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Gen. Wesley Clark Stands By His Criticism Of Sen. McCain

huffingtonpost.com — Despite heavy criticism, Gen. Wesley Clark is standing by his statement this weekend that Sen. John MCain's military experience doesn't qualify him to be commander-in-chief.

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  • parabolee, on 07/01/2008, -37/+60Right on Wesley Clark! He is my pick for VP, shame Obama just stabbed him in the back! For shame Barack!
    • known, on 07/01/2008, -15/+8I always doubted Obama's Rhetorics versus Reality.
      • PabloMac, on 07/01/2008, -8/+11That's because Obama's reality shifts with the tide.
      • CamperBob, on 07/01/2008, -4/+11As opposed to McCain's reality, which is more Brownian in its motion.
    • Cuchanu, on 07/01/2008, -6/+23I don't think anybody was stabbed in the back. I'm sure there was a phonecall that went something like, "Hey Wes; You know I have to denounce what you said, right?" "Of course"
      • oldhick, on 07/01/2008, -17/+9That's something to be REAL proud of...
      • Shiftgood, on 07/01/2008, -10/+25oldhick,

        you know WHY he has to denounce him for speaking his mind? b/c of hicks. Uneducated south/midwestern voters that like to jump on "gotcha" games like flag pins, race, religion and patriotism. It would be devastating to his chances to not sink down and play the games at the "hick" level of intelligence.
      • jabberwolf, on 07/02/2008, -2/+4Um there was a phone call alright.

        But it was made BEFORE Wesley went on national tv.
        And yes, he probably did say " "Hey Wes; You know I'll have to denounce what you said, right?" "Of course"
        ...."But thanks for making my non-military experience a moot point"
      • GravitySpec, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3Shiftgood,

        Good to know that uneducated voters are only limited to the South/Midwest. Why don't you give the old stereotype machine a rest you insensitive clod.
      • Netwatcher, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1The Conversation went more like this:

        I'm the one running for President, not you.
        Stop talking for me, your stepping on my message.



      • Cuchanu, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1GravitySpec you are from the South/Midwest aren't you?
    • Jackson0909, on 07/01/2008, -17/+4Yeah............. I also hope he is chosen for VP. It'll definitely ensure a loss for Obama come November. This man has evolved into a pathetic joke.
    • poprocksandsoda, on 07/01/2008, -4/+7Because there's nothing like having a military-led government right?
    • ADVIZR, on 07/01/2008, -5/+22Obama's actions were fine. Try running for president. See how long you last in the face of nonstop lies and neocon propaganda that misleads and distorts every single thing your side does. Obama mitigated the artificial hysteria that the neocons created over it.

      There are no ideal situations and actions when you attempt to earn votes from the majority. We're up against a mainstream media that *wants* a close race and a fist fight; so they go easy on McCain and sensationalize everything. Anyway, the neocons are doing what they do best: lying and creating fear. Such hysteria, left unchecked, impresses upon a lot of "sheeple" who lack basic logic and reasoning.
      • omnis, on 07/02/2008, -7/+1I love how neocon has become like a go-to word around here. Anyone you don't like is a neocon.
      • Netwatcher, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Its not our fault Neocons suck,



        You did that all by yourselves.
    • jabberwolf, on 07/02/2008, -11/+8This is soooooooooooooooooo planned !!

      First Obama has his team have Wesley Clark go on national TV to discredit Mccain.
      Why? Because Obama has NO military experience and he can't bash Mccain himself.
      So send a Democratic PAID speaker ( like Wesley) to do the dirty work.

      Obama can then come back and say 'oh welsely is being unfair - we shouldnt talk about anyone's military record because it doesnt matter to be a patriot'.

      This basically makes Obama look like the good guy, bashes Mccain, and takes away any argument that Obama has absolutely no military experience at all.

      You can consider Obama's campaign team as brilliant or the slimiest group of snakes EVER!!!
      • Netwatcher, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Planned BAH!

        Obama's team prides themselves on message disapline, and Wes was way off message.

        On a day that Obama was giving a speech to defuse the idea that military service was the only valid form of patriotism, the media was getting distracted by General Wesley Clarkes comments. And a day that should have been his, Obama had to spend most of the day, punting questions about the General.



        If you want planning. The only planning here is on McCains side

        They are so freaked that they have nothing to run on, they've decided to fall to the ground and fake a foul every time Obama even starts to score point. Making them the losing version of "Mighty Ducks" of politics.
  • michaelpinto, on 07/01/2008, -25/+78http://www.groupnewsblog.net/2008/06/wes-clark-is- ...
    "Clark is right, just because McCain managed to lose 5 Navy aircraft and get himself shot down on one of his first combat flights doesn't make him Mr Foreign Policy guy, in fact his grasp on foreign policy to date has left me about as comfortable as I would be with him in the pilot seat of an aircraft."
    • Geiiga, on 07/01/2008, -14/+26Absolutely. Obama may not want to take pot shots at McBush's military career, but the fact that it's been basically the only thing he's had to run on, all his other views conflicting with prior statements (or, in the case of contraception, 'Brian, find out what my position is') it's fair game.

      And seriously, what Clark said is absolutely true. Finishing in the bottom 1% of your class at Annapolis, then having daddy get you the best assignment in the Navy, then crashing a bunch of airplanes is not experience applicable to winning the Oval Office. In fact, the only job where that experience would matter one way or another is for a job at an airline, where I hope it would be disqualifying.
    • OffPiste, on 07/01/2008, -10/+11Billy Mitchell crashed 23 airplanes.
      Jimmy Doolittle crashed 14.
      • MadKennyP, on 07/01/2008, -6/+17I'm not voting for them either.
      • RealHyperX, on 07/02/2008, -3/+1Since when are libtards experts on veteran service? You guys are digging a nice long grave for yourself. No to oil digging, ***** the veterans, and raise taxes. How long before common man sees through your *****?
    • Cuchanu, on 07/01/2008, -8/+3He didn't lose the airplanes he traded them for sex.
    • Badandy127, on 07/01/2008, -12/+14You should be ashamed for disparaging his military service. I will not be voting for Senator McCain, but I do appreciate what he did for this country through his service and how hard it must have been to withstand torture as a POW. For you to brush that aside and talk with such condescension of a war hero is a pathetic tactic by a pathetic human being.
      • langdonalger, on 07/01/2008, -7/+7he didn't "withstand it," he gave out information. he has admitted as much.

        "The punishment finally worked, McCain said. "Eventually, I gave them my ship's name and squadron number, and confirmed that my target had been the power plant."
      • publiclurker, on 07/02/2008, -2/+13It's not torture it's enhanced interrogation. Get with the program.
      • meandmyatm, on 07/02/2008, -2/+10He's not arguing that McCain's service to this country is worthless or not important (on the contrary, I think Clark has admiration for what McCain had to go through). Rather, he's arguing that being a POW does not necessarily mean you have foreign policy experience or the know-how to best deal with world leaders.
    • EarlOfLade, on 07/01/2008, -7/+5Indeed!
      He was a failure as a soldier and claiming he has the experience to be Command in Chief is like saying the single-bagger at your local WalMart is qualified to be CEO of the company.
      • QuadZeroRoute, on 07/02/2008, -9/+5John McCain managed a billion dollar air command. What did Obama do go get signatures so people could vote.....what a bunch of *****.

        McCain isn’t invoking his service as a managerial skill but as an example of character, service, and self-sacrifice — all of which do actually rank very high among the personal traits needed to qualify a Commander-in-Chief.

        But here’s a question: if the willingness to fight for your country, put your life on the line and suffer the brutality McCain suffered as a POW doesn’t make the cut as far as qualifications go, how far below that does a “community organizer” show up on the list of non-qualifications?

