Clark Looks for Endorsements on Capitol Hill

[DoveTurnedHawk]

Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark made a pitch to more than 60 House Democrats yesterday, trying to win over their support for his fledgling candidacy.

The enthusiastic reception Clark received -- several lawmakers left the meeting saying they were close to endorsing the former NATO commander -- underscored the fluid nature of the presidential race. Even though several senators and House members are running for the Democratic nomination, many of their colleagues are waiting to sign on to a specific campaign.

<...>

Several Democrats came out of the meeting heaping praise on the newest candidate. Rep. Brian Baird (Wash.) said he went in "skeptical" but came out close to signing onto Clark's campaign. "If the American people could spend an hour asking questions of Wesley Clark without a script and spend an hour asking questions of George Bush, Wesley Clark would win by 20 points," Baird said. "He was informed, articulate and has a clear vision for the country."

<...>

Rep. David Scott (Ga.) wanted to know if Clark was "a stalking horse" for the Clintons. "He made it very clear he was his own man," Scott said, adding that he was inclined to endorse Clark because he is strong on national security and economic issues.

Stephen Hess, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said a rash of House Democratic endorsements could have an impact on the presidential race, because Clark does not have the long-standing congressional ties of his competitors. "It shows he can go into the enemy's territory and bring out a few," Hess said.

Members of Congress automatically become delegates to the presidential nominating convention, and they are influential in drumming up support for candidates back home by arranging events and meetings with local officials. "We connect back to people in our district," Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (Ore.) said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24927-2003Sep30.html

DTH

[diplomats]

1. Thanks for posting this, DTH!

[EagleEye]

2. The Dem establishment supporting a weeks old dem?

This is silly. No wonder no one has respect fot the Dem establishment any longer. They are out of touch with with the people.

[Catch22Dem]

3. Hmmmm

I thought I had you on ignore, but there you are. Boooooooo.

[Dr Fate]

4. No- Clark is fairly popular with "the people"...

...he seems to be polling pretty well- I fail to see how Clark is the "out of touch" candidate at this point...

[DoveTurnedHawk]

5. Ugh, Don't Tell Me Someone Is Trying to Spin This as a Negative Again

How silly! This is a smart move, and hopefully it will pay off in the form of superdelegates. Clark will have more votes than both Iowa AND New Hampshire if he continues garnering more superdelegates than his rivals.

DTH

[cprise]

6. Does he still want to work for Rove?

Just asking.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

7. Yawn

Still grinding that axe, I see. You might want to get another one; there were other posters who beat the "he hasn't even declared yet" drum, among others, and now they look REALLY stupid.

DTH

[cprise]

8. Apart from not answering the question

I have nothing personal against Clark whatsoever.

But I expect a good level dose of skepticism toward a last-minute Republican switcher wouldn't appeal to everyone.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

9. Your "Question" Has Been Answered Dozens of Times Already

I also disbelieve that you have nothing personal against Clark.

I also dispute your use of the term "last-minute Republican switcher." You've obviously bought into Dean's verifiably false accusation against Clark, and that's too bad, since it's untrue.

DTH

[cprise]

10. Disbelief is not much to go on

But at least you got the 100-Year Vision!

:7