The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room » Webb: McCain Should ‘Calm Down’ on Using Military Service

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July 1, 2008

Webb: McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military Service

@ 12:20 pm by Walter Alarkon

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) waded into the debate over John McCain's military service Monday to say that the Republican should avoid using military service in politics.

Webb, a Barack Obama supporter, was on MSNBC's "Countdown" to talk about his G.I. Bill to increase education benefits for returning veterans which is now law. Webb criticized both McCain and President Bush for not supporting the bill. Then, unprompted, Webb weighed in on the debate over retired Gen. Wesley Clark's remark that "riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down" isn't "a qualification to be president."

"I think what we really need to work on over the next four, five months, and it goes back to the speech that Sen. Obama gave [Monday] and this little fight that I've been watching and that is, we need to make sure that we take politics out of service," Webb said. "People don't serve their country for political issues."

He continued: "And John McCain's my long-time friend, if that is one area that I would ask him to calm down on, it`s that, don't be standing up and uttering your political views and implying that all the people in the military support them because they don't, any more than when the Democrats have political issues during the Vietnam War. Let's get the politics out of the military, take care of our military people, or have our political arguments in other areas."

UPDATE: Webb's office e-mailed the Briefing Room a response to critics who have argued that Webb is criticizing McCain's military service.

"Senator Webb has never, and would never, demean the service of anyone who has stepped forward to serve our country. To the contrary, he was calling on those on all sides of the debate to refrain from implying that their political views are representative of the military writ large," wrote Webb's press secretary, Kimberly Hunter.

She stressed that Webb, the former Secretary of the Navy, has consistently argued against the injection of politics into military service by anyone.

Here's the full interview from MSNBC, in which Webb also talks about his G.I. Bill and working for increased dwell time for service members between deployments:

Archived under: Campaigns, News, Presidential Campaigns
Tags: Barack Obama, Jim Webb, John McCain, Wesley Clark

902 Comments »

The Hill welcomes comment from anyone and will almost always post it whether it is favorable or critical, as long as it is substantive and advances debate.

Funny that it was A-OK for John Kerry to hype is three (3) purple hearts in 2004. It didn't matter what he was talking about, he always took the opportunity to remind us that he won three (3) purple hearts, and that Bush was only in the National Guard. Now the Democrats want to minimize the military record of the candidates. Curious, that.

Comment by Dave C — July 1, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
Sure,

Don't talk about military experience or qualifcation to run our nations defense. How convenient since Obama has none

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
It seems to me that the only ones hammering on McCain's military record are the Democrats. While McCain has mentioned his service record, I don't think he's made it a central point of his campaign a la John Kerry.

Comment by Bubba-ho-Tep — July 1, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
But it was okay when kerry did the same thing in 2004. Webb is just a typical democrat hypocrite.

Comment by sonofdy — July 1, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
Webb's a hypocrite. He didn't have any problem using his military service to run against George Allen. He needs to shut his lying mouth. He's a lightweight with zero credibility.

Comment by Richard Williams — July 1, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
I think that McCain has earned the freedom to do what he wants on this. Sorry if Obama never served, but this is not his problem.

Comment by Mark — July 1, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
This comes from the guy who wore his son's combat boots constantly during his campaign? Perhaps Webb needs to look at his own campaign and see that he made military service a focal point of his own campaign. Is he now saying he was a fool for this and shouldn't have? Is he apologizing for his own politicizing military service and Iraq during his own campaign?

Comment by Craig — July 1, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Of course, Webb and Clark see no problem talking about their own military backgrounds for political purposes.

Comment by Sigmond — July 1, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
The hypocrosy is so typical with the democrats.
They think we all don't have memories, or something.
Webb is a tool, just as Clark, and all others have been. Obama sends them out, so that he can get air time saying he doesn't agree. He's playing cards, and I hope he loses!

Comment by Susan I — July 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
McCain has not been harping on it at all. He has hardly mentioned it, even when asked. Clark is a sore loser from the last election and Webb is a pervert, author, super, liberal.

Comment by patrick — July 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Jim Webb has ridden his service as a Marine in Vietnam everywhere he has gone in life. For him to now take on McCain is disgusting. Go back and read Webb's earlier books where he trashes the draft dodgers and praises everything military. He is now selling out military service for his own personal gain.

Comment by David F. — July 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Wow, listen to the Drudgites talk tough. Hey BacktoReality, I'd like to see you say that to Jim Webb's face. It would be fun to watch his boot go up your a$$.

Comment by Matt — July 1, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Webb used his son's military service as a crutch when he ran against George Allen. I found his conduct during the campaign deplorable - he wore his son's combat boots to public appearances. As a father, he should be ashamed of himself. Since he used his son as a soapbox, Sen Webb has no right to voice any opinion on Sen. McCain's own service.

Comment by Korey — July 1, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
So, the Obama camp decides to take the debate to the street-fight level by sucker punching McCain and then saying that the conversation about military service shouldn't be part of the debate. There is an obvious fear in the Dems if they can solicit top military brass to put their reputations on the line for someone as inexperienced as Obama. This will work for the MTV crowd, but it will mobilize the Reps into the polls come voting time. Now I see why Obama will not debate McCain - the differences are stark and too telling. He couldn't afford that type of exposure.

Comment by Dan — July 1, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Why aren't the Obama supporters accentuating the positive on their candidate and bringing his credentials to the forefront, instead of knocking down the opponent… a war hero?

OH! That's right, Obama doesn't have all that much to brag about.
It really looks badly to undecideds and independents to see Obama's people trash McCain.

Comment by Just Me — July 1, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Webb has demonstrated once again what a complete ass he and the rest of his party is. What an embarrassment these hacks are, he has about as much integrity as a pedophile at Disneyland…

Comment by Marc Borror — July 1, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Hey, I served in the Navy for 20 years…pick me, pick me, pick me for president!

McCain served with Honor but that does NOT qualify him to be our President.

Comment by Randall — July 1, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Please can somebody translate Webb's quote - is it even English? Sounds like he may have been on the sauce.

Comment by Michael — July 1, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
As a Virginian, I am saddened how Jim Webb continues to embarass our state. He is in over his head as a US Senator and will not win re-election.

Comment by Tyler — July 1, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
I am a fairly liberal democrat and I am sick of these idiots speaking against using military service. I will vote for Obama but I think what McCain did is badass and worthy of mention. If he is willing to go through hell for America, I think that makes him a damn strong candidate for president. I am embarrassed for my party.

Comment by Phil — July 1, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
Clark was relieved of duty… for actions unbecoming. How come no one mentions THAT?

Comment by Art — July 1, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
How soon we forget. The Viet Nam war was a disaster - one we should never have fought. Over 40 thousand young Americans dead and hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese.
And now Iraq. Should've finished the job in Afghanistan before pursuing "democracy in Iraq."

Comment by robert lange — July 1, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
Webb likes to write about naked children and Clark was FIRED from NATO. Does THAT indicate anything?

Comment by Art — July 1, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
nowdays it takes just one or two swift boatings to turn honorable service into enemy of the state so maybe obama is lucky that the swift boaters have nothing to aim at

Comment by jackie — July 1, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
It is obvious why the Obama camp would not want military service to be an issue - he has none.

Comment by Hal — July 1, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Gen Clark the great strategist for the Bosnia fiasco. Remember, Clark was so bad that Clinton had remove him? Even Clinton couldn't stand the imcompetence of this guy. Bottem line: Who gives a Rat's Ass what Webb and Clark say?

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
At least we know where John McCain stands on patriotism. We know what he went through defending our flag. The same flag Obama doesn't seem to want to honor. And let's take it one step further, John McCain has two sons of military age, one at the US Naval Academy, and one who has joined the US Marines. Both could be in Iraq shortly. You don't see McCain touting this, but it says a lot about him, his character, and the manner in which he raised his sons. As Commander in Chief, he might give the order that sends his own sons to their death. I think I would rather have him in there making that decision than Obama.
Regardless of how we got there, we are there. So let's win rather than cut and run as we did at the end of Vietnam.

Comment by BobinHouTX — July 1, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
I'd be glad to say it to his face. These politicians live in an insulated world where they don't have to be accountable to anyone. They have aides that answer their phones, mail, setup appointments, etc. When they go to "events" in their local area, they are always surrounded by hordes of sycophants toting balloons and placards. If you try and ask them about their views in "Town Halls" that might even be marginally provocative you get escorted to the door.

Webb is an opportunist. Now he is pulling to try and get a cabinet position with Obama.

All politicians are hypocrites IMHO.

Comment by Chas — July 1, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
So McCain refused early release as a POW, and the Vietnamese said: 'OK, McCain, you are in charge here. If you don't want an early release we'll just keep you here?

Did he chain himself to the wall so the Vietnamese couldn't get him out? The Vietnamese were either very polite to keep him or this early release business is a bogus story.

Comment by Ray Bickley — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
whine, whine, whine….i love it. hey rightwing-nuts, start saying, pres-i-dent o-bam-a!

Comment by McSame — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
This is just plain clumsiness on the part of the Obama campaign. It's a lot like when they tried the "McCain has his own pastor problems" bit when McCain had to decline an endorsement from a pastor who had made some negative comments. The democrats jumped all over that, but of course an endorsement from someone he had met only briefly wasn't equitable with spending 20 years in a church run by a racist, and all the democrats accomplished was keeping the conversation on a topic where McCain came off looking better. Now, they are highlighting McCain's military service, trying to diminish it, but with Obama's lack of military service, and lack of foreign policy credentials even the negative attack on McCain serves only to highlight an area where McCain has a legitimate advantage. A clumsy tactic, and one that does not serve the Obama campaign well.

Comment by Scott Hammond — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Democrats crack me up. Webb had no problem bragging about his military experience every chance he had when he ran against Allen. And of course no lib complained about John "3 Purple Hearts" Kerry. Heck libs even bragged about AL "ManBearPig" Gore's extremely limited time in vietnam. Ah yes the usual Liberal hypocrisy.

Comment by Edgar Friendly — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Neither Webb nor Clark are fit to shine McCain's shoes….ESPECIALLY Clark. Both of them are a disgrace to the country.

Comment by DemocratsSuck — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Oh please you repugs are such hypocrites. McCain doesn't use his military service you say? Take a look at his last hundred ads. If I have to see the picture of him lying on a stretcher again I'm going to puke. What was it? 4 planes he crashed? Second to last in his class at the Naval Academy? Other than being daddy's son and gettig shot down what has John McCain done? His pimping of his military service is a disgrace to all of US veterans who served the country, not ourselves.

Comment by Laugh at pugs — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Jim Webb may have been a fine marine and a good writer, but now he is a politian - and he becomes a better one every day - which means he becomes a better liar.
He had no problem using his service to achieve his means — nor did he have a problem using his sons (the combat boots)- as of yet I haven't seen McCain bring out both of his son's boots, or for that matter his Indian daughter.
Webb had the potential of being a great American leader - instead he is becoming another pol.

Comment by Carl Forshage — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
I agree that Sen McCain shouldn't use his military service. There were so many more men & women that that did many brave deeds during wars & they don't brag about their deeds. I won't vote for McCain because he wants to turn our country into Mexico. He still wants AMNESTY for the 12 million illegals that are here.

Comment by Joseph Sorrentino — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Unsure

Comment by hinton — July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
The Obama camp must be *seriously* concerned about how poorly their messiah compares to McCain. That's at least the eighth surrogate of Obama who has tried to wave this away…

And boy, is it backfiring badly.

Obama support is just children at play.

Comment by Off A Cough — July 1, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
To the people of Virgina…What were thinking, smoking, drinking, or inhaling when you voted in this idiot Webb? You tossed out George Allen for this clown. Webb is an embarrassment and should sit down, shut up, and quit kissing Reid and Pelosi's ASS!!!! Webb grow some gonads ……

Comment by Buster Hymand — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
I remember John Kerry at the 2004 Democrat convention taking the stage, assuming a salute and proclaiming that he was "REPORTING FOR DUTY". Obama's camp is digging a deep hypocritical hole.

Comment by Marty — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Remember that small cult of moronic anti-war vets strutting around with their "If you haven't served you have no right to an opinion on the war" agruement. These guys we 2 cents shy of holding up Tojo and Bismark as the kind o leaders we should havebecause "they served".

They are led by nose by the old Vietnam veterans against the War, who threw their medals on the Capitol steps, derisively calling them, "Mert Badges For Murder".

Now that the anti-war, scratch that anti-American types using the war as a wedge see how much the public realizes listening to them about Vietnam and how they trashed the troops, how much the public feels goodwill and gratitude, the hippies have switched from baby killing war criminals with Merit Badges for Murder to "decorated combat veterans".

QUESTION: What decoration do the IVAW get for stabbing their own generation of military in the back?

Something with Ho Chi Minh's image on it?

Comment by Doc — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
What a pair! Olbermann and Webb together on the same program. What one idiot does not say the other one will. What a lack of credibility and hypocrisy between them. One has no sense what so ever and the other makes no sense what so ever.

Comment by Juan — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
One thing that the issue of military service can do for a candidate is to demonstrate that the individual seeking office has an understanding of the military, and a dedication to finish the job. Obama has not even finished his gruelling 6 yr term of pampered, self-indulgent member of the US Senate (the Last Plantation - Taxpayers are the slaves).

Obama has the basis problem that he suffered through an ivy-league college education and some strenuous, character challenging, Chicago politics.

If Obama ran as a Republican in Chicago, then he too could claim the honor, service, and bravery that McCain had many many years ago.

Comment by Steve Cupps — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Webb and Clark have military experience which is worthy of mention. McCain served too, but he was undistinquished. First his plane blew up on deck and over 100 sailors died in the fire. Then he got shot down and captured. When the NVA tried to let him go he wouldn't leave the POW camp and go back to active duty… Now he won't even support Webb's GI Bill. I don't see how McCain's military career qualifies him to be president.

Comment by Dirk Wigdoubt — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
hey ferd…that bosnia fiasco where we didn't lose one freakin soldier!! oh that one!

Comment by McSame — July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Jim Webb may have been a Marine, but so was Lee Harvey Oswald.

Comment by Melvin — July 1, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
Guess who didn't vote on the GI Bill but claimed credit for it? John McCain. He's a liar and a fraud. Jim Webb stands up for veterans, not John McCain. They are questioning McCain's judgment and how he thinks his military service gives him better judgment. It doesn't! He voted for the Iraq war, a distraction from our War on Terror. Unlike what Republicans did to John Kerry, Democrats aren't questioning his patriotism or his service. They are questioning his judgment.

Comment by JohnUSMC — July 1, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
Hey Laughat pugs, and how many times has Hussein Obama used the "change" mantra on the campaign trail? Hussein Obama isn't change. He's the same politics we have now of neo-Marxist Democrats not working with the other side to get things done for the American people. They are beholden to all their lobbyist friends and don't care one iota about the country. To them, it's party first and country LAST. So get out of here and go whine and complain on some other left-wing neo-Marxist website.

Comment by DemocratsSuck — July 1, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Uh, hey Jim?

Does the term "Commander in Chief" mean anything to you? Commanding the military is a major responsibility of the President. You remember the Constitution right Jim? Since the President is the Commander in Chief, military experience just might be nice to have. But it's OK Jim because it means that your are totally free to trumpet the phenominal military experience of the candidate you support. Isn't that great news Jim?

Comment by Matt — July 1, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Referring to Comment by David F. � July 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm.

I'd say it in a heartbeat…directly in his face….face to face. Both Webb and Clark-bar are total hypocrits. They both used their "Service Record" in their respective campaigns. And, loser Clark even used the "military service" of Kerry in introducing him at the last Democraptic National Convention. But, back to Clark-bar's and Webb's runs for office, one was a loser (thank God - oops I forgot your liberal lemmings don't like the use of the G-word), and one that we Virginian currently suffer from. Go pound sand. (Retired Air Force.)

Comment by Greg — July 1, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
John McCain wasn't a war hero. He was shot down, held as a prisoner and tortured. If anything, he was a war victim. Don't just kneejerk to what General Clark said � what is it about being held as a P.O.W. that gives you the leadership experience necessary to be President?

Four years ago, there was a huge 527 organization dedicated to smearing John Kerry's admirable service in Vietnam. You rightwingers just loved that. But now that McCain's service is being called into question, it's suddenly anathema to talk about a candidate's military record? Talk about hypocrisy!

Comment by MT — July 1, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
You may be right Randall but since Obama's supporters are making a point of this it is hypocritical to the extreme. Do you remember Ashley Wilkes (Clark) speech about John Kerry's service during the Democratic Convention in 2004? Back then service was important to Ashley but since this is a Republican, different story. Democrats are the biggest hypocrites in the world. This is just Obama trying to make the fact he doesn't have any service a non factor. You think this guy went on a Sunday morning show and hadn't rehearsed what it was he was going to say? Your a fool if you don't think this is straight from the Obama campaign.

Comment by Jim — July 1, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
if mccain wanted to politicize military service he would be running around talking about his sons who are currently serving in iraq.

webb, kerry, clark, and obama all need to shut up about mccain's service.

obama needs to start talking about what his real agenda is for the country, so the american people can realize what a marxist the democratic party has nominated.

Comment by just a thinker — July 1, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Is Webb, the little punk that wanted to "beat-up" the preisdent? He seems to get his name into the news by being a "Sluggo" wannabe!

Comment by Jagger — July 1, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Hey Randell (Comment 18)

Thank you for your service for 20 years.

With all due respect sir, if military service doesn't qualify one for the president, does the inexperience of a junior senator from Illinois make someone ever more qualified?

Or the questionable background…or the people he has surrounded himself with throughout his career.

I think the Military service is more honorable and better for this country.

Comment by Mike from Chicago — July 1, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Why are we worried about what Clark and Webb are saying anyways? They aren't taking their cues from Obama and in Clarks case he has way more military experience then McCain ever did.

He commaneded our forces in Kosovo and was a Rhodes Scholar. I think he can say whatever he wants to a junior officer especially since McCain is using his military record as a thinly veiled attempt to call into question Obamas patriotism.

Sounds like McCain must be getting his pecking orders from the same clowns that tricked 30% of the people into thinking Bush could be a servicable president.

To me at least it seems like Clark has a valid point. While Military service is important and show a great deal of Patriotism. It's not a great training job to be President and implying that is incorrect.

Comment by Juan Johnson — July 1, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Matt, I would happily volunteer to tell Web whatever you like… To hs face. He is not the only person who did Viet Nam

Comment by Bret Stagg — July 1, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
McCain isn't a war hero, he's a war VICTIM. Examine his record. He's a fortunate son who was a victim after ranking close to last in his class at the academy.

Comment by JohnUSMC — July 1, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
There are many qualities necessary to be a good president. Serving in the Military, in and of itself, is not always enough. McCain has the qualifications based on his entire public service, period. The fact that he was a poor student and a lousy pilot doesn't cut it.

Comment by ArlingtonSon — July 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
we need to make sure that we take politics out of service," Webb said. "People don't serve their country for political issues."

If that is the case, then why does Sen. Webb have three paragraphs on his website about his military service? I guess everyone but Sen. Webb needs to take politics out of service.

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
It shows the hypocracy of Democrats. 4 Years ago Kerry/Vietnaum/purple hearts were all the thing and Bush had only National Guard. To Democrats this was a vitally important issue (and the news media)
Now McCain vs Obama with no service whatsoever and the Democrats are crying that it should not be mentioned,

WHAT GIVES Do Democrats think all Americans are as dumb and short minded as they are.

Comment by Ed Penna — July 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Just amazing that these left wingers who hate our country and despise the Military are coming forward trying to justify these 2 asshats. Those 2 don't have enough stature to reach and kiss McCain's hindquarters. It's just embarassing, and yes this will bring the Republican party, Independents, and Conservatives together…stronger than ever before, thanks be to God.

Comment by Dave - NJ — July 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
If I were trapped in an elevator for, say 2 days; would that qualify me to be an elevator mechanic? I don't think so either.

The point at hand is 'qualification;' not 'patriotism.' McCain is certainly a patriot. McCain is certainly not qualified to be our president based solely on being locked up in a closet for 5-1/2 years and being horribly tortured. I WANT THE VERY BEST PERSON IN THE WHITE HOUSE WE CAN FIND.

Mr. McCain, if you have anything within you that truly qualifies you, TELL ME! Your military career alone, while commendable, doesn't quite cut it for me.

Comment by John — July 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
You Rethuglicans won't be happy until you politicize every facet of public service. Clark said nothing denigrating about McCain's service, nor did Webb.

All the more reason to get rid of the Rethuglican controlled government that is destroying our country.

Comment by Chuck — July 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Very convenient this. Bring out two guys who have served and use them make a non-issue of one of the issues on which Obama is weakest. And Obama manages to keep his distance. And the MSM doesn't call him on this nor his transmogrification into a "supporter" of the 2nd Amendment. Hope you all are up on your Orwell, because this is just the beginning. Sounds like George Lakoff should be spending as much time studying the "frames" of his buddies as he does that of his political enemies.

Comment by Bill Andersen — July 1, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
"does the inexperience of a junior senator from Illinois make someone ever more qualified?"

Guess who had no experience, big ears, and people claiming that he didn't have what it takes to be President?

Abraham Lincoln, one of our greats in history.

Most of our great Presidents had NO military experience.

Comment by JohnUSMC — July 1, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
Every day, little by little, I see the tide turning against Obama. People are starting to realize that this man, is in fact, not the second coming. He will change nothing but his own stance on issues.

As for Clark and Webb, I sincerely thank you, both for you service to the country as soldiers, and your ability to unintentionally glorify John McCain.

Comment by t — July 1, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
1. Reason McCain (presume)& Bush (per direct quote of SecDef Gates) is that Webb 1st bill basically offered give-away goodies to all service folks whereas Administration wanted certain level of demonstrated commitment/service &/or re-enlistment to prompt increased benefits of Webb bill. Observed few news media reported this difference. So Webb clearly being partisan now trying to use this to bust McCain & Bush (some good friend of McCain?!) to blatantly mislead …
2. In another time & place lunatic KeithO would be ranting & raving that Webb is a fascist, etc. … but, for now, they are bedmates. Bet: they are enemeies in less than 5 yrs. Fact that Webb went onb KO Countdown verifires that he is more opportunistic than principled.
3. For someone who tries to portray himself as a 'principled' 'apolitical' former Reagan DoD official & now Va Sen., it is going to be fascinating how Webb now reconciles his non-partisan portrayal. Just like Murtha sold himself out for Committte power (trashing Haditha Marines), Webb's extreme dislike for this Bush and present GOP now will increasingly make him look actually unprincipled or crass/opportunistic.
4. I am a 'Reagan Democrat' [voted for Carter] - supposedly what Webb sold himself to Reagan folks (or were Reaganuats easily manipulated? by Webb). Do vote more GOp (as lesser of 2 evils) versus Democrats. Used to be very liberal until woke up to the unreality of the wonderfully framed solutions that oftentimes are divorced from reality & human nature.

Comment by Reaction To Closed Minds — July 1, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
So, Obama sends out his minions to diss John McCain's miltary service and then cleverly break dances away from their comments. How many times has he already pulled this stunt? Obama wants to be COMMANDER IN CHIEF, folks. I don't think he's qualified to be a crossing guard at a public school.

Comment by Who Wants To Be President — July 1, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Reading these comments make me proud to be an American. Such high-levels of intellectual exchange…..
It is clear there are some mental giants among us who have all the answers (thanks to blogs and the snippets of info they get as they pass around the "tell all" emails about the candidates).

Comment by robert lange — July 1, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Let us all remember that it was Senator Webb who let his staff member take the wrap for the gun that was transported into Capitol Hill. What a hero? What a coward! As a Virginian, I am ashamed that Senator Webb represents my great state, and that he is using his so-called "war record" to justify his cowardice and ambition.

Comment by Conservative Professor — July 1, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
How can anyone support Obama's empty resume and then criticize McCain's decades of public service?

Keep dreaming, clowns. You are all going to be apologizing to Hillary very, very soon.

Comment by Off A Cough — July 1, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
To McSame,

There weren't any US soldiers the ground. It was a war ball-lessly executed from 15,000 ft. We totally destroyed the civilian infra-structure and did not strike one military target. This because Clinton's gonads were smaller than his wife's. Serbia is still a mess today because of this brillant Clinton/Clark Strategy and we still have NATO troops there to preserve the peace….So how long will these troops remain in the Balkans..5, 10, 15, 20 years…Yeah did a great job there. Lost no soldiers, true…because there were no US soldiers on the ground. Talk about a waste of resources…

Comment by Frank Stein — July 1, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
Jim Webb is a total buffoon. "Let's get the politics out of our miltary"?? Sure, Jim.
Jim Webb ran his Senate campaign on two issues - his son's service in Iraq and Macaca…Oh, and his brief failed tenure as Secretary of the Navy. The fact that Webb and Clark are being bandied about as potential VP's is a disgrace to our political system.

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
These calculated statements by the liberal contingents are allowing Barack "Fast Eddie" Obama to flip-flop and pander his message to all crowds without the media spotlight. While the McCain messages has evolved overtime, "Fast Eddie's" messages and personal beliefs have changed depending on the audience. What happens when Israel and Iran begin to duke it out? Can anyone predict what "Fast Eddie's" first statement will be, or will his first statement depend on who is in front of him at the moment? Change we can believe in when regarding "Fast Eddie's" messages. We've had one Carter, do we really need another?

Comment by greg delinky — July 1, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Odd. Webb has never been shy about referring to his own military service

Comment by Joan — July 1, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Hah. Ironically, when the Dems get caught in a sex scandal it's uusually heterosexual. It's the freaky-deaky hardcore reactionaries in the GOP who are cross-dressing, closeted homosexuals.

Serving in the military is an HONOR and a calling in the United States, however it does not uniquely qualify anyone for political service, and certainly not the presidency.

Let McCain run on the merits of his skills as a chief administrator and quit jabbing at Obama, when everyone knows those jabbing "code words" are that you irrationally fear a black male president.

Let's have a civil dialogue and fix what's wrong and not worry about whether party chief's are happy campers.

Comment by Big Head Todd — July 1, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Military service has relevance, Roosevelt (even if he was only an Assistant Secretary), Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Bush II used it, the military is a big part of government and the American experience. And, has been pointed out, Dukakis tried and Kerry certainly did used flout their military service.

Personally I think the Dem's should have tried to ignore an area where their current candidate is at such a stark disadvantage.

Instead, they are trying to cancel McCann's service advantage by saying military service short of a Medal of Honor doesn't count. I don't really think that's going to fly, and it reinforce's the perception that the Dem's have only questionable support for the military and patriotism.

Comment by pashley — July 1, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
I'm a very conservative American. I think voting along party lines is stupid. I like to vote for the guy i think will do the best job. McCain is a WAR HERO. To say something that discredits that makes you anti-American. While McCain's Service does not qualify him to be President, Webb's ability to drink a fifth a does make him a Drunk idiot. Just as Clark's Service does not qualify him to discredit McCain's Service. Now, to Compare apples to apples. McCain has been a Senator for a long time. Obama has been for like two years.
Obama should fully appologize for the ignorance of his supporters. If he does not come out and say something to the effect of: "Webb, and Clark, are both retarded drunkards, and the entire world should not listen to anything they says because the years of killing brain cells have taken it's toll." I would believe he supports the comments. The comments were, I believe, a test statement. The way this works is this: 1. the campaign wants to tryout a tactic, but want to be able to get away from it. 2. they send a henchmen, AKA Webb, to make a statement edging toward the tactic. 3. they wait for the reaction. In this case it was way negative. 4. make an action plan. In this case damage control.
It's Political Campaigning 101. Grade School politics. If we want change how about we ask the canidates to start using honor, and honesty as campaign tactics, instead of kindergarten "teacher, he pinched me" crap.

Comment by Rendell — July 1, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
I believe Wesley Clark is a "4 star" general who was manufactured by Bill Clinton (from a full Colonel) with the intention of grooming him as a VP selection for Hillary to give her some military credentials she was and still is lacking. He was then sent out by Bill Clinton to take down Howard Dean to be sure Howard's POTUS aspriations would fail and thus not get in Hillary's path to the White House. Now that that scheme has been aborted by the Democrat primary voters I believe there is now a plan to reinvent this POS general to give Hussein military credentials. Problem is that unlike most retired generals this POS is not to be believed. Listen to his rant of 4 years ago where he tried to sell Kerry to the sheep as a potential POTUS. He said that "Kerry had heard the sounds of mortar rounds and seen tracers fired his way and that experience was his qualificationo to be the POTUS". Now this POS "General" has raised the bar and says that McCains experience doesn't raise to this level. Tell us "General" how this can be? Then you try to tell us now that Hussein is not running on any military experience at all but IS RUNNING on his character, communiation skills and good judgement. Wow a resume that is! What a special guy he is! First we know absulutely nothing about his character, and we sense his good judgement is in question after sitting in a church for 20 years as "his" country was trashed and I'll give you he can deliver a slick speach if rehearsed and a teleprompter is used. "General" why don't you just go away and act like a retired general is supposed to act.

Comment by Jerry from Tampa — July 1, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
It's about time the Dems bloody the cowardly chickenhawk riddled republican leadership.
mccain is no hero…..he just got caught, and that's no accomplishment.
Me and my fellow Marines were on the ground everyday…WE are the heros that the repugs are so quick to annoint.

Comment by geobushono — July 1, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
Does *anyone* who supports Obama *really* - no *really* think that political ideology aside, you would keep Obama's short resume on your desk when the lengthly accomplishments of McCain are next to it?

I can't stop laughing at this. You can say Obama is your choice for whatever reason… but to say he is experienced/qualified and McCain is not is do disingenuous that it's hard to not slap your mother's upside the head with a claw hammer for raising such stupid kids.

Comment by Off A Cough — July 1, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
This is hilarious. Advice from a man who never fails to mention his previous military service at the drop of a hat. As does Mr. Clark.

If Webb gets the nod for VP, just another good reason not to vote democrat.

Post #62 invalidates it's contention with the first paragraph. "They aren't taking their cue from Obama…" Give me a break. They are both mouthpieces for the gentleman from Chicago. And if you believe they aren't then you are very, very naive. Thus the rest of your post is pretty much a waste.

Comment by Richard — July 1, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
Says the guy who used HIS military service to get elected….

Comment by John Viercinski — July 1, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
SO, I GUESS JFK GETTING HIS PT BOAT CUT IN HALF, DIDN'T QUALIFY HIM FOR PRESIDENT EITHER.

Comment by ROY — July 1, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
How quickly all you right wing bigots forget. Try and remember (if you can) back to the 2000 republican primaries. Bush belittles McCain on his military record then & also on the legitimacy of his adopted child. Don�t forget you are the ones who voted for Bush over McCain then. Bush who could not even fulfill his NG duty
Kevin leddy
New york

Comment by Kevin leddy — July 1, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
Webb is an asshat. He always has been. He's an embarrassment to the great state of Virginia.

Comment by Randy — July 1, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
I would be more than happy to tell Mr. Webb that he is a hypocrit to his face or to anyone else.
However, I'm not in the news. Let's see Mr. Webb, Mr. Clark, or Mr. Obama criticize Sen. McCain's service to his face. Don't think that will happen anytime soon.

Comment by SCChuck — July 1, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Listen, McCain is a great war hero. If it weren't for his service we may never have defeated the confederacy.

Comment by President Flightsuit — July 1, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Jim Webb should go back to writing his fictional books and take the so called general (clarke) with him.

Comment by Lee — July 1, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Barack Obama has nothing. He has no record, so he criticizes others records. Do we want a state senator from Illinois with the most liberal voting record in congress and 2 years of Senatorial experience (most of it running for president) as our president. Are people just brain dead or what? This guy is a joke. If he were not a great speaker would he even be out of the state senate? Doubtful. Sheep (people) of america, get your head out of the sheep in front of you and do your homework.

Comment by Jerry — July 1, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Question? I love the libs bringing up the very honorable Swift Boat Veterans. Has anyone proved that they were lying about Kerry? NO! the MSM has tried their best, but no one has ever come forth with any proof that what they did was anything but honorable. Kerry sold out the military, called them murderers, threw away his phony purple hearts, and is a disgrace and hypocrite to those of us who served with honor in Viet Nam. Thank God for the very honorable Swift Boat Vets, who not only served with honor, but had a major role in defeating that phony coward!

Comment by Dave - NJ — July 1, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
How dare that Weasel General Clark, admonish McCain. Clark was such an impotent leader during the Clinton administration, many soldiars on his watch see him as a coward. Especially during the Bosnia conflict. How can the weasel even have the nerve to try and compare McCain to Obamas, experience. There is no comparison, Obama, has not yet reach the greatness of McCain, a real live hero, who many are so envious of. The weaseal is a real scapegoat, probably trying to get into the Obomination administration, foret it he will through you under…..General Weasel

Comment by CMHinsley — July 1, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
Hmmm, let me think about this. Here is the choice, a commander in chief of our entire military who has not one speck of military experience who votes to cut their funding or a patriot who served (for many years) his country, was tortured for his country, and then sends his own sons to fight for their country. Duh, no brainer here. Democrats are fools.

Comment by dooo — July 1, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
It's not funny to mock his age. Get over it. Obama is just going to spend his whole term trying to help people. McCain realizes that this country can only stay great through war. Iran, we're looking at you.

Comment by McCain-Cheney08 — July 1, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
McCain doesn't seem to be pushing his service as much as his opponents are freaking out about it. I don't get Sen. Webb's statement. Would he have been elected without his service? Has he forgotten the fundamental concept behind military people running for office? Americans want to be confident that their leader truly cares about the good of the nation, and having put your country's defense before concern for your own life is definitely a good indication in that direction. Does that alone qualify him? Of course not. Is it irrelevant? You'd be an idiot to think so.

Comment by Rick — July 1, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
LOL Political backfire in progress. This one proxy attack from Obama is not only contrasting his virginal resume with true qualifications, it's also exposing him as the crooked Chicago politician that he is.

Grow up, children. Trolling the Internet is *not* going to get your messiah elected. You had might as well warm up your bongs.

Comment by Off A Cough — July 1, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
Hero or Zero?

Comment by John M — July 1, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
geobushono
Need more of our military who were on the ground to speak up and put truth to the propaganda machines. Thank you for your service.

Comment by robert lange — July 1, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Oh now you right wing war lovers are against the swifting boat of a candidate's military service? To bad, you're three years too late standing up to that nonsense. Karma is sweet and if McGrampa (who won't release his military records) wants to run on his POW experience, I don't see why we can't challenge it especially since he's claiming that it qualifies him for president.

Comment by BrooklynGirl — July 1, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Go ahead…vote for Obama. You idiot's that support him will lose your entry level, low education, minimum wage jobs when he initiates the largest tax increase in US history.. Thus forcing small business to cut back by reducing employees. Duhhhhhh….

