Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama draws fire for supporter
Wesley Clark's suggestion that John McCain's military record does not offer
credentials for leadership.


STUTTGART, GERMANY (JUNE 30, 2008) REUTERS -
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama on Monday (June 30)
addressed a brewing firestorm over weekend comments by an Obama backer,
retired Gen. Wesley Clark, sometimes mentioned as a potential vice
presidential running mate in the November election. 
    Clark said on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday (June 29) that
McCain's military service record was overblown since he did not make major
combat decisions. McCain spent 5 1/2 years in a Vietnam prison camp after his
fighter plane was shot down over Hanoi. Clark said he did not think that was a
qualification to become president.
    McCain said the controversy should not distract from the important
election issues. 
    "If that's the kind of campaign that Senator Obama and his
surrogates and his supporters want to engage, I understand that. But it
doesn't reduce the price of a gallon of gas by one penny. It doesn't achieve
our energy independence ... (and) it doesn't help an American stay in their
home," McCain told reporters in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 
    Obama distanced himself from the remark without mentioning Clark by
name. A spokesman, Bill Burton, said Obama rejects Clark's comments. 
    "No one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake
of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides. We must
always express our profound gratitude for the service of our men and women in
uniform. Period," Obama said.