BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

This is going to be short and sweet.  Wesley Clark did not question John McCain’s patriotism while on “Meet the Press” yesterday.  For Senator McCain to complain that he did is an attempt to misstate Clark’s meaning.  For Obama to discredit Clark’s statement is to shrink from a real issue in this campaign.

John McCain has in every campaign draped himself in the flag as a hero, which he IS.  No one has disputed that.  Wesley Clark did not disupte that.  Wesley Clark’s statement was simple and concise.

“In the matters of national security policy making, it’s a matter of understanding risk,” Clark said “It’s a matter of gauging your opponents, and it’s a matter of being held accountable. John McCain’s never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war.

“He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee and he has traveled all over the world, but he hasn’t held executive responsibility,” Clark said. “That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded — that wasn’t a wartime squadron.”

Clark has said as much before, but drew little notice. CBS moderator Bob Schieffer cited Clark’s earlier remarks and noted that Obama hadn’t had those experiences either nor had he ridden in a fighter plane and been shot down. “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president,” Clark replied.

Quite frankly, there is nothing wrong with Wesley Clark’s assessment.  And, for heaven’s sake, Clark did not question McCain’s heroism or patriotism.  He simply stated that McCain’s heroism and patriotism is not a qualification for being President of the United States.

I can understand that Obama doesn’t want to criticize or question McCain’s heroism or patriotism in any way, shape or manner.  But, there has been a bit of an over reaction to the statement.  The truth of the matter is that for all the rhetoric and flaunting of credentials, military service and heroism is not a prerequisite for the White House or a qualification.  Get over it.  McCain is a military hero.  He served his country with honor.  We all respect him for his service.  But, that doesn’t make him presidential material.