Comment by Frank Stein — July 1, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Well, if John McCain should "calm down" on references to serving his country, then Barack Obama should disclaim ever serving his country at all. After all, what has he done other than serve almost 2 years as a Senator (more than half of it campaigning for President) and a little bit more as a minor State Senator.

Frankly, John McCain doesn't play his service hand enough. He doesn't say that, of his 4 sons, 3 have served in the military - 1 just completed service as a Marine in Iraq and another is at the Naval Academy getting ready to serve. He doesn't play enough that he actually commanded a fleet of planes for years after his release from captivity.

What has Clark or Webb really done in comparision to John McCain and isn't the ONLY reason that anyone is listening to them at ALL because they too served in the military. Otherwise, Jim Webb would be another self-aggrandizing bigot - i.e., he has said "no women in the military" and that the confederacy was a valid enterprise. Clark ordered many attacks in Bosnia - but from behind enemy lines - he just let the ground forces and fighter pilots (like McCain) put themselves in danger.

Clark and Webb are political hacks for Obama (they both want major positions in the administration) - so why should anything they say be taken other than with a grain of salt and why shouldn't we be able to say that this nonsense comes DIRECTLY from the Obama campaign?

Comment by Harry — July 1, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
McCain needs to tell Clark and Webb to go pound sand. The military experience he brings to the table is his career and he is fully within his rights to bring it up and tout it. In addition, he is fully within his rights to point out the lack of experience of Obama in this, and many other, areas.

Comment by Jim — July 1, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
McCain needs to do nothing… Obama's proxy attacks are backfiring quite nicely.

It's only begun, folks. Obama is just beginning to be EXPOSED for what he is.

Buh bye, little boy.

Comment by Off A Cough — July 1, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
Webb is hypochrite and what Media never mentions is Wes CLark was relieved of duty as Nato Commander by the CLinton admin Because he was about the start ww3 with the Russians.

In fact he ordered British General Jackson to send troops to Pristina to confront Russians, who had taken over an airport, and General Jackson told him "I am not starting ww3 for you" Jackson then told Blair Clark was out of control CLinton admin then sent staffers to Europe to monitor CLark who was relieved of duty a short time later.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
"Just to cover up the fact that I was: snorting cocaine during my formative years and developing a persona that, other than the tragic slaughter of the innocent unborn, was totally devoid of principle and allowed me to adroitly flex with the prevailing political winds, in contrast to John McCain who sculpted his character while being tortured as a POW in Hanoi; cavorting with treasonous elements who had blown up U.S. Government buildings; attempting to undermine our military members while they were engaged in combat; and, contributing to fanatics who were condemning America under the guise of religion; I PERSONALLY will not question the patriotism of my opponent; but, you can anticipate a steady stream of my surrogates, such as professional front-man Wesley Clark who was relieved of his military command for reasons of integrity, that I will dispatch to slime my opponent's patriotism on my behalf. I'm sure that you will support me in this most noble of endeavors." Commentary that would be given by Barrack Obama to his left-wing supporters in San Francisco if he was assured that small town folks clinging to their religion were prohibited from recording his comments. Greg Neubeck

Comment by Greg Neubeck — July 1, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
Calling Wesley Clark a weasel is no better than those move-on fools calling out Gen. Betrayus, and I really hope that no real repubican would honestly support the swiftboaters. How dare we, proud conservatives, allow military men of either party to be disgraced like this. It is a sad day to be a Reagan repub.

Comment by McCheney08 — July 1, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
Is it a coincidence that the very same former miltary men who are critcizing John McCain were asked to retire because they could not get along with men of the same or higher rank than them. They were considered not compatible for command positions.

Comment by Jack Boyle(USAF Ret.} — July 1, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
Hypocrisy?

The root about Webb's statements is not about qualifications as a soldier or airman.

The root is SEPARATE PARTISAN POLITICS FROM THE MILITARY.

The military shouldn't be a soap box to sell snakeoil to the American People!

Comment by Wisconsin — July 1, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Where is the change ?
All I see is dirty Chicago politics.

Comment by tankfixer — July 1, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Love it! The Obamanites KNOW there is so little experience on his resume, they have to start limiting what McCain can use on HIS resume! Geez Dems! LISTEN YO YOURSELVES!

Comment by atl_allen — July 1, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Speaking of Dems who use Military service as a weapon, when is Murtha going to apologize to US Marines for his lies over Haditha?

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
you morons in this country, you see it takes these kinds of efferts to get elected into office ,people in this country believe in sucker punching, attacking defenseless countries ect

Comment by tortus — July 1, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Clark is a bonifide idiot.

Comment by Buster Hymand — July 1, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Yeah, since Obama doesn't have any military service it would be unfair for McCain to use it…

The Dems don't want a fair fight, they want John McCain to wear chains the whole time.

Well, I don't think John will agree to being chained again.

Comment by BrocktonDave — July 1, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
REPEAT - The military should not be a soap box to sell snakeoil to the American people.

Comment by Wisconsin — July 1, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
The Dems will never have the military vote. PERIOD.

Comment by CW2 — July 1, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Hey Brooklyngirl, it is "too" not "to. And McCain is not running on his "POW" experience, he is running on all his experience, military included. Something Obama is in short supply.
Baaaaaaaa

Comment by Jerry — July 1, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Isn't Webb the same guy that threatened a United States President with violence?

Comment by Lee — July 1, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Hey Webb, does that mean we should now take all mention of Obama's thrilling and incredibly impressive "community organizing" service out of politics too? After all, to a lib that is so much more of a sacrifice than war theater military service. Better yet Webb, why don't you enact a bill to disband the military and turn all military people into "community organizers". That would give you a huge leg up in the next Dem primary.

Comment by Al — July 1, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
[...] Webb: McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military Service [...]

Pingback by McCain’s Military Service as a political issue « The American Muslim — July 1, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
McCain actually sold out the other troops in POW camp. He was coddled and treated like a prince. In fact, he happily left behind his fellow servicemen. He is a manchurian candidate. Don't expect us to stop borrowing from China to buy from China anytime soon.

Comment by Truth-bringer — July 1, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Isn't Jim Webb the knuckle head wearing around his son's military boots. What a jerk.

Comment by John Nelson — July 1, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
I love it. All the rightwingnuts are talking tough on here about who is the real hero. Again you guys are all stuck in idealogy world and are so loyal to your heroes. Unfortunately for you guys, Clark and Webb are dead on and absolutely correct when it comes to John McCain. He is a victim of Vietnam not a hero. Sure he stayed loyal to his fellow prisoner of war buddies, but that doesn't make you qualified, smart enough, or have better judgement to be president. It just means you are a tough guy and in McCain's case he'd be like a bull in a china shop. He doesn't have the judgement to be president but only a dictator. Sorry guys, President Obama is sounding better everyday!!!!!

Comment by Richard in Boston — July 1, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
The Democrats have nothing to run on except envy and hate, so they must destroy the GOP's advantage on the military. Gen. Clark is, IMO, an unindicted war criminal who bombed civilians in Kosovo and Serbia and almost set off WWIII before he was fired. Webb is a hypocrite who used his son's boots as a campaign prop and mentioned it at every campaign event. If the American people call for this crowd, we're doomed.

Comment by Stephen — July 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Democrats criticizing McCain's military service is a great strategy…for the Republicans. Only Can't-MoveOn.org types, who already worship Obambi, will respond to these absurd attacks. The attacks are rallying the Republican base, which McCain ha had a hard time doing on his own, and it will turn off the independents. Go Dims!

Comment by Mikey — July 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Obama resume is as shallow as his speeches.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Hey John, your comment:
"Mr. McCain, if you have anything within you that truly qualifies you, TELL ME! Your military career alone, while commendable, doesn't quite cut it for me."

Let's put that another way:
"Mr. Barack Hussein Obama, if you have anything within you that truly qualifies you, TELL ME! You have no military service, you have 144 days as a Senator, you have never run a company, and your choice of friends, like Wright( you called an uncle), you shoe you have no character." commendable, doesn't quite cut it for me."

You are half white, but you choose to run as a black, why to exploite. Why not run as what you are a mixed race muslim?

Hussein is that not a muslim name?

Osama bin Laden
Saddam Hussein
Barack Hussein Obama

The real axis of evil.

Wake up our country is screwed if we get a no experience muslim.

Comment by Joetechguy — July 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
When Barack was learning to Beat Box, John McCain was in a Bamboo box serving his country.

Anyone who dares to question his integrity ought to sit in a locked closet with the lights off for like 2 hours to get some perspective before they decided to pontificate.

Comment by PK — July 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Jorge… don't hold your breath waiting for Murtha to apologize, he's another weasle Lib that the MSM loves and gives a free pass. He's another low life left wing politician who sold out the Military, and should be ashamed to call himself a Marine. The majority, in fact, all of my Vet buddies Hate him!

Comment by Dave - NJ — July 1, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Truth bringer is right. My dad is a vet, and one of his friends was in McCain's unit. He is a traitor

Comment by Golden eyed — July 1, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
The only reason John McCain is harping on his military record so much is because he has his back to the wall right now. Republicans have used the issue of military and national security experience for years to scare average Americans. Obama could really open this election up if he began to mention McCain's involvement in the Keating 5 and the savings and loan scandals of the late 80's. Right now, McCain's only chance is his dignified military record. The Republicans attacked John Kerry relentlessly during the 04 campaign, and his lack of backbone left many wondering if his military record was indeed questionable. This is just classic American politics. The democrats are just prodding right now, trying to analyze weakness in the McCain campaign. How McCain responds is in his hands and also in the increasingly pro-Obama media's hands.

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Mcain served and as honorably as he could. Service is a duty of the citizens of America. It even allows folks to post on blogs like this. Haven't served? IMHO there is no right to judge the quality of a person who did serve - no idea what it takes.

Does his service as a Field Grade Officer qualify him? It could not hurt. Can someone without service be President? Sure. Are they qualified? Maybe.

Most politicals use their service, when it suits them. They also do not what to talk about service when they are looked at hard and come up short (like Kerry). If they have no service, they do not want to talk about service at all.

Also, bieng a 4 star General does not make you all knowing either - a surprize to some 4 stars.

Comment by Hal — July 1, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
I find it hard to believe that so many ex-marines are pro obama. McCain believes in this country while obama has nothing good to say about it. He does not, innately, inderstand what the USA is all about. obama is an egomaniac who, whenever presented a choice, chooses himself over the good of the country every time. Would any real marine do this?

Comment by ragnarb — July 1, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
I love watching the Drudgetard members of the lunatic fringe spin themselves into a tizzy over what they think Webb said, rather than what he actually said.

The Republicans have done a fine job of converting their uneducated supporters into a bunch of overly sensitive crybabies exceeded in their ability to take offense only by radical fundamentalist muslims.

All Webb said is that not everybody who served in the military shares John McCain's views, and that turning military service into a political issue is nonsense.

Speaking of which, President Bush and Dick Cheney have ZERO military service to their credit - unless you count lying to the nation to get us into an expensive war we can't afford.

Comment by AMB — July 1, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Josh Keating 5 was years ago. Maybe Mcain should mention Obamas ties to recently convicted Felons in CHicago and his ties to admitted Weather underground terrorists.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Hello,
Mr. Ahmadinejad also talked about his militry backgroud before being elected. what US needs is someone who can think, lead and make decesions.

Comment by Hassan Ranjbar Phd.D — July 1, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Uh MT you're either diluted with Democrat Kool-aid,a moron or both. Probably the later.

Let's discuss four year's ago. John Kerry, Wesley Clark and company paraded "military service" as an absolute prerequisite for serving as the president.

The "527 organization" you refer to is the "Swift Boat Veteran's for Truth". An organization of actual service men that served with John Kerry and refute his memory of events in Vietnam. They also took exception of John Kerry and his "smear" of the military in Vietnam. Calling them baby killer's and equating them to Ghengis Khan. I ask you, what type of hero brings a movie camera to Vietnam and re-enacts himself coming out of the jungle?

What Wesley Clark is doing now is in conflict with his comments during the 2004 Democratic National Convention parading John Kerry's military service you idiot. Look it up, it's on tape. Hypocrisy at it's finest and a typical Liberal.

It's hilarious that now that you have a candidate with no service record (remember the trashing of Bush for only having Guard service?) that you bozo liberals now flip flop. Sorry you moron, some of us do pay attention and have a memory.

Comment by KM — July 1, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
McCain has every right to talk about and be proud of his military service. For this idiot Webb to suggest for McCain not to use his military service as a qualification because Obama has NO military service is ridiculous and an insult. Webb, take your opinion and keep it to yourself. I would rather vote for a War Hero over a slick tongued lawyer with no experience ANYDAY!

It is quite hilarious how nobody can show how Barack is qualified to be President; I'd say he is the most unqualified candidate to date with the shortest list of accopmlishments I've ever seen.

Comment by PD — July 1, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
I'm scared. Obambi is looking bulletproof. Everyday his poll numbers go up, and people seemed concerned about our hero's age. Maybe Jindal will help. Or the Mormon guy.

Comment by Mcainiac08 — July 1, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Barack HUSSEIN Obama!
Barack HUSSEIN Obama!

I was in the USMC. My service entitles me to be a racist bigot, you rich, WHITE people running the US of KKK A!

Comment by Rev. Jeremiah Wright — July 1, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Jim Webb, instructing someone to 'calm down'?! Holy smokes. Next Obama will tell McCain to be humbler, or Bush will tutor him on being more articulate, or Bill Clinton will give him advice on quashing rumors of infidelity.

Comment by Jack — July 1, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Here's Clark's early resume in brief:

Great academic at West Point. Got a Rhodes, so avoided service in Vietnam for awhile. Then, served safely as a staff officer for awhile before leading his only troops in Vietnam into an ambush - he got shot and was lucky he wasn't captured. His next command was stateside in charge of wounded soldiers at an Army hospital. Then the Army sent him to get his Master's Degree. Cushy.

Afterwards, worked at the Office of Management and Budget in the White House and then went to the German theater of Army operations.

Oversaw Bosnia - both the good and the genocide.

Unlike McCain, Clark sucks the teat of the bureaucratic system and advanced. McCain, too, would have advanced to Admiral like his father and grandfather if he had stayed in the Navy - but didn't appreciate the clouded bureaucracy that oversaw the military.

Jim Webb served just 4 years in the military. A very brave 4 years, but only 4. He also served as Secretary of the Navy in civilian capacity later on. The only reason he was considered capable of leadership was because of his military experience. So why should McCain downplay it if Webb doesnt?

Comment by Harry — July 1, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
Dave,,, Murtha is scum he used Media to spread lies about Marines and vast majority of Marines Former and active hate him for it.

With Murth it isnt "Semper Fi" its "Semper I"

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
I cannot believe how stupid the Dmeocrats are at even discussing Senator McCain's military service in any way. When they do, all they do is draw attention to the contrast between Senator McCain and Senator Obama on National Security issues. It's a guaranteed loser for them. Obama did not even know what Memorial Day was for. If I was some 527 I would play Obama's Memorial Day remarks over and over and over.

Comment by Flyoverman — July 1, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
Funny that it was A-OK for John Kerry to hype is three purple hearts in 2004. It didn't matter what he was talking about, he always took the opportunity to remind us that he won not one, not two but three purple hearts, and that Bush was only in the National Guard. Now the Democrats want to minimize the military record of the candidates. Nothings changed…carry and move on…the democrats hate the military. For me….I am hiding my guns and my wallet….because they are riding into town…..I better hide my military experience also, they may not like it.

Comment by ConcernedDisabledCitizen — July 1, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Re: Vietnam being a "disaster"

Actually we were on the verge of winning when the liberal media decided that the Tet offensive (which we DEFEATED) meant that the U.S. had lost and went on to convince the country of that.

Sound familiar?

Liberals are pathetic liars.

Comment by Joe — July 1, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Yep. JFK's PT boat getting cut in half, and the subsuqent Heroism that followed made JFK a WAR HERO. His Father's involvement with the Mafia made him president material. As it did his brother, and cousins. It also, gave the Kennedy's the right to Rape people, and such, and walk scott free.

Comment by Rendell — July 1, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Clark did not overseas Bosnia. He was in charge of Nato Operations in war on Serbia. Funny thing is some liberals call GW and War criminal becuase Iraq invasion was not approved by UN. Well either was NATO war on tiny serbia

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Senator Webb has a mighty short memory. His whole campaign against George Allen to win his Senate seat was all about his former military service and the fact he wears combat boots with his suit.

I guess it is ok for John Kerry, Jim Webb, and Democrats to talk about military service, but when a Republican (especially one that was a bona fide prisoner of war) does it, it is politicizing the military. Give me a break!

Comment by Chris of Roanoke, VA — July 1, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Trot out the moonbats. Nothing like there trash talk against McCain to galvanize conservative support.

There will no muslim president.

Comment by tec9 — July 1, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
I believe Wesley Clark is a "4 star" general who was manufactured by Bill Clinton (from a full Colonel) with the intention of grooming him as a VP selection for Hillary to give her some military credentials she was and still is lacking. He was then sent out by Bill Clinton to take down Howard Dean to be sure Howard's POTUS aspriations would fail and thus not get in Hillary's path to the White House. Now that that scheme has been aborted by the Democrat primary voters I believe there is now a plan to reinvent this POS general to give Hussein military credentials. Problem is that unlike most retired generals this POS is not to be believed. Listen to his rant of 4 years ago where he tried to sell Kerry to the sheep as a potential POTUS. He said that "Kerry had heard the sounds of mortar rounds and seen tracers fired his way and that experience was his qualificationo to be the POTUS". Now this POS "General" has raised the bar and says that McCains experience doesn't raise to this level. Tell us "General" how this can be? Then "General" you try to tell us now that Hussein Obama is not running on any military experience at all but is running on his character, communiation skills and good judgement. Wow what a convincing resume that is! What a special guy Hussein is! First we know absulutely nothing about his character, and we sense his good judgement is in question after sitting in a church for 20 years as "his" country was trashed on a regular basis. I'll give you he can deliver a slick speach if it is well written then rehearsed and a teleprompter is used. "General" why don't you just try to be honest like a General is expected to be and then go away and act like a retired general is supposed to act. You are pathetic.

Comment by Jerry from Tampa — July 1, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
CLARK WAS FIRED BY CLINTON ADMIN! Why is this never talking about in MSM?

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Poor B.H.Obama. He sent his little
minions to try to smear McCain, but
all that happened was that people
realized that he is just a
dirty, say-anything, do-anything
politico hack.
Obama: The new Dukakis. How much do you
want to bet that Obama puts on a tank
helmet at some desperate point.

Comment by Jerry King — July 1, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Wow, listen to the Drudgites talk tough. Hey BacktoReality, I'd like to see you say that to Jim Webb's face. It would be fun to watch his boot go up your a$$.

Comment by Matt � July 1, 2008 @ 12:47 pm

Hey Matt, your an idiot, and Webb is a hypocrite. And if Webb were here, I would tell him to his face. You obviously never served, you chicken. All you do is complain, from a distance. Some of us are proud of our military service and tradition. Then maybe you'd have some perspective.

Comment by Tmos — July 1, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
Clark was relieved of command by the CLinton admin for wanting to send NATO troops to remove Russhian troops from Pristina airport. effectively starting ww3. British General Jackson told him no and Blair went to clinton and told him to get Clark under control.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
I am LMAO over this… everyone is talking about the great things McCain did as a senior senator and genuine war hero, and how special it is that Obama ran a neighborhood watch or failed public housing thing and has spent less than 2 years actually doing national service of any sort.

Epic backfire in progress. Leave it to the Democrat party to screw up a golden opportunity to control all branches of government. You will all be missing Hillary come November.

Comment by Off A Cough — July 1, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
Would someone please check to see if the good Senator from Illinois ever registered with the selective service? If the answer is no, he is in violation of the law and is punishable by fines and jail term.

Comment by Curious — July 1, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
Obama and his minions are quick to slur McCain and his record, and yet Obama is not even willing to make his birth certificate available. Obama was late in defending McCain status of birth in the canal Zone, and yet he wants McCain endorsement of his birth status without providing proof. Obama refuses to discuss pertinent facts and yet he is quick to infer that these are all untruths, so if they are easily disproven then for the sake of clarity then disprove them. Sounds simple to me. If he is not guilty of gay sex, then file a libel suit in court. Or seek an injunction against his accuser. Obama likes to play the racist card any time the heat is on, yet he is the one who slams his opponents with the race baiting. Let Obama refute all allegations of slurs upon McCain, and phrase it as finite, and not conditional upon his presumption of innocence. Obama is in need of real reality checks, for he hasn't fooled this Missourian, and I doubt if he has fooled many Mid-westerners.

Comment by legitament gripe — July 1, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Funny that here in VA, Webb touted his military service when it was election time for the Senate.

Comment by DJ Harris — July 1, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
CLark was fired……by Sec Def Cohen.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
I done been there and done that:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08022007/photos/obama.jpg

Comment by Barack Obama — July 1, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
"Wow, listen to the Drudgites talk tough. Hey BacktoReality, I'd like to see you say that to Jim Webb's face. It would be fun to watch his boot go up your a$$."

Comment by Matt

Very nice Matt. Another Dem gets put in his appropriate place and you cant offer anything substantial debate wise so you bring up the the boot in the a$$.

I'd be happy to say it Webb's or any other wimp lib Dem's face. Guess I better practice cause that's pretty much all of you, huh???

BTW I hope Sen Webb adheres to his military shoe shine training for polishing his boots. It would slide in so much easier, huh Matthew?

Ding Fries Ready!!!

Comment by 4est 4est Gump — July 1, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
It doesn't matter what the democrats do (which is nothing I maught add!). John McCain will be the next President.

Comment by Ken H. — July 1, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
I dont hear republicans asking Obama to tone it down on the effective speaking.

Comment by Jack — July 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
I agree completely that riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is not qualification for being president. That being said, it would be nice if the Dems would actually practice what they preach.

Comment by Justin — July 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Has Webb stopped carrying his Sons combat boots? Funny Mcain son served in IRAQ but he never mentions it. Mcain has more class then Webb.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Jorge… the answer is that the MSM is in the tank for B Hussain Obama, they are a major part of his staff, but guess what, alot of them are losing their jobs, because as time goes on people are starting to realize B Hussain is an empty suit!

Comment by Dave - NJ — July 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
The hypocracy of the left is astounding.

Let's hear all about Obama's experience. I'll sit down and listen. Come on. Impress me.

Obama will say ANYTHING to get elected. Talk is cheap.

Comment by Ariel — July 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
'Reporting for Duty" saluted Kerry. According to Kerry militarty experience was everything. Even by a traitor who stabbed me and my brothers in the back time and time again. Thank God for the SwiftBoat Vets for Truth who told the real story. Speaking of which does anyone know the reasons why Gen Clark was push out of the Service. Webb or should I say Web the weaver. Now there is a guy of integrity. Not. He's the kind of guy (along with Kerry) that was voted most likey to be fragged. God please help us.

Comment by Dallas Jackson — July 1, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
Hussein Hussein Hussein!
Call Obama a racist.
*Insert insult against his wife here*
random string of racist stereotypes, yo, my negroes
*try to hold a great man responsible for people he knew*
for shizzle, a little more racism
EGOMANIAC!
HUSSEIN HUSSEIN HUSSEIN

[repubs seem like robots this year. the same lame lines over and over]

Comment by Racist White Republican — July 1, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
It's just another Dems protocol, when it suits them, do it regardless of the outcome. Ooooh, but it's bad when the Republicans make their point. You see, it's all about the Dems, all about them and feathering their nests. They don't give a rats a$$ about you! They'd rather see you standing in line and DIEING for health care…

Comment by Russ — July 1, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
MCain son served in Iraq in the Marines. Mcain adopted and raises handicaped orphan from over sea.

Mcain has too much class to use them as props in his campaign. Unlike Webb who used his son service as a weapon.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
McCain downed 3 planes by pilot error. One he flew into powerlines. What pilot flies into powerlines?

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Well, for all you morons that want BHO for pres, how about reading this article found on http://cbs2chicago.com/local/cook.county.tax.2.760949.html
Chicago now has the highest sales tax in America and if he becomes president, all taxes will go way up.

Comment by Ken H. — July 1, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
I do not believe anyone has said that McCain's military service is the sole reason he is better than Obama. But to claim that it is not a factor and should be ignored is like saying we should ignore Obama's community planner experience, which is all Obama has. Obama doesn't even hold meetings in his Senate Committees. He also voted present on more bills than he cast votes on, like he doesn't want to have a paper trail of his real leanings.

Comment by Liberal dogma — July 1, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
There is a huge difference on the swift boating of Kerry and McCain….Kerry's swift boaters served with him….McCain's did not. If you do not think McCain was a hero, listen to the men who spent time with him in Vietnam.

Comment by len — July 1, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
that's fine, mccain can't use military service. Obama then can't use "community organizer", "harvard grad" or any other meaningless certificate libs think is super duper.

Comment by jimbo — July 1, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
Fred lots. Your talking 1960's flying not 2008 flying. Sorry very few NAVY pilots go 22 years of service with out dumping a plane or two. I grew up in San diego in flight path of Mira Mar. Navy jets crashing was regular occurence.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
You can always tell when a liberal is talking about their opponent…they talk trash. Name me one honest to good hero who is liberal in their views and talks derogatorily about our country and our heros…

Comment by TxnByBrth — July 1, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
To quote a famous man (who recently died) from his 1968 epic film role:

"You maniacs!

You blew it up!

God da** you!"

God da** you all to he**!"

May God save us from ourselves.

Comment by Bill — July 1, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Mira Mar aka Fighter town USA.. TOPGUN etc.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
If McCain shouldn't use his military service then Jim Webb shouldn't wear his son's combat boots as a political propaganda tool.

You would think a man that has a head as big as melon head Webb would have a little sense. Virginia got screwed royally with this loser.

Comment by Michael — July 1, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
We're totally going to lose this year, if only we elected a real republican instead of this withered old coot.

Comment by A real Republican08 — July 1, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
At least, Obama had the sense to question the intelligence and the lies being propagated by the Bush/Cheney administration re the so-called Iraqi threat. The big issue now is the price of oil - how come no one is connecting the dots?
Iraq war, billions of American dollars squandered, borrowing from our potential enemy nations to pay the bills…. time to dump the Republican agendas and try something else.

Comment by robert lange — July 1, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
John Kerry made his military service of four months in Vietnam a cornerstone of his campaign. Do they think we won't remember that military service was EVERYTHING to the Jim Webbs and Wesley Clarks 8 years ago ?

Comment by Aaron — July 1, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
I am so sick of the socialist libs claiming that anyone who disgrees with Nobama comes from a link from Drudge. Does that mean that all you who worship at the alter of a man with no military experience whatsoever came here from a link from dailykos???

Comment by Paul — July 1, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
only 4 years ago.

Comment by Aaron — July 1, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
Typical DUMBO-crap bile. Send Webb over to Iraq so they can use him as a sand bag!

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
Webb and Clark blow! Losers..

Comment by John Gersper — July 1, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
At least McCain isn't using his son's service for political gain like Webb did.

Comment by Amanda — July 1, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
I do not like Mr. McCain but I will vote for him. Why? Because I would rather vote for a liberal Republicrat than a liberal, left leaning, socialistic, closet communist that hates America and all it stands for. McCain committed the act of self sacrifice which is something Obama does not understand; the concept is foreign to him. In Texas we have a term for Him. Obama is a 'post turtle'. If you do not know what a post turtle is then pay attention. When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'. You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb ass put him up there to begin with.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
I'll tell Webb to his face! This is a calculated effort by the Dems to try and remove any military service from the debates. The only military news they want to talk about is any bad news! Webb, Clark, and the other hypocrites can bite it!

Comment by Troy — July 1, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Since Barak Obama never wore the uniform of an American soldier, he is unable to even comment on John McCain's honorable service record; therefore he has surrogate hacks do his dirty work.
Obama all at once is wearing a flag lapel which he never wore before and can not stand in front of enough American flags. The same man that attended church services for twenty years of the Jeremiah Wright and listened to sermons of American hatred from the pulpit. Yes, I can question Obama's patriotism. He not a patriot; he's an opportunist. God Bless America, we will need the blessing if Obama becomes our president.

Comment by Richard L — July 1, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Honor, valor, courage, all the lawyers in the democratic party have none, they are all cowards looking for someone to sue and split the settlement.

Comment by leadwreck — July 1, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Robert Lange……Obama had the luxury of not having to vote on it. WHo knows how he would have voted on it. He says he was against it, he also said he could never dump reverand Wright and would take public financing for his camapaign.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
[...] The Hill's Blog Briefing Room � Webb: McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military… Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) waded into the debate over John McCain's military service Monday to say that the Republican should avoid using military service in politics. [...]

Pingback by Jim Webb Is as Cluless as Wesley Clark | 186 k per second — July 1, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Since Obama has absolutely no qualifications to be president-none whatsoever-his minions are on the attack,with his okay-to try to destroy the candidate with a huge resume and qualifications. Clinton knew she was being taken down by Obama who had no qualifications and that is why the Clintons are so angry. Just who is behind the candidacy of such a lightweight??????

Comment by messine — July 1, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Webb is motto is SEMPER I not SEMPER FI

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
The liberals have no shame…this should not come as a surprise to anyone

Comment by John M — July 1, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
I will say it to Webbs face. My Dad was a Marine and each mans service is a God send to those of us who do not serve but I also feel that a military man that diss's another is pitiful and Webb and Clark should be ashamed of themselves.

Comment by Kay — July 1, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
You all seem to forget how Bush won is 2000. He ripped on Mccain's service record continuously… even after rarely if ever showing up for his duty himself. Let's not even start with Dick's military issues. Getting shot down over Nam and blown up on the Forestall doesn't give him the qualities of a president I want, but at least he was man enough to raise his right arm.
Serving his country does make him more informed about sending troops into harms way, but it doesn't help the cost of gas or that homes are more profitable as kindling.
But after reading the idiots on this post, it doesn't matter who says what…. you all have the same comebacks and they are weak.

I was in the military and it wouldn't surprise me if all the rumors of preferential treatment were true.

The hypocrisy you all speak of is rampant on both sides, get over it and make your own decisions. Check that, maybe y'all should just move to Texas and we'll give that to you as your own country.

Comment by Jeff — July 1, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
You Repubs are such hypocrites. Listen to you all whine, whine, whine. This is from the same group that concocted an entire group of veterans to raise a stink about John Kerry. Now we have a GENERAL and a decorated Vietnam vet make a couple comments about a guy who did nothing more than get shot down, fail his mission and then somehow try to capitalize it on it politically. Well you say 1. Military service does matter…blah, blah, blah….is that why you all elected that dumb chimp George W? Because he had a great military record?……yeah right…then you want to say 2) McCain isn't publicizing his military service………are you kidding me? Have you seen his ads? They are all about his military heritage. Personally, I'm an independent and I'm not sure who I'm going to vote for, but it just amazes me how you chicken hawk right wing freaks are never wrong and everyone else is a hypocrite. You are all probably the same ones that even said McCain wasn't conservative enough during the primaries and you'd vote for Hillary. Its all of your insecurities that got this bozo George W. elected a second time which in turn has led this country down a dooming path of war and economic gloom. Maybe if for once you could take off the blinders and really look what's going on, you can make a real assessement of this country's situation instead of blindly following bipartisan party lines. Get a mind of your own people.

Comment by ugh — July 1, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
I suppose that as prerequisite to serving ones country in the Senate, one has to be politically correct at all times. That being said, I would never be elected to those hallowed halls. So instead. let me be politically incorrect and just say that Obama and his tribe, are a race-baiting, military-hating, society-dividing,and marxist-motivated to destroy this country's industry, influence and prestige. McCain '08

Comment by legitament gripe — July 1, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Obama thinks we are STUPID. He has his minions
like general Clark go out and Dis McCain, a true patriot and hero. Then comes out and tries to act like he had nothing to do with it. Obama is devious and uses his minions to do his dirty work and then tries to look like he wasn't involved. PLEASE!!!! Obama is trying to swift boat McCain. The difference being the Swift Boaters were speaking the truth about Kerry.
There is No basis for the attack on McCain.

Comment by Clem — July 1, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Check your facts. Obama did raise questions on the floor and voted against give Bush the authority to use military force.

Comment by robert lange — July 1, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
McCain is 5th from last in his graduating class at the Navel Acadamy. Hello!! What does this tell you??

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Obam did not have access to the intelligence that the Senators who did vote on the resolution allowing military action, he was a state senator avoiding voting at the time. Hindsight is 20/20, we do not have the luxury of using Obama's magic glasses.

Comment by Liberal dogma — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Stupid neo-convicts like McCain need to be swift-boated. Those commies didn't torture him enough.

Comment by Liberal power — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Mr. Webb - you are a hypocrite of the first order. When you ran for Senate here in Virginia you touted your military experience and highlighted the fact that you had a son in Iraq, and that somehow gave you more credibility as a war critic. Now - it is not appropriate. Funny how just a couple of years in the Senate makes you and Barry Obama such experts on everything politics. Kudos to both of you for turning a 180 on several key points since first comming into politics.

Comment by John (in Va.) — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
For the 1st time in my adult life, I'm proud of a retired General. Thank you, Wesley Clark.

Down with America, foo'!

Comment by Michelle Obama — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Military experience aside, the libs are marxists and have much more in common ideologically with Stalin and Marx than with Jefferson and Madison.

Can anyone disagree here??

Comment by Steve P — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
You guys are FUN-KNEE!

McCain has played up his military service had commercials with soldiers and is introduced as a war hero….. Sorry BEING SHOT DOWN DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU FOR PRESIDENT is a TRUE statement…. I do however think other things he has done do however qualify him…

furthermore, BUSH had no problem attacking Kerry along with the swiftboaters… Kerry a man that served in Vietnam. But now i is a SIN to talk about ones service…

lol

Comment by Paul — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
If BO was an American it might matter. Everyone spends so much time arguing over matters that are so obvious that they forget the basics.

Why is BO so reluctant to release any documents about himself and family. JM has. Hundreds of pages of medical records. BO responded with a 1 paragraph statement from his Dr.

Everyone has all the documents related to JM's birth. BO has posted a non-certified copy of a "Certificate of Live Birth" printed in 2007.

Someone in our Government should grow some gonads and investigate this guy. Who is he and where does he come from?

Comment by RsBuildDsDestroy — July 1, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
yesssir we did get screwed with this loser in va. i can't even get a response form him! and to you the idiot robert lange, you show me how the iraqi threat was fake! and you show me how obamanation is going to do any good for this country or our security

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
You are all forgetting that both Webb and Clark used to be Republicans! Curious that none of the liberal staff of Obama is talking about military service, just 2 moderate supporters and former Republicans who have extensive military experience and both held leadership positions within the military. hmmm…maybe they know what they're talking about.

