. How can he be a reliable critic?

McSame got shot down and captured. How am I suppose to believe that he is smart? I believe he is a survivor due to him surviving those years as a POW, but I don't see why he gets credit for anything else in relation to his military service. I don't see how getting shot down & captured and than surviving the capture should translate into bonus points for the Presidency.

Tired of the sacred cow treatment. Of course we honor his service, but the McCain camp mooing so strongly over this and then charging that Obama is not fit to lead if he cannot lead his surrogates can bite them also.

Let's be honest. NO ONE is demeaning McCain's service. Why are they now trying to discredit Clark's service? Always got to destroy in order to make a point?

Is anyone else tired of all the peeing on fire hydrants?

Way to go Wes! You are indeed proof that life exists on other planets.

Well said Michell, Sacto Joe, and Rose!!! I glad to see someone is listening, unlike the McCain supporters....Thanks guys, you have done my light work for me....Next round of beers is on ME

CNN, Please try to be more of a news organization than the other “controversy-for-ratings” so-called news outlets. Clark answers a question with a legitimate point and it is escalated into an “attack” with attendant denial requirements and counter-attacks. Ridiculous!

Clark is right. He should know, he's a retired GENERAL.

McCains so called military training is so outdated and this is outrageous to ask Obama's people to repudiate any comments. How dumb do they think the American public is???

These two camps are continuing to sound like kids squabbling on the playground, and I'm really getting sick of it.

By the way, the only qualifications one need to be President are in the Constitution, and both candidates meet them. Next!

I'd still like to see WesClark picked as VP nominee.

Barack Hussein Obama/Wesley Kanne Clark '08

This is getting absurd. Clark praised Mccain's service record, but says he has no command experience (he doesn't). Mccain supporter says Obama has no command experience and he wasn't shot down in a plane. Clark responds that being shot down isn't the same as command experience.
The Obama campaign should have a media field day with how the republicans are spinning this. It demonstrates perfectly how they are distorting what was said, spinning the truth.
I wish Obama had directly challenged them on this. It seems like most
people are seeing through the spin on this one.

Let's seee....we did not lose a single soldier in the Kosovo conflict yet Swindle questions Clark's command....give me a break!!!

Swindle is a good name for him...a swindler with the facts!!!!!

Mr Swindle,
We see how well McBush is leading his surrogates in mr. Black inviting terrorist attacks so they can win the election.
Get yourself a day job !!! oops, I guess you are McBush age mate.
Take it easy and let America enjoy a new wave of her young and intelligent generation that does not look at military might and cunningness as the solo way the world should be handled.

Clark is the real hero:

...Clark was then given command of A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division in January 1970. In February, only one month into his command, he was shot four times by a Viet Cong soldier with an AK-47. The wounded Clark shouted orders to his men, who counterattacked and defeated the Viet Cong force. Clark had injuries to his right shoulder, right hand, right hip, and right leg...awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the encounter.

Clark is 100% right. HOWEVER, u can't say that kind of truth in PUBLIC in America (or in the media). That is funny. Only in America!... Call me unpatriotic, if u want. The truth is bitter.

You gotta love a former Clinton supporter getting angry at Obama for something a big Clintonite (Clark) said (and had said before when he was a Hillary surrogate).

GENERAL CLARK IS A PROVEN BRILLIANT

MILITARY MIND. AND BILL CLINTON A BRILLIANT

PRESIDENT FOR RECOGNIZING IT. THEY BOTH

CONDUCTED A SUCCESSFUL NOT FOR PROFIT WAR.

BUSH, CHANEY, & MCBUS CONDUCTING TWO,100 YEAR

WARS THAT ARE USED TO LOOT OUR COFFERS &

MURDER OUR CHILDREN. MAN TELLS THE TRUTH.

Ofcourse this "Swindle" guy, fitting name by the way, is going to try to throw Clark under the bus since he was a POW with McCain. Soldiers that serve together always back each other up, even more so if they were POW's for 5 years together. As far as I am concerned this guy's opinion is completely irrelevant and I have no idea why CNN would even post this derelect's opinion on the internet. General Clark is exactly right about this issue. Even more so, I would take it a step further and say that McCain should be eliminated from the presidential race all together because he is a LOOSE canon. When anyone goes through physical and psychological torture they carry with them the side affects of that torture forever. I would never vote for anyone for president who could very well be clinically insane at this point in his life. McCain just wants to drop bombs on babies like he did in Vietnam so he can put his finger print on history, just like his derelect hero George Bushy. These two should be locked in a room somewhere on the moon so they do not have another chance at destroying human life again. I don't see where McCain and Bush get the idea that it's ok for millions of Iraqi's and Iranian people to die for their disgusting and pathetic fantasies about a democratic middle east. The fact that Iran has a developing nuclear threat is Israel's problem, not our's. Only when America stops sticking it's nose in the middle east's business will the terrorist groups stop attacking our interests. They attack because we support Israel both with the military and monetary support, cut off the aid to Israel, and you cut off the hatred toward America. As well as leaving the Middle East ASAP, this includes Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, etc.

John McCain not only question President Carter's leadership; McCain called Carter a 'lousy President'!

Where was the fanfare over McCain's criticism of the former Commander-in-chief?

And why should there be a fuss if a highly intelligent and highly educated 4 Star General questions McCain's ability to lead a nation of 300 million Americans?

The Commander-in-chief position is a CIVILIAN one; yet McCain chides Obama over his lack of OPTIONAL military service.

Most vets are MODEST Americans.
The old man is unfortunately allowing the effusive praise of Americans to get to his head.

With so many challenges facing the nation, Americans are looking for a leader with good judgment, good vision, mental flexibility, vitality and vibrancy!

I do not think having served in the military means that a person will automatically be a good commander-in-chief whether that person was a fighter pilot or a general. Ulysses S. Grant was great U.S. general but a horrible president. Dwight Eisenhower was a great general but a so-so-president. GOOD JUDGEMENT = GOOD COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. A president that did NOT serve in the military is considered to be a great commander-in-chief. His name was Ronald Reagan. ENOUGH SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with the majority of the comments. I'm sure no one will denounce McCain's service to his country. As a retired soldier with over 24 years of active service, I know the sacrifices are indeed tough. What McCain endured during his tenure as a POW was brutal and it did indeed strengthen his resolve. But also keep in mind that he led a much different life in the military prior to that. He was the son of an Admiral and his was an officer (and his connections to his father didn't hurt) during his time in the military. This is much different than those who are enlisted/NCO's during their career.

