Townhall.com The Blogspot for Political, Conservative and Republican Blogs and Bloggers

The Chuck did what he's paid to do: prognosticate based on careful examination of current trends and data. Specifically, Obama not winning Montana and North Dakota. This set Tom off to quickly chide The Chuck in one might say, a condescending way: "Now be careful what you say at this stage about what he's going to win and what he's not going to win." The Chuck politely deferred to grandpa Tom's scolding and got back in the flow.

"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."

Once again, Obama proves himself to be a capable politician.  Lesser opponents might have agreed with Clark.  Others might simply have ignored Clark's comments, and let them fester.  Instead, Obama immediately sought to deprive McCain's allies from making this an issue.  

In fact, Obama seems determined to deprive his opponents the advantage of having anything for which to criticize him.  We say he hasn't been to Iraq -- he goes to Iraq.  We note that he says he won't wear a flag pin -- he starts wearing a flag pin.  Rev. Wright becomes a problem, he gets thrown under the bus, etc. ...

... "Getting shot down, tortured, and then doing propaganda for the enemy is not command experience," Aravosis wrote in the blog post, entitled "Honestly, besides being tortured, what did McCain do to excel in the military?"

... "I wouldn't characterize anybody who fought in Vietnam as a war hero," said Medea Benjamin, a co-founder of the theatrical anti-war group Code Pink. "In 23 bombing sorties, there must have been civilians that were killed and there's no heroism to that."

What are the most popular stories around the web this morning?  Townhall does the surfing so you don't have to.

Politico:  Some On Left Target McCain's War Record

Newsweek:  Global Warming and Bad Weather

Boston Globe:  Start At Any Age

Time Magazine:  And God Said, 'Just Do It'

FOX News:  Uncle of Missing Girl Arrested On Related Sex Charges

CNN:  Supermodel's Death Ruled A Suicide

Gen. Clark:  "But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron 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 this publicly?' He hasn't made those points Bob." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 6/29/08)

CBS' Bob Schieffer: "Well, General, could I just interrupt you. I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences either nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down."

Gen. Clark: "Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 6/29/08)

Our deepest regrets go out to Mike and his family. We are grateful that Mike Gallagher is a part of our Townhall family and please join us in keeping Denise, Mike and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

For more about Denise Gallagher, please go here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Roy Williams Safety Net Foundation to benefit low income single mothers at www.RoyWilliamsSafetyNet.org.