Gen. Clark Reportedly Asked to Join Dean

[lanlady]

Clark and Dean are in hush-hush discussions about the VP slot:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57770-2003Sep10.html

[pruner]

1. holy shit

just wanted to be the first one to say it.

[RamboLiberal]

3. Dang you beat me to it - yes holy shit

And please, please, please, join the ticket General Clark.

Could my dream come true! And this will be Rove's worst nightmare! :evilgrin:

:bounce: :toast:

[Khephra]

2. I've been betting this would happen.

As single candidates, both of them stand the chance of losing, but as a team they'd fit perfectly together and be unbeatable.

[Khephra]

5. Heck, can you imagine the might of the combined forces of the

Dean/Clark grassroots supporters? Both teams even opperate in similar fashions. The supporters would make a perfect fit too.

[southern democrat]

18. Even Dean knows the power of Clark

Hope they can keep a friendship during a Clark campaign and eventual Clark nomination.I am a little disappointed in Dean tough.The incumbant is the only one who has the luxury of V.P.now. Dean's putting the cart in front of the horse,you better get nominated before you select a V.P. that's why they have the primaries.Both of them would look like damned fools if they could't pull it off.Clarks too smart for that.I will say this tough, it must be pretty flattering wanting to be drafted by all these supporters and your potential opposing Democratic presidential candidates.

[screembloodymurder]

95. How does having a strong VP hurt his nomination chances

don't see a problem from here.

[caledesi]

21. Unbeatable!

[janx]

75. My brother and I were saying the very same things last night

that are being said in this thread. They would both benefit. They would be unbeatable!

I hope and pray they do this.

[screembloodymurder]

94. I don't know about unbeatable

but I think it's our best ticket.

[DemPopulist]

4. Did I miss

where Dean got the nomination? :think:

[RamboLiberal]

7. Think outside the box - it's only a tradition to wait to name VP

Dean's been way outside the box already - time to break this tradition I say!

[Khephra]

14. What would be the effect of two people campaigning together?

I'd do it. It really would be revolutionary. TPTB have snubbed Dean so why stick with tradition?

[janx]

77. Exactly. It's time for the people to take a stand. And this would

enable us to do it!

[janx]

76. I thought about that this morning. Who says you can't

announce a running mate during the primaries?

Normally, this would be bad form, but the Dean campaign has risen so drastically that I don't think it would necessarily be a bad idea---if that running mate is Clark.

[Frances]

12. What I have liked about Dean

is that he is following his own script.

I don't have television and so I haven't seen Clark but people on DU like him.

I think the two would be a dynamic duo.

The Republicans are planning to campaign on fear and greed. I think Clark would be good on defense, and Dean would be good on balancing the budget.

Of course, hard line far righters won't vote for them, but I hope they will turn out our base and get some new and swing voters as well.

About minority voters, I think they will like Clark simply because so many of their sons and daughters are getting the short end of the stick in Iraq.

[Skwmom]

6. I hope not.

I agree with Clinton. Clark is the one with the star quality. Plus if Clark gets the nomination I think he needs a vp who knows their way around Washington.

[RamboLiberal]

8. Clark knows his way around DC

And there's plenty of posts inside the WH where a respected insider can be named to guide them.

[Skwmom]

16. I think Clark needs an experienced strong VP

who can work with Congress to clean up the mess left by the Bush admin.

[w4rma]

9. Dean is drawing crowds in the thousands to his rallys and speechs

consistantly. His Seattle crowd was about 15,000 in size. Virginia crowd was about 4,500.
http://www.deanforamerica.com/

[Cha]

10. We've had enough of pols who "know their way around Washington".

Give us some Freshness and maybe we can get out of this Quagmire we're in.

[ozone_man]

69. Really, time to leave the Washington sleaze factor behind.

The air is getting kind of stale around here, time for a breath of fresh air. I think most Americans will welcome the change.

[bigluckyfeet]

22. Very unhappy

about Clark,this would make 2 big supporters of the military establishment.
And Clark just deciding he is a Democrat.I don't like this at all.

[southern democrat]

25. Don't worry it wont happen

Clark knows Dean needs him more than Clark needs Dean.Gore's the hold up.If Clark doesn't get in Gore is.Look for a Gore/Clark or Edwards ticket.No V.P. before convention.If Clark announces he's in he's in it to win.

