Obama to contradict Clark in speech

Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 11:49 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
Obama will talk about McCain's military record in his noon speech on "patriotism" in Independence, MO -- and contradict Wes Clark, without naming him.

VIDEO: Responding to criticism by retired Gen. Wesley Clark, John McCain says, "I'm proud of my record of service." Listen to his entire response.

Obama has frequently spoken of McCain's military record, but the campaign is making a point of it today in light of Clark's comments on Face the Nation (and similar remarks in recent weeks on Morning Joe) that "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president".

Earlier today, on Morning Joe, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs distanced the campaign from Gen. Clark's remarks.

*** UPDATE *** Here's a statement from Obama spokesman Bill Burton on Wes Clark's controversial comments about McCain's military service. "As he's said many times before, Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark."

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Comments

What about John McCain CAN be questioned? Please release the guidelines. Thank you.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:55 AM)

Scratch Wes Clark for the VP list

Fred Murtz, Birmingham, AL (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:55 AM)

Does this mean Clark isn't going to be Veep, then?

Class Warrior, D.c. (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:55 AM)

Take a closer look at what Clark actually said! Someone at MSNBC needs to get a grip! the complete quote from Clark is NOT a slur on McCain's military service - in fact it is opposite that - but it does point out one indisputable fact - McCain did not have executive control over anyone larger than his squadron then, nor has he had any since then. The red herring is to say this is a slur on his military service - it is a fact about his decision making credentials - he never has been in charge of anything larger than his squadron 50+ years ago. THOSE are the credentials in question. Don't displace that it is his service in question, it is that he has based his entire campaign on his status as a hero - not his military decision making, which is what is most needed in the next administration.

Kay P (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:56 AM)

Do you think Gen. Wes Clark still has a chance of being Obama's veep?

My guess is no.

Mark, Salem, CT (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:57 AM)

Classic OBAMMA send out someone to slime your opponent and come out after and say your shocked.That is the new style that their talking about?

kenn (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:58 AM)

Karl Rove gets called a genius for going after the supposed strengths of his opponents. He's the genius and the architect.

But Clark gets nothing but criticism for doing the exact same thing.

This is one reason, among many, that people hate media coverage. It's an inconsistent, double standard approach to everything.

Can't First Read at least point out that Republicans do this same repeatedly. It's a strategy made famous by Karl Rove and it worked against Kerry.

No. If a Democrat does it, the whole story changes. Republicans just play the media like a bunch of fiddles.

Allen, Chicago (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:59 AM)

I don't feel that Senator Obama has to distance himself from these comments. McCain is attacking him all the time with a running count of how many days it has been since he has been to Iraq. So now when Senator Obama does visit Iraq, that makes the republican attack nil and void?

No more fighter pilots in the White House! We have already had one too many!

Senator Obama for President of US (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:59 AM)

I think it's a smart move to step away from the comment .Even tho it's true.

Brian M. De. (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:59 AM)

Senator Obama for President of US (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:00 PM)

I have regretted the hateful tone, and dismissive nature of some posters here, with regard to Senator McCain's suffering as a POW.

It astounds me how any one could speak about him having endured torture, and breaking under the horror of it, as something to mock the man over, and pronounce him a failure. That is just plain ignorant, and stupid.

We can be passionate about our candidate, and as well draw distinctions between the two candidates platforms, without being crass, and cruel.

donna (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:02 PM)

Too bad ... another one right under the bus. I think this is a mistake on Obama's part re Clark.

Obama needed to reign Clark in a bit, not silence him or completely contradict him. This argument needs to be made -- he can't cede this issue to McCain -- he needs to tie the fact that McCain's service in the military didn't help McCain's judgment on military matters and specifically Iraq, which is the point Clark was making.

Depending on how this goes down, it could be a critical mistake IMO if it's going to make questioning McCain's judgment more difficult. I hope Obama is not doing a knee-jerk defense that will hurt him as this campaign wears on.

Marihelen TX (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:04 PM)

McCain is a noun, a verb and a Viet Nam POW.