        Mr. Obama can’t hold a candle to Mr. McCain’s legislative and international experience. Well, he could, but it would be like holding a candle up next to a California brush fire.
      • Fordi, on 07/02/2008, -0/+6"the willingness to fight for your country, put your life on the line and suffer the brutality McCain suffered as a POW"

        Makes you a military grunt. No more, no less. It doesn't prime you for becoming the cat-herder and bureaucracy manager that is an effective President.
    • calebwat, on 07/01/2008, -10/+12He was shot down on his 23rd combat sortie over the north. Get your facts right you stupid liberal hacks.
    • sanman, on 07/01/2008, -14/+5Wesley Clark's an idiot. This is a man who should be most remembered for his attempt to start WW3 by trying to launch a military attack on the Russians at Pristina Airport. What a nutcase. The Democrats' Oliver North.

      http://www.antiwar.com/orig/jatras12.html

      This guy is an idiot, and anybody who supports him is an idiot as well. The man is an embarrassment.

    • Disregard, on 07/01/2008, -5/+14American's just can't get past the military worship.

      It was a stupid needless war of aggression, but he "wore the uniform dammit!. He stepped up to the call, got in the plane and did what need to be done. Sure, he crashed that same plane shortly afterward, but he DID HIS DUTY.

      And hey, where was Obama during Nam?? Oh right, at home playing with toys!"
      • QuadZeroRoute, on 07/02/2008, -11/+3And hey, where was Obama during Nam?? I think during most of Nam Obama had not yet been born, but shortly after Nam he was busy smokin as much dope as his lungs could take in and as much cocaine as his nose could hold.
      • GravitySpec, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2Got any sources there Quad?
      • QuadZeroRoute, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1GravitySpec, the resource that you need for Obama's drug use are his own testimony....in his own books that he himself wrote. He admitted to drug use in both books.
    • Badger5252, on 07/02/2008, -12/+2Moron oops, I did it again. I meant to say Democratic Marxist "Wesley Clark" wants to play. Well Wesley Clark. Extracting’ Bullets, delivered by your Friends. Pathetic General, I had the Misfortune of serving under your Command; good thing you got yourself removed because your a Screw Up ! couldn't speak then, can’t speak now; and now your a the Moron of another while your Handler speak on the subject of Patriotism in Independence. Keep on getting Caught telling the American public who YOU really represents the Communist Party; It’s funny Nakita Crhuchev said
      As quoted in The New York Times (7 November 1963)
      • Comrades! We must abolish the cult of the individual decisively, once and for all.
      This is the Attitude of the Democratic Socialist.
      I however, will have to give Nakita a good Jab in the Ribs’ he say I Quote: Historians are the most powerful and dangerous members of any society. They must be watched carefully... They can spoil everything. You hear that Wesley Clark; Good old Nakita also said I Quote: I once said, "We will bury you," and I got into trouble with it. Of course we will not bury you with a shovel. Your own working class will bury you, Wesley do you hear your mentor, take head. I love History, I love it. Wesley, what is it with you your Tung it’s your worst enemy. It spits out what ever your Handler wants. Your Handlers Telling Stories again. Your problem is you think like the Dimwits, they know so much that isn’t true.
      • seltaeb4, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3Is Badger5252 the Unabomber?

        His writing is about as clear and sensible...

        But I thought the Unabomber was in prison. Did he find a way to hack out and post on Digg?

        Then again, this guy's probably from Wisconsin. If it were the Unabomber, it'd be "Bear5252" [Berkeley mascot, you see.]
    • jabberwolf, on 07/02/2008, -8/+3ABSOLUTELY
      So aside from his military experience, POW, and commander during time of peace.

      Thats why Mccain having 25+ years:

      2000National Security Adviser,
      Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee.
      Member of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs
      Chairman of the powerful Senate Commerce Committee

      1997-presentMember, Council on Foreign Relations, 1997-presentHonorary Board Member, Hispanic Youth Foundation, 1997-presentHonorary Board Member, The Leonard Cheshire Foundation, 1997-presentHonorary Member, National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Advisory Council, 1997-presentHonorary Vice Chairman, New Majority Council, 1997-presentBoard of Trustees, Gallaudet University, 1995-presentFounding Member, Pacific Council on International Policy, University of South California, 1995-presentChair, Board of Directors, International Republican Institute, 1992-presentLife Member, Navy League, 1987-presentMember, The Alfalfa ClubMember, Air Force Sergeants AssociationHonorary Advisor Board, Arizona Black Chamber of CommerceHonorary Co-Chair, Advisory Board of Directors, Arizona Cancer Research FoundationHonorary Member, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of CommerceComplimentary Member, Association of the United States ArmyHonorary Member, Barry Goldwater FoundationHonorary Member, Fifty-Five Years and Up IncorporatedHonorary Member/Board of Regents, Francis Scott Key FoundationHonorary Member, The John Goodwin Tower CenterHonorary Board Member, Kids Voting ArizonaMember, The Military Order of World WarsHonorary Member, Mo Udall FoundationBoard of Directors, Nixon Center for Peace and FreedomMember, Purple Heart AssociationMember, The Retired Officers AssociationMember, Sons of the Revolution in the State of VirginiaMember, United States Naval Academy Alumni AssociationMember of Board of Visitors, United States Naval AcademyHonorary Member/Board of Directors/Council of Notables, United States-Spain CouncilMember, Veterans of Foreign WarsMember, Vietnam Veterans Association.

      Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees:
      Environmental and Energy Study ConferenceNational Republican Senatorial CommitteeCo-Chair, Porkbusters CoalitionRenewal AllianceSenate Centrist CoalitionSenate Committee for American Indian College FundSenate Co-Chair, National Security CaucusSenate Steering CommitteeSenate Wilderness and Public Lands CaucusVietnam Veterans in Congress.

      Committees: Armed Services, Ranking MemberCommerce, Science & Transportation, MemberIndian Affairs, Member.

      Mcccain has voted with his party only 63% of the time showing he is willing to put the country ahead of political parties.
      Obama voted 90+ % with his party (not sure exactly it is probably higher).

      So sure, someone post Obama's experience up here and lets compare!!!
      • MadKennyP, on 07/02/2008, -0/+325 years of living off the government? Doesn't seem like much of a Conservative.
      • Disregard, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3You get 1 McCain.com Poster Point! Redemable for $2 off an Arby's meal (senior meals only)
    • markgl, on 07/02/2008, -5/+1yeah while mccain was making an effort obama was doing drugs.
  • supachick, on 07/01/2008, -22/+49
    GO WES!
  • zoezack, on 07/01/2008, -21/+51Wes Clark for VP!
    • rz8472, on 07/01/2008, -5/+8Meanwhile the McCain camp is bawling its brains out. They even took offense at Jim Webb's innoculous assertion that "a military record shouldn't be mixed with politics". What a bunch of babies.
    • ndnspongebob, on 07/01/2008, -2/+6I was clueless on which VP Obama could have but Wesley Clark seems perfect for the position. With Obama being the first serious black candidate he needs someone who is white so that bible belt doesnt go complete ***** and the white guy seriously cant be a pussy. Wesley Clark is a smart man who can speak his own mind and has an actual spine, would go perfect with Obama.
    • poprocksandsoda, on 07/01/2008, -1/+2Fan of military rule are you? It seems to work well around the world.
      • DuneChild, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Yeah, because Washington was like a dictator! And what about Truman, Jackson, Grant, Eisenhower, and Bush Sr. (okay, so Bush is a bad example)

        C'mon, people! Being a former member of the military does not mean you will rule the country like Sadaam!
      • seltaeb4, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1As is Grant.

        Great general, but among our worst Presidents.
  • Timetheos, on 07/01/2008, -20/+34How do we show Wes our support?
    • akeldama, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Oh, I dunno... maybe select him as VP and hand another election over to the Republicans?
  • Kiwi90fsu, on 07/01/2008, -17/+24Great job, sir! You were right on target.
  • FrankHope, on 07/01/2008, -16/+23Watch video of Wes Clark on MSNBC defending his comments about John McCain.
    http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Wesley_Clark_I_m ...
  • Verchiel77, on 07/01/2008, -17/+89This is called "a spine."

