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Clark Stands By Comments About McCain War Record

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July 01, 2008 7:47 AM

ABC News' Nitya Venkataraman Reports: In a Tuesday appearance on Good Morning America, Retired Army General and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark refused to back down from Sunday comments where he called into question the value of the war record of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

"I fully respect John McCain and his service and I've said so repeatedly," Clark said Tuesday in an interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts. "My point is there's a difference in comparing yourself for the highest office of the land depending on which levels you've served at in the armed forces."

WATCH GEN. WESLEY CLARK'S INTERVIEW on GMA HERE

Clark continued, again commending McCain for the "courage and character" he demonstrated as a young officer, "but the service as president is about judgment, and the experience he had as a fighter pilot isn't the same as having been in the highest levels of the military and having to work with the president and other heads of the state and make those kinds of life or death decisions about national strategic issues."

When asked if McCain's military experience is better than having no experience at all, Clark said "I think it depends on how you use that experience and what your judgment is."

"I hope the American people will discriminate between someone's early experiences and the kind of judgment they take away from those experiences," Clark said.

Clark added, "I’m very sorry that this has distracted from the message of patriotism that Sen. Obama wants to put out, but I want to make very clear that as a Democrat and as a former Army officer, I fully respect Sen. McCain and all others who’ve served."

July 1, 2008 in Hunter, Duncan, Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom, Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (80)

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How low can Obama and his surrogates go? Clark should absolutely apologize to McCain.

What kind of experience and for that matter qualifications does Obama have to become president?? None.

Obama's character is questionable along with his judgement; and is getting more and evident every time Obama or his surrogates open their mouths.

How in the hell did the democrats come up with this character, they are known for picking complete losers. (and I am democrat saying this; soon to be independent)

Posted by: NielPA | Jul 1, 2008 8:58:59 AM

I watch GMA every morning. And every morning it leads with OBAMA. I think they are biased towards him.

Posted by: Hildie | Jul 1, 2008 9:01:05 AM

To answer your question savageone_94, its obvious he doesnt have a job yet. He is in the process of interviewing for one now! LOL

Posted by: Jason | Jul 1, 2008 9:02:45 AM

Come on people. Are we at a point where a bag boy is qualified to hold the highest office in the land. I mean, personally, I think a governor of a state is more qualified to hold the office than a senator, but this year is different. We, on both sides, have chosen senators this election year. There has to be some accountability, and review of all records, both military and legislative. There is a reason why no senator has held the office since JFK. I think if JFK were still around, he would be republican right now, or at least independent! The democrats are embarassing themselves with these characters they put in front of the microphone!

Posted by: Jason | Jul 1, 2008 9:10:08 AM

Indp,voter-I would love to see Clark at Defense Secretary. That way republicans can mock and call for his resignation like they did for Rumsfeld. Wasnt he fired by President Clinton? I do believe he was...

Posted by: Jason | Jul 1, 2008 9:20:17 AM

thank you General Clark - finally some air's popped out of the McCain myth - built over decades of providing unlimited press access to an unremarkable Senate career - he's never led his party anywhere - Republicans have stood firmly in the way of energy independence, infrastructure stability and action on global warming throughout his entire political career - this is the leadership he offers? Please ABC, the issues are serious enough, the candidates diverse enough for serious drama without the ceaseless Gotcha gossip game.

Posted by: abql | Jul 1, 2008 9:22:19 AM

AT least John MCain has a military record! When he had the opportunity to be released, he stayed with his fellow soldiers and was tortured.

His courage makes me "Proud to be an American where at least I know I am Free." GOD BLESS THE USA

Posted by: Charles | Jul 1, 2008 9:22:49 AM

Remember when Wes Clark tried to get the British to fire upon the Russians during a skirmish in Kosovo? Gen. Clark is a very stupid man and a dangerous "in-charge" administrator. His comments regarding a American fighter pilot as just a "rider" in a shooting war is completely "ass-i-nine". Clark should be ignored and never seen in the print or motion media ever again.

Posted by: Bill | Jul 1, 2008 9:25:19 AM

I absolutely agree with General Clark. McCain was a prisoner of war, this qualifies him for a medal but does not qualify him for president. If that were true, every fireman, policeman, etc would be running. And possibly they are more qualified that he is.

McCain did not support the new VA bill until the very end. He's taking the credit but do your homework. He only supported it because he is running for president. Not because he cares for veterans. McCain is not qualified for president.

