Since General Clark doesn’t seem to know when to shut his mouth, I’ll post another article myself. Liberal-leaning media outlets fall all over themselves when it comes to printing disparaging remarks about a Republican candidate. And when it comes from a military general, they’re salivating profusely from the mouth. However, what you almost never hear are some of the “inconvenient truths” about Clark himself. Let’s discuss them, shall we?
General Clark served as the U.S. Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during Clinton’s presidency and our short-term war in the Balkans. What many people don’t remember or realize is that Clark was relieved of his duty early as NATO commander. Shortly after the end of the conflict, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, “The reason he came out of Europe early had to do with integrity and character issues.” If that isn’t a sharp slap in the face to a military man, I don’t know what is. Clark has always been a self-serving, photo-grabbing individual. While serving as NATO Commander, even his Secretary of Defense told him to get his face off the TV. Now, he’s constantly seen on the media circuit, trying to keep himself in the limelight.
Finally, let’s discuss the premise of his argument concerning McCain’s qualification to be president. Clark said, “I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.” That’s true enough. However, how he handled himself subsequent to that event speaks volumes. I can’t begin to imagine the sustained torture he endured for over five years in captivity. What many people don’t know is that the North Vietnamese offered to release him years earlier when they found out that he was the son of a Navy Admiral. He refused the offer. Those years of torture exacted a punishing toll on his body. From all the times that they broke his bones, he is unable to lift his arms above his shoulders.
I certainly don’t agree with McCain on many political issues. He is not my first choice for president. However, Clark’s characterizations are just plain wrong. No, Senator McCain doesn’t qualify for the presidency for being shot down in North Vietnam. How he has carried himself since then does.