Comment by annoyedmoderate — July 1, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
DOWN WITH THE LEFTISTS WHO HATE THIS COUNTRY

Comment by Josh B — July 1, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
If one military man can't put another's achievements into perspective no one can. No one is slamming the old guy for missing duty assignments.

Oooooh, don't knock John on his record, he may get insulted. Get over it people, he can defend his record just fine himself. I'm just surprised all you right wing nut jobs are actually defending the guy. I thought y'all liked Hillery more???

Comment by Jeff — July 1, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
mccain is over the hill. too senile to be prez

Comment by Daisy — July 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Gee, Webb is a porno book writer, Kerry has failed at everything he has tried and Clark was FREd by President Clinton, so it is very obvious to anyone listening to the dumocrats that they have realized that BHO isn't really leading the polls and that he over polls, they now KNOW that in no way will America have anything to do with someone who has ONLY served two years in the Senate(running for president the entire time). Careful dumocrats, thou protests to much!

Comment by Don from Ohio — July 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
"Just who is behind the candidacy of such a lightweight??????"
- by messine � July 1, 2008 @ 1:50 pm

ummm, messine, that would be one George Soros, and his political machine at moveon.org

Comment by s.o.s. different day — July 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
It's amazing how many posts are littered on this board criticizing Kerry for showcasing his military experience, and then calling the Dems hypocrites for saying McCain's military experience isn't a qualification to be president. The Republicans set the terms last time: military experience, in 04, was not a qualification for president. So when we accept this debate by the terms Republicans set, we're criticized for it. But the game has changed, because the shoe is on the other foot, now. As such, the Dems are the hypocrites and the Republicans are infallible.

Comment by Andrew — July 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Actually, military experience would be a plus for president. Unfortunately the republican's candidate of choice was a bottom of the class dead weight and only got his position because of his daddy's influence. John McCain wouldn't have been captured if he was qualified so I don't think of him as a hero. If he had any honor, he would have recognized he was ill suited for that position immediately and stepped down. John McCain is just a opportunist who now sticks his finger in the air to determine which position to take on any issue. McCain will lose in a landslide because he runs his campaign in the same fashion as he graduated at the Naval Academy…dead last!

Comment by BrooklynGirl — July 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Fact is the vote was in 2002, Obama was a state senator. He was not a US Senator until 2005. Speaking of getting your facts straight. Since he has been in the Senate all he has done is run for President.

Comment by Liberal dogma — July 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Hey, Melon Head–

Shut the hell up. You and 50 ZILLION of the rest of us served in uniform. I'm sick of you pandering to your "hero" status every damn time some reporter feels it necessary to bring up YOUR service, 40 years ago, which has nothing to do with your current job.

What have YOU done for us LATELY, besides write smutty novels, that is?

Comment by Schmutzkowski — July 1, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
To messine:

You ask who is behind this lightweight's campaign? Well let me tell you, it's Barack Obama behind it all. If you want to talk about qualifications for President of this country, let's talk about a man who has concocted, from nothing, one of the most impressive campaigns for president in decades. Does no one see this? Don't you want your president to have great ideas, follow through with promises, englighten and motivate people and manage and govern to perfection? If you find yourself asking how Obama got this far so quick, I think you should start asking yourself why have you been so blind to see what he is brewing. He's good at what he does, that's why he is here so quick.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
We have found the open wound of the Democrats and Obama Hussain……thank you Gen. Clarke

Comment by Dave R. — July 1, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
Sen McCain served his country and almost gave his life for her and to have these limp wrist even think about taking out a service record is out of the question.
It was fine for Mr Kerry to push his Military service record on us, cough-cough only for political reasons. But when you have a person who was there and spent 5 years being tortured beyond anything these wussies on the Hill can imagine, that is something we cannot bring up because it might sway peoples thoughts and votes.
Sen. McCain did his duty to this wonderful country from both sides and to have this little limp wrist Wess Clark speak the way he is, is unthinkable. Mr Clark, the medals you wear are unearned(You should place then on the graves of those that served under you, they are the ones that earned those metals not you) and you should be ashamed to even open your mouth about Sen. McCain and questioning his Military record.
Sen. McCain may not be the favorite conservative but he has always been here for the Country, right or wrong.
Barack Hussein Obama, is a fake that wants to be President and most think he deserves it because he is a Black American. Be what you are not a something else. My mother is American born, my father is Irish but I do not run around calling myself Irish American or anything else. I am an American, nothing else.
I served this country (USMC) and love it, I do not look for a hand out because of my race, religion nothing. I deserve nothing from anyone but myself, History is History people, so get over it and move on with your life.

Comment by BryO — July 1, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
I thought that in this free society we should talk about everything pertaining our candidates background, including names of people that they were freely associating themselves with in past, and chose them as mentors. Why should our media hide certain subjects, which may not be �comfortable� or favorable to our candidates? Don�t you wish now that you knew more about Bush in 1999?
I do want to know, as much it is possible about the person I will put my vote behind.

Comment by Waclaw Borcz — July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Yeah I see Webb has been real successful in getting us out of Iraq. What a farce. The democrat playbook hasn't changed in 40+years.

Comment by Keith Emery — July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
"Guess who had no experience, big ears, and people claiming that he didn't have what it takes to be President?

Abraham Lincoln, one of our greats in history."

JohnUSMC

Sure…he was just wonderful… He plunged this country into a fratricidal war — 600,000+ killed — one product of which was the release of 3 million+ slaves into society without the benefit of government-supported transition/training programs, etc…

Comment by JLS — July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
I am confussed who keeps brings this up the BHO people. I haven't heard McCain beating chest about this.

Comment by jim — July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Is this the same Jim Webb who wrote some racy pedophilia (sp) in a work of fiction? How did this deviant ever get elected to anything?

Comment by Matt P — July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
There are 4 people in the Navy dumber than John McCain. He should find them and make them VP!!

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
lol, mccain's experience is fighting in a losing war!!! why are conservatives against using their brains. read a book, go get a liberal education you retards!!! obama's a winner, he beat hillary, he will beat mccain, he will lead america to the promised land!

Comment by hal — July 1, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
[...] UPDATE II - Democrat Senator Jim Webb piles on. Says that McCain should "Calm Down" when it coem sto his service: Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) waded into the debate over John McCain's military service Monday to say that the Republican should avoid using military service in politics. http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/07/01/webb-mccain-should-calm-down-on-using-military-service/ [...]

Pingback by Obama Campaign Attacks McCain’s Military Record in Trial Balloon. « The IUSB Vision Weblog — July 1, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
paul if flying a jet and being shotdown means you were held for five and a half years, and stood in the face of what obama is… IT MOST DEFF MEANS YOUR MORE QUALIFIED THAN NOBAMA….. BUT WAIT DIRTY LIBS NEVER ATTACKED BUSHS' SERVICE RECORD DID THEY?? oh yea i forgot kerrys observation duty means he has more…. McAine whom i'm no more supporting than voting for him IS AN AMERICAN HERO and if obamas friends are speaking on his behalf he fell way short of criticizing the comments made

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
OBAMA is a phoney….anyone with any knowledge and experience knows this. He is left wing liberal dem in black face.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
It's amazing to watch Obama set up Gen. Clark, getting him to dirty McCain so Obama can just use him as a foil; make Clark look lilke the bad guy so he can then come out as the good guy with a high-minded speech on patriotism in a cute, little town called Independence. Coincidence? I think not.

Comment by Aaron — July 1, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Just heard again McCain's reply. At no time does he raise his voice or sound angry. Webb was just given a prepared speech to give. What a loser. Was going to vote for O'Bama, forget it now. He's just another lying politician, scratch the surface and I'm beginning to see this is an empty suit who's strings are being pulled by someone else.

Comment by BacktoReality — July 1, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Yesterday, Obama told an audience in Independence, Mo., that McCain had "endured physical torment in service to our country" and "no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides."

Obama has nothing to worry about, since his own military service to his country is a big fat ZERO———and unless we have become a nation of morons we have already determined his level of patriotism by how he sat in church for twenty years putting up with his "spiritual mentor" spewing hatred and insults toward his country!!

Comment by Willaim Paul — July 1, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
To RsBuildDsDestroy :

Just like how quick everyone was to dig up the actual "details" on George W's military service records that conveniently disappeared?

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Miltary service doesnt give you the right to be the next president but it sure does make you the best choice. Anyone thats served has at one point in there life givin all to this great country, to many today think its there right to act the way they do. Its not a right. So have some pride in your country you dirt bags.

Comment by Weryen — July 1, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
To RsBuildDsDestroy :

Just like how quick everyone was to dig up the actual "details" on George W's military service records that conveniently disappeared? Hypocrites all of you!!!

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
The Dems are not so sure they have a winner in BO that they are doing all they can to dismiss McCain's Military Service, At Least he was Hero to his fellow prisoners, and Webb and Clark are failures in my mind. When is BO going to Iraq to see whats going on, I think he is a loser.

Comment by Gene Stahl — July 1, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Military experience is a reflection of ones character. I love the comments from previous troopers who served with Clark,Webb or McCain. McCain has nothing to hide, his service was one of dignity and pride. Too bad, that's not what we're hearing about Webb and Clark.

Comment by George — July 1, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
In my opinion its not that he was shot down that is impressive. Its that he spent 5 years being beat half to death on principle.

Comment by SK — July 1, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Actually what this is all about is Wesley Clark…he is an arrogant sob who just tried to compare his military service to McCains and came up with his being soooo much more superior and with soooo many more qualifications than McCains. I really just think he's jealous. What a guy! He needs to thank ole Bill for plucking him out of the ranks to elevate him to do NOTHING…except be a lapdog for the Clintons and now the Obamas. He needs to do what he always did best, just keep count of the office supplies and send his underlings for his coffee. What a loser. He was sooooo strong on McCain not having the right experience from his military service, with him having no "executive service" and not having made the hard choices to bomb or not to bomb etc….WELL DOES OBAMA? DOES HE EVEN COME CLOSE? DOES HE EVEN KNOW ANY MILITARY HISTORY? DOES HE HAVE A CLUE WHAT ITS LIKE TO PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS INTO HARMS WAY? Well? Now come on you Marxist Obama supporters, whats the awnser? Pathetic………

Comment by bamalibertarian — July 1, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
I find it interesting that some of the main democrats feel military service is unimportant until they need it to be for their man, like Kerry.. This reminds me of when President Clinton was in his debacle and character, or the lack of, was bandied around and some of his people said character doesn't matter it's the economy.. Character counted then and now and so does the military men and women that have served with their lives and many hardships.. Telling McCain to basically sit down and shut up is unfathomable to me..What gall these people have…What happened to playing nice—Oh, I'm sorry that wasn't what the democrats said..

Comment by Cynthia Marsh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Calm down!!?? John McCain should calm down??
Webb & Wesley are indulging in pure smoke and mirrors here. I would like Sen. Webb to show us when and where McCain was anything but calm after the outrageous slurs by Gen. Clark. Frankly, I would like to see a little more of the so-called McCain fire and temper.

Comment by pparets — July 1, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
To #29 Ray Bickley
From your post I don't think you know what you're talking about. McCain was not in charge in the POW camp, Captain James Bond Stockdale, USN, was the ranking officer (later he became an admiral and VP candidate of Ross Perot). Stockdale was in charge and was there before McCain. When the Vietnamese learned that McCain's father was a 4 star admiral they offered him an early release (to be used as propaganda in the US as it would show "unequal treatment" of prominent people and further flame the anti-war movement), McCain refused early release - which is part of the Code of Conduct.

Comment by Rob — July 1, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Will they stop at nothing? This attack is a shameless turnaround from the Kerry Swiftboat days. The Dem's mantra–"Kerry? Don't swiftboat him–thats bad! McCain? Psh…as if being tortured for your nation is anything to talk about and anything to consider in a presidential race. A real patriot is someone like Obama who rubs shoulders with anti-American fanatics and unashamed terrorists."

Comment by Tim — July 1, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Barack Hussein Obama is a phoney and all his cult like followers are sheep who can be lead by words read off a teleprompter, words written by someone else.

MCain needs to stop taking the high road and go after OBAMA. would piss off the MSM but would ignite the base of the GOP.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
How many Navy pilots have flown into powerlines? I guess "Ace" McCain should have gone to the Air Force Acadamy. Not as many powelines in Colorado.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
We are in an era of misinterpretation and misrepresentation of actual statements. It is an era of attack mentality. It is nonsensical.

Let's just look at what Webb said… "And John McCain's my long-time friend, if that is one area that I would ask him to calm down on, it`s that, don't be standing up and uttering your political views and implying that all the people in the military support them because they don't, any more than when the Democrats have political issues during the Vietnam War. Let's get the politics out of the military, take care of our military people, or have our political arguments in other areas."

So, he asked McCain to calm down. Seems to be good advice.
So, he asked McCain not to imply that all the people in the military support him. Seems reasonable.
So, he recommended we get politics out of the military. We need to do that.

I guess this campaign season is going to be all about attacking people instead of attacking the issues..

I'm going to appeal to a nobler motive. Anybody interested in getting out of this muck?

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Of course he would need to stay clear of the Rocky Mountains…

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Mike….. but his entire comment was based on MCain needding to calm down and MCain implying everyone in the Military supports him, both are lies

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
Let's see, Senator Webb campaigned with his son's combat boots around his neck, had his staff member carry a gun through security in violation of federal law, and then disrespected the president of the US by bringing up his son's military service. Isn't Webb the one politicizing military service? Odd how he would side with the idiot General Clark. I guess misogyny in the democrat party is a given

Comment by Karen — July 1, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
Anyone remember "john Kerry reporting for duty",,,,,,Hahaha talk about trying to use military service as a campgin weapon.

Comment by Jorge — July 1, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
Yes Karen, misogyny and ducking from snipers in Bosnia.

Comment by BrooklynGirl — July 1, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
OBAMA SUPPORTS PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION!!!!!

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
Isnt it interesting that Obama seems to have an apology for everything his staff or his surragets say. They are all pretty much saying what he beleives, except Obama can get away with arguing that he never actually said it, and all of a sudden a "i do not agree" statement and a petty speech will make everything better.

PUUHHHLLLEEEASE!

Obama is nothing but an afirmitive0-action candidate who is even more foolish than the party bosses. He is a charismatic moron who knows nothing more than how to give a pretty speech.

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
Fred #256
are you a pilot? Then shut your face

Comment by Weryen — July 1, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
John McCain deserves to be elected solely because he was in the military. That alone qualifies him to be President. McCain should come out and say this, rather than dancing around the issue.

Comment by Patriot — July 1, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
I have an official memo, right here, that says McCain was intentionally shot down so he could get the kid glove treatment as a tortured POW in Hanoi for five years instead of protesting the war with Bill, Hillary, Jane Fonda and "Ol' Rice-Butt" Kerry.

We even checked the IBM Selectric typewriter font against laser-printed CBS wing-dings.

Don't question me. I AM the MSM!

Worship our messiah Obama.

Comment by Dan Rather — July 1, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
To Ted.

They did. Found nothing to whine about, and let it drop. How quickly you forget!

America should be governed by Americans! Only Americans!

Why don't you care where BO is from?

Comment by RsBuildDsDestroy — July 1, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
Big Head Todd

I am missing my codebook, so can you help me out? Which descriptions are veiled references to Baracks?
Inexperienced?
Unaccomplished?
Dishonest?
Marxist?
Elitist?
Condescending?
Back-handed?
Extreme liberal?

Which one of these means black? Or do you think when people use these all adjectives together they must be talking about a black person? You may want to have your racist quotient adjusted. It seems to be a bit off the charts. But i guess that goes hand in hand with the homophobia.

Comment by Dan McC — July 1, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
Truth hurts…you must be a Navy pilot.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
"Sure�he was just wonderful� He plunged this country into a fratricidal war � 600,000+ killed � one product of which was the release of 3 million+ slaves into society without the benefit of government-supported transition/training programs, etc�"

Comment by JLS � July 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm

You are devoid of any accurate historical knowledge or context.

"government-supported transition/training programs, etc…"

In 1865???
And Lincoln died a few days after Appomattox Court House?

I'll take your comment as facetious, else you look like a moron.

Comment by s.o.s. different day — July 1, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
So "riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down" isn't "a qualification to be president.?"

Doesn't it then follow that bravery, service to country, strength in the face of adversity, perseverance, and all the other underpinnings of McCain's military record are not presidential qualifications either?

And where is this qualifications list upon which Gen. Clark draws his conclusions?

Comment by Michael — July 1, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Nobody is knocking McCain's war experiances. This isnt a maybe/sort of scenario. The question is "Does military service and experiance as a POW (no matter how brutally treated) give a person a right to be President of the United States of America?". The Answer is NO! It doesnt! If that was the case tens of thousands of war vets would be in line to get their name on the ballot. There is no other point at issue. Stop trying to make it something it's not!

Comment by Dumb Rednecks — July 1, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
To bamalibertarianJ:

" DOES HE EVEN COME CLOSE? DOES HE EVEN KNOW ANY MILITARY HISTORY? DOES HE HAVE A CLUE WHAT ITS LIKE TO PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS INTO HARMS WAY? Well? Now come on you Marxist Obama supporters, whats the awnser? Pathetic��"

Great comment, now if you really believe that, why did you put George W. in office for two consecutive terms.

You idiots can't have it both ways!!!! You elected a completely incompentent boob with barely any political experience and a mysterious military reserve past and you have the audacity to come on hear and try to criticize Obama? Seriously, when does the hypocrisy end? Give me the self made highly educated guy who came from nothing over the silver spoon sap repubs any day of the year.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
First of all, I think that Mr. Webb's statement was taken entirely out of context by most of the people commenting here. Senator Webb says McCain should not "be standing up and uttering [his] political views and implying that all the people in the military support them because they don't" and that we need to take "politics out of the military" rather than saying "military out of politics." I won't speak on his behalf but it's my assumption that he is saying while McCain's service is commendable, it doesn't mean his views reflect what the military service men and women want.

And while it's true that Webb did flaunt his military record during the campaign for Senate, I saw first hand why–because of incumbent Senator Allen's remarks against Webb's qualifications and political point scoring.

Anyway, I think we as a nation need to give military service more respect; I don't care if it's a Democrat or Republican referring to military service, who ever does must make sure that they do not disenfranchise the brave men and women who make it up for their own desires. I'm honored to have relatives, friends, and neighbors serving our country magnificently–I know I honestly couldn't voluntarily risk my life in battle at this moment. Anyone who can deserves our respect, this includes Mr. McCain. While military service does not mean you will be a good president, it does mean that you were willing to sacrifice your life for our Flag. And I certainly think that is commendable, albeit not supporting McCain.

Comment by Dan — July 1, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
HEY ALL OF YOU WHIT IDIOT OSAMA SUPPORTERS From Dreams of My Father:
'I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.'..

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Comment by Fred � July 1, 2008 @ 2:06 pm

"How many Navy pilots have flown into powerlines?"

The answer to your question is 895 896 897 898 and 899. I believe McCain was number 895 of his Naval Class.

Comment by BrooklynGirl — July 1, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Hey Matt you whining little weasel, I'm a Viet Nam and Desert Storm vet and I'll go nose to nose with Webb any day any time. You must have quite a bit of influence with him, why don't you set that up.
BRAVO ZULU to you Sen. McCain!

Comment by Stevein AZ — July 1, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
As a Virginia voter, I think Senator Webb can prepare to "calm down" when he becomes unemployed as soon as he is up for reelection. I intend to put forth some pretty serious efforts to ensure that he is NOT reelected based on this one absolutely despicable comment!

Most of those pea brains who are fueling this so-called criticism of Senator McCain wouldn't survive 5 minutes of the kind of treatment he endured for 5-1/2 years and that's the simple truth. Of course his military service is pertinent - it goes to character (and willingness to defend this nation), which John McCain possesses in ample quantity and Barack Obama is sadly lacking!

What on earth is it that so enthralls people about Barack Obama, the most incompetent, phoniest and least qualified candidate for President since (and maybe even including) James Earl Carter, Jr.!

There is no THERE there!

Comment by Gayle Miller — July 1, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
I agree with Michael that getting shot at qualifies one to be President. I also hope that John McCain has the courage to pardon his fellow war hero, Duke Cunningham, who was charged with corruption. War heroes like Cunningham and McCain should not be subjected to such abuse for political purposes.

Comment by Patriot — July 1, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Ahhh yes, the politics of hypocrisy continues unabated with the democrats, surprise surprise!

While I applaud and respect Clarks service, he proved in '03-'04 that he is nothing more than a partisan hack and a complete scumbag with no honor, much like Obama.

I find it sad and pathetic than now, all the sudden, speaking about ones military service is a bad thing… since Obama has nothing to stand on except his 'community service' and of course, politics as usual in Chicago which will likely not play well with the electorate, the dems want to dismiss it all together.

And Webb, whining about the bill that was rejected by McCain and Bush not because of it's services to the military and veterans but because of all the pork the dems filled it with that had nothing to do with the military or veterans benefits.
Webb is a lying scumbag like Reid and Pelosi and the Congress as a whole is the most inept, corrupt, leadershipless body in the federal government. People like Webb, Reid and Pelosi would be wise to tone down their BS because the revolution is coming and WE, THE PEOPLE will try and convict these scumbags, from both parties, for crimes against the constitution and people of the United States and the death penalty seems like a pretty fitting punishment for some in Congress.

Comment by DJH — July 1, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
OBAMA SUPPORTS PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION!!!!!

Comment by josh

Josh, Obama is a partial-birth abortion.

Vote for survival of the fetal-est.

Vote for Farrakh Obaman!

Obama / Farrakhan '08

Rev. Jeremiah Wright = Sec. of Homeland Security and Defense

Comment by Dr. Jack Kevorkian — July 1, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
McCain running around with his hair on fire playing the victim is not pretty. McCain is good at real indignation. His fake indignation routine is weak. He's a mediocre politician being destroyed by his puppet masters.

Comment by Burford Holly — July 1, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
In my opinion Senator McCain's war record validates his character as an outstanding American - and a person's character is one of the more important traits of a good leader.

Comment by Mike Davinroy — July 1, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Somebody needs to beat this guy like a red headed step child. Does he not have a pedophilic novel to write?

Comment by Fred X — July 1, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Obama has a thin, thin resume and needs McCain to thin his so Obama's resume does not look so thin. So, out goes military service. Out goes the courage factor while at the Hotel Hilton. Out goes all the times McCain stepped across the aisle to move legislation. Out goes the good deeds of Cindy McCain. Hey, we dumbed down K-12 and secondary education for minorities, lets dumb down the presidency for one.

What is scary about this election is not that Obama has the thinest resume of any candidate for the presidency but that millions of adults are emotionally enthralled with this empty suit whose puppet strings are in the hands of the world's captains and kings.

Comment by Thron — July 1, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Fred #273

No, and now I know you are not a pilot.

Comment by Weryen — July 1, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
Talk about being a hypocrite. I am from Virginia and seem to remember Mr. Webb touting his service in the military when he ran for his senate seat.

Comment by Bill L — July 1, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Wow, a lot of right-wing hypocrites. No of you can answer why being a P.O.W. qualifies you as commander-in-chief. There is no doubt McCain is a patriot and a war hero, however, there has been millions of lives lost in war in the past three centuries. Does that mean each on of them qualify them to be pcommander-in chief. Right- Wingnuts claimed in 2004 military experience doesn't qualify you to be president. Therefore we will use this same standard this year.

If McCain wants to do commercials outlying his military experience and relate it on why he should be president then he should expect the criticism and scrutiny coming at him right now.

Comment by Ronald — July 1, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Meaning that if your full war records are suspicious ( which is the reason why you are not releasing them) don't use your military past as war prisoner who had an admiral dad, to justify the reason why you are presidential.

Comment by Thron — July 1, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
When John McCain wants Webb's advice he will beat it out of him.

Comment by Mark — July 1, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Clinton had no military service and what did we get for that - attack on World Trade Center - twice, terrorists emboldened due to our weakness in military response - failure to capture Osama Bin Laden due to fears it would raise oil/gas prices and ruin Clinton's chances for being re-elected. Military service does matter.

Comment by Dave — July 1, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
If McCain wasn't an Admiral's son he NEVER would have graduated from the Navel Acadamy. He Never would have recieved his wings. Ne never would have served in the war except washing dishes.

THAT IS THE POINT.

He is incompetent to be president. We don't need another party animal fake fly boy running our country.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
I think we need to change the qualifications to run for office and to vote. All men are created equal but not all men remain equal. Here are my proposed new rules. To get franchise you must be a natural born citizen (a natural born citizen is one that is born to a natural citizen or one that has earned the honor of being a citizen), you must volunteer to serve in the military in the capacity they so see fit for a term of not less than 6 years and so long as the Union shall need you. Franchise grants you the right to vote and the duty to run for elective office or be appointed to judgeships. If you are not willing to sacrifice yourself for the Republic then how could we possibly vote you into political office or even allow you to vote laws that effect those that are willing to sacrifice all?

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
As for all cheap, stupid, lame, unoriginal pedophilia shots at Webb….you do realize that book was written in historical accuracy. The one comment in the book that people criticize as being pedophilic is actually a true custom practiced by those in Vietnam years ago. So give it a rest. He wrote that book from experience of things he saw while over in battle.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Vote Obama / Farrakhan '08

All I am saying is capitulate to the enemy.

Give peace a chance.

Appeasement = Peace

Obama 4 Ahmadenijad

Comment by Hanoi Jane Fonda — July 1, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
Why should McCain calm down? Webb wouldn't shut up about his or his son's service. That was a key part of his campaign. I remember military boots being worn everywhere…what a hypocrite.

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
I see The Hill's blog comments is mostly overrun with GOP trolls. Good to know.

Comment by Kevin — July 1, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
…and I'm John Kerry, reporting for dooty!

What a joke these dems are. No wonder the military has no respect for them.

Comment by Tim — July 1, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
josh

Correction, Obama supports POST birth abortion. Check his votes (yes, plural) on the Born Alive Infants protection act. It is going to be hard for him to say he pushed the wrong button on his voting machine twice.

Which brings up another point. Do we really want to give the nuclear button to a man who has a problem with accidentally pushing the wrong button numerous times while voting on legislation?

Comment by Dan McC — July 1, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
"As for all cheap, stupid, lame, unoriginal pedophilia shots at Webb�.you do realize that book was written in historical accuracy. The one comment in the book that people criticize as being pedophilic is actually a true custom practiced by those in Vietnam years ago. [Including and especially Jim (Larry Sinclair) Webb?]"

Comment by Ted

Comment by Just Sayin' — July 1, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Many people serve, or have served, their country.

Military service is not the sole way to serve one's country.

Thousands of people serve their country by working in the non-profit sector, performing community service work on their own time, being in the Peace Corps, working as a local representative in various capacities, whether it be on the city planning board or as President of the United States.

To say that military service trumps all of these is simply ridiculous. They are all on equal footing and with that the case, both, John McCain and Barack Obama have served their country.

Comment by Case — July 1, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
This is a coordinated Obama attack on an American military hero. For multiple people to go into this disgusting attack mode clearly indicates the planned nature of it and Obama is clearly the culprit.
This will backfire with the ones Obama needs most to convince. The military is our most respected institution and most Americans are smart enough to appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of someone like McCain whether they agree with him or not.
Most of us have too much common sense to have swallowed the simplistic Marxist notions that all wars are fought only over economic issues so we respect the military. We know we must fight for freedom, for the oppressed and for the protection of our families. We know genocide, Islamic fascism, terrorists, megalomaniac dictators and evil in general must often be opposed by force, even if they have not figured that fact out at the DNC for a generation. We appreciate the men and women who protect us and we expect them to be treated with decency and respect. For those who have sacrificed as McCain did as POW, we DEMAND respect.
Where do I sign up to give money to McCain? Better yet, where to do give to a 527 that will plaster this viscous empty suit for his anti-American actions, rhetoric, friends and wife. I've had enough.

Comment by Jerry — July 1, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear." –Marcus Tullius Cicero 42B.C

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
I seem to have stumbled into a right-wing throw down… How many of you guys have served in the military anyway?

Comment by Bobbob — July 1, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Obama can warm my globe any time he pleases.

Vote for the magic negro.

Obama / Kucinich '08

Comment by Al Gore — July 1, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
Hey geniuses! No one said flying a plane in a war zone was a qualification for president. But I'll tell you what is, character. McCain's military service shows he has more of that than both Clinton's combined. Add to that the fact that he seems to be the only one NOT talking about it, well, he has that much more.

Its not the only qualification, but for many Americans, its a big one. McCain's not my favorite, but he won in this category hands down against all the other candidates.

Comment by Matt (not the liberal) — July 1, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
"Wow, listen to the Drudgites talk tough. Hey BacktoReality, I'd like to see you say that to Jim Webb's face. It would be fun to watch his boot go up your a$$."

That would be his Marine issued military boot.

Matt, your an idiot.

Comment by Tim — July 1, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
The obamabots have real gall..
who are they to decide what can be discussed and what cannot be discussed!
We cannot challenge obama's patriotism
we cannot discuss McCain's military record…
is there anything else they would like..?
FYI THEY WILL NOT DEFINE WHAT ISSUES ARE FAIR GAME IN THIS ELECTION CYCLE..HOW ABSOLUTELY ARROGANT!
THEY ALL MAKE MY SKIN CRAWL!

Comment by chris from oak park — July 1, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Six years USAF EOD. Of course the libs would not know what that would mean.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Actually Dumb Redneks, it certainly does qualify you to be president. for many reasons.

1. Leadership, Military service teaches you leadership

2. Responsibility, Military services teaches you responsibility. (something that seems to be lacking these days)

3. Patriotism. Having Military service teaches you a love for this country that can not be understood until you see your fellow man dieing for your country.

4. Experiencing war, or being in the military teaches you a valubale lesson as to when to use military conflict. There are times where it is needed and there are times when diplomcacy is needed. Having that military experience makes you think long and hard when it comes time to deciding whether to send someones son off to war, and potentially be killed.

5. Military service teaches you that we live in a difficult world and that knowing how and when to use military force is equally as powerful as knowing how and whento use dimplomacy.

So this whole argument that military service doesnt qualify you to be president….is BULL! try serving in the military, then tell me it doesnt make you a better person.

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Oh! Like Jim Webb has any credentials at all? He is a democrat. That says it all as far as integrity, honesty, loyalty or any other stalwart attribute is concerned. There is not one democrat and damn few republicans that a I would trust my Country with, My Constitution with, my family with or my life with.
Obama who Webb supports is a racist and is not a black man as he pretends to be. Obama uses racism in a dishonest way and is himself a racist. The fact that Webb supports Obama makes it that much clearer what a low life Webb is.

Comment by Peter Courtenay Stephens — July 1, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
I'm a bit confused….Will someone please tell me what Gen. Clark or Jim Webb said that and I quote "dishonors John McCain's service"? Honestly, I don't see what the big issue is. All I'm asking is for someone to inform me.

Comment by Chris — July 1, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
It's so typical of the Republicans to promote military service like its the only qualification to be President. Just more fear mongering from a party that lacks the ability to compete with its rival on substantive policy issues. Its pathetic. This is exactly what drove me, a once loyal Republican (who belongs to the most republican demographic in the country - the military), from the party of fear and to the party that is capable of seeing that there is more to governing than national security. Thankfully the American people are starting to realize the short-sidedness of the Repulican mind.

Comment by FlyNavy — July 1, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Webb campaigned on his own son's back with his son's military boots held high in the air. That's one of the lowest political stunts there can be, and now Webb wants to advise McCain to downplay the military. Jim Webb is not much of a human being.

Comment by Lamar — July 1, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
This is the Democrat version of "Swift Boating." They're gambling that turn around is fair play. It's going to backfire.
John Kerry had a bunch of vets that thought he was a jerk. I don't believe the "swiftboatvetsfortruth" or whoever they were, were directly supported by the Republicans (but maybe I'm being naive). I don't think vets who served with McCain will badmouth him.

Comment by Mark from Gilroy — July 1, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Attention: All my fantastic and loyal supporters out there in flyover country!

It's time to get behind Obama.

You know. Like Larry Sinclair did.

Let's give it to him good, and push him over the edge, er, top. Just like good ol' Vince Foster.

Comment by Hillary Clinton — July 1, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
Funny thing, when you go to Jim Webb's Website and click on "About Jim" the majority of "About Jim" is his military history! The first picture is his Academy picture!

Comment by Brandon — July 1, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
From Audacity of Hope:
'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.
more of obamas words!!! go home kevin, AND PLEASE A ONE DIRTY LIB SHOW ME WHERE FCCAIN HAS SAID HIS SERVICE means he should be pres… now go read what clark said and tell me that it isn't a bit rediculous

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
By his OWN ADMISSION he partied his way through the Naval Acadamy. How is that honorable? How is that patriotic? He had a full scholarship from the American taxpayer and he put it up his nose.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
I'M GOING TO REITERATE YET AGAIN: I'm a bit confused�.Will someone please tell me what Gen. Clark or Jim Webb said that and I quote "dishonors John McCain's service"?

Comment by Chris — July 1, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Oh please, some of you really need to wake the hell up from you McCain love affair. John McCain was a problem child, he didn't excel in school and his behavior was horrendous. He got a pass because of his Daddy and Grandaddy. Who do you know was basically at the bottom of his class and gets to fly anyway? Crashes multiple times and still gets to fly. Then gets a cushy position because of his daddy and then goes into politics. Remember he ditched his wife because she was no longer the beauty queen he left because of a horrible accident and even though she waited for him and took care of his kids at the same time. You want to talk about Obama being an elitest, you couldn't get into The academy McCain went to unless someone in congress recommends you. John McCain never had to rely on food stamps. So let's call it for what it is ok, there is a black man running for president and a whole lot of people don't want that so they try to pin everything on him with racial under and overtones. Obama is a lot smarter than some of you realize.

Comment by Fitz — July 1, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Webb has a lot of room to talk, he ran his entire campaign on the fact he was a vet. Heck, his bumper stickers said 'born to fight'. What a hypocrite. Why is it, whenever a Dem is elected, they suddenly turn into a military hater, even those with a military background. At least McCain is consistent, Webb has been just another lib phony after he was elected.

Comment by MNTX — July 1, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Webb and that creepy little Weasle Clark should shut their pie holes. They both are just tools for the liberals. They are an embarrassment to the uniform. They both look like butt rangers.

Comment by eric frederic — July 1, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Tim:

The military has no respect for them? ARe you kidding me? Go ahead and ask soldiers AND veterans who have served under democrat and republican presidents. It is well documented that the military has always been better prepared and veterans have been taken better care of by Democratic presidents.

