This is not what liberals were saying four years ago when Kerry was running for President.

(1) McCain did indeed graduate from the Naval Academy -- 894th out of 899 in his class. While his behavior as a POW was obviously courageous, it goes without saying that a military leader -- or a President -- badly needs something besides courage, namely brains. And a Presidential candidate who actually sings "Bomb, Bomb Iran" on a campaign podium would seem to be a little deficient in the latter department.

(2) As historian and National Security Archive analyst John Prados points out ( http://hnn.us/roundup/comments/7132.html ), Kerry's "outrageous post-war attacks on his fellow veterans" consisted largely of veterans -- with provable records and identities -- attacking THEMSELVES publicly for engaging in war crimes. And a great many of his, and their, other accusations regarding large numbers of totally unpunished US war crimes in Indochina have since been solidly confirmed by historians and by the press. You may recall that the Toledo Blade won a Pulitzer in 2004 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Force ) for uncovering the activities of the Tiger Force, in a series featuring plenty of first-person confessions.

But then, it was always awfully peculiar that James Joyner could simultaneously praise Kerry's "heroic service in Vietnam" and accuse him of acting like Benedict Arnold the moment he got back. You can't have it both ways, Mr. Joyner.

True, true!
My husband was a senior Army officer who worked with Clark. The saying about him was:
"General Clark is always behind you. The hard part is determining if he's back there to kiss your butt or stab you in the back"

I have seen war.

I have seen Eleanor.

I prefer ... war.

In other words, Hillary has more experience spending tax dollars than anyone else, so she is the most qualified to spend even more tax dollars than Senators Obama and McCain.

Sure. But one needs experience to demonstrate judgment. That Obama got the Iraq War right, especially making one binary call, is hardly evidence that he's a fine strategic thinker. Contrariwise, McCain getting a call or two wrong -- out of dozens of calls -- hardly disqualifies him.

Since, of course, all judgment calls are equal. Sugar with my coffee = pre-emptive initiation of war. Did you happen to hear what the Saint said about vaccines? This, combined with the notion that he "has Greenspan's book," is truly a reflection of the man's judgment.

Bush's "experience" in running the Iraq War is hardly a ringing endorsement for him.

Basically, Obama is right, judgment generally trumps experience.

Sure. But one needs experience to demonstrate judgment. That Obama got the Iraq War right, especially making one binary call, is hardly evidence that he's a fine strategic thinker. Contrariwise, McCain getting a call or two wrong -- out of dozens of calls -- hardly disqualifies him.

Several points raised in your essay need clarification:

1. Senator McCain graduated from Naval Academy. His father was Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Theater (a Four Star Billet). One cannot easily dismiss such education and exposure to military strategic thought. Granted, while his Academy days were not the stellar quality of a Nimitz or Halsey, his actions while a POW reflect well upon the best Naval Traditions.

2. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth showed John Kerry to be nothing than a simple 'gamer'. Kerry learned of a way to legally get transferred back to the US. Thus, Kerry 'volunteered' for Riverine Patrol Duty, made a mockery of the Purple Heart and, credibly, demonstrated a severe lack of intestinal fortitude. His actions prior to and after his transfer to 'the World' repudiate anything honorable about his intentions and actions.

3. General Wesley Clark, a graduate of West Point, does not have any standing within the military. His classmates, former Commanding Officers and troops know him for what he truly is: a political animal who placed his soul in hock to the Clintons. That is why he was named CINCEUR (until he was relieved early). Clearly, General Clark is no Eisenhower.

4. Gloria Steinem - who believes anything she says? The only feminist 'celebrity' further to the left of Gloria Steinem is Barbra Streisand. Between the two of them, they may have an IQ above room temperature.

But Bush had, by the 2004 campaign, almost a full term as Commander-in-Chief. That rather obviated Kerry’s advantage on military experience.

When I read this, I was reminded of how insignificant "experience" can actually be - Bush's "experience" in running the Iraq War is hardly a ringing endorsement for him.

Basically, Obama is right, judgment generally trumps experience.

This is an argument McCain will win against either Clinton or Obama and it is what he wants to make the election about. Stupid, Hillary.