McCain Press Release: Statement By Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith On Gen. Wesley Clark’s Attack On John McCain
June 29, 2008 | Permalink
[McCain Campaign Press Release from June 29, 2008]
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Statement By Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith On Gen. Wesley Clark’s Attack On John McCain
ARLINGTON, VA — Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.) today issued the following statement on Gen. Wesley Clark’s attack on John McCain’s military service record today on CBS’ “Face the Nation”:
“If Barack Obama wants to question John McCain’s service to his country, he should have the guts to do it himself and not hide behind his campaign surrogates. If he expects the American people to believe his pledges about a new kind of politics, Barack Obama has a responsibility to condemn these attacks.”
Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, Jr. retired from the Navy after over 34 years of service in positions that took him, literally, around the world. His last active duty assignment was Commander, U.S. Naval Force, Europe, Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO) and, concurrently, Commander of NATO’s first ever out of area land operation, the Implementation Forces (IFOR) in Bosnia charged with implementing the Dayton Peace Accords. As a naval aviator Admiral Smith flew carrier-based light attack jet aircraft during multiple deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Western Pacific and Indian oceans. These included three cruises in waters off North Vietnam where he flew over 280 combat missions.
BACKGROUND: On CBS’ “Face The Nation” This Morning, Gen. Wesley Clark Attacked John McCain’s Military Service Record
Gen. Wesley Clark, “Acting As A Surrogate For Barack Obama’s Campaign, Invoked John McCain’s Military Service Against Him In One Of The More Personal Attacks On The Republican Presidential Nominee This Election Cycle,” And “Took A Few Swipes At McCain’s Military Service.” “Gen. Wesley Clark, acting as a surrogate for Barack Obama’s campaign, invoked John McCain’s military service against him in one of the more personal attacks on the Republican presidential nominee this election cycle. Clark said that McCain lacked the executive experience necessary to be president, calling him ‘untested and untried’ on CBS’ ‘Face the Nation.’ And in saying so, he took a few swipes at McCain’s military service.” (Josh Kraushaar, “Clark Hits McCain’s Military Credentials,” Politico, 6/29/08)
- Clark: “I don’t think getting in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to become president.” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 6/29/08)
- Clark: “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.” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 6/29/08)
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Boy how the truth has a bit sting in its tail. Wes Clark is correct! A vowel, a noun and the letters “POW”.
This is not to take away John McCain’s extraordinary achievements and efforts in his 50 years service to the United States of America.
However let’s call a spade a spade. This is a lot like Rudy G’s counter-terrorism efforts, looks good in sound bites but does not stand up to real scrutiny. Admiral Snuffy Smith — This reminds me of General Garner, interim head of Iraq for a few weeks.
Nice thought but get real!
Wesley Clark trips all over himself every time he says anything.
Last go around, Clark crowed endlessly about Kerry’s service, and how horrible it was that anyone would doubt Kerry’s integrity. He held Kerry up as a hero and ABSOLUTELY advertised his service as a reason why Kerry was fit to be commander in chief.
Now he flip flops right on his face - as he usually does.
Conservatives flip flop from time to time, but they don’t throw any vet under the bus unless that vet is out there denigrating our troops - like Kerry did.
They are two peas in a pod.
Clark is a disgrace to the uniform and it’s a tragedy our soldiers and vets had to listen to his blather.
On the other hand,does military experience give you an advantage when dealing with military commanders - something the next President will have to do often? That’s quite obviously a yes.
Danny Vice
http://www.theweeklyvice.com