Once again, just a bunch of lies that the repubs have told so many times they believe they are true. Stupid redneck christian fools never take a second to research what they spew out of their uneducated mouths.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
Was McCain's military service a helpful life experience? Sure. So was Obama's community service.

But neither man can claim his past experience definitely qualifies him for the job. How many vets are, by the fact of their service and nothing else, qualified to be president? Zero.

Therefore, both Webb and Clark are within their rights to call McCain and his surrogates out as to their attempts to stretch his military service into something that magically anoints him as eminently able to govern the country. Quite clearly it does not.

Repubs, please stop bleating and whining because you got called on this. It is kind of annoying, and frankly only fires us up even more to build up the 50-state organization and war chest, and REALLY administer the wood (especially downballot) this November.

Comment by Tom — July 1, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
Interesting when JK's military experience was QUESTIONED and completely TRASHED by the Repubs there was no hysteria. Now that McCain's is, JUST because he was a POW it's blasphamy. Whatever!

Comment by Kiah — July 1, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
How quickly the GOP attack dogs turn on one of their own! Webb's military qualifications are unquestioned, as are McCains…BUt McCain DID OPPOSE the bill sponsored by Webb enhancing Veterans benefits, then on the day it passed McCain tried to claim credit…so I think Webb is being generous in not pointing out this blatant hypocrisy

Comment by andyk — July 1, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
General Clark specifically (although implicitly) defends Senator Kerry by noting that command service outside of wartime doesn't prepare you to be president. Senator Kerry's command service was during wartime.

Comment by Rionn Fears Malechem — July 1, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
How do tards like Webb ever get re-elected?

Comment by Chaz — July 1, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
Wow, it is incredible how many stupid comments can be jammed onto one webpage. On both sides.

Comment by Matt — July 1, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Ted and Fitz, you people are exactly whats wrong with this country. You are mental midgets that THINK you know more than you actually do. I hope that you people make good on your threats of "if McCain wins i will move out" because then we will actually have a workable country, free of idiots like yourself.

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
agree with jorge: "Barack Hussein Obama is a phoney and all his cult like followers are sheep who can be lead by words read off a teleprompter, words written by someone else.

MCain needs to stop taking the high road and go after obama. would piss off the MSM but would ignite the base of the GOP."

Clarke and Webb need to go to San Fransisco if you know what I mean. And, take Michelle with you; would make a great threesome.

Comment by cal — July 1, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
You are devoid of any accurate historical knowledge or context.

"government-supported transition/training programs, etc�"

In 1865???
And Lincoln died a few days after Appomattox Court House?

I'll take your comment as facetious, else you look like a moron.

Comment by s.o.s. different day � July 1, 2008 @ 2:13 pm

- - - - - -

Take it how you want it… And feel free to make it personal if it helps you feel better about yourself…

Creating a conflict that provides the means for freeing 3 million+ slaves with no real plan for their transition into society doesn't make him a great president…

Comment by JLS — July 1, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Should Washington, Eisenhower, and Grant not have used their millitary experience as a qualification for President? I had more respect for Webb than that - how sad.

It seems to me that Obama is trying to preempt every possible advantage that McCain has despite McCain not saying anything himself.

1. He has stated that patriotism is not allowed to be questioned in this campaign (this is good because he is not patriotic).

2. He has said that he will not allow McCain to make this campaign about race (I have only heard one side make this campaign about race - McCain has certainly said nothing).

3. He has preempted McCain being able to use his millitary service as a qualification for President. This of course is by far the most impressive thing about McCain and I am certain that few no the entire story about McCain's service history (of course Obama has no military experience).

Pretty soon Obama is going to say that Senate voting records should not be allowed to be used. I guess he needs to prevent all experience from being a qualification for President as he has none.

Apparently there should be only two factors to be considered when deciding the next president:
1. Ability to speak and sound like you are making a lot of sense without saying anything at all.
2. What kind of Grandparents you have and the size of their houses.

Comment by Jeremy — July 1, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
All I see from both sides is more name-calling and accusations of being unpatriotic.

This nation is becoming more and more divided among party lines. Even Reagan saw the value in coming together to compromise… why can't we do the same?

All we ever do now is demonize the other party and spread hateful rhetoric, instead of having real discussions about what we can do to make this country better for everyone. When did we lose our AMERICAN SPIRIT which tells us to make sacrifices for those less fortunate and to help our brothers and sisters stand when they fall down?

As long as people in this country continue to value hate-filled rhetoric like most of the comments I have read here, we will never make progress and eventually our society, indeed our country, will surely fall.

Comment by Jason — July 1, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
Oh one more thing, all you republican loving folks out there, how do you really feel since gas went from $1 something to almost $5, under republican control…..suckers

Comment by Fitz — July 1, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
OBAMA HAS ONLY SERVED HIS PURPOSE NOT HIS COUNTRY!!

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
It is time John and his group get their head out of the do-good mode and take care of the fear that the other camp is showing because their is no experience of any kind by Obama..so they are doing the bad guy/good guy on John..John, stop being so nice and take care of this guy Obama before he gets in and destroys America..we are already more divided now than ever, due to him..

Comment by Jerry — July 1, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
actually Fitz, gas went from 1-2$ under republican control. (in 6 years)

Under Democrat control it went for 2-nearly 5$. (In 2 years)

so tell me, who really screwed up Americans gas prices?

Idiot!

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Military Service or lack of it does not make one a leader. I wish everyone would look at where we are at and say are we better off now? How are we going to solve the problems of today. I voted for Bush the first time and voted for a third party the second time. Hope this time we can get a real leader in office that will guide the country into the future better than the last 6 years. By the way I did my service for the country for 20 years and retire from the navy. Does that make me any better than the people that service in government. I don't think so! To the hero that you never hear about Thanks….

Comment by Roy S — July 1, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
hey fitz how about the 70% increase in gas since the DEM LED CONGRESS PROMISED TO LOWER PRICE. READ ALL FACTS DUMB DIRTY LIB

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
Obama is Jimmy Carter's Monica.

Comment by cal — July 1, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
To Steve:
I hope that you people make good on your threats of "if McCain wins i will move out" because then we will actually have a workable country, free of idiots like yourself.

Who ever even said that you f*cking idiot? Neither of us. Do a little research. Don't comment strictly on emotion. Look at which party and what politicians have proposed increased benefits for veterans consistently over the years. Ask the veteran's from Iraq and what a joke it was how underprepared tactically and physically they were for the war. Talk to current soldiers who have served form sometime over seas and ask what's happened to the bases and funding for them from Clinton days and Bush days. It is a total misconception that Dems aren't pro-military. This goes right along with all you Repubs theory that Dems always want move governement spending. Have you seen what George W. has done in office?

Fools, all of you. Chicken hawk fear mongering fools.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
Praise Allah for Barry Obama…..

Comment by OBL — July 1, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
Having served under Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton I can honestly say that The worst was Carter, the best was Reagan. Bush was Ok but serving under Clinton was unbearable, the utter contempt they had for the US military was almost unrealistic. I also did not sign up to serve under the UN and as a result did not reinlist when it came up. So Tom, so much for that theory. Oh yea, talking to my fellow soldiers back then they overwhelmingly supported Reagan and later Bush. Talking to troops now I get the sense that they will probably support McCain. Obama wants to surrender after years of hard fought war. Again, that self sacrifice. It does add to the qualifications of a man to be president.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
All of you people are what is wrong with this country. Your blind hatred for either Obama or McCain or Bush or Clinton is exactly why this country is so torn apart. As a Marine currently serving for over a decade, I would just like to put a big FU out to you people who can't think for themselves and will never admit that any of those politicians from the other party never do anything right. Sheep . . . all of you are sheep.

Comment by MJ — July 1, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Reading all of this rhetoric is really entertaining. Just remember, and I'm talking to you Republicans, that if you don't want to ever have to say 'President Obama', you need to get your butts to the voting booth come election day (and bring a friend).
Stop wasting your time trying to refute these mindless Obama loving masses. Remember that they believe nothing is sacred when talking about the Republican candidate (because we Republicans must all be inherently evil), what is good for them is never good for us, and that we should never say anything about their beloved Obama, whether it is to address his questionable friends, lack of patriotism, bigotry (or the bigotry of his wife), lack of military experience (lack of experience, period), his pandering, etc, etc. All he really brings to the table is his 'change' mantra which he proclaims daily, all the while revealing his true nature as a typical politician. For him, 'change' is a slogan. Just like an advertiser uses 'NEW' or 'IMPROVED' to sucker you into buying his product, Obama is using �CHANGE� to sucker you into voting for him.
Real change comes in the form of action. And positive change is rooted in honor. John McCain is a man of honor. He is certainly not perfect. But a McCain presidency will trump an Obama presidency any day.
Unless you are all lining up to become Socialists, get out and VOTE in November!

Comment by JohnnyO — July 1, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Any person can see that simply serving in the military does not mean you are the ace of spades on foreign policy. McCain sayin he's got foreign policy experience because he was in the military does not give him a per se exception to showing proof that he knows about foreign policy. His continous screw ups on names and groups and organizations is illustrative that he knows little about foreign policy, at least not enough about organizational politics in the military.

I speak as a rational conservative author here. And I refuse to give a pass on such an incredibly important issue such as foreign policy based on military service.

Put in another way, if all McCain had been was a border guard, they would give him a free pass on immigration policy.

What is truly insane, however, is the neoconservatives who want to give McCain a free pass on a foreign policy that is largely basedon leftist politics: spreading democracy at the point of a gun.

Comment by J.d. — July 1, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
I find it so interesting how Republicans want to put so much emphasis on military services. Funny how issues don't seem to matter.

In the 6 years that Republicans had total control of Washington. Name one. Just one policy that had been a success? …It's pathetic. And you want people to vote for your party….Right.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
see Ted, thats all you liberals know how to do is bash President Bush…blah blah blah Bush this, and Bush that.

Give it up man, you cant blame Bush for all of YOUR failures. and by you i mean yourself and liberals. In the 2 years since the Democrats took control of congress, where they promised us energy indipendance, lower taxes, and a safer tommorow, we instead see nearly $5 a gallon for gas (120% increase since they took power) we are paying the highest taxes we have ever payed in history, and we are less secure with a barely passed and incredibly fumbled FISA bill.

So PUHHHLEASE!

Btw, the coment i made about you people moving out, i didnt mean to reference something someone here said, i just meant in general when i hear people say it.

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
Michelle Obama is right….I have not been proud of this country since Bob Clinton was president. Get rid of these dumb-ass cowboys…..

Comment by Frankie Jones — July 1, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
I am a left-wing liberal and a devout visitor of the Daily Kos. However, the way my party has behaved lately is despicable.

McCain has every right to talk about his service to our country.

I personally wish Obama had some national security credentials.

Comment by Chesley — July 1, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
Another member of the Gruesome Threesome speaks.

I was literally waiting for either Murtha or Webb to open their disgusting mouths to support their new buddy, Gen Clark.

The man could barely finish one year as Sec of Navy and resigned. The man has no problems referencing his military career throughout his political ascent. But now he wants McCain to stop. Simply disgusting…

Mark my words… Murtha will run his fat mouth next. The Democratic Gruesome Threesome unit: Murtha, Webb and Clark!

Comment by Mega — July 1, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
To: Repub morons. Even if the act of serving in the military automatically qualifies John "I don't know all that much about the economy" McCain to be president, it sure as hell apparently didn't cause him to give a shit about honoring the service of other men and women in uniform by supporting Webb's G.I. bill. But then again, why should McCain give a shit about struggling vets trying to get an education? He's got enough of his wife's money to buy anything he wants, maybe even that 8th house he's had his eye on! The Republican hypocrisy on honoring military service, talking big talk and then shitting on soldiers and vets in every way possible, is absolutely pathetic.

Comment by Tom in L.A. — July 1, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
This is crazy…not even a one term senator and even a shorter term senator as a possible running mate…wow. What a con–and at the highest possible levels.

I think they have underestimated thinking Reagan Democrates and thinking independents in that it is this group that will elect the next president…and I don't find that this group will ultimately be conned into voting for BHO…they will see through the imagine and con. In fact, polls seem to indicate the more everyone gets to hear BHO and get to know him better, he loses ground…

Comment by CMA — July 1, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
I don't hate Obama, I just think he is an empty suit. He is attractive, charismatic, but totally devoid of any of the qualifications to become president. My first wife was like that and it wound up costing me a house.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Ok, McCain can't mention his militry service if Obama agrees to stop mentioning his Community Organizing "jobs."

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
It's funny how everyone is so quick to say that Webb is thrashing military service when he clearly states:

"Let's get the politics out of the military, take care of our military people, or have our political arguments in other areas."

And he's right! The military shouldn't be a political platform. Men and women in the military should get the BEST benefits possible through our government. They are the ones who are defending our country, regardless of the political implications of the war, administration or their agenda.

Furthermore, serving in the military DOES NOT constitute as experience to run the military. I would sooner hand over the running of the military to the head of a corporation than to a Private in the Army..

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Webb did everything but campaign stump in his old BDUs while campainging. Now he wants another politician to minimize his reference to military service? Hypocrite.

Comment by Sean — July 1, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Virginia here, this state is now blue get used to it, and dont ever question how virginia votes, worry about your own state. I hope McCain gets the same treatment that McCallen and Kerry got. The former head of the POW camp in Vietnam said he would support and vote for McCain saying McCain during his time with us was helpful and very cooperative, showing that he is willing to work with the other side.

Comment by VA here — July 1, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
It's pathetic how transparent the dems stategy is. Trot out these left wing military types to attack McCain's military service. They think this lends them credibilty, when in fact it ends up offending fair minded people and playing to McCain's strength. The fight against radical Islamists and national security!

Comment by Tom — July 1, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
Thank you Steve, you're comment is well appreciated it. If you do your homework you will realize what I stated was documented fact but I'll be the mental midget….

Comment by Fitz — July 1, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
This was a co-ordinated attack. Calrk makes the charge, Obama distances and stays above the fray, and now other surroagates keep it goind. Gutter Chicago politics at its finest. Now expand the faith based system and include a requirement of belief to be involved as Obama repays Wright, the white/black Priest and the other hate monger, Liberation theologist with federal dollars for their votes. Disgusting

Comment by james andrews — July 1, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
SDM I agree with your last comment. But Obama has never ran anything that failure was an option. Everything he ran was sucking off the government tit. Good socialist that he is.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Reference #44. As a former Marine surely you know all about the Code of Conduct? Article III states:
If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
So bottom line Senator McCain could not accept early release. He adhered to the Code of Conduct, honorable to say the least.
Reference #44. Dem�s and liberals continually take the short view and focus on the near term. Tell me what is wrong with a democracy in the Middle East? Just because it forms a strategic bulwark against nations like Iran shouldn�t be a reason for all of you to dismiss it out of hand.
Reference # 66. Lincoln served during the Blackhawk War in 1832 for three 30 day enlistments. Although not an extensive period of service still he served.
Interesting fact of the 42 men who have served as president 29 had prior military service.
As an active duty officer with over 23 years of military service I wouldn�t shake GEN Clark�s hand. I don�t know many officers who would. His remarks are contemptible.

Comment by Roger — July 1, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Tom in LA,

Obama is a complete idiot. He cannot answer a question without a teleprompter in front of him. Obama doesn't know anything about America or how Capitalism works. Just let Obama enact his tax proposal and see if you have a job in 2010. I am not a big fan of McCain, but geez..Obama is ignorant, naive, stupid and clueless. Harvard educated…what a joke!!!!

Comment by Frankie Jones — July 1, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
oh yea TOM OBAMAS TAX TAX TAX IS GOING TO WORK GREAT FOR THE ECONOMY!! GOOD THING WE HAVE SEEN THIS TO WORK. oh wait OSAMA HAS NEVER HAD A PRIVATE SECTOR JOB…. HIS WEATHY WIFE SUPPORTED HIM

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Fast-Eddy-Obama's posse trying to put out a fire that Fast-Eddy started. Let's see who else will come to save the day. Maybe this is a test to see who will be the VP?

Comment by tony cappy — July 1, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Oh c'mon now all you conservatives….. just look at the McCain resume compared to the Obama resume. How is McCain to compete against a Community Organizer and Jr. Senator? Obama's accomplishments are laughable. McCain needs to bring back the word the media loved so much in 2000, "Gravitas" Obama ain't got it so they won't use it against their Golden Boy. Making Obama President would be like putting a seven year old in the drivers seat of a semi-wreckless. Anyone who would vote for such an ill-prepared,naive, rookie, needs their head examined.

Comment by Vickie — July 1, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
McCain…is the only person running for Prez who has earned the right to talk about service to my country..and…the Wimpo-Crat(#12) would no doubt get a charge out of watching anything go up anyone's behind…Saying anything "face to face"…mano a mano…is not in your playbook wuss…! I have grand-kids "serving" who could whip your ass…Webb's & Obama's all at the same time….man how I wish you lived next door..

Comment by ByronJarvis — July 1, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
The BHO ship is sinking a little more every day. I can't wait for him to come back from Iraq and publicly state that the surge is working. Why BHO took McCain's bait and agreed to visit is beyond disbelief. He was doing great in the polls without going to the Middle East. Now he is going to go and the only acceptable thing for him to say when he comes back will be….the same thing McCain has been saying for the last year.

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
McCain's wife is more wealthy then OBama's wife

Comment by VA here — July 1, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Tom in L.A.,

McCain does have a very valid point about this bill, and that is, is that it isn't tied to longer service. This bill is very generous, but because of that, people will come in and do the bare minimum and then take their massive benefit and go home. As a guy who's put over a decade of service in the Marines, I like the idea that those who serve longer get more benefits. I fear that with this bill, the military will have a whole bunch of chiefs (people who want to be career military no matter what) and a whole bunch of young, barely mature indians (those who get out after their 4 years). The NCO Corps is the most important part of the military chain of command (those in the middle ranks who actually make sure the officers' orders are carried out and provide mentorship to the younger troops). This bill is so generous for people who haven't really done much in the military, that it will deplete the middle ranks. Good idea, poor execution.

Comment by MJ — July 1, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
good resort to violence when someone disagrees with you

Comment by VA here — July 1, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
"Liberals" have nothing to do with the high gas prices Steve. That has everything to do with the administration… and so do the high taxes! Do you think that Bush's or any Republicans tax cuts are for you and me? (Unless of course you are in the privileged 5% aka Bush's Base aka John McCain). It's great how everyone forgets that taxes pay for:

Military
FEMA
Education
Public Hospitals
Fire Department and Police Department

Cut taxes and you cut benefits to the men and women who serve our country everyday. Not just for a few years to uphold their forefathers legacy. Get off your high horses GOP'ers and realize that helping someone is helping your neighbor!

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
Be careful what you wish for Democrat voters…You may not have a job if Obama's economic plan passes. You will wish that Bush was back in the WH….Do you think Gore would have prevented the on-comong recession after 911?

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
Jorge: You are one of the few who got it right about Ramsey (love myself) Clark. I did a paper on Clark being REMOVED as NATO commander. Webb should shut his pie hole, but yet I keep thinking maybe they are spouting out because they do NOT want to be Obama's VP. Perhaps after enough people are thrown under the bus by Obama and that number is growing daily, he will make the worst VP choice possible and lose. I can't wait for Bill to start campaigning for Obama. Bill Clinton: "Please vote for Obama not because he is black, but because he was able to beat my wife."

Comment by Adrian — July 1, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
McCain didn't just sever a couple of years in the military like John Kerry. He did not avoid combat like John Murtha. He served a career in the military, he flew his fighter into harms way under rules of engagement that should have put Present Johnson and Secretary of Defense MacNamara in prison for life for being personally responsible for so many of our losses. McCain showed leadership under the most difficult situations imaginable. He demonstrated courage when he volunteered to continue his combat tour when offered a chance to go home after the infamous USS Forrestal incident.

The truth about a military career and especially about combat is that it how a person acts and reacts can highlight the purest sense of a person's character.

McCain has demonstrated his mettle in combat and service to his country. He as a long and distinguished career in politics. He has been sponsored more legislation than Mr. Obama can count.

Tell me again what Barak Obama's qualifications are. Close friends with self-avowed terrorist, endorsed by Hamas, praised by Iran, taking favors from a now convicted felon, failing to recognize pure hate speech in his own church for 20 years, close associates with extreme radicals, endosed by Louis Farakan, no record of any importance in Illinois or the US Senate, and a person who says that he would raise the capital gains tax even if he knew it would hurt the economy.

Lord help us if the American people can't connect these dots.

Comment by FMB501 — July 1, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
I was just walking along the beautiful Christopher Columbus park in Boston's North End, overlooking the ocean. When to my complete shock…i saw the level of the ocean drop, right before my own eyes. Thanks Barack Obama!!!!

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
VA IS GOING TO BE RED AGAIN WE WONT SIDE WITH DIRTY LIBS ANYMORE. STAND AGAINST SOCIALISM AND OBAMANISM!!

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Webb is a Joke and so is Clark. The real problem with their whole argument is they keep talking about McCain getting shot down. The real thing about the McCain story is that he refused to leave and endured 4 more years of abuse and torture to show solidarity with his fellow POWs. It shows his courage and character. And character is what is needed in a President! And the worst thing is that Obama can�t even do it his self. Because Obama lets others do his dirty work.

Comment by mertmag — July 1, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
Did I mention John MaCain flew his military plane into power lines???

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
Jorge: You are one of the few who got it right about Ramsey (love myself) Clark. I did a paper on Clark being REMOVED as NATO commander.
————-

What did u get on that paper b/c Ramsey Clark was the AG under LBJ?

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty!

Comment by John F'ing Kerry — July 1, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
last i checked foreign organization dont vote in US elections, I mean who in their right mind would buy a plane and campaign in a foriegn country.

Comment by VA here — July 1, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
This is nothing more than a political strategy by the Dems to marginalize McCain's substantial and impressive military record given the reality that their candidate is little more than an empty suit who speaks well…

Comment by Dadman — July 1, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
Can't you libs understand…it's not about Kerry's service, that is comendable, it's about what he did after he got out that is despicable.

Comment by Roger — July 1, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
Obama gives another "Major Speech", this time warning those who would question his patriotism, and at the same time commits the most unpatriotic act ever witnessed in American politics: He sends surrogates into the media to denigrate John McCain's (a career military man) lifetime of service. Then Obama publicly distances himself from Wesley Clark's comments while he privately sends Clark out AGAIN, along with Jim Webb, into the media to further denigrate McCain's service. This bears no resemblance to the Swift Boat Veterans campaign against the proven lies and exaggerations of John Kerry. This, rather, is pure excrement.

Comment by Jay — July 1, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
It's a good thing that during the cold war the communists never thought about infiltrating the American news media, or it might be filled with remnants of the Left.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
How does a pilot fly into power lines?

incompetence???

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Tom in LA,

Obama is a complete idiot. He cannot answer a question without a teleprompter in front of him. Obama doesn't know anything about America or how Capitalism works. Just let Obama enact his tax proposal and see if you have a job in 2010. I am not a big fan of McCain, but geez..Obama is ignorant, naive, stupid and clueless. Harvard educated�what a joke!!!!

Comment by Frankie Jones � July 1, 2008 @ 2:51 pm

————————————————
You forgot that he is black, nasty, stinks, will rob you blind and stab you in the back. Geeze, sounds like someone that lives in the ghetto!!!!!

Comment by Ken Taylor — July 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Frankie and Josh, while the prospect of sparring with two such intellectual heavyweights has me shuddering with fear, especially when you're coming at me with such well-reasoned arguments and sound evidence, I think I might just give it a crack.

Question for you. Do you think you're really going to be able to scare everyone this year with the ridiculous, hysterical, and completely inaccurate 'Democrats will raise your taxes and ruin the economy" bit? First of all, Obama will not raise taxes. He'll roll back Bush's tax cuts for those making $200 grand plus, and actually LOWER taxes for everyone else. "But" you say, foam starting to froth at the corner of your mouths "it will ruin small businesses! Stifle investment! Destroy the economy!!!" Well, here's a second question. How is it you seem to think your argument that Dems are bad for the economy holds any water when the last time the economy was doing really well was during the… hmmm, let me think, when was it? Oh yeah, that's right, the last Democratic administration. It took a Replublican to come into office with a huge surplus, turn that into record deficits and flush the whole damn economy right down the crapper.

So how do you explain that? Oh yeah, I forgot. It's the completely logical and not at all ridiculous rule that everything good that happens during a Dem administration (strong economy) was the result of the brilliant plans of previous Repubs finally coming to fruition, and everything bad that happens on a Repub watch (9/11) was completely the fault of the previous Dem administration.

Well, good luck holding on to the white house, guys!

Comment by Tom in L.A. — July 1, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
I've just read the responses to the attemps by Obama surrogates to belittle McCain's military service and the hypocrisy of Clark and Webb is truly astounding. It appears to me that these attempts may be backfiring.

Comment by Keith — July 1, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
How does a pilot fly into power lines?

I waiting for an answer???

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
Is Obama's military record then superior to McCain's?

Comment by Kathleen H — July 1, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
Dave C. john kerry was in viet nam? I did not know that.
I agree with you. It's funny how they only want it to work one way isn't it.

Comment by JOE — July 1, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Yes.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
the koolaid drinking, nonconstitutional, socialist sucking, blind dirty liberals need to move to europe if they think MY GREAT AMERICA sucks we don't care what you think and the future of this country better follow the founding fathers ideals or we are doomed to the terrorist attacks europe deals with and it will be hell! look at history and see what it was like with CARTER PRES…. IT SUCKED…. SO IF HUSSEIN OSAMA is sooo different WHY DOES HE HAVE CARTERS AIDS?? OSAMA IS A MARXIST AND YOU IDIOTS NEED TO LEARN YOUR HISTORY

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
#12
I would say that to Webb's face. He might try to put a boot someplace, he will draw back a bloody nub of a leg.

People here are right. Webb did not mind talking about his sone and his own service and trumping it up. He did not mind it when Kerry ran around like the second coming of MacArthur but when someone mentions McCain's service , well we have to take that out of politics.

The liberals want it removed because Barry O Bam Bam has NO military experience. They want it removed so there is no comparison in that arena because Barry will lose.

http://www.onebigdog.net/the-hypocrisy-of-wesley-clark/

Comment by Big Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
Southern States should take a hike. Start your country you white trash bastards.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
The mere fact that the plane McCain was flying survived the impact with power lines indicatet that they were so small that they would not be visible to a pilot flying at 400+ MPH. I could see that happening.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
I think this is the pique of hypocracy coming from Webb, who just recently won his own campaign by parading around his son before his son left to serve in Iraq, and then parading around his son's boots. If he's against using military service in campaigning, he should follow his own rules.

Comment by Virginia — July 1, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Hey JohnUSMC - Abe Lincoln absolutely DID have military experience. He was a captain during the Black Hawk Wars in the 1830s. Get your facts straight…then enlighten us with your opinions.

Comment by JohnUSA — July 1, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
HEY FRED HOW DOES 2 HELICOPTER PILOTS FLY INTO EACHOTHER

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Here's the thing for all of you to remember. While this discourse obviously stirs one's passions, there is a very limited job description for President of the United States of America, and I quote "�No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.� End quote.Sorry nothing about holding executive responsibility, flying jets, or work as a commuity organizer in Chicago. But I will take the military man any day simply because of the discipline and adherence to principles most will never comrehend from a life spent defending something larger than ourselves.

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
MJ–I disagree with you about the Webb bill being too generous. Especially for those having done several tours, the bill if anything underpays them. Also, I believe the analysts had projected a 10-15% increase in recruiting, because of the benefits. If retention rates for a second hitch become an issue, perhaps a $15,000 or so bonus, or favorable financing for a small residence, could be offered. I believe this debate should be focused on treating the troops like the valuable, deserving persons they are, rather than singing their praises publicly but at the same time sending them on four tours per hitch and also driving the hardest bargain we can with them.

Comment by Tom — July 1, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Audie Murphy was the pre-eminent American hero of World War II. But would his war experiences have made him a good President?

The short answer is the same as for John McCain: NO !!

Comment by ron b — July 1, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
Flying into powerlines happens ALL THE TIME. Easy misstake lol whoops . . . and the two other planes he lost by pilot error?

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
[...] now Webb is adding to it The Hill's Blog Briefing Room Webb: McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military Service based on his campaign in VA it sounds a bit [...]

Pingback by McCain Oversold Military/Security Experience - Wes Clark - Page 2 - VolNation — July 1, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
HEY FRED 2 HELICOPTERS… MEDICAL HELICOPTERS IN CHARGE OF PROTECTING LIVES GOING LESS THAN 200 MILES ANHOUR COLIDED… HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Jim Webb has not tried to "belittle" McCain's military service. Everyone reads the same article but hate and ignorance clouds their mind and they are unable to think clearly. How is military service a qualifier for President? Perhaps if he wanted to be Secretary of Defense I'd understand that. When George Washington was President the country was about the size of my high school class… he was able to walk around without Secret Service. He walked around with a SWORD for crying outloud! President Clinton did a great job, the economy was at an all time high and the umemployment rate was at an all time low… the reverse is true for this administration… I don't know about you but everytime I call customer support I get someone from India on the line, how is that securing American jobs?

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
"John McCain wasn't a war hero. He was shot down, held as a prisoner and tortured. If anything, he was a war victim. Don't just kneejerk to what General Clark said � what is it about being held as a P.O.W. that gives you the leadership experience necessary to be President?"

Surely you jest - it isn't leadership experience that can be discerned by Sen. McCain's history in Vietnam. It's his character, and the way he handled himself in a situation so dire that most Americans cannot really appreciate or understand. The fact that American-hating Democrats would actually try pushing this angle is very telling.

"Four years ago, there was a huge 527 organization dedicated to smearing John Kerry's admirable service in Vietnam. You rightwingers just loved that. But now that McCain's service is being called into question, it's suddenly anathema to talk about a candidate's military record? Talk about hypocrisy!"

The core members of "Swift Boat Veterans" were sailors who served with John Kerry. Perhaps, if Obama really wants to diminish McCain's service and time as a POW, he should dredge up some fellow POW's who served with McCain, and let them testify as to McCain's service or lack thereof to the country. I'm sure they will have no problem lining up plenty of fellow Vietnam POW's willing to stab McCain in the back. At least then, they won't have to use hacks like Webb or Clark.

Comment by Lance — July 1, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Well,,, Webb used his Military service and his sons military service in his political campagin for his office in DC. Kind of odd how that double standard works for democrats.

Comment by James B Norman — July 1, 2008 @ 3:18 pm
What a double standard! Why is it okay for a liberal to say or do anything and not be called on it? But, when a conservative does or says the same thing, then they are raked over the coals?? I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'm good and tired of the liberals in this country who want to censor us conservatives, but can say anything they please. It's just not right.

Comment by Janice Morrow — July 1, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
John McCain was flying in sky ALL BY HIMSELF and downed not 1, not 2 but 3 planes. No Assistance needed.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
What's so wrong about being a liberal?

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
What has a liberal ever done to any of you?

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Leave Clark and Webb alone. They are right! In fact both of them actually failed to bring out 3 remaining issues on why McCain is unfit to command:

1) First, McCain said: "he did not love America, until he was denied of its company." Why did not he love America until he was shot down? This shows he was one of the most dangerous soldiers in the Vietnam war theater. If did not love America, why did he laced his boots for this country in the first place? Serving a country you did not love is neither heroic not patriotic thing, talk less of being qualified to be its Commander-in-Chief. Otherwise, is anyone arguing that John McCain has grown into loving this country over the last 40 year?

2)Second, McCain refused to vote for the recent GI bill amendment that would have allowed the country to provide more benefits for the active soldiers and veterans. His baloney excuse, he said more soldiers will be taken advantage of going to school rather than serving/fighting. In terms of salary, our soldiers are the list paid public servants and additional benefits that can make their return to the civilian lives are appropriate, and

3)Lastly, but not the least, McCain confessed he did not read the intelligence reports that were he and the Bush administration relied on to justify the invasion of Iraq. His explanation was that he relied on briefings from other people (supposedly both within the Bush administration and other sources). Well, intelligence reports are not bedtime stories. As the Chairman of Senate Committee on Armed Forces at the time of the invasion of Iraq, it was necessary if not mandatory that he should have read intelligence reports and digested them. Instead, he bought the story of the Bush administration and did not show any independence he has always touted, the so-called Straight Express. Well, I guess that was a sign that the wheels came off the Straight Express.

Now, why should anyone think he is remotely fit to be a Commander-in-Chief. Getting shot down and spending years in captivity are not prerequisites for leadership and having good judgment. The bottom line, the issue is judgment. Otherwise, may be we should declare everyone who spent time in the Vietnam's prisons, particularly those who suffered far more both in length of time and torture than McCain, as fit to be Commanders-in-Chief.

Comment by A. Omoniyi — July 1, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Im no McCain supporter but he did much more in the Navy than get shot down. He was the commander of a very large Naval fleet and retired from the miltiary with more of a leadership background than most politicans get in office.

Im voting for Ron Paul because McCain is a Democrat with an R after his name.

Comment by James B Norman — July 1, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
I would answer Fred's question "How does a pilot fly into power lines?" but it would take an I.Q. higher then 50 to understand, so Fred I'm not going to waste your time and confuse you.

p.s. try driving at 300 mph and avoid a spider web across the road.

Comment by SV VET — July 1, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
This is an orchestrated effort to neutralize the past of a man (McCain) who spent years in a POW camp for choosing to serve his country by a man (Obama) who has not given up anything to serve his country.

Comment by Rob — July 1, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
FLASH: FOR NHE NEW YORK TIMES, NEWS WEEK AND MSNBC:

Obama is not the first black to hold the presumptuous Presidential nomination, the actual Presidential nomination and if elected (doubtful) he will not be the first black President the US. In fact this Trojan Horse is not even legally black man, he is a mulatto! His own ads prove it.

So you ask what is a mulatto?

Well take a look.

A mulatto is a person with one white parent and one black parent, or, more generally, a person of mixed black and white ancestry.[It derives from Spanish (and likely from Portuguese, also) mulato (small mule, person of mixed race, mulatto; from mulo, mule; from Old Spanish; from Latin m?lus), by analogy with the mule, which is the hybrid offspring of a horse and a donkey.

As a matter of fact many of the elder leaders of the black community do not support the Mulatto Obama, because they feel he is too white. Relative to support from the blacks it is coming from the black congress and black senators who just happen to be democrat. These folks will sell their soles for the party but not America. Obama also receives support from young blacks which think they are votong for a black, remember Mulatto recevied over 90% of the black vote during the primaries. LOL, LOL

Now there are a few that will jump up and down over these facts. Well to those of you who do, forget about it! Obama is what is he is today, what has been since birth and will be once he passes and through history.

