I doubt that anyone on either side of the aisle, or in the middle for that matter, thinks that he was that much of a hero.
It was the silliest, least believable part of the movie, IMO.
Clarke came off looking like a hero. He just took right over didn't he...Why, if we didn't know any better, one could assume that HE was in charge that day. But then, we know better don't we.