Democrats.com, "The Smoking Jet" tells the complete story of Bush's extraordinary special treatment in the National Guard. Tommorrow when he is asked on Meet the Press, Clark should talk about how Bush's whole life has been about special deals and extraordinary treatment.
Pilot George W. Bush did not simply "give up flying" with two years left to fly, as has been reported. Instead, Bush was suspended and grounded, very possibly as a direct or indirect result of substance abuse.
The crucial evidence - a Flight Inquiry Board - that would reveal the true reasons for Bush's suspension, as well as the punishment that was recommended, is missing from the records released so far. If no such Board was convened, this raises further questions of extraordinary favoritism.
Contrary to Bush's emphatic statements and several published reports, Bush never actually reported in person for the last two years of his service - in direct violation of two separate written orders. Moreover, the lack of punishment for this misconduct represents the crowning achievement of a military career distinguished only by favoritism.
Clark needs to say that the evidence of whether desertion took place is ambiguous and can only be cleared up if Bush opens his service records like Clark has done. Until Bush opens his records a cloud of suspicion will hang over Bush.
Clark's big advantage over all the other candidates is that he can exploit Bush on the national security dimension. Clark also has a major character advantage over Bush. Clark needs to sieze the opportunity presented by Jennings and the ensuing controversy to show Democrats that he is the best one to take on Bush.