Comment by kuma — July 1, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
It's interesting to see how Republicans react when the sky is falling. Don't you realize that all your crying will not change the result of an election which is tailor-made for a Democratic win? You had your chance for the past 8 years and you messed it up more than anyone previously thought was possible. Best thing to do now is find a new hobby for the next 4 months because this November is not going to bring a result you can stomach. We've all been there before. Just accept it.

All right-wing idealogues and racists will vote for McCain. The rest for Obama. That spells a landslide for the Dems.

Comment by Jon — July 1, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
Jim "Mellon head" Webb once again showing why he's exactly that. A Mellon head. What an utter buffoon he is to say such a thing. Wesley Clark opened his big yapper and Obama like Clark, now the Democrats are doing damage control. McCain is your new president, as if it were ever in question.

Comment by Hunter — July 1, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
We have been told all along that Obama has run a tight ship in his campaign so either that is false or he has purposely let these surrogates go out and attack McCain. My guess is that is a coordinated approach and Obama just sits back to disavow like he did with Wright, Pfelger, etc.

But his surrogates like Webb and Clark have no credibility and this will backfire on Obama. To both Clark and Webb, I would say that 5 years in a POW camp is a character qualification for president because it shows will, determination, fortitude and a tough skin something necessary when make tough decisions.

Comment by Jon — July 1, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
It's amazing how all these brainwashed myopic morons, bigots and faux christians did not one bit when the scumbags for truth were torching Kerry.

Comment by Valmon Anthony — July 1, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
The totality of McCain's service should be considered. Clark and Webb are right, just serving doesn't mean one is a hero. Yes, McCain was a POW but I also want to know and take into account how his military record seems to be full of accidents and special assignments because of his father's and grandfather's rank.

My son is in the military but his family does not have any admirals or generals (or any high officers) in it and I am tired of seeing military kids promoted because of who they are.

McCain seems to have used first his father and then his wife's money to build his career. Contrast that to Obama's credentials or Webb's or Clark's.

Comment by Barbara — July 1, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
The problem is that being shot down and tortured is basically McCain's only qualification for high office. His so-called expertise on foreign affairs is a media fiction. What if the next time he stumbles, he misunderstand Joe Lieberman's whisper and decides to attack Sri Lanka?
Just too many neo-cons in the man's itinerary for comfort. If you want this country to be on a permanent war footing, $9.00 gas, and national bankruptcy, this is your guy. The only hope is that he's kidding.

Comment by J DAlessandro — July 1, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
Does being a POW make you president material? if yes, is that what we are doing in cuba ,,, the making presidents!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by njak — July 1, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
thats the prob lance just like spendin 2 weeks hounding people in the mid west to talk bad about how it was being handled… you can't find them.

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Hi Ken Taylor, Wow….We agree! Everything bad that happened was completely the fault of the Democrap Party!

What kind of idiot are you? Are you a Obaminite spreading the "Fairy Tales" of Baracket Hussein O'Dummy, George Soros, MoveOn, Weakling Clark, JackAss Webb……..

I can't believe I'm saying this but Hillary looks real good for President, next to the "Most-Leftist-Liberal"in the whole Democrap Party, which would be your O'Brother!

Comment by EmmaLee — July 1, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Answered like a Republicans… no answer. Let me think….could he have been not been following a flight plan? Nor paying attention? Hot dogging it? or flying below restricted elevation? Which one did I miss.

Comment by Fred — July 1, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Wesley Clark and Jim Webb have both demonstrated their hypocrisy and aggogance. Both look like town idiots.

Comment by Michael — July 1, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Aren't these the same blatant hypocrites that tried to fake Bush's national guard papers and then complain that he never went to war so wassn't qualified to be Commander in Chief? Ummm…yes, they were.

Now that there is a bonafide war HERO running, they say his service, sacrifice and experience in Vietnam isn't a qualification to be Commander in Chief.

They need to make up their insipid minds.

When Obama says he will bring CHANGE…he means he is going to change his mind, constantly, to suit his political ambitions.

The man and his cohorts have ZERO principles. Obama is NOT qualified to be President on ANY level. He's a radical… and surrounds himself with idiots and awful people.

Comment by JOYCE from CA — July 1, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
they are not POW njak!! and jdalessandro go to school and learn economics. oh and look and see who really gets the money from high oil. Kerry is even invested in petrol energy not to menton the 20 or so other prominent dems who are making money from high oil. but i suppose for all you koolaid drinkers….. STARBUCKS MUCH HIGHER PROFIT TO COST RATIO DOESN"T MATTER CAUSE IT's BIG BAD OIL FAULT. LEARN ECONOMICS TAXING DOESN'T HELP

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
It's people like Josh (#399) that give real conservatives a bad name. Get over it. You probably don't even know a thing about Marxism and are just repeating everything that Mr. Limbaugh tells you to.

All I can, is think for yourself people and I'm saying this as an independent. Until the citizens of this fine country can get over these boldly drawn bipartisan party lines, we will never get anywhere. You don't have to vote like mommy and daddy did. You don't have to vote like you always have in the past. Vote for what YOU think NOW. Just stop with all the petty name calling. Both sides are major hypocrites, get over it. Dems could call Repubs hypocrites until they are blue in the face and vice versa. Where does it get you? Nowhere. Save your energy for some research on the issues and some real fact finding parties/candidates.

Comment by Ned — July 1, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
I am flabbergasted by all these comments.

Does saying that being a POW can make you a war hero but does not make you specially qualified to be President equal denigrating or belittling McCain's service?
Answer: It does not.

All these comments are screaming hissy fits and nothing else. For God's sake, let's get around to talking about how these men plan to lead the nation in January. It is fairly clear that McCain plans to continue the under appreciated leadership and policies of George W Bush. the McCain campaign should be focusing attention on that winning strategy.

Comment by smokey joe — July 1, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
Jim Webb has to be one of the slimiest, trashiest characters in the political arena.
The sleeze just oozes from this guy. First, he uses his stature from the Reagan administration to push through an ill-considered bill that encourages people to leave the military early when our nation is at war. Next, he goes after the military record of fellow former soldier, John McCain, an honorable man who gave as much as one could give for his country. Whether it is their willingness to throw the country overboard to advance their political aims, or their wackiness that has blocked any and all attempts to drill for oil here, recent months have made me remember why I dislike the Democrats so much. As bad as the current crop of Republicans has been, the Democrats have proven themselves far worse. WE MUST THROW THEM OUT AGAIN!!!

Comment by Joe Six Pack — July 1, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
I am not a big McCain fan, but he's a patriot and more than qualified for this job.

But what are Obama's qualifications? Has he fought for this nation? NO. Has he sacrificed for this nation? NO. Has he suffered for this nation? NO.

In fact, he surrounded himself with crooks, radicals and ANTI-Americans who helped get him where he got in corrupt Chicago politics.

I'd say all that DISQUALIFIES HIM.

Comment by Rachel — July 1, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
Obama should 'calm down' on his record of service. Oops, I'm sorry he doesn't have a record of service.

He is just a pandering 'community organizer' no different from Shaprton and Jackson.

Comment by Josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
Kuma, what in the world is your point with all that rambling? Thanks for the definition of mulatto…..??

Comment by Ned — July 1, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
It is disingenuous for Obama�s political hacks like Webb (seeking the VP slot) and the Fired General Clark who is looking for any job in any Democrat administration to say that Senator McCain should �Calm Down.�

Senator McCain�s response was calm and measured. Instead of getting mad, as Webb would like everyone to believe and which the MSM dutifully reported, he simply said: �remarks like Clark's were "unnecessary" but that the question of an apology was up to Obama."

"If that's the kind of campaign that Senator Obama and his surrogates and supporters want to engage in, I understand that," he said. "But it doesn't reduce the price of a gallon of gas by a penny" or do anything else to help Americans.

This is the kind of calm and reflective leadership we need in our next president.

Comment by Barry In Las Vegas — July 1, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
so ned to sayy that the rich have no right to their wealth and that the GOVT needs to take it and distibute it to the poorer people isn't a marxist idea????

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
What a double standard! Why is it okay for a liberal to say or do anything and not be called on it? But, when a conservative does or says the same thing, then they are raked over the coals?? I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'm good and tired of the liberals in this country who want to censor us conservatives, but can say anything they please. It's just not right.

If there's a double standard, it's completely the other way: four years ago, the Swift Boaters engaged in a full-scale smear campaign against Kerry's military service, and that was 100% okay. Now that the military guy's a Republican, the slightest criticism of his military service is greeted with horror and condemnation. Make up your minds!

Comment by Kevin W. Parker — July 1, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
Hey Webb. Whats your comment on Hillary hurtling off the plane, running down the tarmac, to take out 2 enemy pillboxes singlehandedly, all the while ducking deadly Bosnian sniper fire.

Comment by Al — July 1, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
"Take it how you want it� And feel free to make it personal if it helps you feel better about yourself�

Creating a conflict that provides the means for freeing 3 million+ slaves with no real plan for their transition into society doesn't make him a great president�"

Comment by JLS � July 1, 2008 @ 2:34 pm

So you weren't really trying to be funny?
Nope, not only are you a moron, but a complete fool. That isn't being personal, mind you, it's simply stating an obvious fact.

Abraham Lincoln did not "create" the Civil War.
The seeds of that conflict were sown long before the man was even born.
In fact the war officially began in April of 1861
by shots fired by the Confederates from Charleston into Fort Sumter.
Lincoln, as you must know, was in Washington D.C. at the time.
Also "freeing the slaves" didn't even become an issue until after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lastly, it was never the government's responsibility to train or educate the slaves after their freedom was granted in 1865. Their biggest problem at that time was trying to keep those same slaves from being massacred by the newly formed KKK.

I don't know what history books you read or what intellectual circles you run in, or what university you attended to formulate this asinine opinion of Lincoln you have but if you paid to be educated this way then you were robbed, and I'd demand a full refund for lowering your IQ instead of raising it.

Comment by s.o.s. different day — July 1, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Rachel:

Obama has fought for the under served, under priviledged and under represented people in Chicago and the US. I believe that covers fighting for this nation.

And when was the last time you were in a job interview and they asked if you've ever suffered or sacrificed for the company? Obama's politics are just plain better: more progressive, more forward thinking and more AMERICAN. Because he has America at heart.

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Mr.Clark certainly thought his own service was a qualification when he tried to make a bid for President years ago, and he wore his old uniform for emphasis! And now he wants to belittle the service of others? The man has no class and no character.

Mr. McCain's miltary service and his touching POW story may not necessarily be qualifications or requirements to be President. But they sure as hell prove him to be a patriot and a man with a ton of character. And that IS a qualification in my book.

I see nothing special whatsoever to qualify Mr. Obama. He's naive, but that would be a disqualification.

Comment by Flint — July 1, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
Gen. Wesley Clark Commander in Kosovo. Relieved of duty due to "character issues" as described by the then CJCS. A Rhodes scholar. Just like his buddy Bill Clinton. Ooops, sorry Clinton only claims to be a Rhodes Scholar but he isn't actually one. Don't quote the listing in Wikipedia. I can list myself as a Rhodes Scholar in Wikipedia. Clark, Clark, hmmm, didn't he disobey his boss's orders? Fired by his pal Bill. Husband of "The Entitled One."

Comment by E. Bravo — July 1, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
The Republicans had best take a deep breath before getting into it with Jim Webb. Unlike Wesley Clark, whose background as a 4-star general and Supreme Commander of NATO required him to be a diplomat, Webb has always been outspoken and less inclined to pull punches.

I think McCain is about one or two more smart-ass remarks away from getting his comeuppance.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
Dear Rachel:

"But what are Obama's qualifications? Has he fought for this nation? NO. Has he sacrificed for this nation? NO. Has he suffered for this nation? NO."

If you feel that's enough qualification to be freakin' President of this great and complex country then I am even more depressed about the level of education of Americans than I was this morning.

You've got to be kidding me if you think crashing a plane and sitting in a POW camp all of sudden qualifies you to run the most important country in the world. Yes it shows patriotism and quite a resolve, but it DOES not qualify you to run this country. That is such distorted logic it is almost unbelievable.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
sdm-

fighting for his own people but no others in the nation, does not a patriot make. The president is supposed to represent ALL Americans. Clearly Obama did not then…and I have no reason to believe he will now.

Comment by rachel — July 1, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
As for Clark, it's interesting to watch the Republicans trying to smear him. What's the matter, don't they like it that Clark won his war?

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Tom in LA,

Clinton was just riding the Reagan Economic plan wave….. Clinton raised taxes and by 1999 the economy was slowing down because small businesses (People who make about $200-$300K) were not investing in their business because of higher tax rates. When the bush tax cuts expire the middle class will get reamed and two the so-called rich already pay over 50% of the taxes. Who creates the jobs in America the poor, the welfare class, the losers dependent upon the government…No the rich create the jobs by being profibale and expanding… How many jobs have Pelosi, Reid, and Obam produced? How much oil, gas, coal has any of these clowns brought the market. How has two years of a Democrat controlled Congress improved the US energy plan. They cry about drilling not being the short term answer, but what is your short term answer..Renewables… The green solutions are even further into the future then drilling. People best take care of themselves when they have to do it own there own, this is why the black family has broken down….The government not replaces the father. No sir I will remain aconservative and keep my conservative values such if McCain or Obama wins…I will be OK..

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
Evidently Military experience mattered in 2000 and 2004, but not in 1988, 1992, 1996, or 2008. That is very interesting.

Comment by Don — July 1, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
LOL! Jim Webb is saying to calm down on the claims of military service?!?!!? T'were he to do the same he'd have nothing left to speak about. Pure panic on their part since Hussein Obama has no experience on anything, let alone military. Too bad he's getting a pass from the press.

Comment by Anton Denikin — July 1, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
#445- Kevin

Sorry. The Swiftboat Vets didn't smear Kerry. They pointed out that he LIED about his experiences during his very short service. Which he did. No one is suggesting that McCain lied…they just try to minimize his LONG service in order to prop up Obama who has made NO service to the nation.

Comment by rachel — July 1, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
NAME ONE THING THAT QUALIFIES OSAMA LIBS JUST ONE THING!!

Comment by josh — July 1, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Rachel, I pray for your poor ignorant misinformed soul.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
Did McCain wet start his A-4 or not? When will this question be asked to him directly?

Comment by MJP — July 1, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
McCain is the one making his POW and military experience an issue. Hardly a speech goes by without a reference to it, almost like he's saying "You Owe Me". While I honor his service like I do all military people (myself included) he proved to be a lousy pilot. If his commanding officers had any cajones, he would not have been allowed in a cockpit after his second crash.

Comment by Clint — July 1, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
POW == HERO
POW != (great president || great politician)

Both statements evaluate true.

Saying the above does not in any way, shape or form belittle McCain's or anyone else's military service.

That is all.

Comment by smokey joe — July 1, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
452- TED-

You SHOULD be depressed….look up Clark's record in Bosnia on the internet. He's got his own issues and they aren't good ones. They would have come up if he had gotten ANY traction during his Pres. run. But he got nowhere, because everyone had his number.

Comment by rachel — July 1, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
The Dems were "Swift Boating" long before it got a name….in '88 the Dukakis campaign was shopping a story that Bush I killed his aircrew by bailing out of his Avenger without warning the crew. The only man in Bush's squadron who would sign on to it was a paid employee of the Dukakis Campaign. Kerry is a hypocrite who smeared those who served with him as "war criminals" and his service in Vietnam as being for a evil cause thirty years ago then expected to run as a "War Hero" as if he had never repudiated it….which is why it stuck. I hope the Dems do try to smear McCain for the Forrestal fire as some are already doing….the video evidence alone will make it explode in the Dem's faces.

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Kevin Parker, there is absolutely no equivalancy between the Kerry and McCain situations. First, Kerry came back from Vietnam, threw his medals away, lied about what he saw in the war, and befriended traitors like Hanoi Jane. The Swiftboaters were with Kerry in Vietnam, and were relating their experiences. They were also a 527 group, which gives them the same speech rights as Michael Moore. On the other hand, Webb is a polititian who knows nothing about McCain's experience, and is attacking a true war hero. McCain's military experience is a character issue, much the same as Reverend Wright and Obama's other questionable friends. Why do libs think that character is not an issue in a political campaign. I believe it should be the number one issue!

Comment by JCIll — July 1, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
460- Ted

Thanks, but don't need to pray for "poor uneducated" me, Ted. I have a graduate degree. Pray for your nation if the Marxist Obama gets elected.

Comment by rachel — July 1, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Who was the uniformed person that said Lincoln had no military experience?? Obviously educated in government schools!!!

Yes Barbara, Obama only uses George Soro's money to get where he is going!!!

Comment by Toronoman — July 1, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Rachel:

"his own people" wow and here I thought that we were all American citizens and my people were your people and his people… I guess I have to remember that you're only American if you're white. Is that how it goes?

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Here I was beginning to believe that the President was the Commander-in-Chief? Is this not so?

Comment by Felix101andsecondtwonone! — July 1, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
What's MSNBC?

What's "Countdown"?

Comment by Jack — July 1, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
WOW—–WOW——WOW
WEBB who used his milatary career and his sons as the mainstay when he ran for office says it doesnt count now!!!!!!!!
Look at Jim Webbs web site and all it says about him under his qualifications is his military career. This man is nuts to critize anyone else.

Clark was a colonel till Bill CLINTON AND DEMOCRATS GOT HIM PROMOTED THEN FIRED HIM FOR WHAT????? DONT ASK DONT TELL?????

Comment by Ed Penna — July 1, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
McCAIN HAS NORTH VIETNAMESE �PACEMAKER�

During his POW yrs, McCain's captors diagnosed him with arrythmia of the heart, and implanted an early version of the pacemaker to save his life. At least, that's what they told U.S. Navy doctors.

McCain's medical records indicate the implantation.

The device is not safely removable, but does allow new battery insertion, which McCain had done in Hanoi in 1981 and 1996.

Question: Is this REALLY just a pacemaker?

Comment by goat909295 — July 1, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Clark put down McCain because he didn't have command experience during a war; he didn't order people to bomb. Jay Rockefeller put down McCain because he was bombing, possibly killing civilians; and then apologized. Webb tried to take anything military about a candidate out of the campaign. Clark did have command experience; he wanted to shoot at the Russians in Yugoslavia; a Brit stopped him by saying it could start World War III. Clark failed the test he himself set up. Indeed, his disagreements with Clinton about what to bomb and whether there should be more of a ground war led to his being eased out. Webb was a very poor Secretary of the Navy and was eased out. Clark and Webb: two bad VP possibilities. Webb earlier recommended his version of Ike's approach to Korea; he neglected to acknowledge that what Ike actually did in practice was escalate the war in Korea, as McCain had recommended and Bush actually did with the Surge.

Comment by Richard L.A. Schaefer — July 1, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
[...] seems to spend a part of every day either distancing himself from seals and supporters (it seems this week's Wesley Clark is not the Wesley Clark Obama knew while McCain is so busy playing everything down he seems almost [...]

Pingback by Let Obama be Obama & McCain be McCain | The Anchoress — July 1, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
As a Vietnam vet, from what I read (if I have read all comments in context), Clark — and now Webb — are not impugning or besmirching McCain�s war service, or diminishing his brave time as a POW;

Clark is simply saying that McCain has not served in the military in an executive capacity, directing men, etc., a la Eisenhower, a la Colin Powell�and as someone who has, Clark is qualified to make that distinction. The McCain camp, the media and others, are blowing things up�

Webb is simply stating that we should take military service out of the political debate, because politicians go on about their service, like wrapping themselves in the flag, claiming the military support them, when the military vote and opinion is highly diverse, and also claiming to disagree with a pro-war stance is unpatriotic and against the military.

Is it such a leap of gray matter or a deviation from love of country to say (or admit) that McCain�s military experience is not executive, not a generalship for example, and does not qualify him in that area.

If this small feat of the mind is intellectually demanding, we need smarter newsmen. If it is heart rending to our patriotism, let us found love of country on a surer ground than blind affection that believes loving criticism is motivated only by evil intent. And let us be a smarter public who won�t buy commentary and journalism worthy only of recycling.

Hasn�t recent experience (and even basic social studies classes) taught us that to criticize the president or our military men is not impugning the flag or country, just as critically discerning weak aspects of McCain�s experience does not discount or impugn his bravery and the merit he displayed; and that it isn�t a means to impugn the flag, the military, our war dead, etc., etc.

We need more knowledgeable, brave and critical eyes all around us � in the press, the public and the military. If we had them in 2002 and 2003, the military might not have gone along with attacking Saddam and Iraq for Bin Laden�s evil deeds�for more about the need for military competence instead of �general� malfeasance, see my blog at http://www.wrathofmcgrath.com

Comment by Jim McGrath — July 1, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
I'm probably about 400 comments late, but everything I'm hearing and have heard points to a very simple fact. BHO is not qualified to be President and his supports know this and are working double time to find new ways to denigrate John McCain. There is nothing to tout about BHO so instead they just bash McCain.

Sorry loosers, bad politicians and ultimatly they are people who clearly hate this country.

Comment by R — July 1, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
The only kind of experience Obama has is to do cocaine and go to an anti-semite, racist church for 20 years.
It's so easy to denounce certain things when you get caught…

Comment by chaban — July 1, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
469- sdm

Don't be an idiot, sd. Of course we are ALL AMERICANS. I said that Obama was dealing with only ONE segment of America. One segment is not ALL AMERICANS. Are you thick? Or did you go to the Democrat school of twisting words.

Comment by rachel — July 1, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Jim Webb is a TOTAL HYPOCRITE!!! He lectures John McCain to "avoid using military service in politics"?? Is he kidding? Just last week, the Wall Street Journal ran a puff piece touting Webb as a potential VP on Obama's ticket, and discussed how Webb would constantly invoke his son's service in Iraq to push his Senate campaign in 2006. John McCain, on the other hand, has three sons in the service, one of whom just wrapped up a tour in Iraq, yet McCain has assiduously avoided any mention of his sons' service for political gain. According to the Journal: "During his Senate run, some critics disapproved of Sen. Webb's use of his son's service in Iraq for political advantage. As Sen. Webb traveled up and down Virginia, campaigning for the Senate seat, he wore a pair of his son's combat boots. 'Webb got in on account of his son,' says Sam Jacob, a Virginia resident who fought in the Korean War."

Comment by Bill — July 1, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
By Wesley Clark's rationale, if military service doesn't qualify one for the president, does the inexperience of a junior senator from Illinois make someone over-qualified?

Comment by Dave Matuk — July 1, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
And as far as being commander in chief, yes, the president is the commander in chief. So, what do you learn about running a military by graduating in the bottom of your class, crashing a couple planes and sitting in a POW camp for years. McCain's military service is admirable and honorable but in no way was it impressive. Sure he served more time than what Obama did but it didn't qualify him any more to be President.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Does the opposing football team tell the other side not to use their star player? Does the team follow what the opposition says? In this case do exactly the opposite of what the Democrats say.

Comment by Irondog — July 1, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
I have never heard McCain or any other Republican state that his war record 'qualified' him to be president. This is just a myth invented by the dems and the media (pardon my redundancy). He has spent many years in the Senate, and has sponsored hundreds of bills (I admit that I don't agree with all of them). Many of them crossed party lines (those are the ones that I don't agree with). Obama has done virtually nothing in his career. As the 'great uniter', he has voted far left on every single issue that he bothered to vote on. Military experience is a plus, but McCain is NOT 'running on his military experience'.

Comment by JCIll — July 1, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
[...] make Senator John Webb's attack last night on the Obie-One show the 8th [...]

Pingback by John McCain Watch: The 8th Attack on Military Record - James Webb Edition | FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog — July 1, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
For your info libs, when Clark was serving in the military absolutely no one had any respect for him as a leader. They respected his rank because they had to. The last time we had someone like Obama in the White House, we had Jimmy Carter. He managed to reduce the military to choosing between gas to get to work or food for their children. I am a military spouse and I saw the poor condition of our military families during that administration and dread to think that Obama will be elected. The lack of respect that Clark showed for Mr. McCain was unacceptable and if I may say so conduct unbecoming an officer. I find it ironic that he says that he is supporting Obama because of his character but refuses to acknowledge the character it took to spend years in a POW camp and provide the leadership to hs fellow prisoners that he did.

Comment by agmom — July 1, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
This from those people who spoke so very highly of JF Kerrys service. Did you know JF kerry was in Vietnam?????
Webb also sported his service to get elected.
Get off McCains back. The socialist/communist/liberals want things only their way and no one else can compete with them.The media fuels this mess and it would be nice if the news would be reported without the slant towards the dumocratic party.

Comment by BigArch — July 1, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
God forbid one candidate has military experience while another does not, but we can't talk about that! It's not fair that one person was in the military and the other was not! How dare you talk about that?!

Give me a break people, the candidates are different and have had different life experiences. You don't make a certain area of a person off-limits because of that.

Comment by Sean — July 1, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
No one should be surprised that Webb or any other liberal Democrat is a flaming hypocrite. And no one should be surprised that O'bama and his puppetmaster, George Soros, will stoop to any low and deploy any dirty trick in order to take control of our govt. and our money. The real news here is that the so-called "JOURNALISTS" are 100% in the tank for O'bama and willingly and gladly spew the propaganda and ask no difficult questions.
The media has done everything but carry O'bama around in a sedan chair and wash his feet.
DO NOT ELECT A SINGLE DEMOCRAT TO THE HOUSE OR SENATE>

Comment by ricardo maxwell — July 1, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
For truthbringer and the other liars on here, have you any idea how many people that you have just convinced of your abject stupidity?
Every man who was with Mccain in prison supports him now, if he did what you claim, why is that?
Seems to me they would be doing what the guys who served with Kerry did, show him for the liar that he is.

Clark only made general because of his sycophantic relationship with clinton who fired him as an incompetant fool, Webb is an embarrasement to the state of Va and will need to seek a new job because he will never be re-elected.

JSM will win going away in Nov. No-one who truly loves this country will ever vote for that marxist.

Comment by Seawolf — July 1, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
McCain was honorable to be willing to fight and die for our country whereas Obama wants to take flight and lie.

Comment by navy65 — July 1, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Well JCIII, he could have fooled me with his ads these days, especially the ones that make mention of the military heritage in his family.
I guess what I'm most worked up about is how many of these 500 or so comments are from citizens that think his military history is enough to qualify him for president. I'm okay with people voting for McCain if they like his policies and agree with what he wants to do for this country….but you are cheating yourself and this great country if you are so lazy that you vote for McCain only because he was a POW……….and I'm afraid many Americans will.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Rachel:

I'm not twisting your words, trying to understand what you were implying. I'm sorry if I don't use name calling in my replies to you so you don't understand. How about this: when you are trying to make progress you have to start small, so you focus your attention on one thing and hope that by doing so you can move to a higher level where your progress can be applied to something larger. You don't just try to help every poor person in America. You start with a small segment to try and test different ways that work. Then you apply it to a larger group. See how that works?

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Webb, as usual, is way off. The only people talking about McCains service record are the radical left wing fools. McCain rarely mentions it but Webb and the rest of the Libs bring it up daily. Webb is a disgrace to Va. America and the Military.

Comment by JLB. — July 1, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
So what if McSame was a war hero? Obama was a community activist. He and the Democrats have worked hard to defeat our troops and give much needed aid and comfort to our enemies. For that mattter how dare George Bush take credit for making the USA look stupid. It is our Democrats led by our standard bearer Comrade Obama that have starved the poorest people on this planet by using grains for fuel & have artificially raised the price of energy by not exploiting the vast carbon resources underneath our own soil or building refining capacity. So when you stupid republicans get the credit for wrecking this country I must protest! P.S. We will completely bankrupt this country by making ridiculous promises that could never be kept and we better get the credit. Vote OBAMA!!!

Comment by Snagle Tooth — July 1, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
If these ridiculous comments don't turn everyone off to O'bama and expose him for the fraud and phony that he really is, then I guess they should dig up Jim Jones and start passing out more kool aid!

Comment by ricardo maxwell — July 1, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Westly Clark is a hypocrite at best…. he was a 1 star General and Commander of Fort Hood Texas. He was the one solely responsible for giving Janet Reno the military equipment, manpower, and weapons to slaughter the Branch Dividians at Waco Tx.

Whether or not you agree with how it was handled is not the issue. The Posse Commitus Act protects us from our own military. They cannot use any military equipment, personal, or weapons against US civilians, nor can they come into your house. This is why our police don't have machine-guns, tanks and rocket launchers.

The US Military are not policemen.

Clark defied the law and gave Janet Reno (Bill Clinton) everything she wanted to engage and slaughter US civilians by the Federal Government.

For his reward for silence, he was promoted to 4 stars in less than 5 years, and made Commander Of All NATO Forces in Europe. He was relieved of command for ordering British General Tommy Thompson to attack the Russian forces who were advancing on the airport in Kosovo.

Thompson refused, and General Clark was relieved of Command by Clinton. However, he still had the "secret" on the Clinton's so they didn't make a big deal out of it….but its still in the record.

Command experience? It was Westly Clark who ordered the bombing of Serb cemeteries to blow their loved ones out of the ground and demoralize the population. They responded by gathering on their bridges in mass to act as human shields of their infrastructure.

His combat experience is limited to 3 weeks of combat in Vietnam. He was on one of his first patrols when he was hit. He never returned to combat.

Anyone who ever served with him remembers him as a elitist, ego maniac. No one in the military likes him.

He's now relegated to liberal "useful idiot" status by the DNC. He's hoping for a VP slot, but everyone knows he'd totally destroy the ticket.

They call him General "chapstick" for all the time he spends kissing the ass of everyone in high place's.

Comment by TOM T — July 1, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
It makes no difference what one says, for when the Republican Mean Machine needs an issue to chew on their stronger quality of "divide and conquer" kicks in! The people behind such actions enjoy suchreactions as they distract from the "real" issues facing the American people. This is the distraction employed in every election cycle of modern times by the Republican Party. Apparently, the Americans are seeing this for the first time or have limited memories. Wise-up folks, you are being snookered towards what the Bush Administration has show the world for the past 7+ years.

Comment by Lou R — July 1, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
If we divided the country in half, let one half be run by conservatives and the other by liberals, you libs would be running over to our side in no time. Why? Because you would be a bankrupt third world craphole with rampant crime, welfare, etc. and we would be the ones in a civilized, properous and ARMED society. You would be begging to get away from the ghetto you would be stuck in. Well, all of you except Hollywood and the wealthy elitists-they would just continue to hide in gated communities and sneak some armed security onto the grounds to guard them.

Comment by Conservative for life — July 1, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
Ken Parker, Why does it not bother you that Kerry came home from Vietnam, by faking his purple hearts? His commander would not give him a purple heart, so when the commander, was assigned somewhere else he put it in again. Do you know that you are not suppose to get a purple heart, when you did it to yourself? Just because you get 3 purple hearts, does not "make" you have to leave! John was a coward, who needed a way out, and 3 tainted purple hearts did it for him? Why hasn't John Kerry and John Murtha not released their military records?????

Comment by EmmaLee — July 1, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
Webb has been flattened before when he didn't expect it (1968 boxing match at Annapolis against Oliver North) and it's going to happen again. Webb is a one-termer unless he can persuade his son to go back to Iraq so daddy can campaign with his son's boots again. He's a weasel.

Comment by Lamar — July 1, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Clark was a colonel till Bill CLINTON AND DEMOCRATS GOT HIM PROMOTED

—–

We interrupt some Republican lies with facts.

Wesley Clark became a brigadier general on Nov. 1, 1989. George H.W. Bush was president at the time. Bill Clinton was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 1993.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
Get a grip, people! Read and listen carefully to what he said. He said let's take politics out of the MILITARY. He's not saying that military needs to be taken out of POLITICS! He's simply asking McCain not to stand up and take a political view, and misleading the nation that ALL MILITARY people share the same ONE.

Where in the world are you guys getting that Webb is trying to tell McCain he can't talk about his MILITARY career and experiences?

You guys are getting as bad as the MSM!!!

Comment by DJ — July 1, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
Hey Conserative for Life, we'd probably be a lot happier on our side because we used all our resources to find Bin Laden and then in turn, didn't go starting an unfounded, under prepared war that cost us $500B and led to historic devaluing of the American dollar that has wreacked economic gloom on this great country.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Matt I would say it right to Webb's face and let him know that he paraded his military record up and soen every street he could get on. His hypocracy knows no bounds… What would he do punch me.. Gezz Matt you and him are on really the same level..

Comment by paul — July 1, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Pretty amazing coming from our junior senator who made his military service and his son's military service the focus of his own campaign. Hypocrisy doesn't faze some politicians.

Comment by rwt — July 1, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
If we divided the country in half, let one half be run by conservatives and the other by liberals, you libs would be running over to our side in no time. Why? Because you would be a bankrupt third world craphole with rampant crime, welfare, etc. and we would be the ones in a civilized, properous and ARMED society. You would be begging to get away from the ghetto you would be stuck in. Well, all of you except Hollywood and the wealthy elitists-they would just continue to hide in gated communities and sneak some armed security onto the grounds to guard them.

Comment by Conservative for life

Bravo! Bravo! You hit the nail on the head! I sincerely hope that the Republic of Texas will rise again. We might have a few racist rednecks down here but we can educate them out of their ignorance. Liberals on the other hand are too self righteous to even consider that they might be wrong.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Bottem Line:

If Obama was white he would have lost to HRC in the primaries. The MSNBCs, CNNs, and ABCs have to clean up after his stupid comments everyday. IF Bush make these same comments they would be running the stories until 2010. Obama really is an empty suit…just because you go to Harvard does not mean you are smart…Case and point

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
Dave on the Lake: I'm sorry I'm confused… what Administration was it that squabbled away a surplus in 8 years putting this country is such a deficit that my great grandchildren will have to repay? Was that the Dems? No… I don't think so… Hm… now let me think about this really hard.

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
I love McCain. I think he is a true war hero.
I love Bush too. Bush is a genius!
I love my gun and my pickup truck too!

Comment by Yuranazol — July 1, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
Ted and you other kool aid drinkers, question:
Why is this vile and spurious attack on McCain's military service all of a sudden being seen and heard everywhere? I am certain that neither you nor 99.99% of the brainwashed left wing O'bama worshipping cult members were even the slightest bit interested in nor mentioned anything about McCain's military service. But when the Soros machine sends out Ashley Wilkes, er… Wesley Clark, and Jim Webb, both of whom have worn their military service on their sleeves, to bad mouth McCain's military service, you maggots crawl out from under a rock somewhere with the same color of puss dripping from your mandibles. Interesting, to say the least.
And what about O'bama? Well it's a good thing he didn't serve in the military, eh? Political activism (stuffing ballot boxes and handing out "walking around money [bribes]in Chicago) is far better training for becoming President. (if you are a Democrat, that is).

