I understand wanting to run an up and up campaign. But, sir, you do not have to run from everything a surrogate says about your opponent especially when it is true.I was watching Bob Schieffer's interview with Wes Clark when he stated flying fighters and getting shot down did not qualify one to be commander-in-chief. Quite frankly, I agree.
Do not confuse heroism and patriotism with qualification. There is a huge difference. McCain's tenure as squadron leader, of which he touts as his experience and lasted one year, with Clark's leadership record there is no comparison. Clark is not running for President. Been there, done that. As several of his peers found out, being outspoken and truthful in today's military can endanger one's career.
But the leadership of the squadron is not the issue here. It's the fact that he was shot down, because he disobeyed an order, and endured five years as a prisoner of war. Brave? Absolutely. An inspiration to his men? Absolutely. If you believe Hillary Clinton was prepared and ready to go as commander-in-chief on day one you might buy into McCain's claim. That doesn't change the dubiousness of the reality.
Mr. Obama, if you're going to run from every "negative" the McCain camp claims, that's all you'll be doing. There is no doubt that McCain loves his country. There are, however, extenuating circumstances in the molding of the man.
They should not be discredited just because the McCain camp takes offense. Any more than you should ignore them when they patronize call you by calling you naive and inexperienced. You are neither anymore than he is everything he claims.
If you're going to be the new kind of leader we so desperately need, firm up your stand - on FISA and on McCain. You'll never get the bully pulpit if you can be bullied. Nor will you deserve it.