I agree that just being shot down and being a POW does not automatically qualify one as the Commander-In-Chief. When you are at a very senior level (General Officer who has commanded multi-national or allied forces), then you would have much more experience with the varying nuances of the mission.

Regardless, the president will be taking/using advice of his staff. Neither McCain nor Obama will go it alone. But while many may be critical of Obama's lack of military experience, I don't see many folks that had the same problem with Bush!

And for those who would not vote for Obama because of this obviously do not consider ALL the issues and what it would mean if McCain were to be elected.

Absolutely infuriating! Has no one taken the time to actually read General Clark's comments? This is farcical. We really do live in an age of sound bytes, where apparently it is too much trouble to listen to more than a sentence. I mean, we wouldn't want to do anything crazy like understand the context would we? The media has helped to blow this out of proportion by not showing the comments in full. It is a sad commentary on the state of American politics.

Swindle is apt.

To Guy Kirby:

You might be a Hillary supporter (though I doubt it based on your post), but Clark did nothing wrong. He stated several times he respects John McCain and his service to the country. Clark simply stated that just because someone serves in the armed forces, does not mean they are entitled to be President. We are all thankful for the men and women who serve in the armed forces in order to protect American interests, but their service does not mean they are qualified to be President. It is also alarming that the people who are coming out and crying about Clark's comments are the same one's who attacked Kerry for his service in the military.

If you truly are a Hillary supporter, I find it odd that you would choose a candidate who offers virtually no change in current policy. Furthermore, you should not base your selection of our next president based on some random person's opinion instead of informing yourself on each candidate's platform.

So I take it Clark is on his farewell tour now after he made such a nitwit comment.. Now you know why Bill Clinton fired him.

John McCain can dish it out the barbs but he sure can't take it (see his comments about former president Carter). He shows what an ill tempered pansy he really is. Such is the case with hyper inflated egos...easilly bruised.

Wesley Clark said nothing to demean him. He simply stated that sitting in a POW camp is no qualification to be commander in chief. Where is the slander or falsehood in that statement?

McCain has been milking his POW image long enough. Remember this is the same guy who was the main benefactor of Charles Keatings political bribery scam. McCain may have endured a stint in a Vietnamese POW camp, but he has shrewdly cashed in on that image to become the kind of crooked politician that we need to shake out of government. Straight talk express...give me a break!

john mccain and the gop can dish it out but cant take it back cant take the heat mccain GET OUT OF THE RACE retire already!!!!

Amazing to see the McCain campaign blast Clarks comments which were simply stating facts and praising McCain for his service, but turn around immediately and do the exact same thing in a more subjective manner. Talk about hypocrisy.

John McCain can dish it out the barbs but he sure can't take it (see his comments about former president Carter). He shows what an ill tempered pansy he really is. Such is the case with hyper inflated egos...easilly bruised.

Wesley Clark said nothing to demean him. He simply stated that sitting in a POW camp is no qualification to be commander in chief. Where is the slander or falsehood in that statement?

McCain has been milking his POW image long enough. Remember this is the same guy who was the main benefactor of Charles Keatings political bribery scam. McCain may have endured a stint in a Vietnamese POW camp, but he has shrewdly cashed in on that image to become the kind of crooked politician that we need to shake out of government. Straight talk express...give me a break!

This is about Senator Obama,” said Swindle. “If he can’t even lead his surrogates, he won’t do a very good job of leading the U.S. troops.”

Amen.

As we saw through out the primary season Obama is very good at letting his "surrogates" say and do a lot of really low down dirty stuff.

He only throws them under the bus when caught.

Look out General Clark you are going under the bus next!

McCain 08

Farrell,

They made the call, but couldn't get through to McCain. His line was busy because John Kerry kept calling to see if he would serve as his VP. Why was John Kerry calling John McCain to ask him to be his VP? Because there was no one in the Democratic party that had the qualifications that McCain has. I'm not a Republican, nor am I a Democrat, but it amazes me how you guys knock McCain just because he is the presumptive nominee of his party. Seriously, the man that was the "leader" of your party 4 years ago, thought he was the best VP candidate available. What does that say to you?

McCain is the Mccainian candidate!

SWINDLE?

His name is SWINDLE??

What a swindler!

Clark told the truth. Deal with it Swindler!

While Clark's comments are unfortunate, it is also true that being in the military and surviving a POW camp do not make anyone qualified for the presidency.

The truth is, the only work experience that qualifies one to be the President, is the presidency itself.

And if you can't trust a guy named Swindle...

Clark's comments were correct but it is all about spin. So, it ends up looking like Clark attacked McCain's character instead of just questioning whether being a POW translates into some type of "experience" in leading a nation.

The real story here is Swindle's comments about Obama not being able to control his "surrogates". As opposed to McCain controlling Black, Lieberman, and even Swindle. I can't wait to see what other smears come out of that camp.

If McCain is running on his time as a POW (and in large part, he is) then it has to be subject to scrutiny.

McCain is using his time in Vietnam as an advantage over Obama – they have to at least be able to contest the claim that this is an advantage. Personally, I think McCain saying that Obama's word can't be trusted is much more offensive than Gen. Clark praising McCain's service but questioning how it qualifies him to be commander-in-chief.

I call for John McCain to denounce Swindle's remarks on General Clark's service to this country.

We're all sick and tired of hypocrites in politics, and we'd hope that John McCain isn't one of them.

Guy Kirby, Stop looking for reasons not to support Obama. Just support McCain and give us a break. I'm tired hearing about McCain's military record. On the list of America's issue, his record ranks last if at all. I appreciate General Wesley's boldness. Let move on with the election process.

What a joke...like McCain and his surrogates haven't tried to denigrate what Obama has accomplished. Not to mention their whisper campaign about whether he's muslim or not and this church garbage.

This whole Clark thing is ridiculous...not to mention that no brings up the fact that Bob Schieffer used those words first!!!! He was just answering Schieffer's question using Schieffer's words. People need to watch the whole thing and understand context. Schieffer had presented the question to him as though Obama wasn't qualified b/c he hadn't flown an airplane nor been shot down. Blame Schieffer if you're going to blame anyone.