Comment by ricardo maxwell — July 1, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
SDM, All we have to do is review all government programs and cut anything that does not work. Then next year do the same and cut the bottom ten percent. In six years our federal budget would be half what it is now. That is if we can get the pork out of the budget.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
After skimming over the comments posted so far, I have to say I am ashamed at how shallow and inaccurate they are.

1. The requirements for POTUS are simple, and available to all who care to read them in the Constitution. For those too lazy to do so themselves, here they are: one must have attained the age of 35 years by the time of inaugurations. One must be a natural born citizen.

Both Obama and McCain are qualified. Period. Full stop.

2. Military service should not be confused with, not conflated into "national security" credentials, nor is military service required to be President. Period. Full stop.

Both Clark and Webb are right with regard to the statements each has made, and once again the media is wrong to have confused and short-cutted the comments.

Clark is correct that mere service in the military — however honorable — does not automatically "qualify" one to be POTUS. Nor, to those of you who are foolish enough to think otherwise, does it disqualify you. President G. W. Bush "served," President W. J. Clinton did not. Neither did Clinton's wife. Vice-President Richard Cheney enjoyed six deferrments. He has said he had "better things to do" than don the uniform. Audie Murphy was a great hero of World War II. He was a far better actor than politician.

Once more, military service is not a requirement or pre-condition or prerequisite to be elected President.

Webb is also correct. Far too many people assume the individual men and women in the military all think and vote alike. They do not. They do not serve for political purposes. They should not serve a political agenda. John McCain is no more representative of them than anyone else, and should not pretend to be their official mouthpiece. McCain does not speak for those on active duty, those retired, nor those who are deceased.

Comment by Jade7243 Hussein — July 1, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
Always wondered what Webb's son thought about his father's grandstanding in those combat boots for political gain. Webb looked like a complete ass. And a pompous one at that. (From a military wife)

Comment by Lee Travers — July 1, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
Webb says that McCain should "calm down?" What a moron. Unlike John "Reporting for Duty!" Kerry (who spent 108 days in Vietnam), McCain (5 years as a POW) has not made his service the central focus of his campaign. Webb used his service not only to get elected but also to hawk a series of mediocre novels. As a Naval Academy grad, I'm as embarrassed about Webb as I am proud of McCain.
OK, quiz time: name one legislative initiative that bears the name of Kerry, Obama, or Webb. (Being a co-sponsor with a score of other legislators doesn't count.) Webb's fairly new to both the Senate and the Party of Defeat, so maybe he needs more time to get onboard with the lefty program. Obama's been running for president since he got to DC (can't even show up to vote). Kerry's got no excuse.

Comment by Thomas — July 1, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
[...] Jim Webb pleads with the presidential candidate to keep military service out of politics. Ya know, like he did in [...]

Pingback by Oh, Now That Was Different : Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee — July 1, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
DJ - the obama campaign has sent out to undermine McCain's military career. They want to disparage anything that he has done and if someone wanted to do the leg work all six or seven of the people that are doing this are simply puppets of the obama campaign. This is because obama has NO military experience or executive experience for that matter. He would rather scorn those in uniform than wear it. as a side note didn't ol' Wes Clark order British troops to fire on Russian soldiers in Kosevo until the British General told him what he could do with his orders. and that "He would not be responsible for starting WWIII".

Comment by paul — July 1, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
Webb is, was and always will be a political animal. He was political when in the Navy and it is a surprise to no one that he became a professional pol. And, like all pols, when he sees an opponent with a strong advantage, he will do anything to undermine it.

Comment by chucklehut — July 1, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
It's totally amazing how these democrats are able to initialize the rhetoric of John McCain's military service as not being qualified to be president. And yet their candidate has no record of service. In fact he has no record of anything that I am aware of. These guys are laying out the path of scorch earth before our very eyes!

Comment by Retired Grunt — July 1, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
Dave on the Lake,

The government (Either Democrat or Republican President) never has a surplus. If they do then we are paying too in taxes and it should be returned. When has the government given back money to the people because they had too much? The government should never have a surplus because it is not a money making entity, it only redistributes wealth from the workers to the blood suckers of society. Think with your mind and not with your emotions.

Comment by Mike Hunt — July 1, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
YURANAZOL, stop over on Saturday! We are having an Independence day party. You know, independence from a tyranical government that told us what we would do and taxed the heck out of us. Hummm sounds suspiciously like these days.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
[...] Webb - potential Obama VP, scrappy Reagan-era former-conservative and bonafide war hero - weighed in eloquently on the subject of McCain acting as though his military service was a sacrosanct qualification for [...]

Pingback by Driving Too Fast Down The Middle Of The Road » Webb Weighs In To Stop Sensationalizing Service — July 1, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Great name by the way.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Where was this guy's big mouth every time Kerry stepped up to the podium with his hokey salute and referred to his (abbreviated) service in the Navy?

Comment by Rusty — July 1, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
Dave:

Cut programs that were designed to help those in need? How about we cut out the people in the gov't who have not worked, fix the programs that are supposed to work and get America back on top! That's what I, a "kool-aid-sipping-liberal-idiot-democrap" (as I have so eloquently been called today) would like to see. We all want the same thing for this country who is the best qualified to make sure that happens? If we keep on the same track that we are on right now our deficit will be worst and soon people from 3rd world countries will laugh at our dollar.

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Webb is a Hypocrite. When I watched him cpampaign all he spoke about was that he was in the war, his son was in the war so it gave him a perspective as to what the war was about. But now he tells McCain to chill out. I am so sickened by the left. I was not and am not a republican, but I could never vote or believe in a group of hypocrites. The Dems have proven themselves to be hypocrites absolutely no doubt. So when MSNBC asked for a poll on who has decided, I decided this morning. Obama NO. McCain yes, and it was not based on idealogy, just what frauds the Dems have become in the quest for the trifecta. House/Senate/Presidency

Comment by Mike — July 1, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
John Kerry took along his own film crew to create a reenactment of his pseudo heroic deeds. As I recall, he shot a wounded Viet Cong kid in the back. Obama is sending his henchmen out to try and discredit McCain, and pretending he has clean hands in this matter. Won't work Barry, we are on to you!

Comment by Don M. — July 1, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
As a former Marine and against the war, I think I can safely say that no military service qualifies anyone to be president; anymore than lack of military service qualifies someone for the office.

John McCain was near the bottom of his Annapolis class and managed to get shot down in North Vietnam; a feat accomplished by only a handful of the thousands of US pilots who flew there. Being a POW does NOT confer "hero" status on someone. Doing something heroic does. Last time I checked, they do not hand out medals for losing a perfectly good F-15

Comment by joel Palmer — July 1, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
You know Jim, I always held you as a kindred spirit; as a warrior, Scots-Irish warrior. Now I hold you as a political stoop; doing the bidding of the Marxist party.

If your history and family ties go back to what you say they do then; QUIT IT! These folks in your party that want us to lose at any cost just because they want to say "I told you so" are reason enough to stand by as a leader and say, "Wait a minute". Quit being a pawn and start being a leader……………2/75Bo………..

Comment by Veteran Ranger — July 1, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
Jade7243 Hussein "Webb is also correct. Far too many people assume the individual men and women in the military all think and vote alike. They do not. They do not serve for political purposes. They should not serve a political agenda. John McCain is no more representative of them than anyone else, and should not pretend to be their official mouthpiece. McCain does not speak for those on active duty, those retired, nor those who are deceased."

McCain never has never said that but obama has said that "The American people want change" do the 300 million Americans think, believe, and want the same?
So where is the outrage over that? McCain can say "The Military" the same as obama can say "the American people". period full stop.. (By the way how pompous could a person be to use that is a post)

Comment by paul — July 1, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Webb, like Wesley Clark, John Kerry, and Al Gore, was a disgrace to the uniform.

Comment by Bill D. — July 1, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Even though Webb is a former Marine …. he is not really a Marine's Marine e since HE went all the way from being a devout Conservative to far lefty for Political reasons only .He thinks less of women than does the Tilban .
John Kerry was no John Kennedy he tried to copy .
The Left term that he was swift boated means those that served with Kerry were telling the truth on three months there …..they wanted to fight Kerry in court with the facts …Kerry chickened out .
McCain did the Time …… Jim Webb wrote books with outright lies in them always praising his USMC time ……I know for a fact .
Nam 67-69
71-72
Capt .ReCon USMC
03 MOS 0321

Comment by ReCon USMC — July 1, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
ricardo maxwell:

But Ricky!! (said ala Lucille Ball) Were exactly was it that Webb put down McCain's military service? And how does not agreeing that serving in the military constitutes Presidential experience? I don't know about you but I have family and friends in the military and I don't think they have the capacity to run the country.

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
SDM. If the program does not work, cut the program and figure out a way that will work. We have so many federal programs that are just money pits it is not funny. One and I say one of the reasons that our budget is out of control is that about 25% of fed programs do not work at all and another 25% are only about 10% effective. Eliminate them. Teach people how to stand on their own two feet and they will become self sufficient tax paying citizens that can hold their heads up proudly.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
This may very well be the silver lining for McCain. Okay, let the dumbocrats bring it on! Obama = zero military service. Although service in military is not a qualifier for the highest office, experience is, and to that, Obama has zilch!

Comment by cheri — July 1, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
One more thing McBush will lose in November by double digits; Dems will tak both Houses by filibuster-prrof majorities. A democratic president will appoint the next five justices to the Supreme Court.

The Republican Party may cease to exist as we know it (can you say Whig?)

Comment by joel Palmer — July 1, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
too bad john mccain made 32 propaganda tapes for the north vietnamese, saying things like US soldiers were taught to target schools, villages, hospitals, etc. The vietnamese called him the songbird. mccain single-handedly blocked legislation to declassify all gov documents on pows/mias. house passed the measure like 401-0 and mccain shot it down in the senate? why ?
because he didnt want americans to know about his propaganda tapes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5dPwegqgDU

Comment by scott — July 1, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
Clark, Webb, and Murtha are prime examples of guys that used to have guts. Now they have sold out to the dimwit party of cowards. McCain has more guts in his crippled arm than these three clowns put together. I left Kerry out because he never had any guts….

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
Dave:

How can people stand on their own two feet, if there are no jobs? Public education is a joke in rural and urban parts of the country and so few people have access to quality healthcare that if they do have a job-they work to their full potential b/c of poor health. If they go to school they can't see the the blackboard and can't pay attention. My mother raised us alone and without a cent from the government. Working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet. I'm all for doing it alone but I think that there are times when people need a hand and I am more than willing to offer that hand to my fellow American. Are you?

Comment by sdm — July 1, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
One would seem to think that ANY military experience would expose the moral fibre of a man.
As it has in countless wars and so called conflicts. Does this make him any more qualified to serve as Commander-in-Chief? Maybe, maybe not.
To think that the president, the Commander-in-Chief of our military, with no earthly idea, except from his preconcieved learning and ideas of what it is like to serve, wartime or peace, has even a hint of knowing the ramifications of his future decisions is unsettling. Obama has no clue. McCain only HIS experience. Bottom of the class, shot down, P.O.W. Not a strong resume to say the least. On the other hand, here we have Obama. So what is one to do? This must be where the moral majority steps in and says…"Let us pray." You gotta love the U.S.of A. !!!!

Comment by Felix101andsecondtonone! — July 1, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Webb, who was elected to Congress based partly on his military record, doesn't think it's right to use a person's military record for political purposes? OK…so when can we expect his resignation for doing exactly that? Never? How about the other Democrats in Congress who have served…when do we get their resignations for using their military record for political gain? Not happening? Sounds about par for the course!
The Democrats played up Kerry's military service because they thought it trumped Bush's service. Now that their candidate has no military service on his record and their opponent has a strong and well-known military record, all of a sudden they don't think it's right to use a military record for political gain. What a bunch of hypocrites!

Comment by timr — July 1, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
Most of these comments are just laughable. The cornerstone of McCain's biography, credibility and platform is his military service. The central point is that this military service — even heroic service — does not equal sound judgment to lead the country thirty plus years later. The "how dare they" attitude towards anything but glowing applause towards McCain's service is so hypocritical it's hysterical. Yes, McCain served his country well. He should be honored for it. But honoring him by putting him in the White House would be a terrible mistake.

Comment by Tom — July 1, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
I am so disgusted with Clark and Webb. From what I have seen and heard, Obama is allowing them to do his dirty work while he says he does not condone what they are saying. The American public is not stupid and we can figure all this out pretty easily.

Comment by Pat P. — July 1, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
Hey, I was in the army's top secret communications depot in Iran 72′-73′, so that must qualify me to be POTUS. And I don't have Alzheimers. And I'm not a Dem or Repub. Both of those parties are equally responsible for the ten trillion dollar national debt that will take over three hundred years to pay off at a billion dollars per day. And they are both responsible for the sixty billion dollar per month trade debt, and the loss of all the jobs that made this country great. And they're both responsible for the lead based toys, clothes and food being imported into this country that is poisoning us all. How many of you are going to just keep voting for those carpet baggers that are running this country into oblivion? VOTE ANTI-INCUMBENT AND KICK THEM ALL OUT! That is the ONLY way we are going to get real change.

Comment by R.J. — July 1, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
Jade7243 Hussein comment about military service is valid. Although I served honorably for over 21 years, that doesn't qualify me to be president. However John McCain's has much more experience over global affairs then Barrack Obama. Barrack Obama has NO EXPERIENCE AT ALL. So far he has never explained how he is going to do anything. He just thanks that he is going to snap his fingers and make the world change. It ain't gonna happen. He is also in a dream world if he thanks that by taxing oil companies is going to make the price of gas cheaper. Oil is used not only for fuel, but for a large % of our day to day products. At least John McCain has a plan. Obama has none.

Comment by Retired Grunt — July 1, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
Obama has a huge problem. His credibility on military and geopolitical matters is zero. He also shot himself in the foot with his statement that he would talk with Iran, or Hezbollah, for that matter, without pre-conditions. That went down like a concrete parachute!

McCain, on the other hand, has first hand military experience, is a national hero, and has great experience as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. His credibility on these matters, including geopolitics, is high.

What were seeing here is a doomed attempt by Obama to take these issues out of the election! But he's got no chance! McCain's campaign is much too savvy for that. I believe this difference in suitability for president could be decisive come November!
Americans would not want their security or the national interests of their country, to be imperilled by a very naive, wet-behind-the-ears president, who could make weak decisions when confronted by America's foes!

Welcome to the real world, Obama! You might have had the edge on Clinton in these matters, but McCain is a horse of a completely different color! No way you can fudge this issue, buddy, get used to it.

Comment by Jack Jameson — July 1, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
Scott –
Keep in mind that McCain got the snot beat out of him before he talked. Kerry made anti-American propaganda in his testimony before Congress — he freely gave them what they wanted. Wanna hear Kerry's recorded testimony? Go here: http://www.swiftvets.com/videos/sellout.wmv
Tom

Comment by Thomas — July 1, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
joel Palmer - Alot of people are "former" marines I would venture to guess that a group of them are idiots and pacifists who are against the war and everything military. But my Dad is a Marine (retired) he always said "I will be a marine until I die". He was never a "former" anything. BTW- What you have done after that?.. Thanks for your service, but what have you done since. Being a POW does not confer "Hero" status.. Neither does being a "former" Marine confer that you have any knowledge of this or any other situation. You threw out your military service as you bag on McCain's. What a hypocrite you are ..as are most democrats..

Comment by paul — July 1, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
I'm always amused when people talk about being "qualified" for President. The only requirements for becoming President of the United States is to be a natural-born citizen and 35 years of age. Along with so many other things, this reflects the stunning genius of our Founding Fathers, who realized that the only genuine qualification for elected office should be the ability to get elected.

Which is good news for Obama, because this is all he had to offer: he's over 35, he was born in the United States, and he appears to have the capacity, because of inconceivable incompetence on the part of Republicans over the last 14 years, to earn a plurality of the vote this fall.

And God help us all if this paper-thin Marxist pulls it off.

Comment by Ted — July 1, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
To Joel Palmer,

Your prediction is based on what? Bogus CNN/Time, MSNBC, ABC polls. To Continue,you must be for:

1. Abortion on demand and partial birth abortion
2. Pull all US soldiers back home to America
3. No new drilling
4. Higher Taxes
5. Gay Marriage
6. Socialized Medicine
7. Loss of individual freedom
8. No guns
9. $10 Gallon Gasoline for my Yugo
10. Love the terrorists because we created them
11. Economic choas
12. Legalized drugs
13. supreme court make the laws and not congress
14. Everybody makes minimum wage regardless whether you are doctor or hamburger flipper
15. Etc, Etc, Etc…

Is this what you want???? Be careful what you wish for, you might get it!!!

Comment by Mike Hunt — July 1, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
I served in the military too. PICK ME ! PICK ME ! PICK ME ! I can command a 500 000 man army although I"m passed my prime. This is a joke !! A vote for mccain is a vote for utter disaster.

Comment by Nt — July 1, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
One more thing McBush will lose in November by double digits; Dems will tak both Houses by filibuster-prrof majorities. A democratic president will appoint the next five justices to the Supreme Court.

The Republican Party may cease to exist as we know it (can you say Whig?)

Comment by joel Palmer

Yes and you will finally get that supermodel girlfriend…
what a joke..

Comment by paul — July 1, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
[...] July 1, 2008 by Riley Virginia's own Sen. Thinskin "Beavis" Gump (D-WashPo) has joined in the coordinated attack by Democrat-ick surrogates of Barry Obama on John McCain's military service.� You have to [...]

Pingback by Jim Webb Dispels Any Doubt That Attacks On McCain Aren’t Coordinated « Virginia Virtucon — July 1, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
I served in the military too. PICK ME ! PICK ME ! PICK ME ! I can command a 500 000 man army although I"m passed my prime. This is a joke !! A vote for mccain is a vote for utter disaster.

Comment by Nt � July 1, 2008 @ 4:52 pm

You are really past your prime… Give it a rest.

Comment by paul — July 1, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
sdm, There are problems that we need to rectify. I agree with you there. I believe you and I want the best for our country and I also believe that we can talk about those things and come to a successful conclusion. We must concentrate on what works and disgard that which does not. As far as health care well we that have our own businesses have a hard time paying for health insurance. We move on. By the way I would be honored to meet your mother. Sounds like quite a woman, and a great American.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:54 pm
Palmer,

Grow up and move out of your parents basement and get a job! Oh by the way I am a vet and participated in Clinton's two bogus military adventures…Bosnia and Haiti, luckily not Somalia

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Praise Allah for Barack Obama…..

Comment by OBL — July 1, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
Are you all retarded? Webb neither criticized McCain's military service nor said he shouldn't mention it proudly in the course of the campaign. He didn't even say that it wasn't a qualification for the presidency. All he said was that McCain shouldn't pretend everyone in the military agrees with his political views.

And then because Drudge gives it a misleading headline, all you Drudgebots pull out the "typical Democrat hypocrite" nonsense. Not one of you that I've read seems to be responding to Webb's actual comments, you're all PURPOSELY misconstruing them. Sad but typical Drudge reader comments.

Comment by Dan — July 1, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
Gen. Clark was answering a specific question to him. If you watch and listen, he never questioned McCain military experience. All the McCain supporters are on Cable news show indicating that Clark should have never commented on McCain. Clark was ask a direct question followed up by more and he answered them really good. Of course news reporters love to make candidates look bad, that is why Hillary Clinton is out. Cable TV killed her campaign.

Comment by rich — July 1, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
Gen.Clark the "Lion" of Bosnia told a British General to go and liberate Pristina Airport from the Russians, and was told by the Britt to go to
hell, he was not about to start WWIII. So much for Clarks "command ability".
Now we have another military wimp Sen.John Webb who is drinking the Democrat Kool-Aid.
McCain is a problematic choice, but Obama is a
perverse one.
No "chalk" in this race, but breeding and class
has to make the white Maverick the better
bet, over the stealth Arabian.

Comment by San Diego Pete — July 1, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
I agree it's not smart to bring attention to McCain's exemplary military service. It would suffice for Dems to just point out McCain's lack of support for veterans.

Comment by John6538 — July 1, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
Webb, a genuine Vietnam War hero and recipient of the Navy Cross for his service as a Marine, is 100% correct, despite the old style, ignorant labeling of the majority of the posters above. So was Wesley Clark - someone who actually earned his rank in the Army - rather than have it handed down to him from his Daddy like the GOP Nominee for President. Come to think of it…this would make two Republican nominees in a row who owe their entire careers to their families rather than their own individual accomplishments. And I think we've all seen how well the last nominee worked out.

Bearing in mind the DISASTROUS state of the country after a steady 28 year tack to the right in the United States, starting at least as early as Reagan if not before, its absolutely amazing that conservatives even have the nerve to show their faces in public,let alone express any sort of political views. But here you are again, wallowing in your ignorance for the world to see as you continue to chart our course to ultimate failure as a nation.

Do both yourselves and the rest of us a favor. SHUT UP AND GET OUT OF OUR WAY. NOW. YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE TO RUN THIS COUNTRY AND YOU BLEW IT. TIME FOR SOMETHING THAT WORKS - AND THAT SOMETHING IS NOT NAMED JOHN MCCAIN.

Comment by PJ — July 1, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
McCain's has thrust his character full on center into this Presidential debate, by overselling his "War Hero" status and attempting to innoculate himself from any attacks regarding his horrible judgment. Before this race is over we will no longer have to question John McCain's manhood, values or character because it will be clear to all that the "Fiction" of McCain's legacy is a greater illusion than his testicular fortitude. The selling of the "Maverick John McCain" is a fiction perpetuated by his handlers and friends in the media. "WAR HEROES" do not run around telling anyone and everyone that they can find how how damn heroic that they are. Do they? Ever listen to Bruce Springsteen's Song Glory Days? Heroes do not live to tell tall tales. Myths do. Heroes die. Liars never tell you how they graduated 4th from the bottom of their class at the Naval Academy, how their legacy admission is the only reason they were not expelled or that they were never promoted to Admiral because McCain was of low intellect, had little if any intellectual curiousity about flight plan preparation, crashed numerous military aircraft and was hardly viewed by anyone at the Naval Academy as a serious Naval Aviator. In fact, he was more enamored with the title "Naval Aviator" than learning how to become a competent pilot which is likely we he graduated at the very bottom of his class and was promptly shotdown in Vietnam where he was shotdown, briefly tortured and then sung like a canary for the Viet Cong. Think about that. John McCain was a terrible pilot (leader/navigator) but was into the title, lifestyle and glory behind being a Naval Aviator but was not willing to prepare. Ask yourself whether this putz would be the same as President. Americans need to do to McCain what the Viet Cong did, shoot the incompetent pilot's political ambitions out of the sky before he destroys this country for the sake of achieving his long held political ambitions..

Evidence abounds that McCain spent most of his time in a drunken stupor skirt chasing rich women, looking for someone to replace his Daddy. McCain is as fictional as McHale's Navy, the 1960's TV show. Ask the wife he left behind whether her loyalty was properly reciprocated. His first wife waited patiently for his return from Vietnam. However, shortly before McCain's return she lost her model like appearance in a severe accident. John McCain returned to his continued skirt chasing and courting of the most affluent women he could find and coerced his wife in exchange for getting one of his then cronies to pay her medical bills. That crony is Ross Perot (see below what he thinks of McCain now). John McCain is more America's self entitled Preppy Brat who went from Daddy to his Mommy, Cindy McCain. McCain the "Maverick" is hardly his own man.

Consider Cindy McCain, his trophy wife who supports him with her family fortune, yet he cheats on her and he has on record referred to as a C-U-Next-Tuesday. What does that say about McCain's character?? I mean if a woman and her family pay your bills and support and enable your existence financially, a more appropriate title for her might be GODDESS right? Ross Perot, one of McCain's early benefactors, who pays McCain's first wife's medical bills considers McCain a soul less opportunitistic fraud who seeks the limelight and glory. So you say you are a Republican, I still say, look behind the "man" and what you will be reminded of is the Great Oz inthe Wizard of Oz. When they pulled back the curtain, there he was a little man. That my friends is the essence of John McCain. Parties matter not, I am an American first and a member of any party secondarily. You contrast that with the rise of Senator Barack Obama and what you see is a man who has lived a disciplined life, rising up from a relatively moderate background, did some serious soul searching in his youth and rose to become Editor in Chief of the Harvard Law Review and a US Senator, a Law Professor at the University of Chicago Law School, State Legislater, Community Organizer and a devoted family man. Now that my friends is character. So it is your choice, McCain the mouse or Obama the man.

Comment by Christopher London — July 1, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
sdm,
Here is McCain's biggest problem.
The problem with the McCain and the Republican party is the fact that they are regarded, and correctly so, as bought and paid for by the US Chamber of Commerce (Big Business). At every chance the Republican party has done their best to toss away American jobs to foreigners.
First, illegal immigration, twenty years ago a free lance carpenter made about 12 to 16 dollars per hour in Texas, they are still making the same now due to illegal immigrants. This is a form of slavery and all slavery should be ended. The Republican party tries to pass this off as a problem that the Democratic party has pushed on us but they were in power for twelve years. Now McCain says he wants comprehensive immigration reform. More of the same, slavery. These people take good paying American jobs that used to pay enough to support a family and drive down the wage until it can't. The
solution is to toss in jail a couple dozen of the CEO's of the companies that hire illegal immigrants (any of the home construction or meat packing CEO's would do). Not the federal tennis court prison but the nasty kind. San Quentin or Sing Sing. That would stop illegal immigration, immediately.
Second, when you cannot hire illegal immigrants to do the jobs that Americans are more than willing to do for a good wage, export the jobs to another country. corporate CEO's sent jobs overseas to India en mass thinking that they would save a boat load of money. Trouble is that English speaking Indians cannot understand people speaking English in his own country, how did they think Americans would be able to understand them. Now the president of AT&T grumbles that there are not enough educated Americans to bring the jobs back. I suppose the people that held the jobs in the first place were supposed to wait on their hands for AT&T to bring the jobs back. Question is did this CEO get a bonus for saving the corporation money? Did he give it back?
Third, when you don't want to pay the individuals that built the industry the wages they require you get your buddies in the Republican party to create H1B visas so that you can bring in scabs from India to do the job of a programmer for 1/10th the price. This caused kids in college to look at the job prospect to change their majors to something that they might be able to do to support their families, now corporate CEO's squeal that they cannot get the skilled IT labor to do the job. How do you do this? You use keyword searching software to scan resumes to ensure that you can say you looked for an American to fill the job but you could not find one. Once again you hire a H1B Indian to fill the job for 1/10th the price. The problem with this is that they do not have the work ethic that the American
worker does.
Forth, what was that? You ran out of H1B visas? American business goes to the politician (bought and paid for by campaign contributions) to introduce a bill to triple the number of H1B visas thus saving them money and sending many IT workers to the unemployment line. You might want to look at my own representative, Lamar Smith of Texas. American business has no loyalty to the American citizen. Why should we have our elected representatives beholden to big business. Oh that is right, you get what they pay for.
No more!
I am a lifelong conservative Republican now living in Texas. My father was one of the founding members of the Conservative Party of the State of New York. I have run on the Conservative ticket for two political offices. I did not win but I did get the attention of the other candidates. It is my intention to vote for Mr. McCain on the two points of working toward a successful conclusion of the Iraq war and I believe that his judicial picks would be better than the other candidates. Because the actions of the Republican party I will not vote for any sitting candidate. We need to throw the bought and paid for politicians out and do it again for the next two election cycles just to show them that it is not American business that elects them, but American citizens.

Comment by Dave On The Lake — July 1, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
John "Writing myself up for medals; begging for bogus purple hearts, retreating from fire, shooting innocent civilian kids in the back, accusing my fellow GI's of war crimes" � once again saluting and Reporting for duty!!

Comment by JK — July 1, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
There are stark differences between McCain and Obama on the major issues of our time. Those need to be discussed and debated in a civil manner in front of the American people.

The rest of this side line B.S. needs to stop on both sides. Americans don't care about this junk: it's the War and Economy. Back to basics and stop wasting our time.

Comment by BILL — July 1, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Did the writer even watch the linked video?? The conclusion drawn seems only likely in Carl Rove's playbook — NOT reality.

Wow - the McCain camp is REALLY stretching. They must be nervous. But I don't appreciate their SLAMMING war hero Webb.

Get a grip people.

Comment by What? — July 1, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
It's laughable that so many here are decrying hypocrisy towards Obama and Webb. I thought it was the republican party that is full of it.

Comment by Truman — July 1, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
McCain isn't a war hero, he's a war VICTIM. Examine his record. He's a fortunate son who was a victim after ranking close to last in his class at the academy.

Comment by JohnUSMC � July 1, 2008 @

————————————-

LOL Johnie, calling McCain a fortunate son who just happened to spend 5 years getting smacked around as a POW. If you new what you were talking about a fortunate son is one who got out of service because daddy was in high places. Do some reading and come back later buddy. BTW Wacky Webb only ran on his service and his son's so who was using the military Webbie?

Comment by Kabookey — July 1, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
To Joel Palmer:
I spent 8 years in the Navy + 12 in the Naval Reserve. I've met hundreds of Marines, officers and enlisted. Many of my best friends from the Naval Academy took commissions in the Marine Corps.
NEVER have I heard a man refer to himself as a "former Marine." In fact, guys who actually served in the Marine Corps take a great deal of pride in never using "former" when describing their affiliation with the Corps.
So, I have to ask this question of a man who calls himself a "former Marine": Are you for real?

Comment by Thomas — July 1, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
Wow, these comments are thick with hypocritcal Republican apologists. General Clark spoke the truth - period. Moreover, McSame has used every possible opportunity to trumpet his military service, often sounding pathetically contrived in the process. However, his adoring corporate media and his mindless Drudgite, dittohead sheep are desperate to keep a fake, Faux-news style non-controversy going, hoping for some political benefit. Here's a clue - it won't work this time.

Comment by Joe — July 1, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
Are you all retarded? Webb neither criticized McCain's military service nor said he shouldn't mention it proudly in the course of the campaign. He didn't even say that it wasn't a qualification for the presidency. All he said was that McCain shouldn't pretend everyone in the military agrees with his political views.

And then because Drudge gives it a misleading headline, all you Drudgebots pull out the "typical Democrat hypocrite" nonsense. Not one of you that I've read seems to be responding to Webb's actual comments, you're all PURPOSELY misconstruing them. Sad but typical Drudge reader comments.

Comment by Dan � July 1, 2008

————————————–

The problem being is that Webbie should not think anyone in the military agrees with his view yet he somehow thinks they do.

Comment by Kabookey — July 1, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
So Webb's 2 purple hearts, 2 bronze stars for valor, the navy cross and the silver star haven't even earned him the right to use McCain's name in a sentence without getting swiftboated?

Comment by Stacey — July 1, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
My dad served with McCain and knew him personally…McCain even recommended my dad for some sort of citattion for bravery for rescuing a pilot after a crash landing….the plane was burning. McCain would de brief after a sortie, go out on the flight deck, put on the proper color shirt, and joing the enlisted men pulling chocks, landing plains, and directing on the flight deck. his work ethic was and is a positive trait for president. He will be AWAKE for the 3 a.m. call.

Comment by Mark Dunn — July 1, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
[...] Webb in an interview last night said that McCain should quote "calm down�(h/t TPM)" about his military service in the [...]

Pingback by Camp McCain Going Apes–t « Indistinct Union — July 1, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
Both Clark and Webb stated the obvious - being a POW does not make one qualified to be POTUS. Neither does having served in any branch of the military. This SIMPLE statement, which NO ONE can deny is true, is not the same as saying that McCain is not a hero. Mccain is a hero, along with thousands of men and women who have served our country.

Being a POW does not make one qualified to lead our country, just like being a Former First Lady does not make one qualified to be POTUS. The qualifications to be President are far more complex than carrying a label of POW, First Lady, Governor, Senator or any of countless labels people hold.

The people who need to step back about McCain's service are the media - who seem to have a hands-off approach to talking about how being a POW does not make one presidential material. The media fawns all over McCain's POW and military service; if anyone makes an issue of it the media is to blame, not the Democrats. The media love to tout this non-credential like it is some sort of God-given path to the Presidency. They need to get over themselves and not be afraid to report the truth - there is NO connection between the two issues. NONE.

Comment by Kasha — July 1, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
Does anyone else see the hypocrisy of a guy criticizing McCain when it's the same guy who wore his son's boots during the 2006 campaign? (If you don't think that was political, you've lost it). On top of that, I never saw Webb asking his supporters to stop talking about his military service during his campaign. You can't have it both ways Jimmy.

Obama is up the creek on foreign policy and national security experience, so the Dems are trying to remove those as playing cards. Guess what? It won't work. Obama is an empty suit. He should've been a motivational speaker, because he'd be a terrible President.

Comment by Webb's Pathetic — July 1, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
three words for gen clark: task force hawk, where clark's "executive experience" was denied by the commander in chief, what a fiasco. sending the most expensive military assets to albania, then getting overruled by the pres for four months and denied use of them. clinton even knew more about how to fight the yugoslavs than clark (who knew!)! guess we showed the yugoslavs a thing or two about clark's executive decision making in 'wartime'. shortly after that, he was forced out by the pres.

and now webb. i'm sorry, what's he done in life? i hear he's an interesting writer of sex novels. i guess it's easy to shoot from the cheap seats for both of these guys, they earned a whole lot less of congratulations for a job well done than did the man they criticize.

Comment by shot over — July 1, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
If I remember correctly, Mr. Webb is himself a rookie Senator. He rode into office after his party destroyed the political career of George Allen. So who in the hell is he to offer any comments. The reality is the Dems are continuing to percolate this story. McCain has not made this a central issue of this campaign.And Obama's experience? I guess the messiah doesn't need experience. Its ashame that we Virginians are represented by such a doofus like Webb. And an arrogant one, too.

Comment by Nick R — July 1, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Webb's a good guy whose point was valid. Clark's not a good guy (look at the record) who was insulting. There is a world of difference between Webb and Clark. Webb would make a great VP pick; Clark would not. Webb is honest. Clark is not. Webb doesn't boast; Clark boasts all the time.

Comment by Ward MacNaughton — July 1, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
John McCain, is an American Myth, a virtual creation by public relations professionals, Cindy McCain's family money and greasing the wheel of the mainstream media. John McCain is a "Rhinestone War Hero" who is too old, too stupid, too angry with horrible judgment disqualifying him from the Presidency. So, let me get this straight, we should vote for a guy who was more enamored with the title "Naval Aviator" with doing the work necessary to make him a competent pilot, so after graduating 4th from the bottom of his class, he gets shotdown in Vietnam. Now he wants to fulfill his life long ambition and be our President. This guy's a schmuck!

Comment by Christopher London — July 1, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
What has Obama done ?

