Obama rejects attack on McCain
But Clark's words accent divisiveness of campaign
As Obama delivered a speech here on patriotism that tried to defuse attacks on his own background, he responded to the remarks of Wesley K. Clark, the retired general and onetime Democratic presidential candidate who suggested on Sunday that McCain had not been tested as a wartime commander.
"For those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country, no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary," Obama said. "And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign — and that goes for supporters on both sides."
Asked if he wanted an apology, McCain said, "That's certainly up to Senator Obama." Later, he added, "I know that General Clark's comment is not an isolated incident."
The terse exchanges between the rivals, echoed even more vociferously by their campaign representatives and surrogates, underscored a central question both candidates are grappling with: How do they present themselves as practicing a new kind of politics, while they, and particularly their allies, are still pointing out flaws in each other?
"I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign," Obama said, speaking over the applause of hundreds of supporters. "And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine."
Yet Obama's effort to highlight his American values, delivered in a 30-minute address before a backdrop of flags, was complicated by the comment from Clark. The war record of McCain once seemed like an unassailable asset to his presidential bid, but Clark's comments on the CBS News program "Face the Nation" — that being shot down in Vietnam was not a qualification to be president — raised the possibility that McCain's military record would face scrutiny.
Clark, who was a leading supporter of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, was named in June to a group of national security advisers to the Obama campaign.
On Monday afternoon, Obama declined to answer reporters' questions about Clark, but a spokesman said: "Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark."
Recent comments
. . . you think it's okay for a military man, in violation of...
So, JC (8;46 p.m. 7/1/08) . . | July 2, 2008 at 7:43 a.m.
Yes, McCain was a POW. How that qualifies someone to be commander...
Re:JC | July 1, 2008 at 10:32 p.m.
McCain's experience was 40 some years ago. We have no business...
Lewt | July 1, 2008 at 10:19 p.m.
