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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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McCain's War Record Now Fair Game

Pro-Obama retired general Clark turns up volume on whispers

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(Newser) – Wesley Clark's answer to a question on Face the Nation yesterday has exposed a simmering campaign issue, Politico reports: whether John McCain’s Vietnam ordeal translates to relevant experience for the presidency. "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president," said Clark, a Barack Obama supporter.

Obama has consistently praised McCain as a hero, but the comment by one of his highest-profile surrogates inflamed McCain supporters and bloggers across the political spectrum. Pundits on both the farther left and the far right have already raised the issue, Politico notes. And Vietnam-era antiwar activist Tom Hayden rose to McCain's defense, writing in an email, "I know and like McCain."

This Oct 26 1967, file photo provided by the Library of Congress shows Navy fighter pilot John McCain, center, being captured by Vietnamese civilians.
This Oct 26 1967, file photo provided by the Library of Congress shows Navy fighter pilot John McCain, center, being captured by Vietnamese civilians.   (AP Photo)
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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Gen. Wes Clark on Face the Nation June 29, 2008.   (videocafeblog)

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The blogs go wild

"Besides being tortured, what did McCain do to excel?"
Americablog

Conservative blogger sees a pattern
National Review

"Did Clark say anything that was, you know, false?"
Salon

McCain's campaign manager: Comments "kind of sad"
CNN

What Clark actually said--and has been saying for a while now
Associated Press

To the Huffington Post, for example
Huffington Post


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John McCain • POW • Wesley Clark • Vietnam War • negative campaigning • Hanoi

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