[Arugula Latte]

59. No disrespect intended, but...

I just can't see Gore getting in. He's been fairly adamant about that. Why would he change his mind at the last minute and be labeled a waffler/liar?

[Lefty48197]

37. Like Bill Richardson

Gephardt or Graham

[quaker bill]

11. Very, Very Interesting

Together, they could capture the inside track. It would give Kerry a good bit more to mutter about....

Who knows? It certainly would be a stunner.

[FlashHarry]

13. Jesus. Karl Rove must be sitting in his own filth right now.

Talk about a nightmare ticket for the GOP.

[RamboLiberal]

15. Lieberman must be in the crapper with Rove

:evilgrin:

[calimary]

62. Y'know, as disgusting a thought as that is, I rawther like it!

It's where they both belong, after all...

[frank frankly]

19. rove's binge eating Krispy Kremes

and root beer

that sick, criminal bastard

[frank frankly]

17. It's bold and necessary because this is a Crisis

what's going to happen to the 9/11 questions once BushCo are gone?

both of these men seem to have been drawn to this
they know our country is lost right now

i would love to see this happen

[janx]

78. Yes, they know. All the more reason we need them to do this!

Nobody else seems to be paying attention.

[caledesi]

20. Dean/Clark...ah, my dream ticket.

[Gloria]

23. I was planning to write an article about "The Hand of Clinton"--

outlining the ties to Clark and Clark in touch with the same people who launched Hillary...
And also, Clinton's ties to Dean...

Dean was one of a handful of governors who, after the elections of 1996, were invited to DC to advise Clinton...The message was, "don't go left"---in light of the healthcare, gays in the military, etc.

Clinton has praised some of Dean's iniatives.

Dean-Clark talk frequently.

I think Clinton is involved somehow in doing a Dean-Clark thing...
maybe something will happen and I won't have to write that article...

[disgruntella]

24. i would be into this

Neither is my #1, but together... I'd call it the "pants-shitting" factor. (For Bush et. al. that is!)

[TennesseeWalker]

26. Brilliant!

He needs to do this to capture the imagination of the American people...how inspiring.....breaking tradition to fight evil....Bush wouldn't know what hit him...Clark would smooth out all Dean's rought edges...

[southern democrat]

34. Do you honestly believe Dean could carry Tenneessee?

Dean wouldn't carry Tenneesee even if Bill Frist was his running mate if they ran as Democrats.

[TheZoo]

60. Why?

I'm just curious why you think that way.

[calimary]

63. So what if he didn't carry Tennessee?

If this were the ticket, it'd carry practically everywhere else. PLEASE forgive, this isn't meant as an insult to you personally, but, I really don't spend much time thinking about Tennessee ever since it turned its collective backs on its favorite son in November, 2000. It might have made the difference if Tennessee had stood by Gore. We wouldn't be in ANY of the mess we're in now, if that had happened. So, frankly, Tennessee can ...

Aw shoot, I won't say it, out of respect to you, southern democrat. You're certainly not the one who leaves me outraged.

[Quahog]

68. I strongly disagree

Gore barely lost Tennessee, and the conventional wisdom is that he lost it because there was a HUGE disinformation campaign by the NRA and RNC that "Gore is going to come and take away all of your guns if he wins." Tennessee is the classic gun rights state. With Dean-Clark, that issue is nullified, and the good people of that state can think about their unemployment issues and other economic woes under bush*.

[ozone_man]

71. I think you have a pretty good piece of reasoning there.

Dean is apt to be pretty palatible to Tenessee (home of Davy Crockett) on his gun rights stance.

[JPace]

27. The two of them.....

would be a great team. I am saying that
while being a Kerry supporter. This will
give Dean his strength in being seen as
fully capable of protecting America from
foreign dangers.If this match goes through
I expect to be voting for Dean and Clark in 04.
The only weakness I would see is the South,
but they are losing so many jobs and would
also like health care that cannot be taken
away from them....at least some states may
vote democratic.

