Qualifications

General Wesley Clark spoke honestly and bluntly about what it takes to be Commander in Chief. He said that while Senator John McCain’s service made him a hero to millions, including Clark himself, McCain’s experience doesn’t trump the poor judgment that he’s shown on some of the most important issues in recent years.

The media has twisted his words and accused him of saying things he didn’t say. CNN even went so far as to accuse Clark of “swift boating” McCain. These characterizations are totally false. Here’s what General Clark actually said in response to Bob Schieffer’s questions:

Schieffer: “How can you say that John McCain is untested and untried?”

Clark: “Because in the matters of national security policy making, it’s a matter of understanding risk. It’s a matter of gauging your opponents and it’s a matter of being held accountable.”

“John McCain’s never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war. He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee. And he has traveled all over the world.

“But he hasn’t held executive responsibility. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded—that wasn’t a wartime squadron. He hasn’t been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn’t seen what it’s like when diplomats come in and say, I don’t know whether we’re going to be able to get this point through or not. Do you want to take the risk? What about your reputation? How do we handle this publicly? He hasn’t made that calls.”

Schieffer: “Well, General, maybe—could I just interrupt you?” Clark: “Sure.”

Schieffer: “I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences, either, nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down.”

Clark: “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.”