McCain needs to sign a form 180 releasing his complete military records!!!!

goodwin, arizona (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:05 PM)

I miss the old days when folks gave the speech first, and it was reported on after they finished giving it.

I love the way the media is pre-spinning the speech to be about Wes Clark, when the speech is about patriotism.

Wes Clark said that military experience is not required to be commander in chief, and that having served does not automatically make one more qualified to be President. He is right. I challenge anyone in the media to prove otherwise.

P.S. Now that John McCain is a candidate for President, time to stop defending him news media. He has to stand on his own two feet if he wants to be President.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:05 PM)

It is pretty sad that Nothing about John McCain's Character can be questioned but Even Obama's wife can be dragged through the mud. I still think Wes Clark is the best VP choice. I think Obama would do better to stand up for what he said then contradict him.

Chad, Salt Lake City Utah (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:06 PM)

Yeah, the candidates do still need Vice Presidents. There is a weekly 2008 election poll at http://www.votenic.com that shows America's opinion for both democratic and republican VP's, and it's honest and non-biased. The results are worth looking at.

Brandon, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:07 PM)

I hearad Wes Clark on TV and thought he did well. Is the press trying to make something out of nothing? Wes Clark would make a good VP for Obama. When are we going to stick to issues that affect American lives and not concentrate on little distractions. The media has a lot to answer to. Where are the old fasioned journalists to stuck to hard news?

Margaret, Albuquerque

Margaret Bodley, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:08 PM)

Clark didn't slur anybody. McCain continues his free ride courtesy of timid news outlets like MSNBC. I don't think anyone who'll call his wife a c*nt or not pay taxes on a beach front home in La Jolla is fit to be President of the country I live in. But then, maybe the only country that matters to the press is one inhabited by the wealthy, the priveleged and the socially conservative.

i don't live in McCain country (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:09 PM)

J.Merle, RedState.com is the site for You. You're nothing but a Fake real Democrat. Get over yourself, it's becoming Comical. Barack owe's You or Bill Clinton anything!! The stench from your Craphole, musta brought you up for some fresh air.

face the truth: are You one of the Silent warrior's for the GOP's war on Moral's? Laughable at best,Abortion's are'nt the problem, it's the Killing of anyone, Not American that is. LMAO! Take your Abortion BS & Gay bashing BS & put it where the sun don't don't shine. American's & the World have Problem's, & neither have to do with what you consider a leftist liberal.At least we liberal's Know, it's a Personal thing, None of Your daum business.

Chicago style Politic's sure is Fun, isn't it, McChanger supporter's? Having a non-military background(such as Barack's)& being able to beat Mcchanger Senseless.I Love it!

Don't back away from 4Star General Clark's assesment of Mcchanger. The Truth will be there when all of us are'nt.

Delusional Thinking By Common Sense American's Is Over!!!!

Rick,Ky (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:09 PM)

McSame uses his military record as a campaign platform...that makes it fair game.

I didn't see the GOP honoring John Kerry's war record....or any other military veteran for that matter. Why is it that only John McSame's is off limits...double standard. Just like they did with the war, spin it so that everyone is afraid to say anything negative at all...!!

Cheryl, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:10 PM)

Senator McCain is not perfect, but his contributions should be recognized.

****************************
Are gas prices that low in the South? Must be nice. By November, those in walking distance to the polls may be the only Republican voters.
My Davis, USA (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 9:53 AM)

Very well put. Too funny.

************************

Nashville Fan,

Your post under the, 'First Thoughts' article this morning was a slam dunk! Thank you for having exquisitely advocated for the rest of us who found ourselves frustratingly much too tongued tied to adequately respond. Are you a lawyer?

donna (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:11 PM)

Don't put any money on Wes becomeing a VP. He never was among the top three on the short list. Do not believe for an instant the Barack put Wesley up to making those comments. They are straight from Clark. What is the Obama approach is not to attack McOld at this bridge. Not a good bridge to fight at. Barack will pick battles over the economy, the war, energy. He will not engage in personal attacks. That is a republican strategy.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:12 PM)

Once again, ten people here a quote, ten interpretations surface complete with rewrites by political spin doctors. Use your common sense. Clark would not diss McCain. The point is, McCain does not have the credentials because he was tortured.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:12 PM)

To say McCain is qualified to be president based on his military record is to say that the Enron CEOs are qualified to run the World Bank.