    Dems take note...
    • Jackson0909, on 07/01/2008, -20/+7No...... this is called a bitter, old man who went too far and is too proud to retract his ridiculous statement.
      • gasoline, on 07/01/2008, -2/+12I've met him and in no way is he bitter.
      • briankoenig03, on 07/01/2008, -3/+13You're bringing *age* into this? Really?
      • Jackson0909, on 07/01/2008, -11/+2@briankoenig03
        Nope..... not at all. It's an accurate description of Gen. Wesley Clark.
      • oilcan, on 07/02/2008, -2/+6so...you *are* bringing age into this? *blink*

        and furthermore, seriously, you know that McCain's military service isn't even a shadow of Clark's, right?
      • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2You are officially an idiot.
      • x0epyon0x, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3And what exactly was "ridiculous" about Clark's statement? Just because he has enough balls to call McCain out doesn't make his comments ridiculous.
      • Netwatcher, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2Bitter? Old? To Proud to Admit he was Wrong?



        McCain Basher!!!
        And you call yourself a Republican political hack!


        Why do you hate John McCain?
    • poprocksandsoda, on 07/01/2008, -10/+5This is about a man with an axe to grind for getting his command taken from him.
    • rawg, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3Clark doesn't need to apologize. He was correct in his statement. Even though the MSM is playing this up as an attack against McCain which will be used against Clark and Obama in the near term, it's brought discussion of McCain's POW experience into public discussion and that's a good thing in the long term.

      First of all, Clark is absolutely right. Getting shot down by the enemy and held in a POW camp doesn't make you qualified to be a military leader. It proves that you're tough as hell and an unquestionable patriot but it doesn't qualify you to be commander-in-chief. I think most people understand this at a basic level. It just had to be said.

      Secondly, I'm not sure I want an ex-POW deciding how the US should conduct war and foreign policy. Like I said, surviving 5 years in a POW camp while being tortured proves that McCain is a tough SOB but it probably also makes him see things differently than the average American. Understandably, he's going to think about negotiating with "enemies" like Iran and "completing the mission" in Iraq in much different terms than someone who hasn't suffered torture for 5 years at the hands of the enemy.

      There's no question that McCain is a war hero due to his personal sacrifice in the Vietnam War 40 years ago but the world has changed. It's more complicated. There is no single "enemy" state. In a post-Cold War, post-Globalization, post-9/11 world, foreign policy is implemented using technology, intelligence, economic sanctions, monetary policy and diplomacy in addition to boots on the ground and bombs in the air.

      It's wrong for McCain to believe that his experience as a POW in a war 40 years ago qualifies him to make his own decisions about the military rather than relying on qualified military advisors. He's proven that his judgement was wrong on the war in Iraq, on the GI Bill, on the use of torture, on the legitimacy of Guantanamo and on nature of the threat in Iran (al-qaeda is NOT supported by Iran, Iran is actually fighting against al-qaeda because they are Sunni-based. The threat from Iran is nuclear proliferation and their support of anti-Israeli Shiite fundamentalists which could destablize the region).

      Once the public gets over their initial misdirected indignation over Clark's comments, they'll realize that General Wesley Clark is absolutely correct.
  • drewbacsi, on 07/01/2008, -11/+19I think these comments are a litmus test - there is definitely some coordination behind the scenes with the Obama campaign.

    General, just keep on firing!
  • cubedw00t, on 07/01/2008, -19/+64It infuriates me when people get so indignant about this. HE SPOKE THE TRUTH.
    Getting shot down in a plane does not qualify you to be president. It's like saying getting your lemonade stand jacked qualifies you to be CEO of a fortune 500 company.

    Yes, he deserves some 'street cred', that's it.
    • known, on 07/01/2008, -4/+32
      If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you. --Oscar Wilde
    • vault, on 07/01/2008, -10/+22But serving for 3 years as a senator does qualify you to be president?
      • WasabiBomb, on 07/01/2008, -11/+25More than flying a plane does, anyway.
      • vault, on 07/01/2008, -7/+8If 3 years in the senate qualifies you to be president, then McCain is overqualified because he's been a senator for over 20 years.

        You didn't think this argument out very far, did you?

        If you don't like McCain's political positions, fine- you don't have to vote for him. Doesn't mean he isn't qualified for the job.
      • emkaysmith, on 07/01/2008, -5/+8He only reached that rank because of his daddy and his grand-daddy. Same reason he got into the Academy in the first place (and barely graduated).
      • BowieX, on 07/02/2008, -4/+7Umm...

        Is Obama actually RUNNING on his senate experience? No. Nor SHOULD he.
        Is McCain, however, RUNNING on his militiary experience? Yes. But nor should HE.
      • Fordi, on 07/02/2008, -3/+3Getting more votes than your opponent qualifies you to be president. Nothing else. These questions of qualifications are irrelevant.

        The questions you should be asking:
        A = Matchup of competancies the candidate displays against those historically possessed by our most effective presidents
        B = Matchup of candidate's positions against your own
        C = Matchup of candidate's campaign promises against actions in office
        Vote = Candidate with MAX(A * B * C)

        Simple decision math for those who don't want to lay the fate of our country to their gut feelings.

        (By the way, my estimation is:
        {
        Obama: {
        A: 0.76,
        B: 0.85,
        C: 0.93
        },
        McCain: {
        A: 0.64,
        B: 0.31,
        C: 0.82
        }
        };
        with (Obama) { A*B*C == 0.60 };
        with (McCain) { A*B*C == 0.16 };
      • seltaeb4, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2WasabiBomb has a good point.

        If flying planes qualified you to be President, they'd be prepping Mt. Rushmore to add Bush.
      • seltaeb4, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2And vault, 20 years in the Senate doesn't make McCain worthy of called "Mr. President."

        "Mr. Insider," maybe...
    • Wargalas, on 07/01/2008, -5/+13I don't think that people are pissed about the comments, as so much the hypocrisy of Clark's statements. He disparages McCain, but in 2004, he plays up Kerry's military record.

      http://www.rightwinglunatic.com/2008/06/wesley-cla ...

      The above link is a great spot to find out the hypocritical nature of General Clark.
    • TheMachine1, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1If you had excellence business management that made your lemon-aid stand so noticeable profitable that it got targeted that maybe a sign you got CEO potential. Particular since the robbery got you free publicity that sold even more lemonade and the robbery was fake to avoid taxes on that money.
    • meatmaker, on 07/02/2008, -0/+4Its like if you were to run an oil company into the ground should that disqualify you from being president.
      Oh wait.
  • Ridgeliner7, on 07/01/2008, -15/+23"We can no longer afford to build ourselves up by tearing someone else down. We can no longer afford to traffic in lies or fear or hate. It is the poison that we must purge!" -- Barack Obama

    Obama said: "For those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country, no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary. And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign." “Senator Obama rejects the inaccurate and wrong words of General Clark yesterday."
    • MadKennyP, on 07/01/2008, -7/+11Where did you get the "inaccurate and wrong words" quote? Here's what I found: Spokesman Bill Burton added that "Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark."
    • MadKennyP, on 07/01/2008, -6/+8Ridgeliner7 replied to my question. He has admitted he cannot find this so-called quote anywhere.

      Easier to defend one's position if you don't rely on facts, I guess.
    • sa9e, on 07/02/2008, -2/+2The fact that Obama repudiated Clarks comments doesn't seem to have been noticed by all the Obamatons here that think the prematurely-retired general should be VP.
  • vide08, on 07/01/2008, -16/+17Wes has the truth on his side, he should not back down

    and Dems should unite behind him
    • Jackson0909, on 07/01/2008, -3/+8What truth? His entire argument is based on opinion. It is possible to for two people to look at the same bit of information and draw different opinions. Neither one has to be wrong. It's called perspective.
  • musique913, on 07/01/2008, -18/+33I'm sorry, but commanding a large Navy Squadron is more than Barack Obama has done.

