Gotta Love the Clark "Campaign" Slogan----

[Starpass]

Watched C-Span this a.m. with the two men who are running the draft Clark website. A right wing freak called to rant about Clinton, and thus, by inference connect the dots to Clark. The two guys sat with big grins on their faces. After the rant, they said that Clinton was not running in '04; and then made this satement: "As we like to say--Clark was getting shot in Viet Nam while Bush was bombed in Texas"!!!! I LOVE IT. Forget positions and platfroms, this is the kind of stuff America loves. I'd like to add two other things they brought up because all I could think of is how these things would dazzle the airwaves and just cut Bush off at the kneecaps---Rove would have no idea how to respond.

They talked about Bush's background of failure, drinking, having Papa buy him the governorship and presidency - sort of a Johnny come lately patriot, etc. BUT, that Clark has had "USA written on the front of him for 40 years"!!---love the line, love it! They talked that he gave his whole life to the USA and his family sacrificed greatly for it. They said military people would understand that until he got two or three stars that the Clarks were not exactly rolling in dough and would have to ask themselves like so many of us, "if they could afford to order that appetizer with dinner"! It was a good slam against Mr. Privileged who never sacrificed crap in his life.

Then they told of an incident a few years ago in Kosovo when he was a three-star. He and another officer had to travel on a road they were warned not to take because it was dangerous and unsecured. They had an escort of some sort of vehicle with 3 soldiers in it. The vehicle was hit and plunged off a ravine. Clark tied a rope around a tree and around his waist and propelled down the ravnine to see if he could save anyone but it was hopeless. He refused to leave until rescue people got there to make sure the bodies didn't fall into enemy hands and make sure they were treated with respect. Holy Cow Batman---can you see that up against the AWOL coward who landed on the carrier to pretend he was one of the boys??

This is the stuff that Americans eat for breakfast-----or to put it another way, Arnold would cause no stir in CA if people actually used their brains. This made me feel all joyous inside---I'd love to hear it "in Bush's face" in '04 'cause Bush has no comeback.

[Walt Starr]

1. I'm currently a Dean supporter

If Clark got into the race, I'd switch in a New York minute.

I don't think he's going to get in the race, though. I'm pretty sure that he's been told in no uncertain terms to remember the Anthrax attacks and think about his family.

I put absolutely nothing past the BCFEE.

[Kahuna]

16. Et tu, Walt Starr? Heck!...

If Clark can win your support he's on his way!

[wellstone_democrat]

19. Yep, that's my view at the moment

leaning toward Dean, hoping that Clark gets into it. I'm not troubled by his possible delay in doing it, I think he's a man who will pick his moment. A colleague who does poltical consulting said to remember two things: Bush* is right--don't launch a new product in the summer and Dean is riding high so his advice as far back as early June would have been to wait until later this year. He assures me that the "money people" will still be there if this guy has a chance and that the "little money people" will be there if they get excited and they won't with the Dean juggernaut of the moment. Interesting.

Whatever you think of Clark, by the way, the poster is correct that these sorts of spirited witty soundbite lines WILL play well in Peoria---and Birmingham, Boston, Albuquerque and even Houston.

[Postman]

2. Clark would eat Bush for breakfast in a debate...

next. (no pun intended, sorry)

[Trinity]

5. anybody on this board

could eat Bush for breakfast in a debate ;-)



Peace? :hippie: :smoke:

[wryter2000]

3. I love it

Anyone who gets in Bush's face is A-OK with me.

[ewagner]

4. Saw that on C-SPAN

What I got sort of excited about was the "good 'ole boy" common sense attributed to Clark. As another poster said quite rightly, "The kind of stuff Americans eat for breakfast".

example on gun control: Clark has made a past statement something like.....I own 22 guns, I go hunting, I enjoy shooting at targets, but for those who like assult rifles, they should join the Army, we've got lots of 'em! Call it corny, call it homespun, call it an American Homily, but that kind of stuff will play in Peoria!