[RamboLiberal]

30. Clark brings the Arkansas factor and South is strong militarily

They have a lot of soldiers in Iraq and a lot of bases there. This could win us quite a few Southern states IMHO, or at least make them very competitive and force Chimpy, Cheney, and Rove to spend $$$$$ and time in those formerly assumed to be locked up Red States.

[Lefty48197]

43. Clark/Graham may be their worst nightmare

IMO

[Dr Fate]

28. I like it...

...they just need to be sure they have some commited Washington insiders to show them the ropes...

[reprobate]

29. Yes! A dream ticket.

Clark will bring the military vote. He is well respected by just about everyone.

And who better to bring up the desertion of Commander Codpiece?

[southern democrat]

32. I hope you all still love Clark this much

after he gets the nomination.

[truthisfreedom]

44. anybody but bush

and especially either of these two would be fine.

[rocktivity]

85. COMMANDER CODPIECE!!! I LOVE IT!!!

rocknation

[dean4america]

31. i think 'holy shit' about sums it up

There's a few ways this plays out. One is that Clark just announces he's running and gets it over with. I doubt the two of them would spar much during debates, neither would attack each other except for maybe honest disagreement on taxes or something, and be in fine position to offer the other a VP slot if either is nominated. That would have to be CW way of looking at things.

But, Dean has done nothing conventional in the campaign. While I think it might be far-fetched that Clark would say he's not running and then come on board as Dean's pseudo-VP, I think it is at least plausible to suggest that Clark may not run but endorse, or not run and come on board as a military affairs advisor. Saying that he is the presumptive VP candidate is kind of cocky and arrogant, yet it is such a damn good ticket that I would jump over the moon. However, if he openly endorses Dean and stumps for and with, then we have TWO voices out there bashing Bush on the same Dean platform.

VandenHei & Balz are pretty fair journalists, so I think the story at least has a modicum of truth to it (insofar as at least Dean's campaing inquiring as to Clark joining).

[southern democrat]

33. Nothing more than Dean's Dream

[pruner]

35. and, it would seem, your nightmare

n't

[southern democrat]

Yes because the Democrats would piss away the election

Dean/Clark doesn't even carry Ark.would lose every southern state.Clark or Edwards at top of ticket for south.Even then would probally carry Ark. La. -Clark N.C. S.C.-Edwards Ga. Tn. tossup.I'm sorry just stating reality.

[tridim]

45. Reality?

Your opinion is not reality. It's your opinion.

[southern democrat]

52. I 've been involved in politics in south many years

Dean will get beat like a drum in the south.Look at 2000 Map all red states.I like Dean but I'm sorry I am in the miniorty.It takes a powerfull southern democrat to win southern states.This is reality.

[Hawkeye-X]

57. Clark is from Arkansas

Isn't that Southern enough for you. It will gobble up the entire country -- Dean takes the North, the West and Clark helps capture the South and Texas away from Bush. A clear Democratic sweep.

With exception of maybe Idaho, but that's where * will hole up in anyway.

Hawkeye-X

[Atlant]

72. And it wouldn't matter one bit, 'cause he'll carry states everywhere else.

(NT)

[Arugula Latte]

61. Dean/Clark can carry the west, the east, and the midwest

and we can just not worry about the South's electoral votes. To paraphrase Kerry: the south, the south, the south, the south. (Kind of like Marcia, Marcia, Marcia?) A lot of us are tired of everything being geard to the south when it comes to politics. And, that said, I do think Dean/Clark would be a very strong ticket in the South. A lot of people vote based on the strength of conviction and a gut feeling about the candidates, not geographical origination (which seems so 20th century, anyway). Dean/Clark would kick ass in Dixie.

[calimary]

65. Here, here!

I, too, am a little up-to-here with the incessant talk about why we always have to pander to the south. HELLO! We've been doing that for years and years and years already! What-the-hell state did Bush come from, anyway? Alaska? Where was Clinton from - Guam? And how about Gore - Minnesota, right? I mean, REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear friend, I'm sorry to say this, but THE SOUTH HAS HAD ITS DAY, OKAY? I think the south has had WAY MORE THAN ITS SHARE of the front-row seats for far too long. Share the wealth, okay? Besides, I think the most recent Southerner has done enough damage to allow the south, in general, to move to the back of the line for a long time to come. We've also seen painfully too much what southern guys have done - like Trent Lott, Tom DeLay, Newt Gingrich, the Hutchinson brothers, Strom Thurmond, Jesse Helms, and now the lovely and talented Saxby Chambliss - none of these from Maine or Oregon or Hawaii, okay? They're all from the south. And I think they've all given us a belly-ful enough to last several lifetimes! I DON'T WANT TO BE HELD HOSTAGE TO THE WHIMS AND DEMANDS OF THE SOUTH FROM NOW TIL DOOMSDAY!!! This hostage hold has gone on LONG ENOUGH!!!!

