<p>I heard the former Governor of Maryland, Bob Ehrlich, say on the radio that it is a shame that no one will feel they can criticize Obama because he’s black. I guess it’s hands off McCain’s military experience because he was captured? So Kerry would have been elected if he had managed to get captured?</p>
<p>Kerry WAS elected; all they had to do was count the votes. (And, to be perfectly clear: I didn’t vote for him.)</p>
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<p>I’d say hands off McCain’s military experience as well, Cartera, and I am decidedly an Obama supporter. McCain obviously made a huge sacrifice in his life. He’s 72? He spent about a tenth of his adult life in the custody of the Vietnamese. I don’t know what there would be gain for anyone to attack McCain’s service to this country. He should be honored for it.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I think it is completely valid to ask what it qualifies him for or why he won’t release all of his military records. I don’t consider that attacking his service. I consider those valid questions.</p>
<p>This is one of those media-manufactured controversies – and Clark and McCain’s campaign are just playing into it. Or is the media playing into the hands of the McCain campaign?</p>
<p>I agree Bedhead - nothing to attack, but Clark’s comment was hardly an attack and it is being characterized as such. I just heard it called “a surprise attack” by Clark.</p>
<p>Clark is toast.</p>
<p>Sometimes I really hate the media. Controversy sells papers and gets people to watch news shows, so they try to turn everything possible into a controversy. And it will just get worse, the closer we get to November. sigh…</p>
<p>What the military “Right” is posting about McCain:</p>
<p>The first comes from nine years ago:</p>
<p>[John</a> McCain, the Admiral’s Son](<a href=“Elite Dating in UK | everything unveiled…”>Elite Dating in UK | everything unveiled…)</p>
<p>The second is from today:</p>
<p>[Protecting</a> McCain’s Image](<a href=“Elite Dating in UK | everything unveiled…”>Elite Dating in UK | everything unveiled…)</p>
<p>Perception is everything. If Clark and his cohorts are perceived as being critical of McCain’s military record, then it is only going to help McCain. You can argue all you want that Clark’s comments were fair or he wasn’t really being critical. Even if it’s true, it’s not going to win over any voters and it’s going to be viewed as an attack.</p>
<p>For those of you who want to make it an issue, have at it.</p>
<p>I agree - he should have kept his mouth shut. He was responding to a stupid question and said something stupid that I’m sure he regretted the moment he said it, and now Obama will be forced to distance himself from Clark.</p>
<p>Politicians do it every day…</p>
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<p>Well, I actually agree with you. But this is enabled by a media that has an interest in stirring the controversy. And what you are really saying is that people are stupid enough to fall for it.</p>
<p>The controversy should be focused on why McCain refuses to release his complete naval record, and the reason he left the Navy one week after his father’s death.</p>
<p>I think it will show clearly that his military record, in military terms, was far from stellar.</p>
<p>Is the public really “falling for it?” The public isn’t looking to the past; it is biting its fingernails over the present and future. I don’t think the average voter cares about any potholes in McCain’s military service or wants to hear it brought up other than in the context of saying, “thank you for your service and sacrifice.” Now move on to the relevant issues. </p>
<p>It’s the economy, stupid.</p>
<p>jazzymom</p>
<p>I think that it’s the economy and a bunch of other stuff, but I agree wholeheartedly that it isn’t about McCain’s military service. Anyone who tries to make it so just doesn’t have a handle on sound political strategy.</p>
<p>Releasing his complete military record? Might be interesting to see, but as a campaign strategy a definite loser. My hope though is that Obama’s campaign advisors agree with you, although I think they’re going to let the whole dustup die a quick and quiet death.</p>
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<p>Well, he didn’t back off his statements and that was awesome that he didn’t because it would have showed he was weak and could be bullied by the stupidest of insinuations. Again, talk about a manufactured controversy.</p>
<p>And I am glad Obama quickly responded at first by reiterating that we should honor McCain’s service, but then saying he wonders why he should ask why there should be an apology.</p>
<p>What a media tempest in a teapot.</p>