This post brought to you by a former Army NCO who didn't get shot down or captured or start a fire,etc.,etc. but is also not qualified to be POTUS

steve lynchburg,va (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:13 PM)

Why is it that the msm gets all gushie when someone questions the bombers military record.I can see that most, including msnbc are not interested in bombers real record.The facts are all there,googel His name and you can see for yourself.The truth about his first wife,other vets that were there and saw first hand what happen,I know that most in msm know about the Bombers record but they are trying so hard to help the bomber since they see how bad things are for there Repubs and they don't want to stop stiring the pot and report the real facts about bomber.It's much easier to make all those claims that Obama has this problem and that problem then it is to report real facts.Playing dumb is not very convincing,and when you do it makes you reporting look unbelivable.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:13 PM)

General Clark is 100% correct

Mike, Dallas (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:13 PM)

Classic OBAMMA send out someone to slime your opponent and come out after and say your shocked.That is the new style that their talking about?
kenn (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 11:58 AM)
............................................

You mean like Barack Hussein Obama.

You mean like he's a gay muslim.

You mean like that he refuses to say the pledge of allegence.

You mean like John Kerry with a tan.

McCains surrogates are racist bigots whom he refuses to distance himself from. Thats a far cry from questioning qualifications.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:14 PM)

MSNBC, you should be ashamed. You know full well that Gen. Clark did not attack McCain's service or his patriotism. In fact, he praised those qualities. He DID question McCain's seeming assumption that his P.O.W. experience somehow gave him the right kind of foreign policy experience or national security acumen. He did this with logic and respect. He SHOULD be VP, and we Dems should stick up for our own when they themselves are courageous, respectful, and truthful about the elephant in the living room that the MSM is unwilling to bring up.

polar bear (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:14 PM)

I think it ridiculous that Obama must distance himself from these remarks since a) they are patently true and b) he is being attacked for not having the same skills and Clark (who is qualified to judge) is merely pointing out, in a fair political way, that McCain does not have those very skills either. Not a slur on the man, just a reference to his NOT having those that skill set.

Ann Richman, Palo Alto, Ca (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:15 PM)

Wow, even Obama gives McCain a free pass. I, personally, believe that McCain forfeited his righteous POW status when he rolled over on torture. This speaks volumes about his character--not that it gets any coverage. But then MSNBC likes to dole out the free passes for McCain--never a word about how he treats his wives, his anger management, his glaring lack of economic knowledge, or that the McCains are in default on taxes on one of their many luxury homes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/28/mccains-failed-to-pay-tax_n_109785.html

MSNBC=Main Steam N Backing 'Cain (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:15 PM)

What's heroic is charging a beach against enemy fire with an M16 in your hands. Being shot down flying a state of the art multi-million dollar flying machine pales by comparison.

Flying into any territory is brave. Being in the 1% of all sorties to get shot down ... well you decide.

Most Marines, Soldiers and Navy Seals would support General Clark's assessment.

Whitt USMC (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:16 PM)

Being a fighter pilot IS NOT a qualification to be President - I don't think that Obama should contridict the remarks - Clark was Correct.

It may be politically uncomfortable - but it's true. We do NOT OWE McCain the Presidency. He deserves high honor and respect for what he did...there is no question about that, and that can be done without handing him the Presidency.

Mel (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:16 PM)

Let me also say that I have criticized McCain for fire bombing civilians. I am not backing off from my position on his behavior as a fighter pilot.

But his POW experience should, in my opinion, be viewed, and spoken of with empathy.

donna (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:17 PM)

This back and forth is silly

It's time to get on with the debates
Let's discuss REAL issues
Let's get on with the real campaign

The more debates, the better 5 or 6

Enough of this silliness
Let's discuss the economy, women's reproductive choice, taxes, Social Security....

