Rove's Third Term

The relevance of being shot down

Originally published by UPI International

Emerging Threats
Atlantic Eye: Defending Gen. Wesley Clark
By MARC S. ELLENBOGEN, UPI International Columnist
Published: July 3, 2008 at 7:20 PM

Clark's friend Eric Massa, a Democratic Congressional candidate for NY-29, writes in his defense, while others consider strategy again.

Tuesday saw both Clark and Obama maneuvering to bring their messages into harmony. They agree that the infamous soundbite retort was "inartful" and a distraction from more important issues. Because the media has focused so obsessively on this one statement, the rest of what Clark said is in the clear and he is continuing to repeat it every time he appears in the media. Obama has pivoted back to talking about McCain's judgment as well. The specific critique about executive national security experience remains Clark's - which means that McCain and his surrogates have to refute Clark's expertise in this area to refute what he said rather than being able to attack Obama for it.

Political strategy 101, perfectly played by both Obama and Clark.

Huffington Post has a good summary of the whole hullaballoo. It may be that Obama overestimated McCain's strategic intelligence.

In the second video, Obama reiterates his respect for McCain's service, then pivots to criticize McCain's judgment.

Discussion of the above: 1, 2, News blog coverage: 1, 2, 3.

Meanwhile, bloggers consider the strategy Obama and Clark are using: 1, 2, 3.

McCain is really over-reacting. Webb makes a simple point, and McCain takes it as an attack, which of course it isn't. And his own surrogates are demeaning Clark's service. And McCain not only has a Swiftboater as a surrogate but has taken $70,000 in donations from Swiftboaters.

Meanwhile, General Clark is on a media blitz: Good Morning America, Ed Schultz radio show, MSNBC, The Situation Room

Clark appears on The Verdict to discuss his remarks about McCain. He seems to be maneuvering to give Obama a little more room and focusing on the important point. Discussion. Further resources via WesPAC.

Statement by General Wesley K. Clark (Ret.)

"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.

"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."

Later released to media (via Politico, Talking Points Memo).

Clark hits McCain's military credentials - Politico

Clark: Getting 'shot down in plane' doesn't make McCain qualified - CNN

Clark Questions McCain's Qualifications - AOL

Clark: McCain Lacks Command Experience - CBS

Blog coverage: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

Later: VoteVets has started a petition in support of Clark. Also, Lt. Gen. Robert G. Gard of Veterans for Obama speaks out in support. VoteVets shares responses from veterans in support of Clark.

Obama is distancing himself - now he needs to pivot and make his own attack on McCain's judgment. This is political strategy (also here and here as well as here), but it can be difficult to watch.

Originally published by Bloomberg

General Clark Says McCain Oversold Navy Experience (Update1)

By Christopher Swann and William McQuillen

Another solid performance from Clark, continuing to hit McCain hard on national security.

Particularly telling about the media is Schieffer's reaction here:

GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President.

Bob Schieffer: Really?!

Duh! Keep up the great work, General Clark!

More resources via WesPAC.

Some highlights below the fold. I especially like the "weird, random thoughts" comment.

This year, we're facing the most important election in a generation. As Americans, we must ask ourselves which candidate will bring about the change our country so desperately needs. In my opinion, Barack Obama is the only candidate with the judgment to move our country forward.

The disastrous consequences of George W. Bush's poor judgment over these last 7½ years are all too apparent. Now, John McCain is offering 4 more years of Bush -- while Barack Obama offers the change in direction our country so desperately needs.

Barack had the judgment to oppose the war in Iraq before it began, and he is ready to bring our troops home and end the occupation of Iraq in a responsible way. John McCain has said that American troops should be willing to stay in Iraq for 100 years.

Barack will engage in the diplomacy that is necessary to bring stability to the Middle East. Just like George Bush, John McCain repeatedly resorts to saber-rattling and threats about invading Iran while revealing a startling ignorance of the basic issues that define the politics of the region.

Barack knows we have to invest in renewable energy to end America's dependence on foreign oil and fight global warming. And like George Bush, John McCain is in the pocket of big oil.

It's about judgment -- and I think the answer is clear.

Join me today. Support Barack Obama's campaign for change by making a contribution before the June 30 deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/clark4obama

While I respect John McCain's service, I know exactly what he stands for -- Bush's third term. And in national security terms, John McCain is largely untested and untried. He's never been responsible for policy formulation. John McCain is calculating that he will use the national security debate to his advantage. He's wrong.

Like Bush, McCain has always been for the use of force, force, and more force. In my experience, the only time to use force is as a last resort. When John McCain talks about throwing Russia out of the G8 and makes irresponsible comments about bombing Iran, he reveals his own disrespect for the office of the presidency.

And while he's all too willing to continue putting our troops in harm's way, John McCain initially refused to support providing benefits like the new GI Bill to our veterans because he believes that providing good education opportunities to our troops will hurt retention. That's ridiculous.

We need new leadership in the White House -- not George Bush's third term. Join me in supporting Barack Obama's campaign before the June 30th deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/clark4obama

Last week I sat down with Barack Obama. I know he's the right person to lead our country forward. Now we need to come together and support his campaign for change.

As I see the sacrifices our troops and their families make every day; as I see Americans buckling under the weight of record high gas prices; and as I see families struggling with sky rocketing health care costs, I know this:

We simply can't afford another 4 years of the McCain-Bush-Cheney agenda.

We must change the course of our country's future. We must elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States. Contribute today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/clark4obama

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

P.S. The June 30th fundraising deadline is only 5 days away. It's a critical milepost where the press and the pundits will be looking at the strength of Barack Obama's grassroots-powered campaign against John McCain's lobbyist-powered campaign. Let's show America that Barack Obama has the strength, the momentum, and the resources to win this November. Contribute to Barack's campaign today!

Constitution Project | June 23, 2008

Blue Ribbon Committee Condemns National Security Courts

Critique_of_the_National_Security_Courts.pdf

Bipartisan Coalition Rejects Proposal to Create Separate Court System

More pics via WesPAC

He explains what he meant in his Huffington Post interview, and expands on his theme. Also, clearly emphasizes that Obama is running on his national security judgment not his experience.

More resources via WesPAC

Gen. Clark: McCain Is "Untested And Untried" On National Security

June 11, 2008 10:09 AM