Comment by Donald Neely — July 1, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
If you wanna talk about McCain's military record, let's talk about ALL of it. He finished in the bottom 1% of his class at Annapolis, was a wreckles pilot and a poor excuse for even a junior officer and with his PTSD, you want him to be President? Wake Up! Those of you who have served our country will know what I'm talking about.

Will `Ace' McCain Flame Out Again?

Over the years he's played many roles and worn many titles, including Navy aviator, prisoner of war, hero, congressman, U.S. senator, Washington insider, maverick outsider and, now, presidential candidate. But the one title of which few are aware is that of "service ace."

John Sidney McCain III is known among many of his Vietnam flight buddies as "Ace" McCain. This title has not been bestowed upon McCain because he destroyed five enemy aircraft. On the contrary: It was five on our side — in fact, five of his own. Since throwing his hat into the presidential ring, the fact that McCain was graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy nearly at the bottom of his class has been publicized. His star-crossed flying, on the other hand, remains unknown to most.

Robert Timberg, author of The Nightingale's Song, a book about Annapolis graduates and their tours in Vietnam, wrote that McCain "learned to fly at Pensacola, though his performance was below par, at best good enough to get by. He liked flying, but didn't love it." Timberg counts himself a friend of McCain and has written a McCain biography.

It wasn't long after arriving in Pensacola that McCain racked up the first of his five crashes, beginning in 1958, on his way to becoming a "reverse ace." As told by Timberg, "McCain was practicing landings; his engine quit and he plunged into Corpus Christi Bay. Knocked unconscious by the impact, he came to as the plane settled to the bottom."

There was, however, no engine failure with the aircraft. According to one of McCain's former flight instructors, "The engine was removed from the aircraft that afternoon, mounted on a test stand and a new propeller installed. [It] was flushed with fresh water and started. It ran just fine. So the theory of engine failure was proven false."

The instructor added that McCain was "positively one of the weakest students to pass our way, and received consistently poor marks and a number of Dangerous Down grades assigned by more than one instructor. He had no real ability and was clearly out of his element in an airplane, and way over his head even as a junior naval officer."

The second of McCain's crashes occurred while he was deployed in the Mediterranean. "Flying too low over the Iberian Peninsula," reports Timberg, "he took out some power lines [reminiscent of the 1998 incident in which a Marine Corps jet sliced through the cables of a gondola at an Italian ski resort, killing 20] which led to a spate of newspaper stories in which he was predictably identified as the son of an admiral."

Crash three occurred when McCain was returning from flying a trainer solo to Philadelphia for an Army-Navy football game. According to Timberg, McCain radioed, "I've got a flameout." He went through the standard relight procedures three times. At one thousand feet, he ejected, landing on the deserted beach moments before the plane slammed into a clump of trees."

By 1967, McCain was ready for battle and assigned to the USS Forrestal as an A-4 Skyhawk pilot. While seated in the cockpit of his aircraft waiting for takeoff, a freak accident occurred when a rocket slammed into the exterior fuel tank of McCain's plane. Miraculously, McCain escaped from the burning aircraft, but dozens of his shipmates were killed and injured in the explosions that followed.

McCain's final downing came just three months later when his A-4 Skyhawk was hit by antiaircraft artillery over Truc Bach Lake near Hanoi, North Vietnam. McCain spent the next five-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war and, upon return to the United States in 1973, like the other returning POWs, McCain became an instant hero. The POWs had been treated abominably, yet stood up to their torturers and were deserving of the accolades they received. But some questioned the number and types of medals bestowed upon "Ace" McCain, the son of the admiral commanding in the Pacific as well as the grandson of another admiral.

"McCain had roughly 20 hours in combat," explains Bill Bell, a veteran of Vietnam and chief of the U.S. Office for POW/MIA Affairs — the first official U.S. representative in Vietnam since the 1973 fall of Saigon. "Since McCain got 28 medals," Bell continues, "that equals out to about a medal-and-a-half for each hour he spent in combat. There were infantry guys — grunts on the ground — who had more than 7,000 hours in combat and I can tell you that there were times and situations where I'm sure a prison cell would have looked pretty good to them by comparison. The question really is how many guys got that number of medals for not being shot down."

"John McCain," says another Navy pilot and acquaintance of that era, "was the kind of guy you wanted to room with — not fly with. He was reckless, and that's critical when you start thinking about who's going to be the president," The old pilot laughs, and then continues: "But the Navy accident rate was cut in half the day John McCain was shot down." [100 years of War]

On a more serious note, however, there has been no discussion of what actions were or were not taken in dealing with McCain after each of the aircraft losses. Neither McCain's senatorial nor campaign offices returned Insight's calls on these matters. But a Navy insider notes that "after every such incident an inquiry is conducted to conclude the cause of the crash. If it were anyone other than the admiral's son, his wings would have been pulled. But that's where that kind of father comes in handy."

"Thank God not all pilots are like McCain," jokes another pilot, "or the government would be buying a hell of a lot more planes."

Comment by Scott LTC USA (Ret) — July 1, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Affirmative Action presidency ?

Comment by Donald Neely — July 1, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
A couple of questions for Obama supporters:

1) What are the proper qualifications for President?

2) How many of those qualifications does Obama have? ("Hope" and "Change" don't count)

I won't hold my breath waiting for an answer….

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
What has Obama accomplished ?
Is this bid based on affirmative action?

Comment by Donald Neely — July 1, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
OB has no experience and no accomplishments, except getting elected and giving good speeches. No wonder they want to discreet McCains service.

Comment by Tom — July 1, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
[...] Hypocrisy Regarding McCain's Military Service So Jim Webb says McCain should calm down on using military service? Blatant hypocrisy, I say. Webb uses his military background every chance he gets. He�sure [...]

Pingback by More Hypocrisy Regarding McCain’s Military Service « Just Sitting Here — July 1, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Please! I'm from AZ, and John McCain has talked about his POW status from day one–it was his only qualification to run for Congress. Let's not have an affirmative action president, where we reward his POW status with the office of the president. He is just not up to it, in many ways: age, brains, temperment and, yes, warmongering.

Comment by jen hutchin — July 1, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

1. NEVER have I heard a man refer to himself as a "former Marine."

2. OK, quiz time: name one legislative initiative that bears the name of Kerry, Obama, or Webb.

————–

1. "Former Marine" is the term preferred by Marines. What they hate is "ex-Marine."

2. Webb was the prime mover behind the G.I. Bill enhancements that McBush opposed. McBush has consistently voted against veterans. Once he got to the Senate, he turned his back on the military.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
The dissent of Clark and Webb brings me to the point of vomit! W hen they can spend the time in a viet namese prison camp then they can critize.They are too close to Obama and the Fascist socialism that he is trying to foster on this country.It all starts with being a hypocrte like Obama !

Comment by Joe Dalton — July 1, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
Yeah…the Bosnia/Kosovo/Serbia FIASCO. The one where we used the American military to rescue Al Quaida from the Serbian army in order to get Bill Clinton's sex scandal off the front page. The one where Wes Clark was relieved of duty for ordering soldiers to fire on Russian troops. Thank God the officer in charge had the wherewithal to tell Wes Clark to stick his illegal order and averted WWIII.

Comment by Ryan — July 1, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
joel palmer, a former Marine? I've never met a former Marine that was a "real" Marine. Former Marines are the ones that were kicked out for bad behavior. Every "real" Marine I've met, active duty, retired, or discharged, is still a Marine, never former. If they refer to themselves as "former" then I know something is wrong. I just want everyone to know that whatever you say is from a "former" Marine, not a "real Marine.

Comment by SV VET — July 1, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
It is absolutely true that being a P.O.W. alone does not qualify one to be President of the United States. The character that McCain showed and the leadership he demonstrated while being held captive though are certainly the qualities one looks to in selecting a leader. Would Webb, Clark, Obama or anyone else taking potshots at McCain endure several more years of captivity and torture so that someone else could be released before them? That is why McCain's story resonates and why he is more than qualified to be Commander in Chief.

Comment by JimQ — July 1, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

Mr. Webb is himself a rookie Senator. He rode into office after his party destroyed the political career of George Allen.

————

I think you meant George "Macaca" Allen

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
Of course Obama wants to remove military service from the campaign discussion precisely because Obama has no military service record to trot out. He looks really lame by comparison. Dumocrats were quite happy to use military service as credentials when John Francois Kerry was running. Of course his military record proved to be a mighty embarassment. I suppose next Obama will want to remove prior government service from the discussion because, again, he doesn't have any record of accomplishment, and McCain does. If we confine this campaign to what Obama wants in it all we'll hear is how his bimbo wife is now proud of her country because her husband is a candidate. What a LAME reason to be proud of your country. There is no standard that can be used for comparison to McCain because Obama looks bad by ANY standard chosen. He is a grade A LOSER.

Comment by Richard Johnson — July 1, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
This whole series of attacking John Mcain,is a pure and simple set up by Barak Obama's group,this allows him to Speak of his own patriotism,wear the American Flag pin and say he disagrees with people attacking John Mcain or him,Now folks remember both Clark and Webb have both been mentioned as playing a role in Obama's Administration,do you think for one moment they speak or go to the bathroom without checking in ? Barak Obama is just another politician but with very little service to anything,I th ink someone mentioned less than 200 days

Comment by Jac — July 1, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
So Magic Dog,

Do you even know what the phrase/word "Macaca" means?

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
MagicDog the liberal puked out the following:

<>

1. From wikipedia: "Marines and those familiar with Marine Corps tradition will often object to the use of the term "former Marine" or "ex-Marine" because of their inculcation with the ethos "Once a Marine, always a Marine"; referring to them as "former" or "ex-Marines" incorrectly denotes that they are no longer Marines"

2. Bush and McCain were against the GI Bill Enhancements BECAUSE they FAVORED a more fair bill that was based on seniority.

Can you libs EVER stop lying??

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
McCain was nothing but a REMF . If ya don't know what it means look it up. He had the life of Riley for his tour in Nam. He flew in a comfortable plane going back "home " to hot meals in a totally comfortable environment. He never saw what his missions accomplished blowing people to so much hamburger. Until he spends a year or so in the mud and heat seeing what happens to human bodies he should keep his mouth shut about what war really means. The fact he and the moron W did not support the new GI bill is deplorable. The fact that he endured imprisonment is more of a testimony to his survival instinct than his knowledge of WAR.
BLACK LIONS 68-69

Comment by Nick — July 1, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
After 7 years of Bush/Cheney and their Brown Shirts you blind sheep Republican jerkoffs would know the truth if it walked up and kicked you in the nuts!

BTW, if you think the Democrats are going to allow you to walk all over us like you did in the past, get that thought out of your simple minded heads…now!

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
TYPO CORRECTED:

#

After 7 years of Bush/Cheney and their Brown Shirts you blind sheep Republican jerkoffs wouldn't know the truth if it walked up and kicked you in the nuts!

BTW, if you think the Democrats are going to allow you to walk all over us like you did in the past, get that thought out of your simple minded heads�now!

Comment by Steve � July 1, 2008 @ 5:31 pm

Comment by Steve — July 1, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

Do you even know what the phrase/word "Macaca" means?

————-

It means, "You've just lost your election."

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

"Bush and McCain were against the GI Bill Enhancements BECAUSE they FAVORED a more fair bill that was based on seniority."

—————–

They were against the GI Bill enhancements because they couldn't care less about the people who actually fight the wars.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
When running for the office of President of the United States, military service does come into account among your qualifications. You are the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. In order to give an order you should know how to take an order. That's a prerequisite to leadership.

Lawyers should stay in the legislative branch where they can argue their points and give good speeches.

Lawyers are not leaders…..

Comment by Thomas Zavorski — July 1, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
As I have read, McCain was shot down but was never tortured. Is he a liar? Also, I worry about his mental state since everyone of my generation who went to Vietnam came back severely disabled physically and/or mentally. Does McCain have flashbacks? Nightmares? Does he scream at night like my neighbor did? Does he feel paranoid enough to strangle someone if he feels (erroneously) threatened?

Comment by Zhava — July 1, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
How does military service make you qualified to be president? Is it magic? If so, then maybe McCain can also be my lawyer, my brain surgeon, my tax accountant, my dentist, my web-programmer, my pool guy, and my town's newpaper editor. Oh yeah, he can also be my barber…

Comment by DaveP — July 1, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Of course they're trying to discount McCain's service - Obama was snortin' coke while McCain was a P.O.W. in the service of his country. Obama has not served in service to America, nor to his country for that matter. His loyalty is to islam, not America. McCain has been an American all his life. Obama merely pretends now that he's running for office and it's coming up on American Independence Day. Obama is a liar and a one-man islamic sleeper-cell attempting to bring down America from within.
Get rid of the bum!

Comment by Bob — July 1, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
You're very very wrong. Webb never used his military experience as an issue when he was campaigning. He never talked about, never answered questions about and wouldn't even defend it when the Republicans attacked him on it. When the Democrats said he should talk more about his service he STILL didn't do it. So everyone should get their facts right.

Comment by Informed citizen — July 1, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Magic Dog,

I didn't think you knew the meaning…Just using the phrase because you heard Dan Rather or some other drive reporter on TV used it and you think you are whitty. What do you base you predictions on? I don't really see Obama doing that well? Sir, Please educate me because I am a simple Satellite System Engineer.

Comment by Ferd Berfall — July 1, 2008 @ 5:39 pm
Comment by Big Head Todd

Google the name Gary Studds. Who had sex with a page, turned his back on Congress when they censured him. Ran for relection and served 12 more years.

Of course the liberal media never mentions all the sex-involved Dems. They're 90% liberal.

Comment by Lulu Jones — July 1, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
Berfall you are a clown…

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
John McCain is using his military service to campaign on. He is running ads with pictures here in Ohio. He opened that can himself. My hero is my Dad - 22 years in the Armed Forces and an EOD expert for 20 years. Fought three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I'm sure some of his AF bombs fell on Vietnam. Was buried 28 years ago with full military honors.

Comment by RLG — July 1, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

I didn't think you knew the meaning�Just using the phrase because you heard Dan Rather or some other drive reporter on TV used it and you think you are whitty. What do you base you predictions on? I don't really see Obama doing that well? Sir, Please educate me because I am a simple Satellite System Engineer.

————–

What part of "You've just lost your election" don't you understand?

Do you think McBush will understand that he's lost his election when the networks tell everyone on Nov. 4 that Obama won 333 electoral votes to his 205, and 53% of the vote to his 41% and the minor party candidates' 6%?

Or do you think that McBush will ask someone to explain to him what "You've just lost your election" means?

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
Will some Obama supporter PLEASE answer my questions:

1) What are the proper qualifications for President?

2) How many of those qualifications does Obama have? ("Hope" and "Change" don't count)

C'mon all you Einsteins, answer the questions. It shouldn't be hard since you are so sure that Military Service doesn't qualify you (unless you are John Kerry or Jim Webb or Wesley Clark).

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
Does anyone have Bob Barr's address? I need to send him a $2,300 check.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
if military service was required to be president then there would be no quaker presidents. It would take our gov closer to becoming a military junta.

serving in the military can be a life lesson. but what lesson is learned? beyond strutting around as a patriot, what profound or complex life lessons did mccain learn from his military experience? i would be open to hearing some straight talk about that.

Comment by ginsu — July 1, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
I agree with Clark and Webb that McCain's military service doesn't "qualify" him to be president but I can't recall McCain attempting to capitalize on his military service. Seems only the Dem Pundits are bringing it up. Although military service may not be a prerequisite President, his political background after he left the Navy DOES qualify him and gives him more experience than Obama will ever have.

Comment by Rick — July 1, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Typical G.D. Demonrat comment.

The entire Demonratic Party needs to be charged, arrested, tried, convicted, and then hung for treason!!

Comment by denfoote — July 1, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
I just hope we don't become an Obama-Nation

Comment by Obama-Nation — July 1, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
Who keeps bringing up McCain's military service ? The Democrats . Who keeps bringing up the race issue ? The Democrats . Which party has a candidate with a one page resume ? Go ahead , you can say it .
BTW , Wes Clark was a pencil pushing desk jockey for most of his military career . He spent about one month in a forward combat area , until he forgot to duck . He won a Bronze Star .
AS A STAFF OFFICER ! Yeah , I really care what he thinks .

Comment by Dan — July 1, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
"serving in the military can be a life lesson. but what lesson is learned? beyond strutting around as a patriot, what profound or complex life lessons did mccain learn from his military experience?"

I would be glad to get into some "straight talk" with you about this, but first answer these quesitons:

1) What are the proper qualifications for President?

2) How many of those qualifications does Obama have? ("Hope" and "Change" don't count)

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Aside from discipline, leadership and self-confidence, the military really doesn't offer much.

Comment by JimQ — July 1, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
The only reason McCain's military history and his subsequent years as a POW are important is to help define the man's CHARACTER. I for one would want my President to be the kind of person who can look deeply within his soul in order to make difficult decisions without waffling. Military pilots are chosen as such because they tend to be persons who can rationalize difficult or dangerous situations in a calm and decisive manner. (Neighborhood "activists" not so much.)

Comment by BB — July 1, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

Will some Obama supporter PLEASE answer my questions:

1) What are the proper qualifications for President?

2) How many of those qualifications does Obama have? ("Hope" and "Change" don't count)

——–

1. Being at least 35 years old and a natural-born American citizen. Additionally, being intelligent, patriotic, and level-headed.

2. All of them. McBush, on the other hand, is of questionable citizenship; has admitted he doesn't know anything about economics; and has been described by many of his Senate colleagues as mentally unstable.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
Whenever a liberal is weak on an issue, they will come up with some torturous, usually self contradictory argument about why the topic should be off-limits. Especially if you question their frequent statements that sympathize with the rights of terrorists.

Comment by boddabing — July 1, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
To the people of Virgina�What were thinking, smoking, drinking, or inhaling when you voted in this idiot Webb? You tossed out George Allen for this clown. Webb is an embarrassment and should sit down, shut up, and quit kissing Reid and Pelosi's ASS!!!! Webb grow some gonads ��

Comment by Buster Hymand � July 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm

We were thinking very seriously - and ready to throw out the bigot, tobaco spitting, idiot called George Allen. And last I check - it was pretty smart.

go back to the trailer

Comment by Seriously — July 1, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Hey Webb, you are a no brainer like Obama. What qualifies Obama(God damn America)to be president? He has big ears, purple lips, is puny and looks down on everyone. He is also a phony. Michelle (I hate America) is also a phony.

Comment by ajack — July 1, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Hussein Obama NEVER served at all. Unless you count time in a madrassa learning muslim prayers service.

Comment by Gerald — July 1, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Obama and his surrogates are really showing their real colors (OOPS…BAD WORD THERE…DON'T GET OFFENDED…WOW DO I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH EVERYTHING…THIS IS AS BAS A GLOBAL WARMING….hey this is better than is (Obama's) God D*Mn Preacher, His terrorists frients….Ayers and Khallil (PLO Muslim Leader and Ayer's partner…now currently teaching in Chicago)….it's even better than his cousin…Odinga…the Muslim Radical that overthrew the government in Kenya. It's even better than Michelle Obama's thesis in college…now that is one to google if you can find it…WOW.

This is two people, both Democrats, both serving in the armed forces that have a negative slant on a fellow serviceman. Let's hit him where his high points are and take him down…all the while Obama plays innocent…saying he deplores those comments…yeh right. This guy is worse than old man Daley in Chicago…the father…not the son. Leave the service alone stupid Obama people…you lose respect…not just of the VETs but of people married to them, and parents of them…not to mention…READY…IT's DIRTY POLITICS….AND THAT'S WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM OBAMA….DIRTY DEALING. CARE TO COMMENT ON WHAT UNITY MEANS…OR BETTER YET…HOW ABOUT "hope"

Comment by Carolyn — July 1, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
What do Wesley Clark and Jim Webb have in common? Answer: Both were fired by Presidents. Gen Clark by Bill Clinton for his incompetence in Bosnia; Jim Webb by Ronald Reagan for his incompetence and extremely short tenure as Secretary of the Navy. Both are idiots. Wesley Clark's comments are despicable. Jim Webb's are also ill advised. Wesley Clark is searching for employment. Jim Webb is an opportunist who found a job; but only by tossing his conservative credentials aside and running as a Democrat in Virginia. God help us all if either of these idiots is offered the VP or SecDef slot by our buddy Obama.

Comment by Shadoman Mark — July 1, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

The only reason McCain's military history and his subsequent years as a POW are important is to help define the man's CHARACTER. I for one would want my President to be the kind of person who can look deeply within his soul in order to make difficult decisions without waffling. Military pilots are chosen as such because they tend to be persons who can rationalize difficult or dangerous situations in a calm and decisive manner.

———–

McCain was known as "Ace" McCain because he destroyed five planes while a pilot. Five of ours, not five of theirs. His "calmness" is such that several dozen congressional Republicans have refused to endorse him because they think he's mentally unstable.

As for "character," McCain is a serial adulterer who publicly called his second wife a "c***" and dumped his first wife after he returned from Vietnam and learned that she had been in a disabling car wreck while he was gone.

All of these things make him a great Republican, but great Republicans have seldom been anything but horrible presidents.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Gosh, MagicDog, I am at least 35 years of age, and a natural born American citizen. I am intelligent, patriotic, and level-headed…ask anybody. You going to vote for me??? Oh wait…I also believe in "Hope" and "Change". Guess I should win in a landslide.

Do you really think McCain is of "questionable citizenship"?? This statement along disqualifies you from the "intelligent" clause. So I guess I won't be voting for you.

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
I salute every man and woman that has served in our military, regardless of their sexual orientation. If you are willing to put your life on the line to protect me, then God Bless You.

For that, I thank John McCain. However, his military service makes him as qualified to be President as Barack's grassroots activism on the streets of Chicago out of college. I've been to some of those neighborhoods, it really is a toss-up.

For you Republicans, who is more qualified to get us out of Iraq, a country that we never should have been in to begin with? Who is willing to help curb our reliance on oil so that we can remove the power from the Middle East? Who is more likely to be able to ease the tensions with Middle East countries that W and Dick couldn't keep their nose out of? Unfortunately for you, none of those answers are John McCain. I have a dream that someday soon Barack Obama will become the next President of the United States of America.

Comment by Bob Inmo — July 1, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

He has big ears, purple lips, is puny and looks down on everyone.

————-

Obama is 6′ 1″ tall. McBush is 5′ 7″ tall.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
Did the truth numb you?

What, no comments about McCains paltry military record now.

How about his valiant service aboard the USS Forestall.

Credit John for another 132 kills and 62 wounded. Ooops, They were American Sailors.
Wrong team, John.

In June 1967, Forrestal departed Norfolk for duty in waters off Vietnam. In the Gulf of Tonkin on 29 July, Forrestal had been launching aircraft from her flight deck. For four days, the planes of Attack Carrier Air Wing 17 flew about 150 missions against targets in North Vietnam from the ship.
Rupertus (DD-851) maneuvers to within 20 feet of Forrestal so fire hoses could be effectively used on the worst fire aboard a U.S. carrier. Rupertus (DD-851) maneuvers to within 20 feet of Forrestal so fire hoses could be effectively used on the worst fire aboard a U.S. carrier.

Because of a shortage of thousand-pound bombs, old Composition B bombs had been loaded from the ammunition ship USS Diamond Head, instead of safer H6, capable of withstanding high heat or exploding with low order. About 10:50 (local time), a Zuni rocket fired from an F-4 Phantom II by an electrical power surge hit an A-4 Skyhawk getting ready to launch, piloted by Lt. Cmdr. John McCain. The missile struck and knocked off the aircraft's fuel tank and started a fire. With his aircraft surrounded by flames, John McCain escaped from his jet by climbing out of the cockpit, walking down the nose, and jumping off the refueling probe. Video tape shot aboard the Forrestal shows McCain narrowly escaping the explosion[1].

One minute and thirty-four seconds after the impact, the "Comp. B" bomb exploded underneath McCain's plane, starting a major fire which threatened to destroy the ship. The two A-4s ahead of McCain's plane were engulfed in the flaming JP-5 jet fuel spewing from them. A bomb dropped to the deck, rolled about 6 feet (2 m) and came to rest in a pool of burning fuel.

Nine major explosions on the flight deck occurred; eight of those were caused by the "Comp. B" bombs and the other occurred between an old and a new bomb. The explosions left large holes in the flight deck, causing the jet fuel to drain into the interior of the ship, causing massive fires in the stern (rear) section. The fire left 132 Forrestal crewmen dead, 62 more injured, and two missing and presumed dead. The ship returned to Norfolk for extensive repairs. During the post-fire refit, the ship's 5″ guns were removed.

Comment by Scott LTC USA (Ret) — July 1, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

Do you really think McCain is of "questionable citizenship"?? This statement along disqualifies you from the "intelligent" clause.

———–

McBush claims to be born in the Panama Canal Zone. But his birth record lists him being born in a military hospital that didn't exist in the year of his birth. His parents did not file the State Department form that everyone else in the Canal Zone filed when their children were born there.

No one has any idea where John McBush was actually born, or even who his actual parents were.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Who give a crap about McInsane's Military service.
Is that all the old man has to offer?
I'm waiting to see what grandpa flip-flops on next.

Go home. Save your wife's money.

Comment by Another Citizen — July 1, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
i just want to let my fellow virginians know i did not vote for the hypocrite webb. he has disgraced our beautiful state for the last time. he will be ousted in 2012. i called his office today and talked to his staffer and then emailed him twice.
i also called the senior senator, John Warner and told his staffer that warner should go to webb and let him know he was way out of line.
between the bho and jsm, i'll take mccain anyday.
he may have a temper and get angry. he's human, just like the rest of us.
btw, clark and webb are both traitors and should be sent out to the desert.
shame on both of these idiots and liars. they both want to be VP and are only looking out for themselves - not our country.

Comment by carolyn dixon — July 1, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Boy Carolyn, you sound a lot like Manne Coulter. I don't now how some of you idiots sleep at night with so much hate in your system. Do you need a hug?

Comment by Bob Inmo — July 1, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
I cant say im a huge obama fan. his bone headed land deal in chicago is my biggest concern. none of that republican nonsense.

of course my $3.4 billion keating concern dwarfs the obama caution.

if mccain truly does respect war as a last resort. i wonder why he allows himself to make public *jokes* about bombing iran. i dont think its very wise under any circumstances - esp for the diplomatic arena. bloodshed is not a joke.

Comment by ginsu — July 1, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
Let's see who Gen. Colin Powell and Chuck Hagel endorse in this race it does not look like they are in Mc Cain's camp and if they endorse Obama Mc Cain is TOAST!

Comment by Gordon — July 1, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
Unless one is a totally blind democrat, there can't be any reason for voting for Obama. He is absolutely nothing! His empty platitudes about change and unity have no meaning. He has no experience, and is as far left as anyone in politics. Anyone who spends any time away from the left blogs, couldn't possibly think that this guy could be president. God help us if the majority of Americans are this childish.

Comment by JCIll — July 1, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
I thought howdy dowdy died back in the fifties. This guy is a real woodhead

Comment by DocinMPLS — July 1, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Why is it that Democratic surrogates and many bloggers appear to be soooo mean-spirited? Ken Olberman is as biased as they come. Shame on him!! Let's have some real reporting and less editorial. We can see through you!! Please stop!!
Thanks!!

Comment by Gale Vickers — July 1, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
MagicDog: "No one has any idea where John McBush was actually born, or even who his actual parents were"

Are you really this stupid? John McCain's father was Admiral John S. McCain and his mother was Roberta Wright McCain. He was born on August 29, 1936 in the Panama Canal Zone, Panama. Since his parents were Americans, he was and is an American by birth. For you to suggest otherwise is beyond stupid. But I guess that's all you've got. Like I say, you sort of fail the "intelligence" clause.

BTW, Congress provided in the Naturalization act of 1790 that �the children of citizens of the United States, that may be born beyond the sea, . . . shall be considered as natural born citizens". But I'm sure you won't let these facts get in the way of your hatred.

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
Now lets here about Obama's service record…….
Ok none, so lets hear about obamas neighborhood activist accolades, or was it neighborhood agitator. Mccain a pow, obama a pow too: a prisoner of Wright's fo' 20 years, but lets not mention that, he left the church of "whats happenin now" with lots of scars too.

Comment by dan mcgarity — July 1, 2008 @ 6:26 pm
JEZZZZZZZ WEB AND CLARK BELIEVE THEY WERE PRODUCTS OF THE VIETNAM ERA OR OF THE STREET GANGS OF DC
UNDER THE COMMAND OF PVT OBERMAN WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT?
DID NOT WEB OVERSTATE HIS AWARDS FROM THE MILITARY , AND WHILE HE WAS PLAYING CHIEF OF THE UNDERSECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
THIS WAS BEFORE ALL VENTING WAS TAKING PLACE AND KATY BAR THE DOOR ALL ARE WELCOME TO THE DEMO PARTY.

Comment by BOBAZ — July 1, 2008 @ 6:27 pm
Berfall, here's how it works for November: 1) the good guys not you folks are bringing the wood this time around, 2)we are going to apply the wood early, often, and with vigor, and 3) your understanding or enlightenment is not required for this procedure to be effective.

Comment by Tom — July 1, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
The guy who ran the "Born Fighting" campaign, carrying combat boots to each speech, now doesn't want military service to be an issue? Maybe he wants to jail anyone whose assistant carries a gun, too.

Webb is an idiot.

Comment by Toranz — July 1, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
I see no problem with those who have served their country in the military presenting it as a qualification for elected office. Voters can decide whether or not the military experience is relevant to their voting choice. I think that Clark and Webb do Obama no favors by challenging McCain in this basis.

Comment by Jim — July 1, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
This Kabuki really backfired in so many ways. Axelrod might be good on strategy, but is proving lousy on tactics — know the difference, people — Obama is about to lose an easier dunk shot than Gore did.

Comment by Munge — July 1, 2008 @ 6:41 pm
Webb: speaking of calm down…..how about you, Mr "I-am-wearing-my-son's-combat-boots-patronizer"

I am a Marine officer…3 trips to the sand pit…two with combat experience…shut up. You might have been a fair/good/great company grade officer…but your time as the SecNav was embarrassing.

Shut up, skipper.

Comment by Bill — July 1, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
"Riding in a fighter Plane????!!!!!" I believe he was FLYING the fighter plane and became a severely tortured prisoner who refused to leave until the prisoners captured before himself were released. He served. He was loyal. He was committed. He was educated at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis! He has been a long time Senator. He selflessly adopted and raised his wife's children and in addition to adopting and raising a child from an orphanage from a third world nation. I think the man has some qualifications and qualities of integrity his opponent may not have, for goodness sake.

Comment by Lucille Haney — July 1, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Yeah - Dems don't want McCain to publicize his valor as a soldier protecting our freedoms because McCain is a real hero who's military service really showed his courage - unlike their man - Kerry the Koward!!! Keep it up, McCain, don't let them deter you. If the cong couldn't stop you, the dems can't touch you - because they are nothing.

Comment by Mary-Beth Frazee — July 1, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Obama, and his coordinated attack machine, are clearly back-firing. You don't attack American military heros.

Comment by george — July 1, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Comment by JohnUSMC � July 1, 2008 @ 1:04 pm

"Guess who had no experience, big ears, and people claiming that he didn't have what it takes to be President?"

George W. Bush, one of our worst presidents in history.

Comment by Russell Alden — July 1, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Hey!Any of you Obama supporters on here?Name me one accomplishment of Hussein Obaman, of any cosequence, and you have me sold.I'll even vote for the SOB!But,please,just give me one example, just one, of any damn thing he has done since becoming a US senator?I'm anxiously awaiting a reply from any democrat on this blog on my question…Thank You!!

Comment by skysoldier — July 1, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
John McCain has wore his military service and POW status on both sleeves and tatooed on his forehead for all his political career. He's made it the cornerstone of his various campaigns.

Even his advisers should know that graduating from the Naval Academy (at the bottom of the class), being a pilot in Vietnam, and serving several years as a POW are not sufficient reasons to be elected President of the United States.

It's long past time someone told McCain to quit using his military record as the main reason people should vote for him. Thank you, Clark and Webb, for your comments.

Having said that, it's transparently self-serving (good cop to their bad cop) for Obama to follow up their criticisms with a self-serving statement that McCain should not be criticised for playing on his service record to get votes.

Comment by RPhillips — July 1, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
Webb used his SON'S military service when he was campaigning for his Senate seat.

This man is BEYOND hypocritical.

Comment by GelEGuy — July 1, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

Are you really this stupid? John McCain's father was Admiral John S. McCain and his mother was Roberta Wright McCain. He was born on August 29, 1936 in the Panama Canal Zone, Panama.

————-

This is from an article in The Washington Post, May 2, 2008:

"In his autobiography, 'Faith of My Fathers,' McCain writes that he was born 'in the Canal Zone' at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Coco Solo, which was under the command of his grandfather, John S. McCain Sr. The senator's father, John S. McCain Jr., was an executive officer on a submarine, also based in Coco Solo. His mother, Roberta McCain, now 96, has vivid memories of lying in bed listening to raucous celebrations of her son's birth from the nearby officers' club.

"The birth was announced two days later in the English-language Panamanian American newspaper. A senior official of the McCain campaign showed a reporter a copy of the senator's birth certificate issued by Canal Zone health authorities, recording his birth in the Coco Solo 'family hospital.'

"Curiously enough, there is no record of McCain's birth in the Panama Canal Zone Health Department's bound birth registers, which are publicly available at the National Archives in College Park. A search of the 'Child Born Abroad' records of the U.S. consular service for August 1936 included many U.S. citizens born in the Canal Zone but did not turn up any mention of John McCain."

What the article does NOT say is that Colo Solo Hospital wasn't built until 1941, five years after McBush was allegedly born there. Quite a feat! The article also fails to note that it was common practice for the parents of children born in the Canal Zone to register the birth with the State Department.

Adoption had a significant stigma attached in the 1930s. McCain's father (guardian?) was an admiral, something that came in handy later on when it came to getting young John off the hook for his various naval misdeeds.

Could an admiral have prevailed upon the Canal Zone's newspaper to print an announcement of a birth that never happened? Is the Pope Catholic? Or perhaps McCain is a citizen, but was born to someone else, legitimately or otherwise. Who knows? What we know is that the official story is impossible, because it reports McCain being born in a hospital that did not exist.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Anyone who thinks that Bush is the worst president is showing their youth. If you are over 30 you would have to remember Carter, and if you are my age, you would remember LBJ, who wins first prize by a super large margin.

Comment by JCIll — July 1, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Doesn't someone who sings "bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran" make you even a little bit nervous? And if we're talking about courage as a qualification for office, how about the real POTUS - VP Cheney. How many of armchair patriots know that Cheney was drafted five times during the Vietnam war, and every time used a marital or student deferment to avoid even putting on a uniform to serve his country? Is he your example of a hero - someone who is qualified to send your children and grandchildren into battle? You are being played, you right wing sheep - wise up!

