McCain: Gen. Clark Spoke Truth

We all honor Senator McCain’s service, as General Clark clearly stated he does. 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

[Elections 2008]

 

On Sunday, June 29, General Wesley Clark put into perspective what it takes to lead our nation’s military and veterans – the right judgment. 

In doing so, he pointed out, quite correctly, that Senator John McCain’s honorable and heroic experience does not necessarily qualify him to be commander in chief, if he does not show the right judgment on the major issues of our time. 

More specifically: General Clark spoke up forcefully and honestly about what it takes to lead this nation and the kind of judgment we must look for. He was 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 its 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 fund raise.

– Senator McCain’s experience didn’t help him empathize with troops are overstretched and over deployed, 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 General Clark clearly stated he does. 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.

General Clark is treating the American people like adults who can handle a real, honest, and blunt debate in these important times. It is time the media, the campaigns, the surrogates and the American people recognize General Clark’s mature approach and respond accordingly.

 

 

 

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