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:17 PM)

I'm so disappointed at the lack of backbone Obama is showing. First it was being willing to dump on the 4th Amendment by voting for the new FISA bill. Now it's distancing himself from the truth that is being spoken by Wes Clark. He should have embraced Clark and offered him the VP spot immediately after he got off the air!

Sue Dubya, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:17 PM)

wes clark is milk toast and will do anything for a headline. if this were a race between proven executives, neither mccain nor obama would have been nominated. Romney was probably the most proven and capable executive of any candidate, but the electorate preferred a hero and an amateur.

TruthandConsequence (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:18 PM)

Classic OBAMMA send out someone to slime your opponent and come out after and say your shocked.That is the new style that their talking about
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You took the words right of my mouth, Kenn. Just heard on radio that during the speech today Obama said "I will never question anybody's patriotism." The operative word there is "I". No, he wont but just as Kenn said he'll send somebody else to do it as he has consistently done. Obama's a sneak, fraud, Chicago politician. Remember he and his wife have both bragged they're from Chicago and know how to "play politics." well, if they're so new and different, why do they have to play politics?

McCain 4 prez (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:18 PM)

I think what Wesley Clark said was totally legitimate. If John McCain is gonna play these "guilt by association" games wherein he SPECIFICALLY referenced BO's association with Reverend Wright as part of a smear tatic to derail BO's message of "Change" - questioning McCain's executive war experience as part of an attempt to shine light on McCain's lack of "Commander in Chief" readiness is TOTALLY FAIR GAME.

Bottom line, if John McCain wasn't shot down and wasn't a POW - he wouldnt be a senator and he sure as hell wouldn't be running for President. Being a POW was the best thing that ever happened to John McCain and we need to be very clear on this one point - being a POW does not make you infallible to critiques or questions on your ability to be Commander in Chief ready.

All we ever do is worship John McCain's POW story (which took place 40 years ago) and automatically annoint him Master and Commander of all armed services. If anyone wants to see how much knowledge John McCain has on military tatics or affairs, all one has to do is look at his Naval Academy ranking at graduation....4th to the BOTTOM!!! PEOPLE, THE MAN NEARLY FAILED OUT OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY, WHY IS EVERYONE CONVINCED THAT HE IS A MILITARY GENIUS WHO POSSESS THE WHEREWITHAL TO LEAD OUR TROOPS TO VICTORY IN IRAQ AND THE REST OF THE WORLD????? The man doesnt even know the difference b/w Shiite and Sunni, and he doesnt even know who the ruler of Iran is! Face it people, the entire "John McCain Story" is completely based upon the fact that he was shot down over Vietnam 40 years ago....THAT'S IT! He has done nothing of significant relevance since that time as a senator or otherwise....well, actually, that's not entirely true....he did cheat and leave his wife for a hot, millionare trophy bride....but I'll address that in another post labeled "Character"....

OBAMA 2008!!!

Christian (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:19 PM)

Barack is striking a civil note even as the Republicans are on their drums, spreading their smear campaign. Rove must be perplexed, "gee, why wouldn't a candidate attack his opponent's qualifications?" Maybe because Obama seeks to govern the country with more than 50.1% support of the population. Obama will be a great President and he WILL change the political system.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:20 PM)

I do not thing Gen. Clark's criticism was disrespectful. Why does our dialogue on this issue not include the perspective of military personnel on each others' records and qualifications? Is this country afraid to view the military as anything other than monolithic?

No one said that what Sen. McCain endured was not extremely difficult. General Clark simply said it did not qualify as executive experience.

That is not swiftboating. It is a valid opinion.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:20 PM)

All who stand back and criticize McCain's military record should be very, very careful. Especially those of you doing it from the computer in your parent's basement! This topic is off limits. You all tout your guy as "inspirational" and a beacon of "hope" and "change", TIME TO WALK THE WALK!

