Rick, Actually the point is that guy was attempting to make a point that getting shot down is some how important in the context of the race or else he wouldn't have pointed out that Senator Obama had never done that. I guess it all boils down to a person's perspective. When I first heard the comments, I was pretty offended, but that was because I only heard what Clark said without context. Placed in context, I actually am not that bothered with it. He was just responding to the other indivdual saying well Senator Obama has never flown/been shot down, and he just pointed out that he didn't think that qualifies someone. Which I agree with. As to the other point about military service. I do agree somewhat with that point as it relates to his support of Senator Kerry. As to his own military service, General Clark stated his military service in leading NATO missions in Kosovo (I think) are what prepared him for the Presidency. He stated that Senator McCain's service did not prepare him as well because he was never a commander of a wartime unit.