The Trail
Copyright 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 12:11 AM

By Juliet Eilperin ABOARD THE McCAIN CAMPAIGN PLANE -- Sen. John McCain defended his Vietnam War military service against Democratic attacks Tuesday, and he pressed Sen. Barack Obama to remove retired Gen. Wesley Clark from any role in his campaign. When asked how his opponent should treat Clark, who has repeatedly questioned whether McCain's military tenure qualifies him for the White House, the senator replied, "I think it's up to Senator Obama now to not only repudiate him, but to cut him loose." Initially, McCain appeared reluctant to talk about the connection between his being a prisoner of war and his presidential candidacy. "Please," he said. "I had an experience in serving - I had the privilege and honor to serve in the company of heroes." "If it helped me be president, it made me appreciate how wonderful and great and patriotic Americans are in their leadership...," he said, before