Obama's Innoculation Attempt and McCain's Lame Response

I'm not sure either one of these guys deserve to be elected. John McCain's military record was attacked by idiot former general Wesley Clark, and today Barack Obama had the opportunity to do something about that scurrilous attack. He punted:

Obama also sought to tamp down controversy surrounding comments over the weekend from a supporter. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark said in a television appearance that the Vietnam War-era military service of John McCain, Obama's Republican opponent, does not necessarily qualify him to be commander in chief.

McCain was a fighter pilot who was captured and held as a prisoner of war for more than five years.

Obama said that patriotism "must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice" and sought to distance himself from Clark's remarks without mentioning them.

"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."

Instead, the campaign issued a lame statement:

As he's said many times before, Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark.

Of course? If true, why didn't he specifically reject the statement during his patriotism speech today? Because he didn't dare and risk ticking off the lefties who are cheering Clark on.

This speech was nothing more than an attempt to innoculate himself against future criticism. That's pretty much the theme of all of Obama's speeches since the "race" speech months ago.

McCain isn't any more impressive than Obama. When asked about Clark's attack he had this to say:

Speaking for the first time publicly about Clark’s works, McCain said, “That kind of thing is unnecessary. I am proud of my record of service, and I have plenty of friends and leaders who will attest to that,” adding those sorts of attacks don’t “reduce the price of a gallon of gas by one penny” or help struggling Americans keep their jobs or homes.

What a Clintonian response. I hate politicians who try to deflect criticism by claiming it doesn't advance some social issue. C'mon, McCain, the guy nearly called you a traitor and that's the best you've got?