Ha!!!! Ha!!! This is funny.

"If Senator Obama can't do a good job of leading his surrogates, he won't do a good job of leading his troops"

Well, I have heard it all. McCain has failed big time in the "leading surrogates" department. What a joke!!!! I'll be laughing all day today.

Clark was a loser fired by Clinton. The sum of Mac's experience is much greater and significant than BHO's in any case.

Mccain suggest pulling out of Irac is surrendering. no Sen what you did during the war in veitnam was surrender.

Let's look at Kosovo and compare that to the situation in Iraq. Peace in Kosovo has been somewhat tenuous and it required a solution that not everyone was extremely happy with. But, it has been holding.
Meanwhile, casualties in Iraq continue to mount. Further, terrorists have been so emboldened by their successes there that they have stepped up attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
I think I'll take Clark's record over Mr. Bush's War (backed completely by John McCain) any day.
Yes, John McCain served his country honorably. Yes, he went through hell in a Vietnamese prison camp. No one disputes those facts. No one is detracting from that. But Wesley Clark also served his country honorably and is highly decorated. I don't think the McCain camp should be throwing rocks.

Hmmm – let me think here, McCain wants Obama to reject Clark's comments, but he can back this one attacking Clark's service and also Liberman's and Blacks about predicting terror attacks and saying it will help them?

Hypocrisy at it's finest people!

Obama 08'

So now how about McSame's surrogate attacking someone's record.

McSame just doesn't cut it.

Why does it have to be Obama's words and not just General Clark's words? General Clark a retired FOUR STAR General can speak for himself and he doesn't have to speak for Obama. Obama can speak for himself he does so quite well, much better than that bitter Granpa McCain. As for Kosovo and Gen. Clark's last mission on active duty it was in battle and I can't remember the death toll, oh! That's right there was none. You republicans can't win on your own merits always have to blame someone for your faults. That's why this time you will fail and fail bad!!!!!!

What Clark is saying is not necessarily wrong but the way he is saying it wrong. It is indeed a fact that being in the military and its experience 'alone' does not qualify a person for being the President. It is a combination of many things/experiences/achievements/knowledge that qualify a person for the President. We are who we are because our economic prosperity got us there. That said, a good hold on the economy and its concepts, in my opinion, come before military experience. We have military which is fully functional and fully capable for military related needs. I know we have Federal reserve for the economic related needs but still.... if our economy is not in-place, military will also suffer due to lack of resources.

So, my point is that Clark is not necessarily saying the wrong things, he is saying it in a wrong way.

To Nova from NV:

Bravo! You stated the salient point perfectly!

I am a Republican, but I will not vote for McCain. Clark is right on this. Being shot down does not make you qualified to be President. McCain has flip flopped on so many issues since he ran in 2000 that even Republicans do not believe what comes out of his mouth. I once read on a blog that McCain wants the right to forget about everything he said and did while running in 2000, and wants the middle to remember all that he said and did in 2000 and pay no attention to what he is saying now. That is exactly the way my husband and I feel.

Guy Kirby, such a blatant liar, get back to work republican guy you're not fooling anyone.

CNN, you need to quit PLAYING to McCain.

spin spin spin

Gen Clark was ASKED a question..gave HIS opinion in an answer. period

We are not stupid Americans and can make up our own minds.

Frankly, although McCain is a war hero..so are thousands and thousands of millitary service men and women, active and retired. This does not make them qualified to lead our nation nor does it McCain. Period

enough already.........................the bigger story is McCains views on outsourcing our jobs... he is a FREE TRADE GURU.

His remark was dead on and in no way critical of McBush's military service. What angers me is the fact that Obama threw Clark under the bus and thus letting the Rethugs frame the debate. Obama should have stood up for Clark, not "condemn" him. It just validates their attack. Obama's run is beginning to look like Kerry 2.0...unless he stops cowering every time a rethug throws criticism his way. This election is yours to lose Obama...

How much talent does it take to get caught and sit in a POW camp? How did that give him experience? We want to give the former captive free reign of our military to extract revenge just like GWB had to avenge his daddy? Give me a break people.

This is the same "war hero" that is against more rights for our currently serving military. Yet we try to discredit a decorated career general for speaking about something he is more qualified to speak of than most other americans.

Can anyone tell me ONE reason why Obama with no military experience can lead this nation and without using a search engine can someone also tell me two things this junior senator has done for the country since being elected. I bet about 99% of you guys commenting wont know it. He will win this november not because what he claims he will do but because of our hatred towards GW.

Why would McCain waste his breathe campaigning against WESLEY CLARK?? He needs to focus on not being such a bad candidate compared to OBAMA!!

It is no wonder that politics in America so often gives bad results. The attack on General Clark's remarks are truly Orwellian. Clark spoke a simple and obvious truth ... a truth couched in praise for McCain's heroism and military serve ... that his Vietnam experience as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war did bestow on him any executive experience. Aided and abetted by the press coverage, this has become what is was not ... an attack on McCain's service as Naval Officer and pilot. The implication in all of this is that McCain is exempt from personal criticism. This while he and his surrogates (by the way, Clark is not a surrogate for Obama) accuse Obama of everything from dishonesty to being unpatriotic. The nastiness and fear mongering of the GOP campaign machine reinforces my decision last year to leave the Party in which I once held a leadership role. The way this issue is playing out reinforces the core wisdom of Walt Kelly's Pogo ... "I have met the enemy, and it is us."

This makes me wonder which one supposed to be the president if there are many surrogates who give speeches or rebuttals on his(Barack's) behalf. Does he fit to become a president? After the outcry from right wing, will he throw Clark under the bus also?

General Westley Clark had a excellent point in referance to John McSame's ability to be Commander and Cheif. McSame questions OBAMA's ability to lead everyday.... Atleast someone has the guts to speak truth to power.... I commend General Westley Clark for all his service in this country.... He earned has the right to criticize McSame...

OBAMA 08....

CNN POST THIS.....

Was McCain actually treated that bad as a POW? Please Google Songbird McCain and see for yourself. I'm starting to wonder about is devotion to our country.

