I'm fuming today.
Yesterday, on Face the Nation, General Wesley Clark spoke honestly and bluntly about what it takes to be Commander in Chief. In doing so, while he said Senator John McCain's service made him a hero to millions, including Clark himself, that experience does not trump the poor judgment that Senator McCain has shown on some of the most important issues in recent years.
What General Clark said was right, but the right-wing has been in an uproar. And even CNN accused Clark of "swift-boating" McCain. We need to fight back.
That's why VoteVets.org started a petition right here to thank General Clark for speaking out, and letting him know that we want him to keep telling the truth.
Let's show General Clark that we have his back, and will not stand for any attempts to shut down this important debate.
We all honor Senator McCain's service, as General Clark said. But that does not mean that on matters of security, the military, and veterans issues that Senator McCain is beyond reproach. Nor does it mean that his service trumps the poor judgment he has shown in some of the most important issues of our time. Here's just a few examples:
Senator McCain's service and experience, both as a POW and as a Senator apparently hasn't infused him with a dose of good judgment.
Senator McCain's experience hasn't led him to realize that the war in Iraq and it's continuance has empowered and emboldened Iran, and destabilized the region.
Senator McCain's experience hasn't caused him to recognize that we're losing ground in Afghanistan, and Osama bin Laden is still out there, plotting.
Senator McCain's experience didn't lead him to support the 21st Century GI Bill -- he opposed it. It didn't even make him feel the need to get back to Washington to vote on this -- one of the most important veterans' bills this Congress. He twice skipped votes on the GI Bill, to fundraise.
Senator McCain's experience didn't help him empathize with troops are overstretched and overdeployed, when he voted against the bipartisan Webb-Hagel "Dwell Time Amendment," which would have given troops as much time at home as in the field.
Is it fair to point out that despite his honorable service, this calls into question whether he should be Commander in Chief?
You bet.
What's amazing about this whole episode is that General Clark is treating the American people like adults who can handle a real, honest, and blunt debate in these important times.
It some circles, this is called 'straight talk,' and it's exactly what we need right now.