[Starpass]

6. Actually, I think Clark may very well run

Point blank---seeing some of the numbers so far in this race, and a nervous DNC scared that Dean might pull it off, I can easily see them on the phone trying to get Clark into it. Kerry is another who could wield, of course, some weight against the AWOL terd, but John has got to get it moving because he's just not making progress. He's getting money support; but he needs 'people' support to go along with the money and fast. It's too bad we can't have like 10 VP candidates on the ballot with the presidential nominee. If nothing else (and I would prefer Clark be in the presidential slot), then I would like to see him as an attack dog on the ballot with another candidate. I just want something to sink my teeth into that isn't going to end up getting our teeth knocked out.

[Kahuna]

15. Jimminy Cricket!!!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Starpass would support Clark! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!! That's vindication to me that we (Clark supporters) are on the right track! :toast:

[tameszu]

7. Clrak has a lot more substance than you might think...

...yeah, the flash and the stars are nice, to grab the "rationally ignorant" voters, but Clark also has probably the most substantial and coherent critique on Iraq--which also includes a concrete alternative policy--that I've heard. And his 100-year view of policy--which necessarily places a premium on the environment--is also a form of vision that not enough politicians (especially those with in front of their name) possess.

The Draft Clark people have put a lot of energy into this, but no one--and certainly not Clark--appointed them Clark's spokesmen. I'm a little leery of Josh Marguiles and wasn't thrilled about how he came across during the interview; I'm not sure whether it makes it better or worse that the guy's a Republican. But as with everyone who has significant cross-over appeal--McCain, Ah-nuld, Reagan, Clinton, Dean--some of the appeal is charismatic, not rational. Fortunately, I also think there's very rational reasons to support Clark.

EDIT: This message was a reply to Starpass' post.

[ewagner]

9. No argument

I hope I didn't imply that Clark has no substance. If anything, I think Clark is one of the few people of substance in the democratic side of the ledger. I did mean to imply that he has tremendous potential for "Joe Lunchbox" appeal which will be critical in unseating Dubya*

Didn't know Margolis was a rep......don't know how to take that at the moment.

[Kahuna]

17. Josh Margueles is spearheading the Republicans for Clark campaign...

We need wide crossover support to defeat the election stealing shenanigans. Who doesn't think the GOP will try to steal another one? Having control over all branches of government, like last time, there's nothing to stop them.

[ibegurpard]

8. What Clark campaign?

When did he enter the race? And what is he running as if he did? I didn't hear anything about that.

[ewagner]

11. true enough

I admit I am speculating, but hey, it's nice to speculate sometimes.

[jfkennedy]

12. USA TODAY 6/20/2003 : Clark is seriously considering a presidential bid

Clark told hundreds of municipal officials from around his home state that he was seriously considering a presidential bid next year and would decide in a couple of months.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2003-06-20-clark_x.htm

Read up to the minute alternative news about Clark at

http://antiwarmonger.com

[Kahuna]

18. According to a Clark insider, Clark has given orders..

for us to "Crank it up," Baby. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

How can a patriot who has given more than 34 years of his life to serving his country ignore the country's dire need now? I don't see it. Clark has lived and breathed America all of his adult life. There are more reasons for Clark to run now than there was six months ago. Our country is in crisis. He'll answer the call.

[Bread and Circus]

37. He's running

Crank it Up!!!

[jfkennedy]

10. I have no problem with them using a Republican

Look at the 2000 election the Republicans hired some of the best lawyers in the country that were Democrats to beat Gore. Boies frankly was a lousy lawyer. Gore could of hired a law school student and he would of done better job. I am not a lawyer

[dansolo]

31. I'm not even a law school student

and I could have done a better job.

[Kahuna]

13. "The president you were promised as a kid" is the working slogan...

Until and if the General decides different. I like it though.

Starpass, I know you didn't just say that you are a potential Clark supporter. But if you join the Clark team, I'd consider it a coup for us Clarksters.

[Bread and Circus]

39. My favorite slogan....

If he runs, he wins....and America wins!

:kick:

[xray s]

14. Clark was getting shot in Viet Nam while Bush was bombed in Texas

Bwwhaaa! Ha! Indeed!!! :beer:

[chimpymustgo]

20. That's some strong stuff there.

Clark would tear *'s skin off, without breaking a sweat or even raising his voice.