I know what the General was saying. I served 26 years and 8 months in the military but that does not make me anymore capable than running the country because of my military background. Wow CNN you really blew it and for Mthe McCain followers you are really reaching now...How desperate

Well, we are Hillary Clinton supporters who think Gen. Clark is a genius. C'mon folks, you want to put the U.S. in a total depression?

How dare John McCain smear the military record of General Wesley Clark.

McCain may have endured terrible hardship as a POW, but that doesn't mean he has the command experience or qualifications as General Wesley Clark, former NATO commander. If he did, why didn't he ever achieve such a standing within the military?

My great-uncle was in the butaan death march. He never showed up in a newspaper, flyer, television appearance, or anywhere else. McCain has. In fact, how many soldiers were tortured and never did what mccain did on tv? This suggests that McCain has proven he cannot hold up to the pressure of the presidency, the most stressful job in the world, since he couldn't hold up his end as a POW.

I praise those that remained faithful to the US while POWs. How would they respond to being lumped with someone that turned on the US?

Could McCain be the Manchurian Candidate?

How can you say that somebody said or did that is offensive and wrong and then turn around and do the same thing? The McCain camp is becoming know for doing this. I think it's sad that while Gen. Clark praised McCain for his service the republicans are now trying to smear Mr. Clark's record. He simply pointed out a truth...the McCain camp has made the case that he would be the best leader b/c of his POW status and finally somebody had the guts to stand up and contest that. Which doesnt make a 4-star General who himself was wounded in Vietnam any less patriotic.

General Welsey Clark only said what so many Americans believe!!!

McCain's surrogates are turning Clark's comments into something they aren't.

Clark said nothing to denigrate McCain's military service record. McCain is an honorable veteran who served his country with distinction, and suffered more for his country than any man should.

Senator McCain's qualifications for president include his vast experience and his ability to lead. But, they do not include serving as a POW. So many other fine young men were also shot down and were POWs. Does this make them all qualified to be president of the USA? No. It makes them heroes, but it doesn't make them all presidential material.

John McCain's Vietnam experience was certainly heroic, but the remainder of his military career was due in large part to family connections, not because of his leadership abilities. McCain was an arrogant, self aggrandizing military man with blinders on. He's unfit to lead a pack of cub scouts, much less the most powerful nation on earth.

Guy Kirby, stop your crying.

I'm a United States Air Force Staff Sergeant. I have served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the USAF Security Forces. I agree that McCain's military service was great, but being a POW does not make one more qualified to be President.

I wear my uniform with extreme pride.

LOL.

Swindle "if he can't lead his surrogates, he can't lead the troops!"

Yeah, except surrogates haven't signed their life to Obama and they often have their own agenda. And lets not get into surrogates because McCain doesn't exactly have the best company around him. i.e. Swift Boaters, lobbyists and other special interest partisan hacks.

The problem for McCain is that while Clark's first statement was a bit harsh, the logic is flawless. McCain has never led on anything and the voters need to realize this before casting their ballot for him. He almost died for the country and I'll respect him forever for his service, but that doesn't mean he'd be even a mediocre president.

What ever happened to not attacking the military service of our soldiers?

This is ridiculous.

All Clark said was that being a POW does not in itself qualify someone to be the President. Does anyone disagree with this? And if so why aren't all returning POWs instantly put into political office? If McCain does not want to be seen as similar to GWB then he needs to not use the same attack lines.

Lol Guy Kirby is a faker.

the General just keeps digging everytime doesnt he? McCains Patroitism is not a issue or is his war exp. What is Barracks leader positions in the past?

MOLYGONZ they dont see this because if the GOP debated on the issue they will lose always and they know it. So they reach for straws because its all they got.

guykirbyblah,

McCain..? is that you?

If you look beyond the hype created by the McCain camp, Clark's comment is a valid one. He states, regardless of the valor of McCain's service, that being a POW does not make one capable of handling executive commands alone. So Clark is saying that being a POW isn't reason enough to vote for McCain this November. We have to look at his credentials and voting record to determine his eligibility.

I find it silly that any Clinton fan could support McCain. Besides being a Washington career politican with corporate favortism like Clinton, McCain has little in common with her.

Vote based on your beliefs, not what the television tells you to.

Clinton herself has said to vote for Obama.

News Flash, swiftboater: Riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is NOT a qualification to be president-

How hard is that to understand? Is it an insult? No. Is it the truth? Yes.
You might not like it, but it's true.

Mr. Swindle. you would better serve your candidate by urging him to pay his delinquent tax bill. The country he loves so much is in a trillion dollar, republican-induced deficit- he would know that if he knew anything about the economy.

Guy Kirby you are an idiot, uneducated , bigot and racist stop your execuse and go vote for Mccain no body cares about your vote.

Couldn't have been that big of a Hilary supporter or you would have known that Gen. Clark was one of HRC's biggest supporters. Right up until the final primary he was trotted out there to say she will still be the nominee. He was questioning McCain's status as a military strategic mind when he was on the Clinton campaign. If HRC was the nominee he would have said the same thing because the repubs would have tried to make the vet more commander and chief ready than a woman.

Now its time to tear down Clark. Don't question McCain on anything. Seems like those are the campaign rules.

Mr. Kirby – did you know that Wes Clark was a major supporter of Hillary Clinton? Do you think it is right for McCain's surrogates to criticize Wes Clark – a four-star general? Obama has never said anything but positive things about McCain's service, and cannot be held responsible for everything anyone else says. We do have a nation of free speech, afterall, and we should all respect that.

TO GUY KIRBY

Wasn't Clark a big Hillary supporter before she dropped out

I see now that when Gen Clark made his comment, McCain's supporters said Obama could not control his surrogates. Does this hiold true now for McCain or will there be a double standard. It seems as if Obama gets held to a different standard, I wonder why?

when clark commanded the NATO effort in Kosovo no Americans died and the outcome was a success. When McPhony flew around in the sky he managed to crash his plane twice. Then renounce America as he was being tortured this of course after he admitted to hating America before he was a POW. I guess thats why McSame thinks torture should be used now. He knows it ultimately brings out the true feels of a person to his country. Clark you are right on to question this phony patriots credentials

WHY ARE FOLKS LOOKING SO DEEP IN TO THIS. JUST BECAUSE I AM A COOK AT MCDONALDS DONT MEAN I SHOULD OWN A MCDONALDS. SAME THING JUST A DIFFERENT SCENARIO. JUST BECAUSE YOUR MOTHER OR FATHER TAUGHT P.E FOR 50 YEARS DONT MAKE THEM QUALIFIED TO BE THE PRINCIPAL.

