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Obama: McCain's Service Merits Respect

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The New York Times

Published: July 1, 2008

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Sen. Barack Obama on Monday rejected the comments from a military adviser who diminished Sen. John McCain's service as a naval aviator in Vietnam when he declared, "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president."

As Obama delivered a speech on patriotism that tried to defuse attacks on his own background, he responded to the remarks of Wesley Clark, the retired general who suggested on Sunday that McCain had not been tested as a wartime commander.

"For those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country, no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary," Obama said.

"And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign - and that goes for supporters on both sides."

Obama arrived in Independence, the home of President Harry S. Truman, to open a weeklong patriotism tour.

"Throughout my life, I have always taken my deep and abiding love for this country as a given," Obama said in a speech.

"It was how I was raised. It was what propelled me into public service. It is why I am running for president. And yet at times over the last 16 months, my patriotism has been challenged - at times as a result of my own carelessness, more often as a result of the desire by some to score political points and raise fears about who I am and what I stand for.

"I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign. And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine."

Yet Obama's effort to highlight his American values, delivered in a 30-minute address before a backdrop of flags, was complicated by the comment from Clark.

Also Monday, Obama and former President Clinton shared a 20-minute conversation, their first talk since the combative Democratic presidential primary season ended nearly a month ago.

"Senator Obama asked him to campaign with and for him in the fall," said Robert Gibbs, the communications director for Obama. "I believe the president is excited to do it."

Information from The Washington Post was used in this report.

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