    Obama was right to back off from these comments. McCain is a decorated veteran, and his veteran experience is certainly a vaild measure of experience, especially his leadership, while in the Navy.
    • crowbar77, on 07/01/2008, -10/+15Obama doesn't pretend to an expert on foreign policy. That's basically McCain's whole platform and therefore it should be fair game.
      • Wargalas, on 07/01/2008, -6/+6He doesn't? Have you seen any of his speeches?
      • Jackson0909, on 07/01/2008, -8/+10Actually, Obama DOES claim to be an expert on foreign policy. Remember when he said he was an expert based on living in Indonesia? He's naive and finally realized it.
      • wendelgee2, on 07/01/2008, -6/+11compared to mccain, who doesn't know the difference between a sunni and a shiite, he IS an expert on foreign policy.
      • ssjbriguy, on 07/02/2008, -4/+3@wendelgee2
        Good one. Now I'll admit I can't keep straight the differences between sunni and shi'ite (e.g. nation demographics) but I would definitely expect anyone wanting to be president to be more savvy here.
    • WasabiBomb, on 07/01/2008, -6/+21When all you've got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

      I'd much rather have a President whose first response in any situation isn't "send in the troops".
    • artofficial, on 07/01/2008, -2/+5Thank you for the dose of logic, all of this righteous indignation was going to make me vomit.
    • brianjlowry, on 07/01/2008, -3/+5If his veteran experience is a valid measure of experience, then hopefully you believe that his grades are a valid measure of his intelligence, dedication, and work ethic.
    • emkaysmith, on 07/01/2008, -4/+9"commanding a large Navy Squadron is more than Barack Obama has done"

      In that light, how was G. W. Bush even *remotely* qualified as CIC?
      • TheInformer, on 07/02/2008, -6/+1So you'd rather have someone with the CIC experience of George Bush in office, rather than McCain?
      • QuadZeroRoute, on 07/02/2008, -5/+5He was more qualified than the opposition.
      • jahurt, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1More qualified than G. W. Bush -> http://tinyurl.com/4kardo
      • emkaysmith, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2I don't think you guys are paying attention. The right wing is saying McCain's experience in being captured qualifies him to be Commander in Chief. I'm saying it does no such thing. And that the military "experience" of George Bush -- the darling of the ignorant, knee-jerk right wing -- doesn't qualify him to command a school crossing patrol.
      • tkstock, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1emkaysmith, I don't think YOU'RE paying attention. The right wing is not saying anything of the sort. It's funny that right-wing praise of McCain's heroism is twisted to mean "he should be president because he was captured".

        That is sure one twisted filter you have there, buddy.
      • tkstock, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Oh, and I love how every time a liberal doesn't have a good response, they always fall back on Bush-bashing.

        Talking about a knee-jerk response, there's one if I've ever seen it.
      • emkaysmith, on 07/06/2008, -0/+1We learned it all from you people during the Clinton years.
    • Haecceity, on 07/02/2008, -4/+7"I'm sorry, but commanding a large Navy Squadron is more than Barack Obama has done."

      I'm sorry, but who's talking about Obama? Clark's comment was about the repeated (and false) assumption that having been in combat gives McCain some special insight regarding foreign policy (about which McCain appears to be clueless). Obama is clearly not running on the basis of his military experience.
      • tkstock, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1It's about the experience of leading people, not about foreign policy. Don't argue if you don't understand what is being argued.
      • Haecceity, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1I'm afraid it's you who doesn't understand.

        According to you, the more military experience someone has, the more we should trust his judgment. Well Wes Clark has a ton more leadership experience than McCain, right? So therefore you logically must agree that Wes Clark has better judgment than McCain. So therefore Wes Clark is right and McCain is wrong.

        Ah, but it's not that simple, is it? Someone can have military experience and still be an inept leader. McCain showed his "leadership" qualities by crashing several planes while flying without a due lack of care. That makes a good analogy for any potential McCain presidency, don't you think?
    • robopuppy, on 07/02/2008, -1/+12My dad was in Vietnam. He was in a helicopter with 2 of his squad and 2 pilots up front flying the helicopter. At some point, the helicopter was shot down. As the helicopter crashed, my dad jumped out into a big thicket of bushes and wasn't seriously injured. Not so fortunate were the others in the helicopter. He went back to the helicopter and found 2 of them seriously injured: I believe broken necks or backs. My dad proceeded to carry both of them to a rendezvous point where they were airlifted to safety. While carrying them out, my dad was shot in the butt. Yeah, he's basically Forrest Gump. I know, pretty cool, yeah? He eventually got a bronze star, silver star, and a purple heart for these actions.
      My dad is a really great guy, one of my favorite people. He's gone on to be one of the best lawyers in Arizona, and has received several awards for his efforts. Could he be president? Yeah, probably, but getting to the presidency means a lot of political swindling and bending and breaking of your core beliefs just to get elected. My dad is not that kind of man. He doesn't use his war experience to further his position. In fact, he prefers not to talk about it at all. That is what I call quiet dignity. My dad knows he's a great man for what he did, and he doesn't throw it in your face or use it as a reason for his accomplishments or an excuse for his shortcomings.
      I guess we differ on our definitions of leadership. Compromising personal convictions means you can't even lead yourself. What happened to you, McCain? Oh wait... ROVE! (shakes fist)
      • brianjlowry, on 07/02/2008, -3/+1Robopuppy Sr. 2008!
      • tkstock, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1The funny thing is, McCain also doesn't want to use his military record to run on, but others are doing it for him. I guess it's to be expected. People will use your past life to bash or to praise you, so not wanting it used versus having it used (and abused) are not mutually exclusive.

        McCain can win on the strength of his ideas... he's the only one with the ability and proven record to cross the isle.
    • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4Obama was only right to distance himself because morons like you believe "he hasn't done anything," but the truth is that what Clark said is 100% correct. I'm happy to see Clark refusing to back down.

      Clark for VP!
    • nydwarf, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1Commanding a large navy squadron? Big deal! Wesley Clark was ***** SUPREME COMMANDER of NATO forces in Europe and a Four Star General. If anyone can criticize McCain he can!
  • Goddesscon2001, on 07/01/2008, -16/+30Serving in the military does not instantly make you capable of being the commander-in-chief ...that was the point Wes was making..and he should know being a FOUR STAR GENERAL...who also served in Viet Nam and returned home on a stretcher...
    One hero speaking about another hero..but This hero went on to serve his nation for many more years in more war zones then McCain...and by the way..never crashed even one plane..
    McCain on the other hand is more of an elitist then Obama could ever be...McCain..the son and grandson of generals..would NEVER have attained that high of a position in the Navy..which means he actually is NOT made up of the stuff it takesto be POTUS..
    Wes Clark spoke the truth..and if McCain wants to run on experience of being in the military then it should be looked at with a fine toothed comb as they did John Kerry...
    The Swift boat floats both ways.....
    • BigManOnCampus, on 07/01/2008, -6/+9How about being a senator for two decades and having been a soldier, wouldn't the combination of experiences constitute as good a qualification as any for that job?
      • oldhick, on 07/01/2008, -5/+9No, I would think being a Senator for two decades means career politician and full of *****... Just my opinion though. Bring back term limits! Repeal the 17th Amendment!!!
      • BigManOnCampus, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1I would tend to agree with you oldhick, but since we're talking like politics is all above-board and honest... I was just sayin..
    • pingveno, on 07/01/2008, -2/+5No! What the Swift Boat Veterans for "Truth" did was deplorable. Democrats should stay far away from such scummy tactics.
    • jabberwolf, on 07/02/2008, -6/+4Having NO military experience is absolutely worse then having NONE AT ALL!

      That's the point that any logical person has, unless you are an Obamatard.
      • lisaawesome, on 07/02/2008, -2/+7Am I misunderstanding your comment or did you just say 0 experience is better than 0 experience?
    • sa9e, on 07/02/2008, -2/+3John McCain isn't just known for being a pilot that got shot down to become a POW; he is known for being an inspiration to his fellow POWs, refusing special treatment despite his special status. He is known for making a very large sacrifice for the country, in terms of the physical and psychological torture he endured in war.