Since when did being a former POW count as a major qualification for being President? Aside from that, Clark never said anything disparaging about McCain's military record.

I think it shows poor taste for his surrogates to whine about how McCain is being treated unfairly and then turn around and exhibit the exact same behavior they found so offensive.

Obama needs to show a little more backbone and stop bending to the will of the McCain camp every time they bluster about something insignificant. I am an avid Obama supporter, and I truly believe in him, but it wouldn't hurt if he showed some spine. I can't even begin to relate how disappointing I was when he began wearing the flag pin.

Lets hear about the issues

I dont get it. What gives them the gall to complain about what was said by General Clark after what they did to John Kerry in 2004. Grow a pair of gonadds and man up.

GENERAL CLARK IS TELLING THE TRUTH.

BEING A POW IS NO QUALIFICATION AT ALL.

MCBUSH IS UNQUALIFIED BY EVERY MEASURE

WE CARE TO USE, TO BE PRESIDENT. HE LACKS

GOOD JUDGMENT, HONESTY, INTEGRITY & MORALITY.

GUY Kirby.yeah right we all know you are a rspublican trying to run game. You are not fooling anyone. Obama 08.

If Obama saying McCain's service should never be questioned period doesn't stop Clark, nothing short of physically gagging him will. I have seen absolutely nothing that even suggests that Obama is winking and nodding to prod Clark along. Frankly it makes no sense for Obama to do so, since it just highlights that Obama did not serve at all. Seriously let us remember Clark's presidential bid, he did not then and does not now have a clue what plays politically. I do not put this on Obama at all, this is Clark being Clark.

McCain is winking and nodding by using swiftboaters and accepting their donations. Obama has never questioned McCains military record and neither did Clark. I call him McShame!

Gen Wesley Clark in an individual. He is a supporter of Obama's, at least that's what he is now...HE WAS A SUPPORTER OF HILLARY.

As far as I know HE IS JUST A SUPPORTER AND NOT A SURROGATE!

IF SOMEONE KNOWS DIFFERENTLY THEN CORRECT ME.

The truth hurt ha you stupid republicans. When Mccain Surrogates smear John kerry and now obama using Karl Rove Tactic you were silent now when you guy is questioned you start crying stop wining accept the truth.

Waving around nationalism like a weapon against any criticism of the Military Industrial Complex is getting old. I'm a descendant of John Adams a founding father, and my family settled the oldest county in Virginia. The Corporate elite have carte blanche on public policy, and they've pushed a foreign policy that's closer to Nero's Rome than America. We are a Democratic Republic not an Empire. We have a right to defend ourselves. Not to dispose and prop up, America friendly dictatorships. We have backwards priorities in this country, and an educational system that would make Little House on the Prairie look like a top tier college. Bullets and bombs don't win hearts and minds, but defense contractors have emptied our coffers, and destroyed our Bill of Rights. Truth hurts.

If John McCain has such a stellar military record then he should have no problem discussing his military record with the American people. Since he is running on his record, he opened up the door and the American People have a right to know what kind of military missions in which he was directly involved.

To Guy Kirby.

WE?

I'm a Hillary Clinton supporter and you don't speak for ME. I'll be voting for Obama.

In any case this is all a huge red herring. Most of Americas' great war time leaders, like Lincoln, Wilson and FDR, never saw any military service. 6 years in a Vietnamese POW camp does not make you a great leader. Gen. Clark is absolutely right and no amount of fake indignation is going to change that.

Don't let them shut you up Gen. Clark.

Come on, quit kidding yourselves. Clark's comments were totally correct. He paid all due respect to Senator McCain and then spoke the truth. Being a POW does not qualify one to be President, otherwise we would have many more candidates right now. His service in the Senate is another story though. But why anyone is "outraged" is beyond me.

Sorry Hillary supporters that want to vote for McCain your stomp for McCain is not going to work. Admit to yourself that you are McCain supporters and not Hillary supporters. Hillary does not support McCain or or his Ideas. You do Hillary a disservice taking her name and saying you will vote for McCain because of Hillary. You are a Republican so admit it and be done with it. Nothing wrong with that. Just stopping saying Hillary Hillary when she doesn't support anything you will vote for when you go and vote for McCain. The truth doesn't hurt and the choice will be Obama or Mccain. Win or Lose. Stopping making Hillary your excuse.

In Sun Tzu's book 'The Art of War' He points out that a shrewd commander will win a battle without ever having to fight.

This is what General Clark was alluding too. Obama posesses
a more commonsense diplomacy stance than his opponent who
suggests we Bomb, bomb Iran.

He never questioned his patriotism or courage. He simply suggested
McCain's attitude and temperment to be commander-in-chief are inferior to Obama's; Military experience not-withstanding.

When a top adviser said the attack on follows citizens may helps Mccain , how he didn't control him?
the insulte on Hillary ...with B* word in front of Mccain (he replied by saying"that is an interesting question")
When mccain said he didn't love his country until 31 years....

joke about Bomb bomb bomb like sending men and women to war is a joke.
there is lot to say about Double talk express... now in columbia to promote free trade.

And will all the fake "Hillary supporters" who are now "voting for McCain" just please stop the nonsense. Everyone who reads these postings knows you are ALL McCain supports trying to make it look like the fake controversy is still there!

We are smart enough to see through it all. Just save your typing and give it a rest.

Why would one serviceman question the service of another?

So much for Hope and Change. After reading most of the arrogant comments from the Messiah supporters on this website, we shouldn't be surprised about his higher profiled supporters comments.

I hate to say it, but what did Clark say that was so wrong? If you spin it, then yeah maybe, but he's right. He was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer.

Absolutely pathetic that Orson Swindle along with many other McCain surragates chose not to take the high road and rather decided to engage in a dialogue that makes us look terrible around the world. We can degrade each other's service all we want but it will get nowhere.

Senator Obama is neither a patriot nor a hero. His campaign is unable to recognize a hero when they see one.

The Democratic leadership picked another loser for their nominee.