Posted by: CJR | Jul 1, 2008 9:27:39 AM

Let's see. Clark, who spent only a month in Vietnam, was relieved from his last assignment in Bosnia by his buddy Clinton, because he was a loose cannon. Then he tried to sell himself to the Republicans, but they weren't interested in him and his ego. So, he became a liberal democrat. So much for having principles.
Four years ago he touted cowardly John Kerry as presidential material. Now he favors Obama who has no experience, whatsoever, but he talks well. Like his buddy Clinton, Clark doesn't have much integrity.
Actually, it's embarrassing to see him stoop so low that he is a lapdog for a rookie affirmative action candidate. Pathetic.
U.S. Army Retired

Posted by: LarryG62 | Jul 1, 2008 9:28:06 AM

Well at least McCain was serving his country. The United States has always taken pride in its Military and I think the President should have first hand knowledge of that our Military does everyday. McCain does love this country and that I respect.

Posted by: Barb | Jul 1, 2008 9:28:13 AM

General Clark is a hero. He was first in his class. Do you think it is easy to become a GENERAL? That is why Mccain left the army when he knew he was never going to be an Admiral. Mccain was almost bottom in his class and lost five planes. He is surely a disaster.

Posted by: vuzous | Jul 1, 2008 9:29:33 AM

I agree with Clark's comment. Being a war hero doesn't mean you would be a good President. We are all made up of our life experiences. I'm really getting tired of these comments. I want to hear about what the candidates will do for our current economy, the war in Iraq, our planet's future.
I also think Obama should back up Clark's comment -- it wasn't wrong.

Posted by: Jill | Jul 1, 2008 9:31:16 AM

As soon as the GI bill was passed, the first thing Bush did is to congratulate Mccain. Mccain? Mccain that opposed the GI bill. If he is a man of honor, he should reject and renounce that commendation. He does not merit it

Posted by: vuzous | Jul 1, 2008 9:32:28 AM

A Couple comments:
(1) Wasn't General Clark asked to resign/ Doesn't anyone recognize "sour grapes"?
(2) John McCain was an attack pilot, not a fighter pilot. The mission, by it's very nature makes him susceptible to being shot down.
(3) McCain was a Test Pilot School graduate and the Navy does not accept substandard pilots into that assignment.
Let's not blur the lines between myth and fact.

Posted by: Jay | Jul 1, 2008 9:35:23 AM

So what qualified Clark to run for President in 2004?

Posted by: geevill | Jul 1, 2008 9:37:56 AM

Clark is a great American hero who not only fought in wars but also as he said moved through the ranks to become a military leader who handled complex political situation. His explanation on GMA, clarified the precise point that he was trying to make as an individual educating the public about the difference between serving the country honorably and leading the strategic thrust of the armed forces to bring about a desired peace mission or protecting American interests. I commend GMA for giving Gen. Clark an opportunity to respond to the twisting of his comments by the press and making it appear as though he was diminishing John McCain's service. We need people like Gen. Clarke who has led the armed forces and interacted with Presidents and high officials to dissect the experience of John McCain so that we are not fooled and mesmerized thinking of elevating John McCain beyond what he deserves to be. What Gen.Clarke did was to cut him down to the size that is fair and appropriate. As an independent registered voter, I would like to warn Obama to be very careful about distancing himself from his staunch supporters who provide some deep insights such as Gen Clarke and who have been his support base. I think Obama should accept the point that Gen. Clarke was trying to make and state that he agrees with it or else if he fails to do that he is going to loose some wise and strong supporters. There is no need to accept the kind of submissive behavior of the politicians and the press who were silenced after 911 into becoming lambs worshiping Bush like a God and loosing all objectivity and vigourous dissent. I have a feeling John McCain wants a free ride and deceive people into thinking that he is the perfect choice for the Presidency which he is not and so to the Clarks and others bring em on, let us hear the truth about John McCain, he is running for the highest office and the commander-in-chief of the most powerful force in the world and we need to know everything about his ability to lead and use proper judgment and be physically fit to deal with the tough challenges facing the nation. Well done Clark, you are a brave general, you have stood up to a political giant, who is not as outstanding as some believe he is.

Posted by: gjkotw01 | Jul 1, 2008 9:40:34 AM

No it doesn't. So how does being ex-NATO commander qualify him to run for President?

Posted by: geevill | Jul 1, 2008 9:42:37 AM

General Clark is equitable to General Powell. A GENERAL IS A GENERAL.

Posted by: vuzous | Jul 1, 2008 9:45:47 AM

Mccain knew he met his match in General Wesley and thats why he had to bring up an Admiral to disbunk Clark's allegations. Then he now made matters worse by appointing a member of the swift boat veterans as a member of the TRUTH force. What an irony?

Posted by: vuzous | Jul 1, 2008 9:48:23 AM

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