Clark: Moore Has Right to Call Bush a 'Deserter'

In a response that could turn out to be Gen. Wesley Clark's worst blunder yet on the campaign trail, the presidential hopeful said his supporter, firebrand filmmaker Michael Moore, had a right to call President Bush a military "deserter."

During Thursday night's presidential debate in New Hampshire, ABC News anchorman Peter Jennings challenged Clark about Moore's outburst last weekend, calling the deserter charge "reckless" and "not supported by the facts."

The exchange went like this:

JENNINGS: At one point Mr. Moore said in front of you that he'd like to see a debate between you and President Bush, who he called a deserter.

Now that's a reckless charge not supported by the facts and I was curious to know why you didn't contradict him and whether or not you think it would have been a better example of ethical behavior to have done so?

CLARK: Well, I think Michael Moore has the right to say whatever he feels about this. I don't know whether this is supported by the facts or not. I've never looked at it. I've seen this charge bandied about a lot. But to me it wasn't material. ... And I'm delighted to have the support of Michael Moore. ...

JENNINGS: Let me ask you something you mentioned, then, because since this question and answer in which you and Mr. Moore were involved, you've had a chance to look at the facts. Do you still feel comfortable with the fact that someone should be standing up in your presence and calling the president of the United States a deserter?

CLARK: To be honest with you, I did not look at the facts, Peter. You know, that's Michael Moore's opinion. He's entitled to say that. He's not the only person who's said that. I've not followed up on those facts and, frankly, it's not relevant to me and why I'm in this campaign.

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