Democrats for McCain!

Get it right GEN. Clark was rssponding to a question about whether a community activist is qualified to be president of the United States. The president of these United States should have acommunity activism background afther all the U.S is one big community.WE can't always be about war like John MCcain. Sen. Obama has shown great 'leadership'.

JOHN MC CAIN CAN DISH IT BUT HE CAN'T TAKE IT.

I don't see what was so wrong with Clark's comment. He was only trying to point out that John McCain's whole strength in his campaign is his foreign policy experience. And while his military service is commendable and greatly appreciated, it does not equate foreign policy experience on an international level, like that needed to be president.
Not once was he making any attacks about McCain's service, simply that he shouldn't basing his campaign on experience he doesn't have.

Oh, and Guy – Just FYI – Wesley Clark was a Hillary supporter also.

General Clarke's comments were definitely worded in an unfortunate way , which, when taken out of context, appears as a very negative statement towards McCain. However, if you look at his whole speech you can see that he never meant to devalue McCain's service to this country. He was only trying to say that McCain, despite touting his experience as his qualifying factor for being president, really has no more executive experience than Obama. I absolutely respect and honor McCain for the service and sacrifice he has made for this country. However, I don't think serving in the military automatically qualifies someone to become president.

Right, so you're going to let the right overturn Rowe v. Wade? You're going to let the right limit gay rights? You're going to let the right permanently make the Supreme Court conservative for the next several decades? You're going to let the right limit civil rights all in the name of the "War on Terrorism"?

Obama politics as usual.

Surrogate attacks competition in such a way as Obama said he would not (he is running a clean campaign after all) the damage is done

Obama publicly says he doesn't agree thus maintaining his squeaky clean image

Obama supporters accuse competition of "whining" about being attacked

If Senator Obama cannot take responsibility for the things his campaign does I don't trust him to run the country.

If you actually watch the interview, it's not even that bad. And Clark has enough clout to say whatever he wants. Leave it to Guy Herby to try to bring Hillary back into this.

Wesley Clark is right on the money. I do not think his comments at all disrespected or criticized John McCans Military service. His point is that five years as a POW that happened 40 years ago is not really a demonstration of the skills that we need as a President.

Being a good President is all about leadership. Being a Senator, or in the military does not necessarily prepare you with the skill to be a leader. Everyone should make a sound decision on the candidates leadership qualities, not based on past experience.

Guy Kirby, you must have multiple personalities because you can only speak for yourself and you called yourself we. Furthermore, Obama has told his supporters to knock this crap off, so Swindle, why dont you knock this crap off?

Clark isn't questioning McCain's service in my opinion... he's just saying that being a POW doesn't automatically make someone presidential material.

end of story.

period.

if you want to get into McCains lack of not understanding country hardships during the war, never commanding a wartime platoon/brigade (?), selling propaganda films to the enemy (against our military code of conduct), not being in touch with civilians because of his military upbrining and then political service (always with healthcare/retirement benefits), seing a war from 20k feet plane rather than on the ground, flip-flopping on taxes, vet benefits, not understanding how the economy works, sold out to his ex-wife for a young/rich one – these are other issues – Clark isn't addressing.

"General Westley Clark has just given us a major reason to vote for John McCain."

Yeah and because of the Republicans, that's every reason to vote for McCain....did that make sense? LOL!!!

NO!!! He is NOT questioning McWhine's service. He is right saying that does not automatically make him qualified to be commander in chief. DUH!

Clark is factually correct in his argument and now the McCain camp is starting to get that shrill, 'don't pick on me' tone.

So, Don't be like (that) Guy and whine about how Hillary didn't get the nomination. Clark was also a strong Clinton supporter while she was in the race and has just as much right as McCain to fly the flag of patriotism.

I DISAGREE WITH OUR FUTURE PRESIDENT OBAMA,

ON THIS POINT. CLARK IS RIGHT, AND RIGHT FOR SPEAKING

OUT. THIS IS TOO SERIOUS TO SIT AROUND & PLAY PANSIE.

HIS COMMENTS ARE NOT SLANDER, JUST FACT, COMMING

FROM SOMEONE THAT PERSONALLY KNOWS THE ART OF WAR,

NOT PRETEND AS BCBUSH DOES.

GENERAL CLARK IS A RHODES SCHOLAR THAT CONDUCTED

A SUCCESSFUL & SWIFT WAR AS NATO COMMANDER. AND

GUARANTEED, HE WOULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB IN

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN.

So is McBush going to let this comment stand or is he going to do the honorable thing like Obama did? I'm sure McBush didn't orchestrate this either...cough. cough!

And he shouldn't apologize for it either. Good work Clark. Just the same as Obama gets critizied so should McCain.

Who cares?

GUY

please vote for John McCain and obama doesn't need your vote, good luck.

I find it hilarious that neocons can point the finger at John Kerry and the entire 'Swift Boat Veterans' and their shenanigans, but when someone points the finger about McCain's failures (Because the only TWO missions he did in Vietnam were failures) everyone freaks.

People need to man up, and stop being so sensitive. BOTH nominees included.

I'm a Hillary supporter too.

I've been commenting on this site since the start of the primaries.

I'm not a Republican, and have no interest in that party, but I recognize the dirty tactics that the Obama campaign is using to smear McCain's military service. They are the same tactics that the Obama campaign used against the Clinton campaign...specifically the accusations of Bill Clinton making racists comments before the NC primary.

If the Obama supporters don't want to admit this...that's fine. But be aware that there are many people who will not vote for Obama because of these tactics.

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Guy Kirby:

We all know you're a Republican, so knock it off, would you?

To all:

Leaders are not created as we would like to think. They are born. Going back 40 years and critizing veterans or having veterans critize each other is not good politics nor is it right. Judge them all by their character and not by circumstances.

..."McCain campaign called the comment a direct attack on the Arizona senator’s military record and announced the launch of a Truth Squad designed to respond to similar remarks in the future." Just makes me laugh. Truth Squad. Is this meant in the sense of super hero comic books? Or just going to consist of old people who could have been on the "Mod Squad"?

PS, guy kirby there with the 1st comment. Wesley Clark was a major hillary supporter.... so you cant really claim that he is the reason you are voting for McCain. If anything, if you were so disgusted with him but still supporter Hillary's ideas and policies, you would be squarely in the Obama camp

Spare me the spin. Being a POW does not qualify you to be president, period point blank.