      It is a qualification - to have earned the respect of fellow soldiers.
      • Lyk4n, on 07/02/2008, -3/+4What about leaving your crippled wife for the hot trollop next door? Is that respectable?
  • rationalbeats, on 07/01/2008, -22/+12Obama is looking worse and worse with each passing day. I just learned he wants to cut funding for NASA and does not believe in space exploration.

    He is for spying on Americans.

    He votes for war funding

    He is just not even close to being a progressive.

    And now he is throwing Clark under the bus.

    Shame on you Obama. Shame on you.
    • GlassAgate, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1He wants to fix the education in this country,
      which requires money. He doesn't want to raise
      taxes. That means that something has to be cut. I love
      hearing stories about the Mars rovers, and seeing
      the pictures of far off galaxies, but if cutting it
      means that future Americans will be better
      educated, then cutting it is acceptable.

      It's an uneducated public that leads to things like
      people believing random e-mails that Obama is
      a Muslim. It's an uneducated public that leads to
      the fear of all Muslims. Not all Muslims are terrorists,
      and not all terrorists are Muslims.
  • OffPiste, on 07/01/2008, -16/+11Clark just shot down ANY chance of him playing a role in the Obama administration.
  • BigManOnCampus, on 07/01/2008, -17/+5Actually it is an insult.
    He's telling McCain, "You sucked as a pilot" hence, "You sucked as a soldier" because he was shot down. Otherwise you would never mention the loss of 5 aircraft and being shot down. General Wesley Clark wasn't in the plain that day, he wasn't faced with the situation McCain was. Saying anything other than, "Thank you for your service, it's a shame you didn't salvage your plane and mission." would be respectful.

    As to it qualifying you to be the President.... nothing qualifies you to be the president of a nation. There is no "presidents correspondence course" to teach you how to do the job. There is no "Presidency for dummies", though someone should make one.
    • rationalbeats, on 07/01/2008, -7/+9hey *****,

      Your comment indicates you did not watch the program and see the context of the statement you are talking about.

      So shut your ignorant anti-American pie hole.

    • BigManOnCampus, on 07/01/2008, -0/+4DISrespectful, not respectful.
      and PLANE not plain.

      /way late
    • EarlOfLade, on 07/01/2008, -3/+7Well, McCain did!
      He was a failure as a soldier being shot down and costing the tax payers in the order of $20 million and the military lost a trained pilot.

      I'm sorry, but being shot down has never been considered heroic by anyone but the most rabid wingnut.
  • PuterPrsn, on 07/01/2008, -18/+7And exactly what has Obama done to qualify as President? One year in Congress, and nothing much locally either. At least McCain has many years in Congress under his belt, and was an example to men in the POW camp. No, being a military man of any caliber doesn't, by itself, qualify you to be the leader of the free world.

    And on the side, kicking the man for being shot down in a hot zone is a little raw coming from people who have been warm and cozy in their beds and never in the hot seat. Did the plane crash? Yes, it did. Did McCain crash the plane? No, he did not, it was shot down. Did it have anything to do with pilot error? No, it did not. So unless you know what you're talking about, it's better you speak to experience as leader than experience as pilot.
    • rationalbeats, on 07/01/2008, -9/+12I am not really into Obama at the moment but your comment shows you are a lazy ignorant goon.

      Obama's work in the Senate

      http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?tab=bil ...

      Jun 17, 2008
      S. 3142: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance public health activities related to stillbirth and sudden unexpected infant death.
      Introduced
      Jun 3, 2008
      S. 3077: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008
      Introduced
      May 21, 2008
      S. 3047: Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008
      Introduced
      Dec 19, 2007
      S. 2519: Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2007
      Scheduled for Debate
      Apr 24, 2008
      S. 2433: Global Poverty Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Dec 6, 2007
      S. 2428: National STEM Scholarship Database Act
      Introduced
      Nov 16, 2007
      S. 2392: National STEM Scholarship Database Act
      Introduced
      Nov 13, 2007
      S. 2347: Prevention Through Affordable Access Act
      Introduced
      Nov 8, 2007
      S. 2330: Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act
      Introduced
      Oct 24, 2007
      S. 2227: Success in the Middle Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Oct 24, 2007
      S. 2224: Nuclear Release Notice Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Oct 18, 2007
      S. 2202: Renewable Fuel Standard Extension Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Oct 4, 2007
      S. 2147: Security Contractor Accountability Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Oct 3, 2007
      S. 2132: A bill to prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of children's products that contain lead, and for other purposes.
      Introduced
      Sep 27, 2007
      S. 2111: Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act
      Introduced
      Sep 18, 2007
      S. 2066: Back to School: Improving Standards for Nutrition and Physical Education in Schools Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Sep 12, 2007
      S. 2044: Independent Contractor Proper Classification Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Sep 6, 2007
      S. 2030: A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require reporting relating to bundled contributions made by persons other than registered lobbyists.
      Introduced
      Aug 3, 2007
      S. 1989: Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Aug 2, 2007
      S. 1977: Nuclear Weapons Threat Reduction Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jul 26, 2007
      S. 1885: Military Family Job Protection Act
      Introduced
      Jul 25, 2007
      S. 1873: Improving Emergency Medical Care and Response Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jul 19, 2007
      S. 1824: Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jul 19, 2007
      S. 1818: Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act
      Introduced
      Jul 19, 2007
      S. 1817: A bill to ensure proper administration of the discharge of members of the Armed Forces for personality disorder, and for other purposes.
      Introduced
      Jul 18, 2007
      S. 1811: Lead Poisoning Reduction Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jul 16, 2007
      S. 1790: Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jun 27, 2007
      S. 1713: A bill to provide for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Rosa Parks.
      Introduced
      Jun 7, 2007
      S. 1574: Teaching Residency Act
      Introduced
      May 24, 2007
      S. 1513: Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007
      Introduced
      May 17, 2007
      S. 1430: Iran Sanctions Enabling Act
      Introduced
      May 14, 2007
      S. 1389: Climate Change Education Act
      Introduced
      May 7, 2007
      S. 1324: National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007
      Introduced
      May 3, 2007
      S. 1306: Lead Free Toys Act of 2007
      Introduced
      May 2, 2007
      S. 1271: Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act
      Introduced
      Apr 25, 2007
      S. 1222: STOP FRAUD Act
      Introduced
      Apr 20, 2007
      S. 1181: Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act
      Introduced
      Apr 18, 2007
      S. 1151: Health Care for Hybrids Act
      Introduced
      Apr 10, 2007
      S. 1084: Homes for Heroes Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Mar 29, 2007
      S. 1068: Healthy Communities Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Mar 29, 2007
      S. 1067: Healthy Places Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Mar 23, 2007
      S. 976: Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Mar 15, 2007
      S. 906: Mercury Market Minimization Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Mar 8, 2007
      S. 823: Microbicide Development Act
      Introduced
      Mar 7, 2007
      S. 795: Citizenship Promotion Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Mar 6, 2007
      S. 768: Fuel Economy Reform Act
      Introduced
      Mar 6, 2007
      S. 767: Fuel Economy Reform Act
      Introduced
      Mar 1, 2007
      S. 737: Voter Advocate and Democracy Index Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Feb 28, 2007
      S. 713: Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Feb 27, 2007
      S. 692: VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Feb 16, 2007
      S. 674: Transparency and Accountability in Military and Security Contracting Act of 2007
      Scheduled for Debate
      Oct 4, 2007
      S. 453: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jan 30, 2007
      S. 433: Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jan 4, 2007
      S. 133: American Fuels Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jan 4, 2007
      S. 117: Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007
      Introduced
      Jan 4, 2007
      S. 116: STEP UP ACT OF 2007
      Introduced
      Jan 4, 2007
      S. 115: Oil SENSE Act
      Introduced
      Jan 4, 2007
      S. 114: Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act
      Introduced
      Sep 17, 2007
      S.Con.Res. 46: A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.
      Introduced
      Sep 12, 2007
      S.Con.Res. 44: A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Rosa Louise McCauley Parks.
      Passed Senate
      Jun 26, 2007
      S.Con.Res. 25: A concurrent resolution condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society.
      Introduced
      Jan 31, 2007
      S.Con.Res. 5: A concurrent resolution honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry and the first and only African-American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.
      Introduced
      Nov 1, 2007
      S.J.Res. 23: A joint resolution clarifying that the use of force against Iran is not authorized by the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law.
      Passed Senate
      Jun 24, 2008
      S.Res. 600: A resolution commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has become known as "Freedom Summer".
      Introduced
      Nov 15, 2007
      S.Res. 383: A resolution honoring and recognizing the achievements of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major American city, in the 40th year since his election as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.
      Passed Senate
      Jul 13, 2007
      S.Res. 268: A resolution designating July 12, 2007, as "National Summer Learning Day".
      Passed Senate
      Mar 28, 2007
      S.Res. 133: A resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.
      • jabberwolf, on 07/02/2008, -2/+3Those are bills he voted on !!!!!!
        That does not mean he created those bills or did much in congress.
        A trained money can do that - and that's basically all Obama was as a newbie democrat in congress. Just sit there silent, and do what his party asks.

