Let's say you'd traveled over the weekend, returning late Sunday night. Turning to political news, you may have heard early crowing from Republican quarters about something offensive Wes Clark had said about John McCain's military service.

Then early Monday, you might have been watched a show like CNN American Morning play a clip of Clark saying, unprompted: "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president."

Then around lunch on Monday, you might have watched Barack Obama's speech on patriotism (or flags, or whatever), where he said:

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

That afternoon, maybe you heard about the formation of John McCain's ironically-named "Truth Squad." You might have heard one of the Truth Squad-ers Truth Squad-ing:

"I find General Clark's comments to be unworthy, unseemly, for someone of his stature. And for a campaign that prides itself on the good judgment of its candidate, I think this reflects extremely bad judgment on the entire organization," said Lt. Commander Carl Smith, who served with McCain in the Navy.

The next day, Tuesday, perhaps you watched reports on the evening news about Clark going after McCain's "war record."

Then this morning (Wednesday!), you might have opened up the New York Times and read Maureen Dowd:

Wes Clark joined the growing ranks of troublesome Obama associates when he meowed that just "riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down" is not a qualification to be president. He made McCain sound like a drone aircraft.

This is not even about Obama. It's the old business of grunts resenting flyboys.

Of course, after almost three days of this garbage, you still might not know anything approaching the truth.

First, they ignore that Clark was repeating Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer's words in response to Schieffer's statement that, unlike McCain, Obama has not "ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down." Second, they ignore that shortly before that part of Clark's exchange with Schieffer, Clark praised McCain's service: "I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands of millions of others in the Armed Forces as a prisoner of war. He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and he has traveled all over the world." Clark continued: "But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron in Air -- in the Navy that he commanded, it wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn't seen what it's like when diplomats come in and say, 'I don't know whether we're going to be able to get this point through or not. Do you want to take the risk? What about your reputation? How do we handle it publicly?' He hasn't made those calls, Bob."

Only four more months to go.

Update [2008-7-2 12:57:13 by Josh Orton]: TPM edited a great roundup of the media hyperventilation:

There is so much talk going on all over the "tubes" lately about what Wes Clark said and meant.

To get a little perspective about how Wes Clark feels about Obama and what he has been saying about McCain, try reading his own words from his personal blog at WesPAC.

Bush's Third Term

Unite Behind Barack Obama

After reading his words and understanding where he is coming from, then listen to what he has to say. Check out all of the video and audio from the last few days by going here:
http://securingamerica.com

Dan Abrams on MSNBC, Good Morning America on ABC and on the Ed Schultz show.
http://securingamerica.com

Do any of you still think that Barack Obama, his campaign and Wes Clark are not working together?

So here I sit with my morning coffee, listening to Pat Buchanan compliment Obama's nimble dash to the center, and describing his critique of Clark as his "Sista Souljah moment".

Of course, Souljah was a recording artist that never sold any records.  Clark is a respected leader of our party and respected military genius (and is the only American general who actually WON a war in recent memory).

Taken from Wes Clark's site. He does not shy away from a fight!
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/

MEDIA ALERT! 6/30/08 - MSNBC with Dan Abrams on MSNBC TONIGHT!, Monday, June 30 @ 9:00PM EDT / 8:00PM CDT

General Clark will appear with Dan Abrams on MSNBC TONIGHT!, Monday, June 30 @ 9:00PM EDT / 8:00PM CDT

9:00 PM EDT | 8:00 PM CDT | 7:00 PM MDT | 6:00 PM PDT

All appearance times are subject to change. We suggest tuning in at the top of the show.

General Clark will also appear Tuesday morning on ABC's Good Morning America. See:http://securingamerica.com/node/3001 for details
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/

Good afternoon, kids.

This is Gen. Wes Clark.

If my voice sounds a little muffled or muted, it's because I'm speaking to you from under the bus.

But, I thought I'd share some lessons for campaign surrogates:

1 - Don't go there  !!!

This is barely a diary. I just wanted to pass along that Wes Clark will be on Face The Nation this Sunday.

The following came in an email from Wes PAC today:

Dear ...,

This Sunday, General Clark will join Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation.

Be sure to check your local TV listings for showtimes and tune in. Wes Clark will discuss the critical foreign policy and national security issues facing our country today, as well as the presidential election.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Catherine Grunden
Executive Director
WesPAC -- Securing America's Future
http://securingamerica.com

Clark Community Network
http://securingamerica.com/ccn

I am curious to see what Wes Clark has to say about Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. I also hope he addresses the FISA crap and comes out in support of Feingold and Dodd.

A letter to a very diverse group of people from Wes Clark. I do think that this will help people who might have considered voting for McCain.

There has never been a more important election in my lifetime -- with a war waging, gas prices at record highs, our health care in crisis, and our nation's standing around the world severely diminished.  I spent the last year traveling across the country talking to great Americans in Iowa, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, South Dakota, Indiana and many other places.  They all agree on one thing:  This country needs new leadership, and it's time for change.

Many of you in the Clark community answered the call.  Some of you worked tirelessly for Senator Clinton while others poured hours into Senator Obama's campaign.  You did this because you were willing to sacrifice your time and energy to bring the change we so desperately need.  I can't thank you enough for all you have done.

Now I am asking you to come together and make sure Barack Obama is our next president.  This is a critical mission.

Hillary Clinton ran an amazing race.  She inspired millions.  Our party is a better party because of her campaign, and our nation is a better nation because of her service.  She is and will always be a friend whom I admire.

I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on securing the nomination.  His historic campaign has touched lives and his message has moved people in every corner of America.  I believe he is not only ready for the challenge but will be a great President.

It's time our party comes together to stand behind Senator Obama as we move forward in this election season.  I look forward to doing everything I can to help Senator Obama's campaign.  While I respect John McCain's service, I know exactly what he stands for -- Bush's third term.  America is a great nation, and our people deserve more.  We need Barack Obama to be our next president.

Sincerely,
Wes Clark

I am just passing on a contest. This contest is to see where Wes Clark will go to help support and raise funds. This contest/fundraiser is being conducted with Democrats Work

The first round votes have been counted and we are down to the final five!
http://democratswork.org/index.php?page= display&id=140

Thousands and thousands of people cast first round votes in "Serve with the General" - the contest that will send General Wes Clark to one lucky Congressional District to participate in a community service project. The race to get into the final round was extremely close!

Now it is time to pick from the final five districts:
Washington's 8th (Darcy Burner),
California's 4th (Charlie Brown),
North Carolina's 10th (Daniel Johnson),
Colorado's 4th (Betsy Markey), or
Minnesota's 3rd (Ashwin Madia).
You get to decide where Democrats will roll up their sleeves at a community service event with General Clark this summer.

Every district starts back at zero votes for the final round, so make sure you cast a final round vote. Cast your vote by clicking here!

The final round of voting ends this Friday, June 6th, at 12:00 midnight eastern time.

http://democratswork.org/

So.... can you  guess who I am supporting?  ;)
http://darcyburner.com/