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:21 PM)

Depending on how this goes down, it could be a critical mistake IMO if it's going to make questioning McCain's judgment more difficult.
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so marihelen in TX, is Obama ready to talk about his judgement of hanging out with anti-American domestic terrorist Ayers, his mentor Frank Davis the communist, his spiritual leaders: Wright, Pfleger and Meeks and lets not forget his mouthy, anti-american wife. Hmmmmmmm............who do I think would protect my country ? Probably not the guy/Obama that hangs with people who delight in destroying and bashing MY country.

i love the usa (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:22 PM)

Goodwin... I agree TOTALLY. McCain is not the hero he would have you believe. He got drunk the night before flying. Got shot down. Had both arms out instead of tucked like he was trained (so HE broke his arms, not his captures), He was called SONGBIRD because he told everything he knew and while in the Senate, he made sure no records would ever see the light of day. Check our YouTube ans see some of the POWs that were there when he was. See for yourself!

Hunt4TheTruth (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:23 PM)

It is unfortunate that McCain became a POW. To describe him as a war hero is being a tad generous. If he is a war hero what does that make Aufie Murphy or Sgt. York or the kid who tossed himself on a grenade to save his buddies?

Ed (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:23 PM)

McCain's team have always been very touchy whenever stories about McCain's millitary record show up. What are they hiding?

I recall in 2004, the media were all heaping praise on Rove for questioning John Kerry's millitary record. Then they said that Rove was smart to go after Kerry's strong armour. Now, the same media is creating a taboo around McCain's record.

New Wave (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:23 PM)

Remember folks, Obama will wipe the floor with the GOP on the issues that matter to Americans this election cycle. He knows that he does not have to tear Senator McCain's throat out in order to win.

Barack isn't inclined to fight that way. Let McCain, and the neocon repubs engage in character assassination, and overkill.

Relax everybody. It's time for the dems to be confident!

donna (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:23 PM)

I have been thinking along those same lines that Wes Clark has said for sometime now. Nothing about McCain's military prowess is ever questioned. Ever. Take the emotional aspect away and get to what it is that he is automatically assumed to have an edge up on?! McCain uses his POW status to his advantage. The press lets him because he allows them to ask him about the war stories and all. I mean they get to go and swing, and eat barbecue at this ranch. How really are you going to "vet" him when all objective has been left at the ranch.

Who are the prisoners now?... MSNBC and every other pundit who is scarred to acknowledge that it is a valid point...What about John McCain's status as a war hero gives him automatic National Security chops? Doesn't wash and you guys are scared to follow-up.

Wondering the same about McCain (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:24 PM)

This is the first REAL disagreement I have with Obama. I think Clark only spoke truth. It if fine to honor McCain for his military service and for surviving his time as a POW. But how do those skills translate into Presidential ones. Does McCain's service over 40 years ago make him more analytical or strategic in the Presidency. It clearly didn't assist him in making decisions regarding the Iraq war or our stand with other 'enemies'. I think Clark and everyone else ought to be questioning McCain in the same way. He's not untouchable and I wouldn't cede away this argument.

Debra, Austin, Tx. (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:26 PM)

Why is Obama running from these comments? Does General Wesley Clark not have the resume to attack McCain on these issues? He fought in Vietnam and he was the Supreme Allied Commander of the Bosnian War.

I've been asking this question for months.....how does being a POW equate to the position of CINC??? For God sakes, General Wainwright was a POW during World War II. Does anyone believe he would've made a better President than Eisenhower or MacArthur???

The FREE PASS that McCain is getting from EVERYONE will continue. It's true what they say, during war, the first casualty is always the truth. Then the second casualty has to be common sense!

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:26 PM)

Please, no more surrogate wars. General Clark had a valid point and is more than qualified to make it. I can't connect POW status with executive ability, either. They are not related.

I respect Senator McCain's service but I do question his stance on torture now because he _was_ a POW. It seems like he can't reconcile his former war hero status with the office he seeks in a way that will make the USA any safer.

another mama for obama (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 12:26 PM)

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