The headline is somewhat misleading, as not all who are quoted as questioning McCain's "heroism" in being a POW can rightly be considered "leftist." Nonetheless, it is an important piece of journalism and reveals many questions that haven't been answered about McCain's military service. It may inspire more members of the media to ask thus far unasked questions of McCain and pressure him to release his full Navy records.

Right from the Rove handbook attack your opponent at their strongest point. John McCain has built up a mystique about his war service. Is it real or is it hype? So far he has refused to release his records. As pointed out in this article some left blogs and individuals are examining the obvious. Whatever his service in Viet Nam how does it enable him to be President? Does twenty three mission bombing innocent civilians make him a hero? Does prisoner of war entitle him to be president? His military record is non-exemplary. His conduct at Annapolis was marginal he graduated at the bottom of his class. McCain is not a scholar. The article points out that this topic might be fair game for discussion but will it fly with the public.

Biased reporting that indicates that it is just the left asking for clarification of McCain's military record. The United States has just experineced 8 disastrous years with a President who had a less than stellar military career and if people ask questions about McCain's military background they are slammed as being unpatriotic. This article does not indicate that retired General Clark who was the commander of NATO, a Rhodes Scholar, valedictorian of his West Point class, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is asking for clarification and indicates that not all military experience prepares a person to be a commander. What is wrong with answering the questions and providing all records for review.

As someone who's in his mid-50's, a Vietnam-era vet and a banker, I say this article and talking points is way past due. I am more than willingly to forgive Mr. McCain of whatever while being a POW. What I don't like about McCain, among other things, is him shoving his Vietnam vet status and his time in a POW camp down people's throats as the end all of everything. His holy-than-thou attitude towards Obama re: foreign policy and international terrorism. And yet again, we see the 'mainstream news media' treating McCain with kid gloves if ANYONE dares to question his foreign policy creditials. Just like they did with Bush up until 2 years ago. Hats off to Gen. Clark!

This was an outstanding article, with a broad scope of both the pointed criticism and its repercussions. From Wesley Clark to Jay Rockefeller, and many points of light on between, people of courage said what others are afraid to: Senator McCain, you served your country, but exactly whom did you lead and how? Somehow, those close to McCain seem to feel insulted that what came around to John Kerry now goes around to John McCain--and we have reason to believe that Kerry was, according to the sworn testimony of those whom he led, a far greater war hero and selfless leader than was McCain. Let us also remember that the Vietnamese man who rescued McCain and saved his life was visited only once by McCain and never so much as even ... More »

I thought I was alone in criticizing McCain for his poor judgement in getting involved in Vietnam. Clinton and even Bush Jr. showed better sense. The story picks up McCain's very questionable service in Vietnam, but it clearly points out that Obama doesn't go along with said criticism. Well-written and balanced.