        Mccain was more of a pain in the ass to Bush than Obama ever was! And Mccain was a Republican!
    • oldhick, on 07/01/2008, -4/+5Obama is the BEST at introducing legislation and he's really good at getting ridiculous ***** passed... Which one his bills are you most proud of? Clarifying that the Iraq resolution doesn't include Iran? That's pretty good. Maybe his support of the Patriot Act, another good one... With choices like these two, why worry???
    • gobbleplex, on 07/02/2008, -2/+2'And on the side, kicking the man for being shot down in a hot zone is a little raw coming from people who have been warm and cozy in their beds and never in the hot seat.'

      Four star general Wes Clark, who served and was wounded in Nam has never been in the hot seat? Really?
  • Renostyle, on 07/01/2008, -18/+16Please don't forget to sign the petition in support of General Clark and encouraging him to not back down!

    http://ga3.org/campaign/petitionclark:

    General Clark,

    We the undersigned thank you for speaking up forcefully and honestly about what it takes to lead this nation, and the kind of judgment we must look for. You were right to say that Senator McCain has not shown good judgment, despite his extraordinary service to America. Just in the past few years:

    - Senator McCain's service and experience, both as a POW and as a Senator apparently hasn't infused him with a dose of good judgment.

    - Senator McCain's experience hasn't led him to realize that the war in Iraq and it's continuance has empowered and emboldened Iran, and destabilized the region.

    - Senator McCain's experience hasn't caused him to recognize that we're losing ground in Afghanistan, and Osama bin Laden is still out there, plotting.

    - Senator McCain's experience didn't lead him to support the 21st Century GI Bill -- he opposed it. It didn't even make him feel the need to get back to Washington to vote on this -- one of the most important veterans' bills this Congress. He twice skipped votes on the GI Bill, to fundraise.

    - Senator McCain's experience didn't help him empathize with troops are overstretched and overdeployed, when he voted against the bipartisan Webb-Hagel "Dwell Time Amendment," which would have given troops as much time at home as in the field.

    We all honor Senator McCain's service, as you said you do. But that does not mean that on matters of security, the military, and veterans that he is beyond reproach. Nor does it mean that his service trumps the poor judgment he has shown in some of the most important issues of our time.

    Do not back down, and keep treating the American people like adults who can handle a real, honest, and blunt debate in these important times.
    Signed by:
    [Your name]
    [Your address]"

    • joshuasawyer, on 07/01/2008, -2/+2Please repost your link. it does not work.
    • jabberwolf, on 07/02/2008, -3/+1Dear Wesley,
      Do the following OTHER qualifications make him more suitable? and can we compare this to Obama's:

      Mccain 25+ years in Senate:

      2000National Security Adviser,
      Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee.
      Member of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs
      Chairman of the powerful Senate Commerce Committee

      1997-presentMember, Council on Foreign Relations, 1997-presentHonorary Board Member, Hispanic Youth Foundation, 1997-presentHonorary Board Member, The Leonard Cheshire Foundation, 1997-presentHonorary Member, National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Advisory Council, 1997-presentHonorary Vice Chairman, New Majority Council, 1997-presentBoard of Trustees, Gallaudet University, 1995-presentFounding Member, Pacific Council on International Policy, University of South California, 1995-presentChair, Board of Directors, International Republican Institute, 1992-presentLife Member, Navy League, 1987-presentMember, The Alfalfa ClubMember, Air Force Sergeants AssociationHonorary Advisor Board, Arizona Black Chamber of CommerceHonorary Co-Chair, Advisory Board of Directors, Arizona Cancer Research FoundationHonorary Member, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of CommerceComplimentary Member, Association of the United States ArmyHonorary Member, Barry Goldwater FoundationHonorary Member, Fifty-Five Years and Up IncorporatedHonorary Member/Board of Regents, Francis Scott Key FoundationHonorary Member, The John Goodwin Tower CenterHonorary Board Member, Kids Voting ArizonaMember, The Military Order of World WarsHonorary Member, Mo Udall FoundationBoard of Directors, Nixon Center for Peace and FreedomMember, Purple Heart AssociationMember, The Retired Officers AssociationMember, Sons of the Revolution in the State of VirginiaMember, United States Naval Academy Alumni AssociationMember of Board of Visitors, United States Naval AcademyHonorary Member/Board of Directors/Council of Notables, United States-Spain CouncilMember, Veterans of Foreign WarsMember, Vietnam Veterans Association.

      Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees:
      Environmental and Energy Study ConferenceNational Republican Senatorial CommitteeCo-Chair, Porkbusters CoalitionRenewal AllianceSenate Centrist CoalitionSenate Committee for American Indian College FundSenate Co-Chair, National Security CaucusSenate Steering CommitteeSenate Wilderness and Public Lands CaucusVietnam Veterans in Congress.

      Committees: Armed Services, Ranking MemberCommerce, Science & Transportation, MemberIndian Affairs, Member.
    • WarfareArtist, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Don't forget the Keating Five.
  • Castlekeep, on 07/01/2008, -10/+16Come on folks isn't it waaaay past time that we stopped shooting the messengers of truth? I have thought the same thing of McCain (he really never saw battle) and that seems to be his ONLY claim to be prez - do we really need another fool that thinks bomb bomb bombing everyone is the answer? Get a grip.

    I stand behind Wesley Clark and believe every thinking American should do the same. I'm sick unto death of this crap being shoved down our throats about what a "hero" McCain is. I'm not making light of his service or POW experience but....it is not a qualification for the highest office in the land. We need someone who can actually speak the English language so we can - get ready - negotiate - gasp! with our enemies. If you can't talk, all you can do is KILL. Basta!
    • TheInformer, on 07/02/2008, -2/+1Clark runs for office against John Kerry. Kerry defeats him. Clark then praises Kerry for his "veteran experience". How much more experience does Kerry have than McCain?