Hey Guy,

No one is disgracing anything. You miss the forest through the trees. He is simply saying that his service doesn't automatically give him the experience necessary to be President. Get informed and educated before shooting off your mouth.

I wonder if Joe Liberman is the one that is going to launches the new terror attack. Please stop scaring people for political reason. America, it is not true no terror attack in 2009. If there is one Joe Lieberman and the Republican Party is behind it.

Clark is stupid, just saying something that doesnt matter . typical liberal!

why should obama be responsible for what clark says? Clark is an independent human being who is free to express his thoughts and feelings. This election has ruined personal relationships because anytime a supporter of one candidate does or says something, the candidate is held responsible. Who even cares?

I believe that Gen. Clark is actually helping Mccain. Although in a round about way...Go ahead and critisize a war hero, but at least he took pride in serving in the military. My father lost many friends during that conflict and had nightmares nearly every night until his death. So I respect Mccain. I also believe that he does have the qualifications, as well as more experience.

What does Obama have?? 2 1/2 years??? And what exactly did he do during that time???????

McCain is a joke. He proved that when he allowed G. W. Bush walk all over him in the 2000 Primaries. Bush said that he didnt think McCain was able to handle being President cause he was mentally unstable from being a POW. McCains reponse was to pander to Bush for the next 8 years. Not the kind of leader I'm looking for.

Guy, you are a liar..There is nothing that Clark said that makes you want to vote for McCain and I doubt you were a Hillary supporter.

Guy Kirby,
What did he say that was wrong?

McCain this is the type of negative campaign you want to have. How dare you question and belittle another veterans military service, but you do not want to be questioned on whether serving in the military qualifies you to be commander and chief. This is the type of swiftboating the republicans did in 2004 aganist Kerry. Everytime republicans are questioned about their qualifications or policy, they attack everyone. This is hypocritical, disgraceful and downright uncalled for. I hope the democrats come in full force and call out the hypocricy of the McCain campagin.

Clark's comments were poorly worded and in bad taste.

But there seems to be some "taking things out of context" going on here.

And the comment about Obama having control of his surrogates v. his potential control of US Troop? Ridiculous. They are totally separate issues.

The McCain campaign continues to draw at straws because their weaknesses are the size of a small planet at this point.

You know what I say?? I say I should be commander.......hey, I trust myself than anyone else handling this war, LOL!!

This is sad. General (General) Clark questioned McCain and he is damed for it. I like it that NO one not the Media, Not Surrogates, Not former Generals can question McCain. Sounds like someone else that nevere wanted be questioned. (Bush) How about Judgement to make that right choices are what matters. Look at what the Republicans voted in. Bush fooled them all with his own Agenda of War. So much for Conservative Values. Republicans need to question there own judgement before questioning General Clark. Especially since McCain cannot be questioned about anything like McBush....

This is such b.s. I don't think McCain's war service qualifies him to operate on my spleen. Am I "tearing down" his service record? I guess when your campaign is circling the drain, you'll grab at anything.

You know this is ridiculous. This was just like when they tried to make in comment about McCain mistake an attack against his age. Paint it however you want it. I served in the military and I do not believe I am entitled to be president for it. Gen Clark statements do not disgraced the uniform. So Guy Kirby you are about as uncommitted as John McCain himself. So please don't try to pose as an undecided voter.

Guy, that's a loser argument and you know it. I wouldn't brag about your reasoning for voting for him. Stop playing yourself.

Wesley Clark was 100% right. Why is the McCain camp making such a fuss? The American people care about the issues, about gas prices. personally, I don't think being a POW makes you presidential material. Also, I recently saw the person who kept McCain captive and he said that he was not tourtured. He injured himself when he was ejected from the plane. No one in MSM even reported this, I had to go on the internet to find it. The MSM is not doing the public any justice. They are not reporting the truth or the facts so that the American people can make an informed and educated decision. George Carlin said it best. The government prefers its citizen to be stupid.

McCann should talk, isn't one of his supporter on the swiftboater attack against Kerry in the last election. Clark stated the truth being a POW does not make him presidential material. Just look at McCann body language yesterday, he tried to keep his temper under control. Almost thought he was going to have a heart attack.
He wears his military career on his sleeve, can't blame Obama or any other person if they choose not to join the military. There is no more draft. being in the military doesn't make you any better to run this country.

OH, PLEASE! "If he can't even lead his surrogates, he won't do a very good job of leading the U.S. troops."

What an utterly ridiculous statement! By that measure, not a single Presidential candidate would "do a very good job", and that includes Senator McCain!

First, spell criticize correctly. Secondly, being a member of the armed services does not necessarily qualify as executive service. Read and think before you make up your mind about voting. Critical thinking people!

Clark is right. It isn't a qualification to be president. Military service makes you qualifieds for positions in the military. Simple as that. The president has more than enough military representation as it is.

I don't understand the sensitive nature of Clark's remarks. He simply stated a truism. McCain outside of the senate does not have command experience. He has tried to blur the lines by illegally putting Gen. Petraus in his advertisements as an endorsement.

I think Graham and Swindle need to toughen up a bit and stop with the ascerbic remarks. Lyndsey Graham is one of the biggest scoundrels out there. He embarrased himself and McCain in last weeks Meet the Press.

Special message to Guy Kirby- if you are a Clinton supporter than you would know Wesley Clark is a Clinton supporter as well. Don't be so ignorant and lump Obama in this.

Hey McCain–how about Charlie Black or Rev. Hagee?? Talking about keeping your surrogates under control.

Obama 08

TRUTH HURTS DOESN'T

How do you 'critisize' someone?

I feel a bad taste in my mouth everytime I read or hear a republican McCain surrogate speaks. What filth. Why are they so hateful and just palin mean....goodness!

I also don't see what the big deal was about his comments, he made a good point, and he even said how much respect he has for Mccain, the Mccain camp are just crying about everything and anything playing the old gotcha game that the people are sick and tired of.

General Clark probably knock himself off the VP short list, but his statement is accurate in essence but it is costly for being honest.

LOL, and the republican party has done well leading our troops for the past EIGHT years? NOT!!