For one thing, I'm from the most populous state in the union (it ain't Texas, or Florida, or Alabama, it's CALIFORNIA) - the same state that has the most electoral votes and the largest contingent in Congress, besides being, in and of itself, the sixth largest economy IN THE WORLD. The population here is growing by leaps and bounds every day, so it's only getting bigger. And you never hear anybody talking about how we always have to take California into consideration every single time. Seems to me, just by virtue of the numbers, that should be THE NUMBER ONE RULE. And it isn't. And, frankly, you don't hear me bringing it up every time - oh, it has to play in California, oh but it won't fly in California, oh, but it has to appeal to Californians.

Enough! PLEASE!!! The south has already had its turn(s). Ad nauseam.

[bushisanidiot]

80. Plus A Lot Of Dead Soldiers Families Are From The South

Something tells me they may vote against AWOL's war machine.

[haymaker]

91. Who's going to win the Super Bowl,

Karnac?

I just love the pretenders.

[Room101]

36. I’m Giddy like a school girl at the idea of a Dean/Clark ticket

:) They both see the value of having eachother on the ticket.

[Beetwasher]

38. Who Says One or the Other has to Be designated VP?

Why couldn't they say whoever gets the nomination would choose the other for VP?

[pruner]

50. that's what I've been thinking since the 1st report that they were talking

n/t

[dusty64]

39. Interesting

and Clark has said that a decision will be made by the end of the week. Will be waiting .....................

[Democat]

40. This would be very bad for Democrats and America

Clark needs to run on his own.

If he loses in the primaries, then it's time to talk about VP, not before.

[wndycty]

41. I agree

:kick:

[Julien Sorel]

42. Agreed.

Clark neuters himself by joining Dean this early. He needs to establish his own national presence, and working in Dean's shadow isn't likely to do it.

[southern democrat]

48. You are very wise

[southern democrat]

46. You are smart.

[truthisfreedom]

51. maybe they've discussed that each will choose the other as VP if nom'ed

that seems the most logical situation. they are equally strong as presidential candidates, and if they end up at the top of the pack and one is nominated, what more logical than to select the other as VP?

i think their association with each other will help strengthen each other's causes and push one or the other over the top. if they don't fight each other, either, that will really help. it seems like clark is playing a very coy game of letting people think exactly what they want, hope for the best, and then have it come true.

[lanlady]

55. that's what I'm hoping is the case

That it's a mutual agreement. If Dean alone were offering him VP right now, it would suggest Dean is afraid of his entry as a candidate for prez. Makes more sense if they're doing the old "scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

[usregimechange]

47. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am as happy as a school girl.

[TrueBlueDem]

49. Dean/Clark: The Perfect Storm

I've said it before, and I'll say it again:

Dean/Clark would make an unbeatable force against the Bushistas. Take a look at how well they complement each other:

-- Dean has executive experience, culminating in a balanced budget and a health insurance program in his state; Clark has military experience, culminating in service as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander – Europe.

-- Dean has expertise in domestic issues; Clark has expertise in foreign affairs.

-- Dean brings gravitas as a doctor; Clark brings gravitas as general.

-- Dean, from Vermont, is a northerner; Clark, from Arkansas, is a southerner.

-- Dean has the “Big Mo,” as indicated by rising poll numbers, media attention, and fundraising success; Clark is respected by the public and the media, who know him as an expert consultant on TV news.

But let’s not forget the important things they have in common:

-- Both Dean and Clark are exceptionally well educated and well spoken, yet extraordinarily direct and plainspoken.

-- Both have outstanding records in public service.