      McCain stayed with his fellow POWs rather than leave them. Kerry bolted from Vietman after he received a boo boo.
      • Lyk4n, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2McCain stayed because if he had let the VC let him go he would have faced criminal charges for accepting unfair treatment from the enemy. It's part of our nations rules for POW's. Read up on it before you speak out..
  • Cuchanu, on 07/01/2008, -4/+13It seems to be the consensus that getting caned it a mud hut doesn't qualify as experience for being the president or leading the military, and I'd agree as well. It also made him hate Vietnamese which probably has no value. But in defense of McCain it does probably make you a hard-ass which might help if he becomes president.
    • abburdlen, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3If it were true that he was a hard ass...maybe he once was but now he's twisted and bent every position he ever held just to be accepted by the right wing.
      McCain was once a tough son of a bitch but now... not so much.
  • Newportbeachguy, on 07/01/2008, -17/+8What has Obama done? Ran a community organization? Yeah that's more than a commanding a Navy squadron. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't through rocks.
    • oldhick, on 07/01/2008, -7/+7Just an FYI, Obama didn't through the stone, Wes did. And he doesn't live in glass house. He was a well respected General. Try reading the article you would have figured that out. *****, just try reading the title...
    • bdav87, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2*throw
  • tufftugg, on 07/01/2008, -12/+3 An American Military person with ballz, wow.
  • Stevanoski, on 07/01/2008, -11/+16Of course Clerk stands behind his remarks. He was sent out by the Obama campaign to make those remarks, knowing O would disavow them, thus gaining good will of the angry gun totin' crowd. He will get Sec. of Defense for doing this, maybe VP. Glad that Brit stopped Clerk from starting WWIII with China. What an idiot.
    • reland1, on 07/01/2008, -7/+6I swear... these people!!! Talk about "getting a grip"...these Obama people NEED to get a grip on reality! Yeah right..lets negotiate...
      Castlekeep...why don't you and Obama go over to Iran or Gaza and have a sit down with a guy in a murdering suicide vest..they'll shake your hand while stuffing a grenade in your back pocket. Go for it, KING of your Castlekeep!
      • Rsulliv1, on 07/02/2008, -3/+3or, perhaps they'll come up with a negotiation and resolve some of the mid-east issues? It's actually a shame we haven't done exactly that.

        words or soldiers; which would you rather sacrifice?

        Please think about that before you respond.
    • HiCaP, on 07/02/2008, -4/+4Stevanoski, I'm happy to say, nobody buys it. obama boy and clark can't hold a candle to
      men like John McCain and Bud Day.
      Next the obama camp will bring out jane fonda, nobody knows Vietnam better then Hanoi Jane.
  • SundayBrunch, on 07/01/2008, -6/+11what about all that time he spent in the senate, does that qualify him? *****.
    • krnldmp, on 07/01/2008, -2/+3That's the reason he's unqualified.
    • zephyear, on 07/02/2008, -0/+4the problem is mccain is touting himself as if he is the master of foreign policy because he's a vet and was a POW

      • Lyk4n, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3Using the word "Gook" on more than one public occasion removes any other qualification he has.. We don't need openly racist presidents in a world like this. If he hates them that's fine, but bringing it out in the open like that makes him too stupid to deserve the spot.. He can't handle his cool..
    • WarfareArtist, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Like the Keating Five?
      McCain has so many dirts, but for some reason no one is digging. Not outside the net that is...
  • Meribel1650, on 07/01/2008, -9/+13After almost starting World War III in Kosovo (the Russians parachuted troops onto the planned airport headquarters of NATO --read the United States and Britain as it was too far for the continental Europeans to send troops, tanks or aircraft to help), Wesley Clark, NATO Commander (another Schweinet player from "Slick Willie" Country), ordered a Bristish General to attack the Russians, Fortunately, the Bristish General refused to carry out this order as he realized that Wesley Clark was "out of his league" and nothing more than a "political general" at best. Then there is also the issue of the bombing all of the bridges over the Danube and now the drugs that are overwhelming Europe from Kosovo--which has been part of Serbia for hundreds of years.

    By the way, how about the over 2,000 innocent Serbians who were killed in the bombing of Serbia? Do these acts of terror not qualify Wesly Clark as a "mass Murderer"? Should Wesley Clark not be tried in Den Haag for "WAR CRIMES"?

    Or does anyone remember the name of the commander of the troops who attacked, killed, and burned the 72 minority women and children at WACO, Texas? Your right, it was Wesley Clark again. And for his "brave act" of attacking and burning to death the minority women and children in WACO for which Hillary and Bill Clinton awarded him with the NATO Commanders job. What a resume Wesley Clark has built up!

    And now Wesley Clark wants to pass judgement on someone else?
    • reland1, on 07/01/2008, -8/+4HERE! HERE!
    • theodicey, on 07/01/2008, -3/+11"which has been part of Serbia for hundreds of years."

      You seem to have an axe to grind. Let me guess, you're of Serbian descent?

      I guess that would explain why you're repeating a bunch of lies about Clark, who was nowhere near Waco, and whose actions towards a couple hundred annoying Russian soldiers came nowhere near starting World War III. Please.

      http://www.realchange.org/clark.htm

      P.S. Sorry about the bombing of Serbian civilians, but when your country is in the middle of a five year genocidal campaign, karma is a bitch.
    • Haecceity, on 07/02/2008, -3/+10The Waco raid was carried out by the FBI. Wesley Clark was in the military. Those are different organizations.

      The Russians in Serbia occupied one end of an airport, and Nato troops occupied the other end. No orders were given to attack Russian troops.

      In other words you're full of crap. A typical lying Republican.
      • Meribel1650, on 07/02/2008, -1/+0Sorry, but your are wrong on ALL of your comments. The raid was carried out by the military as the FBI does not have tanks(do you not remember seeing the pictures of the the tanks), the take over the of airfield in Kosovo was real, the order to the British General to attack the Russian paratroopers was factual, and no, I am not a Republican. I am an independent as I cannot stand either of the corrupt political parties.

        Sorry to disappoint you. But Wesley Clark is a politcal Gerneral and the kind that gets a lot of people killed. But then again he was the favorite of Bill and Hillary Clinton who saw an astonishing number of acquaintances die under very questionable circumstances including the 9MM whole in Ron Brown's head.
    • TheInformer, on 07/02/2008, -6/+1How dare you knock Wesley Clark? He's the newest rock star in the Democrat campaign. Pointing out anything negative about him will simply not be tolerated. Only 100% complete puff pieces allowed, please.
    • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2I've been reading that bullcrap story for four years, since Clark ran for President. Didn't buy a word of it then, and don't now.
    • nydwarf, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1This is a ***** story. If you want to try someone for war crimes try Bush and Cheney.
  • Makasuro, on 07/01/2008, -8/+6If McCain's leadership is anything like his flying, this country will be done in no time.
  • GrodyChamp, on 07/01/2008, -7/+9Clark is scum for how he came across originally, not to mention he did Obama no favors at all bringing up experience, when Obama has little. All around bone head move by Clark. Not suprised though, he's historically been an idiot. He was a TERRIBLE NATO commander.
    • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2It's pathetic that people are voting your comment up. I'd be embarrassed to give you an up vote for this.
  • aookay, on 07/01/2008, -2/+7It's my belief that if you tout a credential through out your campaign, you should be questioned, especially if that claim is touted as the reason you are strong in Area A. I hardly see Mccain actually backing up his service by telling us his accomplishments, instead he/his campaign is just firing back with remarks like "that is sad" or other various personal attacks. Will be interesting to see if they can rise above it.
  • ancientshoes, on 07/01/2008, -6/+8Did general clark get shot down in vietnam and spend years as a POW being tortured and having almost every bone in his body broken? No, he spent most of his military career in a cushy office telling subordinates what to do.
    • mchisari, on 07/01/2008, -2/+10
      Wait, hang on, which situation is more like the presidency?
      • Rsulliv1, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2well put.
        I believe that this is exactly what Clarke is talking about. A president isn't going to personally fly a mission (except if we fall into some sort of Will Smith Scientology-fueled space-war ala ID4), but a president will have to be able to sit and make well informed decisions.

        well put, mchisari.
    • infinitus64, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4that should not have any barring.
      armed forces experience should not have a part in the office just look at
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush_milita ...
    • emkaysmith, on 07/02/2008, -2/+9Clark was a field commander in VN and came home on a stretcher. He received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for continuing to lead his unit after being shot up. And how much time have YOU spent in the service?
    • Haecceity, on 07/02/2008, -1/+10*****. Clark was wounded in Vietnam and airlifted home. Do you make up this crap or do you just uncritically pass on what the other lying Republicans say?
    • seltaeb4, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3So, as far as you're concerned, getting your ass "shot down in vietnam and spend[ing] years as a POW being tortured and having almost every bone in his body broken] qualifies you to be President?

