Comments on: McCain surrogate slams Clark's NATO record

By: Tina, NC

Tina, NC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:49:59 +0000

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.
.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:49:08 +0000

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.

By: john williams san diego, ca.

john williams san diego, ca. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:48:54 +0000

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

By: Texan for Progression

Texan for Progression — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:48:54 +0000

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.

By: David G

David G — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:48:18 +0000

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!

By: Ron SLO, CA.

Ron SLO, CA. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:47:36 +0000

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.

By: Venus

Venus — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:47:05 +0000

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!

By: jim, kansas city

jim, kansas city — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:46:57 +0000

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

By: mb--texas

mb--texas — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:46:11 +0000

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.

By: George

George — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:46:02 +0000

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!

By: CITIZENS FOR TRUTH

CITIZENS FOR TRUTH — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:46:02 +0000

GENERAL CLARK STATES THE FACTS.

IF MCBUSH CONSIDERS THAT A SLANDER, MORE PROOF

THAT HE IS OUT OF HIS INCOMPETENT, SENILE MIND.

By: California Girl

California Girl — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:45:34 +0000

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

By: FactCheck

FactCheck — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:45:34 +0000

> 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.

By: Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:45:05 +0000

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?

By: Go Johnny!

Go Johnny! — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:44:52 +0000

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!

By: Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:44:26 +0000

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.

By: frank

frank — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:44:15 +0000

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

By: Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:43:30 +0000

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."

By: Rb

Rb — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:43:26 +0000

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.

By: go obama

go obama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:43:18 +0000

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

By: richard

richard — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:43:05 +0000

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"

By: Venus

Venus — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:42:32 +0000

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!

By: Blue Blasters

Blue Blasters — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:42:22 +0000

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

By: John

John — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:42:12 +0000

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".

By: Veterans For Obama

Veterans For Obama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:42:12 +0000

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.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:41:46 +0000

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.

By: Katie Cavanaugh

Katie Cavanaugh — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:41:40 +0000

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.

By: Bukky

Bukky — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:41:16 +0000

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.

By: TangoDancer

TangoDancer — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:41:11 +0000

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.

By: Truth

Truth — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:41:10 +0000

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.

By: Brian in Seattle

Brian in Seattle — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:40:54 +0000

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

By: VirginiaVoter

VirginiaVoter — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:40:44 +0000

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.

By: JC

JC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:39:34 +0000

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

By: VirginiaVoter

VirginiaVoter — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:39:19 +0000

Obama will make America weak with his weak leadership.

By: B

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:39:16 +0000

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.

By: Latino for Obama

Latino for Obama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:37:58 +0000

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.

By: PG

PG — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:37:44 +0000

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.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:37:25 +0000

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.

By: Gary of El Centro, Ca

Gary of El Centro, Ca — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:37:18 +0000

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.

By: Reality Bite

Reality Bite — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:37:04 +0000

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.

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:36:38 +0000

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.

By: Steve in MN

Steve in MN — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:35:45 +0000

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.

By: Peter E

Peter E — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:34:39 +0000

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!

By: Bulldog

Bulldog — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:34:36 +0000

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.

By: David Goldman

David Goldman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:34:34 +0000

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.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:34:27 +0000

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.

By: Beltway Bandid

Beltway Bandid — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:34:19 +0000

Obamanation is an abomination. Vote for the emtpty suit.

By: Lee McCain

Lee McCain — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:34:11 +0000

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.

By: reality check

reality check — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:33:47 +0000

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.

By: jg

jg — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:33:33 +0000

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