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General Clark On the Verdict

By Big Tent Democrat

Coming up presently. Here is Clark's most recent statement on the qualifications issue:

There are many important issues in this presidential election, clearly one of the most important issues is national security and keeping the American people safe. In my opinion, protecting the American people is the most important duty of our next President. I have made comments in the past about John McCain's service and I want to reiterate them in order be crystal clear. As I have said before I honor John McCain's service as a prisoner of war and a Vietnam Veteran. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in Armed Forces as a prisoner of war. I would never dishonor the service of someone who chose to wear the uniform for our nation.

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John McCain is running his campaign on his experience and how his experience would benefit him and our nation as President. That experience shows courage and commitment to our country - but it doesn't include executive experience wrestling with national policy or go-to-war decisions. And in this area his judgment has been flawed - he not only supported going into a war we didn't have to fight in Iraq, but has time and again undervalued other, non-military elements of national power that must be used effectively to protect America. But as an American and former military officer I will not back down if I believe someone doesn't have sound judgment when it comes to our nation's most critical issues.

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Clark features Obama's patriotism schtick. Clark points out that he has said this for weeks now. Reiterates his respect for Obama's service. Relates his own Vietnam experience.

Abrams argues that the line about getting shot down was the controversial issue. Clark points out the obvious - BOB SCHIEFFER said it. Clark then reiterates his point.

Abrams asks if it reflects on McCain's character. Clark says he respect John McCain's character. He said this was about McCain's qualifications.

Clark does not back down. Abrams presses Clark on Obama's rejection of his statement. Clark says he was speaking for himself not for Obama.

Apparently, Dan Abrams has problem with the English language not understanding the difference between qualifications, character, experience and judgment.

Clark does not back down.

I repeat, Clark does not back down.

"Not backing away from anything I said," says Clark.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on June 30, 2008 (boomark / email).