-- They have compatible views on such issues as the Iraq War, the Bush tax cut, abortion rights, and affirmative action, to name a few.

-- Neither of them is a member of Congress, which means their election to office will not deplete either the House or the Senate of a sorely needed Democratic member (a critical consideration, when several of the other candidates represent states where their replacements would be chosen by Repug governors).

[southern democrat]

54. Does anyone really think if there were a possibilty

Dean or Clark would leak this story out. Time to land back in the real world.

[janx]

90. Not only a possibility, but a probability.

Just look at the energy on this thread.

[Upfront]

98. Sound Thinking True Blue

The thought that this could happen makes me as happy as a fox in the hen house. Joy! Joy! Joy! :-)

[robbedvoter]

53. What a messy title! Who asked whom? Anyway, good luck with that!

Clark said repeatedly he is considering the top spot - it's a yes or no on that (psst: a yes!) Cronkite just said on King that he thinks Clark will join and that will be a strong candidate.

[southern democrat]

56. You know who asked who ,everybody wants to draft Clark

Man he must be flattered.

[WheresWaldo]

58. CANT WAIT TO GET THE DEAN/CLARK MERCHANDISE

Buttons, posters for my windows, bumper stickers, etc. A winning ticket.

[Merlin]

64. Dean/Clark WILL BE the ticket. DEAN WILL BE PRESIDENT.

I've been saying that this would be the ticket for months now.

Clark is the absolutely perfect balance for Dean.

Dean is the guy who can and will gain the support and admiration of the American people.

In just the past few days, however, I've come to believe that Bush not only can but will be beaten.

How does President Dean sound to you?

[sonias]

66. please please make it so!

I would love for this team to get rolling, bunnypants and his neo-cons will shit in their pants. I know Clark wants to get involved in politics and there is a great demand for him to get involved. What this would give him is an unbeatable team, a guarantee that they will be the Democratic nominees. This is exactly why I love the Dean campaign. They are brilliant in making an offer this early. It is unprecedented but that's what they do, they challenge the normal way of doing things. Why not line up a VP before the party nomination? This is a brilliant move.

I just hope that Clark will see that rather than compete as a front runner this year he should take the strong VP slot. I know that Dean/Clark would be like the Clinton/Gore team - equal partners. Then in 8 years he's the new president if he wants it.

Man is this making me so happy, I will have wonderful dreams of taking our country back tonight. Please, please make it so.

Sonia

[DoveTurnedHawk]

67. ADDITIONAL INFO

<...>

Still, Dean's advisers hold out little hope that Clark will do anything other than seek the presidency himself.

That sentiment is echoed in Clark's camp. A senior adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Clark has signaled to associates that he is poised to enter the race next week barring last-minute objections from his wife or an unexpected determination that he couldn't mount an effective campaign.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,97024,00.html

Run Clark run!

:bounce:

DTH

[burr]

74. If there is any truth to this, it reflects badly on both of them!

It is one thing to discuss their political differences and possibly what role Clark could play if he doesn't run. It is another thing for Dean to put his entire campaign at risk by asking for the support of a potential rival one week before Clark could jump into the race!

Not only does this allow the media to portray Dean as fearing Clark as a candidate, but it would allow Clark to use this leverage to attack Dean during the campaign.

Finally it is insane to make any substantial deals or alliances with an individual who hasn't announced, let alone won any votes!

[blessedleader]

83. Yeah. . . Clark needs to be on top.

Because we have a fuckin' son of a bitch that fucked up the entire world and Dean is not the man to clean it up, Clark is. Dean would be great for domestic issues, but right now, foreign policy is the most important thing that needs to be dealt with because there's so many relationships we need to un-fuck up.

:Clark rah rah: :-D

[ozone_man]

86. I see the economy as the most important issue.

Fixing Iraq is easy, just let the U.N. take over. Bush just made it complicated to deflect the economy as the issue. Jobless recovery, yeh right.

Fixing the economy will not be easy. I expect that the economy will be heading into a long, deflationary depression in the next few years as the last remaining props, such as refinance money, tax cuts and deficit spending have been exhausted.

Alan Greenspan is hinting that, while the models don't show it, the deflationary risk is real and they are taking all the steps to counter it.

