RELEASE: Clark Belittles McCain, Boccieri Looks the Other Way

This just in...

(CANTON) – Retired General Wesley Clark recently went on CBS’s “Face the Nation” and belittled the military service of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

"That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded — that wasn't a wartime squadron,” Clark opined. And in response to moderator Bob Schieffer’s observation that Barack Obama lacked military service, he replied, "Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president."

Clark, who previously claimed that McCain (a former POW) was “untried and untested” on national security, is the only endorsement from a national figure touted by Democratic congressional candidate John Boccieri on his official website. Clark is helping raise money for Boccieri, including a letter that said:

“Major John Boccieri has completed four rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He will bring a unique and informed perspective with him to the next Congress.”

Clark praises the service of Boccieri even as he tears down the service of John McCain. And sadly, John Boccieri is looking the other way. This is a dramatic departure from 2005 when Boccieri said that “Verbal attacks waged against a decorated veteran who chose to put his life on the line for us all is cheap and insulting.” (12/5/05, US Newswire)

“I’m deeply appreciative of John Boccieri’s honorable service to our country,” said Republican Chairman Jeff Matthews. “However, it’s troubling that Bocceiri has nothing to say when one of his biggest supporters demeans the service of a great war hero like John McCain. In fact Boccieri once said that ‘when you attack one veteran you are attacking all veterans.’ (12/16/05, Cincinnati Enquirer) Sadly, it seems that partisan politics are more important to John Boccieri than defending the honor of fellow serviceman John McCain.”

Better a little late than never, I guess...