General Clark “I don’t think getting in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to become president.”
Politico’s take on the Issue, “Clark said that McCain lacked the executive experience necessary to be president, calling him “untested and untried” on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” And in saying so, he took a few swipes at McCain’s military service.”
Gen. Wesley Clark, acting as a surrogate for Barack Obama’s campaign, invoked John McCain’s military service against him in one of the more personal attacks on the Republican presidential nominee this election cycle.
After saying, “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 the armed forces, as a prisoner of war,” he added that these experiences in no way qualify McCain to be president in his view:
“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. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded — that wasn’t a wartime squadron,” Clark said.
“I don’t think getting in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to become president.”
Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.), also on CBS, was equally uncharitable towards Obama’s record on foreign policy as he continued to distance himself from his former party.
“Sen. Obama, unfortunately, like a lot of the Democratic leadership, continues to take a position that we ought to withdraw … even though the new policy is working,” said Lieberman. “If we had done what Sen. Obama asked us to do for the last couple of years, today Iran and Al Qaeda would be in control of Iraq. It would be a terrible defeat for us and our allies in the Middle East and throughout the world.”
Source: politico.com via politisite
Obama responded to General Clarks statements today while giving a speech in Independence, Missouri
“I also believe that patriotism must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice .. to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause. Now for those who have fought under the flag of this nation … for those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country … no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters of both sides. We must always profess our profound gratitude for the service of our men and women in uniform, period.” (Source: Obama Campaign)
The often brash, Former Presidential Candidate, Bob Dole said today that, General Clark probably should have stayed in bed today rather then attack a war hero.
Dole, the 1996 Republican presidential nominee, said that Clark’s statement was “beyond comprehension” and his “absurd remarks signal further erosion in our nation’s political discourse. He should have stayed in bed Sunday morning.
“It’s unfortunate that a former general who ran for the presidency on his own war record thinks it appropriate to attack a distinguished veteran and former prisoner-of-war in this way. Sen. McCain’s entire life has been devoted to public service. His achievement and experience constitute unparalleled qualification for America’s highest office.”
Source: primebuzz.kcstar.com via politisite
Other Related NowPublic Stories:
John E. Carey, Peace and Freedom Editor posted an earlier Article. Former Four Star General Says Of McCain: Getting ‘shot down in plane’ doesn’t
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Gen. Wesley Clark: Bush’s Third Term – Politics on The Huffington Post
This year, we’re facing the most important election in a generation. As Americans, we must ask ourselves which candidate will bring about the change our country so desperately needs. In my opinion, Barack Obama is the only candidate with the judgment to move our country forward.
The disastrous consequences of George W. Bush’s poor judgment over these last 7 1/2 years are all too apparent. Now, John McCain is offering 4 more years of Bush — while Barack Obama offers the change in direction our country so desperately needs.
Barack had the judgment to oppose the war in Iraq before it began, and he is ready to bring our troops home and end the occupation of Iraq in a responsible way. John McCain has said that American troops should be willing to stay in Iraq for 100 years.
Source: huffingtonpost.com via politisite
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