      Wow— am I glad *you* don't determine the nominating process.
    • samyoungguitar, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2Because he was smart. Officers are smart..they call the shots. They are the leaders. They are leaders because they are ***** SMART.
  • uselessexpert, on 07/01/2008, -7/+9As much of a Republican that I am, I congratulate Mr. Clark to sticking to his guns.
    Hi is totally on point with his comments.

    You go boy!
  • SaladCactusKing, on 07/01/2008, -2/+7God, are you people ***** retarded? If Obama stood by Clark's statement, McCain would win easily on moral ground alone!

    It's like you WANT McCain to win based on how dumb some of you guys play your politics for Obama.
    • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Clark was 100% right. McCain doesn't win dick based on "moral ground alone." What f-ing planet are you on??
      • SaladCactusKing, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2The planet with human beings. You know, the species that chooses things with their emotions far more often than they choose things with logic. It doesn't matter if what Clark said was true, you dummy! By political standards, he hit below the belt and this could hurt the Obama campaign.
  • JK1150, on 07/01/2008, -6/+7from a guy who tried to run for president based on military experience who is now supporting a guy who has none...
    negative politics at it's best.
  • infinitus64, on 07/01/2008, -3/+3if you saw the whole video he did not say really anything about mccain here is the real article http://www.jedreport.com/2008/06/what-wesley-cla.h ...
    • TheInformer, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Don't let facts get in the way of a chance for the followers of the Messiah to have an egg throwing conference.
  • yourpalOZ, on 07/01/2008, -2/+2I think we should let them "GO AT IT" and fight to the finish and see who is a real tough guy.
  • johnnyfistfight, on 07/02/2008, -5/+10Is this the same Gen. Wesley Clark who nearly started WW3 with a blunder in Bosnia and was slapped down by British General Mike Jackson and then was fired from NATO for being incompetent? Same guy?
    • TheInformer, on 07/02/2008, -2/+1We should trust his judgment then.
    • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -1/+6Wait, so any military person who becomes a Democrat is automatically discredited based upon some real or imagined fault, but Republican military personnel are considered heroes no matter how real, imagined or relevant their experiences were?

      Am I close?
      • johnnyfistfight, on 07/02/2008, -3/+1A military democrat is an oxymoron. Moron. Leave the fighting to us. You guys should go hug a ***** tree
        save the Snail Darter and stay the ***** out of harms way.
      • Lyk4n, on 07/02/2008, -0/+4If only republicans were dying for your illegal war I might not have a huge problem with that, at least with how many countries you illegally invade we might run out of you soon and then we can start working on diplomacy..
  • easy4lif, on 07/02/2008, -7/+8***** him and ***** the huffington post.


    BURIED!!!
  • robopuppy, on 07/02/2008, -1/+7Jesus ***** christ. All of this so-called controversy would have been avoided had Clark been a little bit more eloquent with his language. All he had to do was switch out "qualify" with "prerequisite." "Getting shot down in a plane is not a prerequisite for being POTUS." Same meaning in the context of the argument where he was defending Obama from Scheiffer's statement (which was something like "but Obama has never done any of those things either, including getting shot down in a plane!"), but far more eloquent, and as far as I can tell, untwistable. It would have also put Scheiffer in his place. Now Clark and the Dems look like ***** morons... not that conservatives would understand what prerequisite means.
    Clark and everyone else need to be extremely careful with the WORDS they use, regardless of context. Anything that can be twisted will be twisted. We're dealing with Karl Rove and his goons here, not someone who will be dissuaded by logic or "doing the right thing." If it's a good sound byte, you bet they'll twist it.
    I can just imagine Fox and Friends saying something like "Did you hear what Clark said? He said McCain is not prerequisited to be POTUS! Umm, wait, that doesn't even make sense."
  • namochan, on 07/02/2008, -9/+6Shut up Wesley!
  • tkhan456, on 07/02/2008, -3/+6I'm glad someone has balls. Being shot down and stuck in prison gives you as much as experience to be prison as taking a dump on a toilet. All John McCain did was suck at his job and get shot down. That isn't a reason to call him a hero and that is most certainly no reason to claim he has any kind of experience to be president
  • ProUSADigger, on 07/02/2008, -4/+5Burying huffingtonpost spam is almost a sport for me.
  • Stevanoski, on 07/02/2008, -5/+7"Obama’s sickly resume hardly qualifies him to be the guy who directs traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue. Besides, Clark already stated that Obama has judgment and character and that those items are qualifications for the job. Let us just look instead at the hypocrisy of Wesley Clark"
  • Pedestrian101, on 07/02/2008, -2/+4Wow, it's not criticism, it's a fact. What qualifies him to be commander-in-chief is his experience and leadership in the Senate, much greater than Sen Obama's I might add. Of course, that doesn't mean he'll be a good President.
  • JHB800, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4Okay I have a question for all of you supporting Clark's statement. This is not coming from either side, I was just curious.

    If the situation was reversed, and the Democratic nominee was a vet and the Republican was not (similar to 2004), would you support the tone and substance of these attacks? Would you agree with the Republicans (as you are now agreeing with Clark) that military service is not a legitimate qualification for President?

    If any of you that agree with Clark and are cheering him on answered 'no' to either of the above, you're a hypocrite. The drive to discredit McCain's military service as irrelevant is driven by your hate of McCain rather than any legitimate thinking about what makes a person qualified for president. These types of personal attacks, especially on a person's military service, are disgusting and have no place in modern political discourse. They were disgusting when the Swiftboat Vets did it and they're disgusting now. Take the cue from Obama and try to run a different type of campaign.
    • BertRussell, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2If the tone and substance were in the context of a critique on executive experience, which this was, than absolutely.
  • amightywind, on 07/02/2008, -9/+2General Weaslelly Clarke really put his foot in it this time. It is hard to figure out whether the equally weaselly Barak Hussein Obama disavowed his remarks. This ham handed attack failed horribly. What exactly makes a slick talkin' ghetto rabble rouser qualified to be President anyway?
  • mmilton, on 07/02/2008, -6/+2I love Obama. I hate Clark. If Obama says that Clark will have any part in the administration, I'll not vote for Obama.
    • SoulDrift404, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2I like both. Therefore, that makes one of us.
  • RickJWagner, on 07/02/2008, -6/+1Having seen Wesley Clark's political brilliance first hand from Arkansas, I'd have to say...... he's better off enjoying his pension. Good luck, Mr. Clark, and thanks for your service. Please go enjoy your retirement and quit meddling in things you're not very good at.
  • staticjeff, on 07/02/2008, -4/+3this site never ceases to amaze me. no criticism of barack, john mccain taking crap from everybody. getting your political news from digg and the huffington post is like going to the grocery store to get your car worked on.
    • insomniac8400, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2McCain is the one throwing his military experience around. This is a 4 star general who was shot multiple times in war. He is a much bigger war hero than McCain. And he is someone who can point out the circus McCain is building around his military experience without being criticized or called a liar. Anything good you think you can say about John McCain's military experience you can actually say ten fold about Clark's career. I find it hilarious that someone could fathom criticizing a 4 star general but turn around and praise John McCain.
      • CPUYODA, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1I think you forgot,...Clark was FIRED from NATO.
      • insomniac8400, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1And was McCain ever a general? Did he fight in combat or just crash?
      • akeldama, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Don't let 23 bombing missions over North Vietnam get in the way of your hate. What formula do you use to compute the size of a war hero?
  • Jackson0909, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2McCain's service does not alone make him the better candidate for Commander in Chief, but it certainly helps. Why didn't Clark make these same statements when he was supporting John Kerry in 2004? Besides being a POW, you could draw a conclusion that Kerry and McCain have loosely mirrored each others careers. Both are Vietnam War vets and both have spent roughly the same time in the Senate. Ya see, the fact of the matter is Clark is nothing more than stooge for the left-wing. He is no better than a typical politician.
  • omnis, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2The fact is it's McCain vs. Obama. True, military experience is not a qualification to be president. But, what is? I think McCain's experiences certainly should help him, not hinder him. If we're to go off of things he has done or served in, he's much more qualified that Obama.
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