I'll take the unknown before I take EIGHT years of proven failures thank you very much. Out with the same old "Kill more of our sons and daughters' and in with the 'let's bring them home'.

Isn't it kind of ironic this guys last name is "Swindle"? Disgusting, and a blemish to the uniform. Using military service as a banner of entitlement. DISGUSTING. I'm a proud veteran, but it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, it's a personal satisfaction. I'm an American along with every other american, military service DOES NOT MATTER.

Like I'm going to believe anything from a guy named Swindle.

We are Hillary Clinton supporters who have not made up our minds on how we are going to vote in November. General Westley Clark has just given us a major reason to vote for John McCain. We are outraged at his comments and believe that he has disgraced the uniform that he used to wear (thank goodness he no longer wears it).

It 's absurd to compare McCain to Clark– Clark was a career soldier. McCain was a Navy brat who barely made it through Annapolis. His father was an accomplished Admiral, but John McCain managed to get shot down after crashing twice, then received promotions as consolations for being imprisoned and tortured for five years.

Had McCain followed in his father's (and grandfather's) footsteps, he'd be a retired Navy Admiral now, not a washed up Senator from an insignificant state. If McCain is the best the Reps can dig up to rally their cause, then the Democrats have absolutely nothing to worry about.

This guy Swindle is an idiot and Lindsey Graham is a bum. Niether of those idiots state facts, especially Lindsey "Head up your butt" Graham. South Carolina do yourself a favor and get rid of that idiot!

OMG these hypocritical pos's...wow I really don't like these people...i cannot wait until November to shut them up when I cast my vote!

Clarke has become a dupe of the radical left. I wonder how much
damage he did while still in uniform!!!!!!!

republicans get mad when they are caught spinning their tales.

What a crock. Clark was spot on with his comment, and it in no way denegrated the service of McCain. Once again, the politics of McCain are trying to grab at straws and blow things out of proportion.

So let me get this straight. You attack Obama for saying he needs to control his surrogates. Yet, you let his surrogates call him "frightening". You say you have no control over 527 groups and basically, wash your hands of it, yet he is responsible for everything everyone says and if he doesn't control it, then he's a bad leader? Did McCain put a muzzle on Black when he said a terror attack is a benefit for McCain? Did McCain say anything to Lieberman when he did the same thing YESTERDAY? Oh... that's right its different because he's... John McCain. So this is how it works; attack Obama for everything that you did first and maybe no one will notice. Good plan!

Obama-NATION 2008

Okay, Wesley Clark said what he had to say; now it's about time for him to shut the heck up. Let's leave McCain's military service alone.

It is clear–as a General Officer–McCain only retiring as an Navy Captain (O-6) doesn't match up on the executive experience.

The question should be: Obama is lessor prepared than McCain in training/experience. Does his time as a wing commander, and USN Academy graduate, as a member of the Armed Services committee–provide just a little more training and experience on national defense, military preparedness, and the use of foreign policy, and particularly using the armed forces as an instrument in foreign policy–than Mr. Obama who has never even worn a Boy Scout uniform.

Genral Clark has every right to raise the point he raised. He is combing through McCain's resume and since McCain has made this a BIG part of his experience, Gen Clark has every right to say that just merely being a hero does not necessiraly mean that one will defacto make the BEST commander and chief!!!

If McCain has this experience listed on his resume then we and General Clark have every right to make this point. Noone not even Clark has said that McCain isn't patriotic or that he shouldn;t be considere a hero he merely stated that that experience alone will not necessarily make him the BEST commander and chief and I agree with that statement wholeheartedly!

I wonder if they'll now come out and praise Obama for "standing up" to his purported "surrogate". Not holding my breath though.

Mccain camp should stop crying about other people's comments and opinions. So soft skinned for tough guy republicans. Guess thats the only way they get noticed.

republicans get mad when they are caught spinning their tales.

What part of Clark's statement do you repubs not understand? McCain is a war hero. Fine. Clark's not disputing that. Does every war hero automatically have the qualifications to be President? NO.

Let me know if you're still not getting this.

By the way... Swindle... 'nuff said. The guy's a swift boater. They promote the military record of the guy they want to win, while attempting to tear down the record of the guy they don't want to win, even if what they say is complete bull s–t.

I think Obama should get praises for sending his attack dog to do the dirty work. It's a good political strategy to discredit your opponent's service record while Obama has none. But I wonder why do Obama supporters still think Obama is any different from a typical politician?? This political tactic is used by many politicians. People, just wake up and listen to what is going on around you please.

WHY DID GEORGE W. BUSH LOOK OVER MCCAIN NOT ONCE BUT TWO TIMES FOR A V.P. SPOT? DICK CHENEY WASN'T A POW SO WHY DID THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION NOT RESPECT MCCAIN'S SERVICE AND MAKE HIM V.P. WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION FOR ME.

wesley clark managed nato forces in bosnia and kosovo,WITHOUT a single loss of any forces.he is a great general,and would be a great vp or chairman of the joint chiefs .mccain surrendered.

GENERAL WESLEY CLARK IS 100% CORRECT.

MCBUSH POW EXPERIENCE, AS UN FORTUNATE

AS IT WAS, IS BY NO MEANS A QUALIFICATION FOR

THE PRESIDENCY. BCBUSH IS NOT MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY,

INTELLECTUALLY OR BY TEMPERAMENT QUALIFIED TO

BE PRESIDENT. HE IS JUST A SHADY INCOMPETENT MAN.

McCain's actions during his military service shows great character in the face of an unthinkable situation which is needed to lead the country. Obama in the face of a little flack gave up his pastor and friend of over 20 years, his curch, and Grandmother. Obama has no character.

blah,blah,blah McSame. Gen Clark was right on in his comments. He was speaking specifically to McSame's judgement to be commander in chief. He clearly lacks good judgement. That is a separate issue from his war record. Why can't people see this?

Can't CNN even spell Criticize correctly?
Clark didn't criticize McCain, he praised him.
His only point was that getting shot down and held as prisoner, though heroic and patriotic, didn't qualify one for the Presidency.
If McCain had commanded Allied Forces as Eisenhower did, then obviously that would be different. But getting shot down and held as a prisoner may have made him a stronger person, but doesn't give him any executive military experience. C'mon! If I'm wrong, please explain it to me.