Comment by Frustrated — July 1, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
Rphillips,

You ought to get your info from sources other than wikipedia. McCain has been faithful to his second wife and he and his first wife separted on agreeable terms. McCain has made mistakes but, he has also changed. It was real change. He can bring real change to America too. Not the rhetorical change we are being offered by your guy. His platitudes are nice but, without substance.

Comment by Lucille Haney — July 1, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
What an utter disgrace this Democrat party is. They have a kid who has been a frshman senator for three years, 2.5 years of which he has been campaigning for POTUS. before that he was a "community organizer"…what the hell is that? Then he has two or three hack surrogates come out and attack a guy whose whole family served in the military for decades, and who himself was shot down and held as a POW for five years, then after that remained in the service for seven years, then was elected Senator, and sat for many years on the Senate Intelligence Commitee. Now, I have to say it, Obama has ZERO credibility to be manager of the local stop and shop let alone President of the Untied States of America. Secondly Obama has identified himself as a Marxist, last time I checked my father and grandfather fought against these idiots on the battlefields of Europe…and now this oh so highly intelligent progressive forward thinking populus of the united state might want to elect a guy who would urinate on the graves of our founders, violate the Declaration of Independence, Trash the US Constitution (though that has been going on for years), by instituting Government run programs that pur YOU the public DEPENDENT on INCOMPETENT Government, that takes YOUR MOST PRIVATE INFORMATION (your health records and gives it to an Orwellian like Healthcare system, that WILL take the profits from PRIVATE (not public) OWNED BUSINESSes (only communists do this), and top of all that..raises YOUR taxes by 40%….Oh yeah, folks we are going to have a real bloody revelution…YOU CAN COUNT on it, people will die for sure and its all because todays youyth dont even know a tyrant in the making, because our public school system is crap and they get taught that Castro is cool..tell that to the ,illions he executed to STEAL power in Cuba…what idiots we have become…LOCK n'LOAD

Comment by Jim Gallagher — July 1, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
You know, John McCain may be too good for this country. We now have a MSM and Democratic party (they are one in the same) filled with left wingers who have hated Bush for years and have undermined every national security effort he has undertaken. They have now refocused their efforts by degrading McCain's unparalled military/national security credentials in an attempt to equalize him with Barrack Hussein Obama who has zero, zip, nadda military background. As for Webb, he was the one who used his son's military experience (and boots) as a political gimmick in 2006 during his run for Senate. I do not recall McCain ever injecting his sons service into any campaign. So, it was ok for that knucklehead Kerry to prance around the Democratic Convention in 2004 with his Army pals and to end his ridiculous acceptance speech by saying "…I am John Kerry and I am reporting for duty…". We are truly doomed if this Democratic crowd gets elected. I predict that if Barrack Hussein Obama is elected in November, about an hour after he is sworn in, Iran will announce that they have gone nuclear. Get ready America, our slow decline into France will have begun.

Comment by michael — July 1, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
2 words
KERRY, WEBB, KERRY, WEBB

Comment by BUTCH — July 1, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Hey all you vets out there, remember those guys from the service academies that skated through military life because their dads and grandads were generals and/or admirals. The ones that still graduated when others without connections would have been washed out. Some were even allowed to wreck multiple airplanes, through lousy flying, without being grounded. Know who I'm talking about?

Clark came from nothing, was first in his class at the point, commanded an infantry platoon in Nam where he was severely wounded. He's earned the right to criticise McCain.

Comment by jay1217 — July 1, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Gen. Clark and Sen. Webb, I am curious how you can support a candidate for president that voted twice in Illinois to allow "born alive" babies to be set aside to Die. I think we call that Infanticide. (Illinois SB 1661) Is this why you served your country? Is this the type of Gravitas that the Democrat party has been looking for? So, let me see, Obama will not support his country when it is at war with terrorists but he will allow babies to be put to death? That takes a real man. We all know that Obama, politically speaking, is the diaper candidate. The first time he comes face to face with the likes of Putin he will need to be changed. Stand by with the Pampers.

Comment by R Jones — July 1, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
1)Right wing deceit and hypocrisy knows no bounds. They criticize James Webb — a highly decorated combat Marine who served in REAL combat on the ground — while extolling John McCain — a flashy Navy flyboy who managed to get shot down by one of the lesser air defense systems and who evidently thinks "war" is marrying a beer heiress.

Navy casualty rates in Vietnam were a small fraction of the death rates in the Marine and Army units. James Webb and Wesley Clark know that.

2) Webb's critics here are the same right wing propagandists who think that "supporting the troops" consists of sending 4000 soldiers to die in an unnecessary war for the sake of billionaire campaign donors in the Big Oil and Israel Lobbies. Whoring for special interests still stinks –no matter how much you wave the flag.

3) Let's face it — Republicans and right wing devotees of Fox News are so cavalier about the Iraq War's casualities because they — like their Republican President, Vice-President and Republican leadership — have always been careful to never get within 1000 miles of an active battlefield.

Comment by Don Williams — July 1, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Mcaine was on the Uss Forrestal with my husband when it blew up John Mccaine chicken out and left the guys and was later a POW!My husband survived that awful day.

Comment by beau — July 1, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
Sad day, Webb calls McCain his friend and tells him not to toute his military service. My memeory says that Webb strongly used his service 2 years ago! Wait, the rulebook says if you are Kennedy, Kerry or Webb you can use your service. Dole and McCain can not.

We have hope and change running against results and experience? What am I missing?

Obama gets elected and the prior blogger is right, we will become like the Socialist French.

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 7:12 pm
I am embarrassed that Jim Webb is my Senator. He sure didn't have a problem touting his extremely short tenure as Secretary of the Navy, his service in Vietnam or when he campaigned for the Senate wearing his son's desert combat boots to highlight the younger Webb's service in Iraq.

Webb usually quits anything he starts — the Vietnam Veterans Memorial campaign, his stint as Secretary of the Navy, etc. I look forward to 2012 when Virginia voters can quit on him.

Comment by Clint Hubbard — July 1, 2008 @ 7:15 pm
Hey McCain - I'm a bus driver. Can I get the cabinet appointment to Deptartment of Transportation? What do you mean that doesn't qualify me?

Comment by Bus driving Bob — July 1, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
MagicDog puked this: "What the article does NOT say is that Colo Solo Hospital wasn't built until 1941, five years after McBush was allegedly born there. Quite a feat! The article also fails to note that it was common practice for the parents of children born in the Canal Zone to register the birth with the State Department"

Um, Magic, McCain was born at the Naval Hospital at the Coco Solo Naval Air Station, NOT the Coco Solo Hospital. Do you understand the difference? The Naval Air Station at Coco Solo was built in 1918, and would have had some kind of hospital facility, even if it was a tent. But then I guess reading comprehension isn't one of your strong suits.

BTW, the Panama Canal WAS ON American soil until 1979, when Jimmy Carter gave it away.

You really should give this up, before you look even more foolish than you do now (if that's at all possible)

Comment by Swibbie — July 1, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
And for the Clark supporters, his career took off after he helped kill Branch Dividians in WACO. He has two lives, before WACO and after. The second life has been a dismal failure. Someone should go after his second life, it is now fair game.

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
Mark my words… what Clark and Webb have done is start the fire that will grow into a firestorm.

A great deal of the Americans that have been undecided or not paying attention to the politics will be interested in this story. Attempting to carefully camouflage attempts to diminish another service member�s military record is simply grotesque. Obama letting his surrogates do the dirty work and then him being able to claim the higher road and reject the comments are not going to fly any longer.

We are on to you Mr. Obama and the rest of the public will be shortly. Just continue what you are doing and guarantee a McCain presidency.

Comment by Mega — July 1, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
I'm a Democract and I'm totally offended by Webb and Clark's comments. Frankly, more than anything, this hypocrisy shows me that Obama, for all his talk, is the same political animal as all of them. So what really does he have to offer?

Comment by IW — July 1, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
Dang, ya'll tearing down Webb are pretty dumb.
I'm fascinated that instead of commenting on the story, which is the fact that McCain and Bush pretended to have supported this bill they loudly opposed, you are talking about John Kerry.
Wake up, little critters, Kerry's not running for president…and Webb supports our troops, unlike McDufus.

Comment by Gina — July 1, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
Apparently if McCain can lay claim to something B. Hussein Obama cannot it's not allowed to be used in the campaign. It looks like McCain has exposed a sensitve issue when it comes to B. Hussein Obama's experience. What a joke.

Comment by Randy — July 1, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
as if obama would not be singing his own military record= IF HE HAD ONE!!!

Comment by noneyabidnez — July 1, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Obama is not claiming to have experience. Only a socialist big government agenda and the ability to make good decisions. Other than that he can dance, speak and sing.

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Here's the thing, yet again, I must ask. WHAT DID CLARK AND WEBB SAY THAT OFFENDED McCAIN's SERVICE????? Can anyone point to a single line that ticked them off?

No….That's because the McCain camp is trying to build a strawman. There's absolutely nothing there to fight against. If the McCain camp was forced to pick a line out of anything Webb or Clark said, what would they say?

Comment by Chris — July 1, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
I have to comment on Frustrated's entry. First, McCain is the issue, not Cheney. Second, we all realize what the left is up to: THERE IS NO WAY BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA CAN MATCH MCCAIN'S EXPERIENCE, SACRIFICE AND COMMITTMENT TO THIS COUNTRY-SO THE LEFTIES AND THEIR PALS IN THE MSM (where to begin-CBS/NBC/ABC/CNN/MSNBC) HAVE TO SEND OUT A BUNCH OF HAS BEEN'S (ALL OF WHOM ARE HOPING TO END UP AS ASST. SECRETARY OF SOMETHING IN AN OBAMA ADMINISTRATION) TO DEFAME MCCAIN. PSYCHIATRISTS REFER TO THIS PRACTICE AS "EQUALIZING". I MEAN, OBAMBI DID NOT LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY FULL TIME UNTIL HE WAS 18. HE THEN FOUND HIS WAY TO THE IVY LEAGUE ( I am surte purely on merit- NOT)HE THEN LAUNCHED A POLITICAL CAREER BY BECOMING A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER IN CHICAGO AND A STATE SENATOR BEST KNOWN FOR MISSING VOTES. THAT WAS FOLLOWED UP BY A RUN FOR SENATE AIDED AND ABETTED BY AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE'S DIVORCE AND THE ACCUSATIONS THAT HE WANTED TO SWING WITH HIS WIFE. BY THE WAY, ANYONE EVER FIGURE OUT WHO LEAKED SEALED DIVORCE RECORDS TO THE PRESS? I DIGRESS.

As for Dick Cheney, it appears as though Frustrated had no problems with Bill Clinton avoiding the draft by going to Oxford and writing a letter to ROTC seeking a deferment. Nor, with Al Gore being escorted around Vietnam with a bodyguard. Oh, yes, the only weapon Gore had was a camera- he was a photographer in Vietnam- a job he secured, no doubt, by his dad-the senator.

So, Frustrated, spare us the shots at Cheney. You guys are running an inexperienced bullshitter who has the MSM in his corner.

It is evident that the Democratic Party is unabashedly socialist/communists who are hoping that this country loses its superpower status. But do you not see, while you can weaken this country with all of this nonsense (hey, funny how the Iraq story seems to have been replaced by gas prices now that things are going well in Iraq), China, Russia and Iran will rush in to fill that superpower void created by the lefts surrender. If you think Bush/Cheney were militarists who violated Guantanamo prisoners rights, wait till you get a load of what these other countries are going to do.

Comment by michael — July 1, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
To Beau in post 672…if you had a clue honey, you would know that when the Forrestal headed for home after the tragedy, Mccain volunteered to transfer over to the Oriskany as they were short of pilots.

Had he stayed with the squadron, in all likelihood he wouldn't have wound up in the Hanoi Hilton.

If you're going to post, get your facts straight.

You obamanuts make SUCH fools of yourselves with this garbage, I bet you're dumb enough to even vote for that fool.

Comment by Seawolf — July 1, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
It's interesting that everyone supporting McCain because of his military service seem to have forgotten that their current Hero-in-Chief was barely in the military, and that most all of his immediate subordinates did all they could to evade the draft. Why weren't you McCain supporters as supportive about Kerry's service? Oh wait, Kerry's service and Purple Hearts were not real. Damn, I forgot that. And, while we're on the subject of a candidate's life experience as preparation for the Presidency of the United States, perhaps we can find another Patriot who was born with the biggest of silver spoons and spent 20+ years of his life drunk. That's what I call life experience….or, that's what you Bush/McCain supporters call life experience.

Comment by DavidE — July 1, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Wait! I forgot! Obama is running against Bush. It worked for Webb. So it's:

1)Socialist big government
2)No I don't have experience but I have good judgement
3)I'm not Bush

hey, he's got my vote, I have a public school education!

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
BTW, pull up the democrats quotes about how great McCain was when Kerry was testing the waters to see if McCain would join him as VP. 'MAtch made in heaven', 'McCain works across the aisle' etc etc

FLIP, FLOP

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Webb not only bragged about his military service while running for the senate, he shamelessly wore his sons combat boots while on the stump. What a fake.

Comment by jefyuaz — July 1, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Chris: Even Bob Schieffer was astounded at Wesley (let's shoot up a bunch of children in a religious compound) Clark's comments about McCain. As for the offensive comments by Lesley Clark, how about saying that McCain's experience as a pilot flying over Hanoi and his captivity in North Vietnam do not qualify him to be President as compared to Obama's ability to communicate (re: read from a telepromptor). You mean to tell me that a man who fights for his country, is captured, brutalized for 5 years and who stays a prisoner when given a chance to leave by his captors since his fellow prisoners were not being released merits more consideration for President than a clown who did not have the balls to challenge the good Rev. Wright on his anti-white/ anti-semitic/ anti-US statements about the country this man wants to lead? Simple Chris- one man has shown that he can lead by his service; the other shows he is not willing to lead as evidenced by his political calculation to stay quiet while his "Pastor" trashed his country.

Case closed.

Comment by michael — July 1, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Mr Webb

Do you understand what a RESUME is?

Why would he NOT repeat his military experience over and over.

Is the military not an issue?

As a Democrat, I urge you refrain from making dumb statements.

Comment by Dan — July 1, 2008 @ 7:43 pm
who ever this guy is interviewing Webb needs to take his head out of Webb's backside. He is so far up it I can barely see his feet. What a totally kiss in the rear interview.

Comment by frank — July 1, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
In response to David E, I see that you have the talking points down- "Bush-McCain". Bush is not running for office, McCain is. As for Bush's service, what was it that Al Gore did in Vietnam? Right, his Dad got him a spot in the photography unit where he has to carry around a Minolta- with a bodyguard. I don't know, Bush being qualified to fly an F-4 Phantom vs. Gore being qualified to use a Minolta. Seems to me that Bush made more of a committment than that guy who later created the Internet.

As for Kerry's service, maybe the lack od support for Kerry among veterans groups can be attributed to Kerry's testimony before the Congress in 1971 where he accused his fellow soldiers of committing atrocities on the level of Genghis Khan. Remeber that testimony? Remember how it was disproved? Remeber how Kerry turned his back on his military experience by throwing his medals away at a peace rally in DC? You do not lie about your fellow soldiers conduct in wartime to further your political aspirations in liberal Mass. circa 1972 and expect 30 years later to be embraced by that same military. Kerry was/is a joke. Ina nutshell, this is what most of us in the military see when they look at Kerry: 1.) a guy who lied about his fellow soldiers and 2.) later married some rich widow who underwrote his poltical career; 3.) in short, a user.

Comment by michael — July 1, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
McCain has earned the right to be a hero, because he is an American hero. Obama is not about change, he uses the same old dirty political tricks and is as transparent as they come. He will not be elected President, that is my bet.

Comment by Kay — July 1, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
Look at all these guys here knocking Obama for his lack of military service. I bet they are the same hypocritical clowns who were LOVING George aWol Bush four years ago. If you loved W and Darth Cheney despite their embarassing lack of military service, then you should shut your two-faced pieholes about Obama.

Comment by RicksterFL — July 1, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
He's a hypocrite…but he's also right.

McCain's service and bravery should go towards his strength of character (as it should for Webb, Kerry, etc.), but not necessarily towards any perceived "military leadership" abilities. The point that Clark and Webb are making is that unless you've been an executive officer in wartime, you shouldn't automatically claim to be a better commander-in-chief.

But even as an Obama supporter, I agree that these comments have been a tactlessly thrown out there. Sen. Webb just did a wonderful thing for our troops — which Bush and McCain try to take credit for even though they impeded its progress. But his comment about "getting shot down doesn't qualify you for president" is really crass.

Comment by bobby d — July 1, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
I wonder where were these so called McCain supporters when George W beat the crap out of old man using the questions around credibility and security credentials.

I did not see you morons beating up on Bush people. Rather you guys loved it. Remember the Bush smears on McCain's patriotism and his black child?

I guess you characters loved it and voted Bush in the primaries.

Stop yapping on these boards sickos. Jimbo is not as noble as he claims to be. War heros don't come back and immediately dump the wife and run behind some young chik.

Comment by JackN — July 1, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Hear this loud and clear - after what the right-wingers did to John Kerry 4 years ago, McCain's military service is totally fair game. I would say McCain was a war hero if, rather than be shot down in Hanoi, he had completed his mission. I would say McCain was a hero if he had been able to escape his prison and maybe save a comrade or two in process. But no, he failed his mission, he sat in jail.

If sitting in an enemy prison after failing a mission qualifies you as a hero, then every prisoner in Gitmo is qualified to be president.

Comment by RicksterFL — July 1, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
[...] his three Purple Hearts when Bush only served in the National Guard? The comments are priceless! The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Pingback by McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military Svc - Southern Maryland Community Forums — July 1, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
DOES THAT INCLUDE JOHN, THE HERO KERRY/

Comment by Big Jim — July 1, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
As for those crying about the 'swiftboating' of Kerry, wasn't there some eye witnesses that questioned the 'story'? Were there not some question as to verification of the story and how quickly the medal was given along with the abnormal approval channels? Is it true that Kerry threw away the medals and that he talked badly about the military?

My memory fails me.

Did Clark or Webb question the McCain circumstances? I think not!

I have no problem with Bush, Obama or Clinton having no military experience. I for one would prefer someone with experience and I prefer Governors to Senators. I prefer Senators with experience to senators without. Obama is a stealth candidate with no experience. Hillary and McCain are both better. Obama has been running for office since he became a state senator. He voted 'present' something like 30% of the time in the IL Senate. There are only two reasons to vote 'present'. 1) he was not prepared or 2) He didn't want to go on record. My conclusion is that he didn't want to have a record so he has no record, no resume, no experience, no judgement … Nobama. Military experience isn't his weakness, it's no experience and failed ideas.

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
The last two idiots are just that.

Webb used his service record, which included QUITTING as Secretary of the Navy, but now says McCain shouldn't use his. As for "Jack" and "Rickster", you should go play on the freeway. McCain was tortured for 5 years. He was offered an early release because his father was an admiral, but he refused, and stayed with his men. Just a guess here Rickster/Jack, but uh, no military service of your own?

Thought so.

Comment by Eric — July 1, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
As evidenced by Democrat posters on this board, McCain's military service pre and post POW days means very little to them.

It is sad that Democrats have sunk so low to treat a POW in such a manner.

When people say Democrats are unpatriotic and anti-American, look no further than the Daily Kos, DU, and this thread for proof.

Comment by Tealeaves — July 1, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
Let's see… John McCain's character was built on his service to his country both in military and government service. B. Hussein Obama's is derived from his mentor's Jeremiah Wright, Willima Ayers and Tony Rezco. You leftwinger kool-aid drinking wackos need to be careful who your defending.

Comment by Randy — July 1, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
Why is this conversation still going on. Why do the democrats have to keep on this. I don't know how this angle of "Being a prisoner of war is no big deal" is going to fly with the populace.

I think the dems have learned all the wrong lessons from the swift boat affair. With Kerry there was a little bit of smoke that grew into a big fire. That does not mean that you can create the smoke and the fire. Dan Rather tried that and it got him fired.

Comment by Craig — July 1, 2008 @ 8:19 pm
I just want to say I am honored that I voted for George Allen. A lot of us have known what an incompetent person Webb is and now the rest of the world is starting to realize it. I'm just sick we have 5+ years of this arrogant, bombastic person. I hope he enjoys his time up there with Durbin and rest, because people are fired up to get rid of him already.

Comment by Trudy — July 1, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Of course Webb will take the position that the military service record of a candidate shouldn't be addressed in a campaign… His candidate doesn't have any! Duh! Just how stupid does Webb think the people are?

Comment by David Baker — July 1, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Why knock me for no military service, Eric? What would military service matter to a Republican? Eric you were probably W's number one tea-bagger 4 years ago, and his military career was laughable. If everyone served as honorably as W, the United States would have no military. And I bet you just loved him. Maybe you got yourself one of those W dolls with the flight suit. Do you still have it by your pillow, Eric? Do you give it a big smooch good night before bed?

Four years ago you GOP jokesters showed the world how you could have a decent military record and still be made to look like a fool. So don't go you go crying to mommy, Eric. McCain is fair game. Deal with it.

Comment by RicksterFL — July 1, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
and how did Webb et al promote their military service? you dont provide facts just conservative propaganda.

Comment by nick — July 1, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
You know what I love about this whole conversation - it is that it is actually happening. Thanks to General Clark's comments, McCain service is being challenged and critiqued. Everyone in here is contributing to a conversation that would have been unthinkable even 3 weeks ago. GOOD. Time to go after McCain biggest asset and turn it into a liability.

Comment by RicksterFL — July 1, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Wait it just occured to me that McCain is not a hero because he got shot down and failed his bombing mission an was captured and tortured for 5 years but JFK was a hero for getting his PT boat run over by a battleship and evading capture? I just watched it on the History Channel, his PT boat was the only one run over in the dark by a enemy ship. Was it avoidable? Does a battleship make noise?

If only JFK was running in 08, he'd be a conservative by todays standards and a ware hero to boot!

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
[...] and their supporters keep popping up (daily, it seems) talking about John McCain and telling him to stop talking about his military service. They seem not to realize that doing this serves to remind voters that McCain is a real war hero [...]

Pingback by A Fine Lieutenant Would Own General Wesley Clark « Axis of Right — July 1, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Jim, the wonderful author of books glorifying Child Molestation. And Wesley Clark, the architect of the Bosnia quagmire.
And as far as the Kerry being swift boated, he had the big rally with his "band of brothers" and then we found out most of his unit hated his guts and considered him a coward.

Comment by Joel Weymouth — July 1, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
Poor widdle poster Matt…he just can't take the predictable heat from Webb's huge gaffe. Remember, the boot Matt thinks that Webb is going to put up someone's a$$ is likely STILL Webb's son's combat boots from '06….

Comment by Beez — July 1, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
Ed Penna,

I truly take your comments as a personal attack. I am a democrat, Vet from OEF, and a currently serving Service member. I don�t think part affiliation has anything to do with being capable of making an educated choice in an election. Though the party has flaws (republicans do as well) all of its members are not what you choose to lump them into.

As for McCain being the bottom of his class, do some research, some of our most celebrated officers from an academy were not at the top of their class. Those of you that minimize his time in a POW camp and refusal for early release because of his father, please do not leave out the fact that the reason he did not take it was because it was not offered to all of the prisoners, which is in keeping with our code of conduct. That in my mind speaks volumes to his character.

As for attacks on Webb and Clark�s military service, I really think that those who do it should sit back an evaluate their own service to their country. If Webb and Clark wish to use their service as a political tool and attempt to keep McCain from doing likewise, that is the politics of Washington. In my opinion that speaks volumes to Obama�s intent in changing politics. Obama not serving is not an issue, any service member that thinks an individual must serve is violating freedom of choice. Personally, I think that a candidate should be evaluated on his or her record while in office or lack of any real record. I am ashamed that my party would put someone wanting in that area as a presidential candidate. If McCain wished to politicize his service record we would hear about two sons having served in Iraq, one bowing out of the academy to serve enlisted in the Corps, or his son currently in the academy most certainly to deploy upon graduation to the combat zone. I think that speaks more to the character of the parents when not only to they impart their values on their children but then a father is willing to keep his children in harms way because he feels it is for the good of his country. Beiden is another man of character willing to vote to send his own son into combat for the betterment of the nation.

The other things that McCain chooses not to put out as a reflection of his beliefs is his philanthropy and dedication to others like his adopted daughter, and yet I have already heard people of my own party attempt to play the race card against him.

Do I think McCain�s service makes him the best candidate for the position of president, No. Do I think Obama�s lack of service make him less of a candidate for president? No�do I think the character shown by McCain in putting his personal gain secondary to that of his fellow POWs a better choice for president? Do I think that McCain not making public the service of his children a political weapon make him a better choice for president? Do I believe that McCain�s voting record while serving in congress make him a better choice for president? Do I think that a man of proven character, a man with a proven political record makes a better candidate for president? Do I think that a man with little national political experience, questionable political campaign practices make less of a candidate? Yes�and contrary to popular thought, Obama is no Jack Kennedy!!! The last Democratic president that really got it. I am looking forward to the democratic party finally finding someone with the integrity and character that is deserving to serve the American public.

Comment by Jim — July 1, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
I didn't expect this response from the bloggers.

You don't just question someones record for the heck of it. There should be something to it. As far as I can tell the critiques on McCain's war record have been nonsense. Its like if I criticised Obama for being a community organizer. Didn't he have the ambition to be the head of HUD?

I think the whole Obama campaign ethics is now pretty much gone. What is left is just alot of sound and fury signifying not much.

Comment by Craig — July 1, 2008 @ 8:34 pm
AMEN Jim

I'm not sure about your comment

'In my opinion that speaks volumes to Obama�s intent in changing politics'

I guess that was sarchasm because there is no evidence of change from Obama.

Comment by RHUGG — July 1, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
Funny how Obama's man Wesley Clark (who wanted to start WWIII by attacking a Russian convoy when he was my commander) makes the comment about McCain, Obama SOFTLY rebukes it, McCain says nothing except he won't be drawn into it, but Webb says McCain needs to calm down. AND, the media doesn't even mention that McCain didn't start the conversation, wouldn't continue it, and doesn't talk about his service nearly as much as he should. Yet, somehow, Webb and Clark get a pass. I guess anyone who served and wasn't a General during war should have that entire service ignored. Yeah, the Democrats are supporters of the military…NOT!

Comment by boB — July 1, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
Just remember, when Obama is elected President because you want change, that's just what you'll end up with. Nothing but CHANGE (�).

Comment by boB — July 1, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
The Democrats are way too nice. If McCain had been a Democrat the Republicans would have filled our mailboxes with allegations about the 60 or so propaganda broadcasts he made for the North Vietnamese. Democrats stop playing nice. Nice guys finish last.

Comment by Andrew — July 1, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
So being held in a cage for 6 years qualifies someone to be the president of the United States? What a joke.
I guess the guys America is torturing in Gitmo will be up for election soon.

McSame volunteered to drop bombs on his fellow human beings, that does not make him a hero, it makes him a monster. Too bad the VC let him go.

Comment by Herb — July 1, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
McCain has hardly mentioned his career in this campaign…in fact, he hasn't talked about it enough if it's bothering these two Obama shills, Webb and Clark. How could anyone take either of those two (Webb and Clark) seriously really on anything. It's no different than the race issue…Obama is the one who talks about it as though everyone else is, when in fact they are not. Should Obama win the election, we have a few years of foolishness to look forward to….and thuggishness as well since I am sure he will drag his crew from Illinois into the White House with him…truly a shame he is the selected nominee. Maybe it will do us some good (having to experience him) on knowing what we do not need in the future…if he doesn't make too much of a mess in 4 years.

Comment by DrPWesley — July 1, 2008 @ 8:45 pm
[...] now he

Pingback by G'Night John Boy McBush — July 1, 2008 @ 8:45 pm
Webb needs to watch how red his hair "dye" is b4 he speaks

Comment by Fran — July 1, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

McCain was born at the Naval Hospital at the Coco Solo Naval Air Station, NOT the Coco Solo Hospital.

—————-

There was no Coco Solo Naval Hospital before 1941.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 9:00 pm
The Obama campaign is taking hypocrisy to new levels with the active help of the media. Guys like Clark (who was a politician throughout his military career) and Webb (who has run his military service into the ground) are sent out by the Obama campaign while the hypocrite-in-chief - Barrack Hussein Obama pretends to take the high road. Just how stupid does Obama think people are? His name is destined to rank right up there with George McGovern and Eugene McCarthy as guys who couldn't fool America.

Comment by Doug W — July 1, 2008 @ 9:04 pm
A Republican masquerading as a Democrat puked out the following:

If Webb and Clark wish to use their service as a political tool and attempt to keep McCain from doing likewise, that is the politics of Washington. In my opinion that speaks volumes to Obama�s intent in changing politics.

———–

McCain has used his military record in politics. Webb and Clark have used their military records in politics. In this respect they are no different from one another. To imply otherwise is just one more Republican Swiftboat lie.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

I just want to say I am honored that I voted for George Allen.

———-

I have just one word for you: macaca.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
Hey Herb,would love you in the crosshairs.

Comment by bill — July 1, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
I've been reading comments on this matter for the past couple of days, at different sites. And, oddly, this evil little rumor keeps popping up, verbatim, I swear (read below). Did the troll who is trying to plant suspicion like this even bother to read the historical account? Be on the lookout, folks, for this ridiculous comment resurfacing again and again, and verbatim.

"So McCain refused early release as a POW, and the Vietnamese said: 'OK, McCain, you are in charge here. If you don't want an early release we'll just keep you here?

Did he chain himself to the wall so the Vietnamese couldn't get him out? The Vietnamese were either very polite to keep him or this early release business is a bogus story.

Comment by Ray Bickley � July 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm"

Comment by Watch Out for "Ray" — July 1, 2008 @ 9:09 pm
Boy oh boy, where to start.

First, it is not okay for Webb and Clark to use their miltary service to their political advantage, but then criticize McCain for it … makes them nothing but hypocrites and invalidates their opinions.

Second, like it or not, McCain was a tortured POW for 5 plus years AND he has earned the right for some basic respect for his sacrifice and that of his family — regardless of your political leanings.

Third, Obama has no experience, worked as a Senator for what … 1 1/2 years before he decided he was prepared to be the CEO of our country. His father and then his mother abandoned him and he took his "life lesssons" from the likes of Ayers, Wright, etc … no wonder he and his surrogates have to attack McCain because if not, someone might look at his record.

And finally, for a man who started by saying he wanted to "change" politics and run an ethical campaign — he's no different than any other politician. He changes positions to meet his needs, sends his surrogates out to do the dirty work … he's a TYPICAL politician. Certainly no better than McCain … or most politicians for that matter.

Comment by GAGIRL — July 1, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

if you had a clue honey, you would know that when the Forrestal headed for home after the tragedy, Mccain volunteered to transfer over to the Oriskany as they were short of pilots

————

McCain was transferred to the Orskany because officers on the Forrestal thought his life might be in danger in the aftermath of the 135+ deaths he caused that day.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
Magic Dog, you rock!

I also voted for George Allen. Remember walking to the polling booth, past Allen banners vandalized in paint by the "civilized" Democrats. And that was in boutique-y Old Town Alexandria. It's sickening that Webb won. Even my feminist Democrat coworker was ill about it.

Yes, macaca!

Comment by Magic Dog, You Rock — July 1, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
Webb says: "any more than when the Democrats have political issues during the Vietnam War"

HELLO? The Vietnam War was conceived, launched, enlarged, and defended by DEMOCRATS. Nixon shut it down within less than four years — faster, I suspect, than Obama will get US troops out of Iraq.

Jim Webb is an embarrassment to Virginia and a disgrace to the services. He's a a bully and a blowhard.

Comment by slinkybender — July 1, 2008 @ 9:15 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

it is not okay for Webb and Clark to use their miltary service to their political advantage, but then criticize McCain for it

————–

Neither one of them criticized McCain's military service. They praised it. Clark said that getting your ass shot down doesn't qualify you to be president, and Webb advised McCain to calm down. McCain is such a hothead that dozens of his congressional colleagues have refused to endorse him because they think he's mentally unstable.

McCain's instability, and serial adultery, and his abandonment of his first wife after he returned from Vietnam and learned that she'd been partially disabled in a car wreck, are carefully hushed up by the Republican media.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
An a democrat puked out:

…"serial adultery …" you've got to be kidding … I can't beleive you have the audacity to say that with straight face given your former Presidents Clinton and Kennedy …

Comment by GAGIRL — July 1, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
A Republican puked out the following:

Magic Dog, you rock!

I also voted for George Allen. Remember walking to the polling booth, past Allen banners vandalized in paint by the "civilized" Democrats. And that was in boutique-y Old Town Alexandria. It's sickening that Webb won. Even my feminist Democrat coworker was ill about it.

———-

Thank you. Yes, I do rock.

I'm glad that you wasted your vote on Allen. You will be happy to vote for McCain, a man so off his rocker that dozens of his Republican congressional colleagues have refused to endorse him, and who has called his wife a "c***" in public, and who ditched his first wife after returning from his stint in Hanoi making communist propaganda flicks when he learned she'd been partially disabled in a car wreck.

All of these things make him a great Republican, no doubt.

Comment by Magic Dog — July 1, 2008 @ 9:22 pm
If I was a democrat, I wouldn't want John McCain touting his qualifications over my candidate either.

Obama should be touting his too. Oh, but wait, he doesn't have any. How funny is that?

Bunch of pinheads.

Comment by just a voter — July 1, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
BTW, I didn't say they criticized McCain's service — I said they criticized him using it to political advantage — you can't deny that fact — and yet they do the EXACT same thing everyday themselves and think nothing of it, and apparently see no double standard in it.

Comment by GAGIRL — July 1, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
From what I read, it looks like McCain has the idiot vote locked up.
Getting shot down in a fighter and being in a prison doesn't qualify anybody for anything, except the pity vote.

McCain's way over the hill too.

Comment by John — July 1, 2008 @ 9:27 pm
ROTFL. When all you puffy-chested reactionaries get your noses out of the well-aged brandy snifter at the country club, why don't you run right down to the Recruitment Center and volunteer your dear little daughter Tiffy and your Xanax-addled boy Stanford to serve WITH HONOR in one or the other branch of the armed services. Or push for a return to the draft so that we can continue to fight McCain's "100 year" war.

Comment by Big Head Todd — July 1, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
Now don't get carried away. You've been a busy poster tonight (but now I'm not calling you a troll). I nev

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July 1, 2008

Webb: McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military Service

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