[tsipple]

70. Another Thing About an Early VP Choice...

It takes all the "(insert name of VP candidate) forgot to pay for a slurpie in 1985 at an Arlington, Virginia, 7-Eleven"-type stories off the table. It'll throw the media off pace, and the buzz will be on the historic act itself (choosing a VP early). As PR strategy, it'd be brilliant.

[robbedvoter]

73. Minus the attempt to marginalize the competition

This is coming from a candidate who said his followers are his and only his only:


Commenting on Wesley Clark's possible candidacy in an
interview with L.A. Weekly, Dean explained:
"It's going to be very hard to start late," he says, "and think
you're going to do well in Iowa and New Hampshire. It's going to be
incredibly hard. I mean, we've already got 39,000 people working for
us all around the country ... I really do believe--and I think about
this--I want to get this nomination, and if I don't ... these kids
are not transferrable. I can't just go out and say, 'Okay, so I
didn't win the nomination, so go ahead and vote for the Democrats.'
They're not going to suddenly just go away. That's not gonna
happen."

Clark can use the name recognition generated by this.

[underpants]

79. It seems a little early to hitch your wagon to one horse.

Actually a lot early. Nothing is certain about Dean getting the nomination, Clark should just go out and run himself and let things fall where they may or just let everyone know he is interested.

Cheney didn't run before he selected himself, now did he?

[FuseONE]

81. .

Talking about running mates already is a damn ballsy move...you gotta admire that. I'm enjoying how Dean's flouting convention on a regular basis though. I think he's making all the right moves thus far.

[underpants]

87. Welcome to DU

I'm not to sure. I thnk a lot of this is flashmob mentality. I have seen him on the air twice and neither time was he very impressive or inspiring. But that's just me.

[janx]

88. If Dean gets the nomination, and I believe he will--especially

if at a minimum people know that he will run with Clark--people all over this country are going to support them.

People of all stripes will vote for the physician/governor and the Rhodes scholar/general. I hope and pray it will happen.

[rocktivity]

82. Perfect balance

Clark removes Dean's "all liberals are soft on defenese" perception; Dean removes Clark's "political inexperience." I've been hoping that Dean would get together with Edwards or Clark since last summer.


rocknation

[Walt Starr]

84. That would decide it all in one Swell Foop

Yep, it would be over and we would know who the candidate wuld be should Dean and Clark come out and announce they were running as a package deal.

[janx]

89. Landslide.

.

[janx]

92. Hey--Isn't Clark's cousin a DUer?

I remember seeing some interesting posts along that line.

[haymaker]

93. Southern Democrat, 11 posts in this thread,

you must know everything. Tell us more, please.

[RetroLounge]

96. I like it. It's ballsy, it's bold, it's a good fit.

of course, it's also a media creation, so I take it with a grain of salt...

but if it happens, well, say good-night gracie, katie-bar-the-door, and so long shrub, you miserable POS.

[ElementaryPenguin]

97. FANTASTIC TICKET!! Abolish touch-screen and we win in a landslide!!

No ifs, ands, or buts - regardless of how many wars Chimpy starts!!

[janx]

99. Landslide ticket! Exactly!

It could not get any better than this!

[Minstrel Boy]

100. Would they be talking about this in public

if an agreement hadn't already been hammered out in private? If it hasn't then I think it hurts them both, Dean more than Clark.

I certainly could be wrong, but I see this news as a way to wrap people's heads around the idea of an early VP choice before rolling out the Dean/Clark ticket.

[AntiCoup2K4]

101. As one of the first to suggest a Dean/Clark ticket, I'm all for it!

The earlier the 2004 ticket is decided, the sooner that the Senators & Reps can get back to their day jobs, and maybe do what they can to defeat the Puke majority in the Senate. And while retaking the House is a big dream, there's certainly no reason we can't chip away at their lead.

Junior and His Travelling Circus don't have a prayer against this ticket. Now it's our turn to say....

BRING EM ON!!

[study_war_no_more]

102. Dean has asked Clark to support his bid for presidency

That officially is all I have read.

[Minstrel Boy]

103. If Clark didn't give him some assurance

this will reflect very badly on Dean.

How could he challenge Clark in debate, when it would be known he sought him as a running mate?