[wellstone_democrat]

21. for balance in that slogan

you definitely need a second "getting"

"Clark was getting shot in Viet Nam while Bush was GETTING bombed in Texas"

you need it both to indicate an active drinking life (pattern) and simply for balance in the phrasing---like poetry it needs rhythm. By the way, *without* the second "getting" someone MIGHT link the "bombed" in "Texas" to his duties as a reserve fighter pilot.
Seriously, "getting bombed" means "getting drunk" and that matters in a catch phrase---instant meaning.

[pansypoo53219]

22. I like Dean?Clarke

i'd rather see him rip the weasel cheney into bits, cause he didn't serve either.

[Mz Pip]

23. The Kosovo incident

when he tried to rescue the men in the jeep, rapelling down the cliff and still staying with them until the bodies were recovered is legend making material. He must have been over 50 when that happened, but it didn't stop him from trying. That, to me is true heroism. It's real, it happened, it wasn't staged.

"Prancing" around on an aircraft carrier in a flight suit doesn't even come close. Bush looks like the lazy legacy boy he is compared to Clark.

MzPip
:dem:

[Poiuyt]

24. Like JFK

>>Then they told of an incident a few years ago in Kosovo when he was a three-star. He and another officer had to travel on a road they were warned not to take because it was dangerous and unsecured. They had an escort of some sort of vehicle with 3 soldiers in it. The vehicle was hit and plunged off a ravine. Clark tied a rope around a tree and around his waist and propelled down the ravnine to see if he could save anyone but it was hopeless. He refused to leave until rescue people got there to make sure the bodies didn't fall into enemy hands and make sure they were treated with respect. Holy Cow Batman---can you see that up against the AWOL coward who landed on the carrier to pretend he was one of the boys??<<

This story reminds me of the PT-109 stories. Even though he didn't save any lives (that time), it makes him seem truly heroic.

I don't think it's too late for him to enter the race, either. Remember Karl Rove's advice about never revealing things in August.

[jumptheshadow]

25. Clark vs. Bush

I'm not quite on the Clark bandwagon yet. I'm still doing my research. But I get so psyched just picturing the Clark-Bush presidential debates. He would vaporize the Great Pretender.

[knight_of_the_star]

26. Huzzah!

I'm a Kerry guy myself, but if Clark runs I'll vote for him in a heartbeat over the Senator any day of the week, any month of the year, no debate. Kerry is smart, but what we need right now is a dragonslayer, and Clark fits the bill for that role quite well. That and him being a former general would make him even MORE fit for leading the nation in the "war on terror" that Bush started. If he runs, I'm getting every single person I can to vote for him in the primary.

[Kahuna]

27. Dragonslayer, indeed. Did you ever notice when Clark smiles...

he has fangs? He'll need them to deal with bushco.

[Nashyra]

28. I'm on my way to an ANT-Patriot Act meeting

in South Lake Tahoe. The local Democrats of south Lake Tahoe are having a meeting with some of the local college professors about the Patriot Act. I will be taking my draftwesleyclark material with me.

[chaska]

29. Wow!

Reading all these Clark threads today just makes my day. I think I may cry (sniffle, sniffle).

[LTR]

30. Johnny-come-lately, so to speak

I just started supporting Wesley Clark. The past few months, I have been pretty unenthused about the Democratic candidates menu for the upcoming election. I really had to struggle to get excited about the ticket. There were few compelling candidates. No Bill Clinton to be found. And many of the ones there carried extensive baggage.

I ranked my personal preferences of the declared candidates. Normally, issues would come into play, but the main issue for me in '04 is to throw that bastard Bush out of office. I think that's something we can all get behind, regardless of candidate preference. I don't mean to bad-mouth any of these men, but just ofering my observations:

Dean: The most promising of the bunch, but not really in step with the times (the GOP-created conservative environment in our nation). Fuzzy on international issues. Would get slaughtered by the Republicans.

Kerry: Second-most appealing. Would beat Bush in experience and and is a decorated soldier. But he kisses ass to the Republicans, and supported the charade that is the Iraq War. A better chance of beating Bush, but a long shot.

Edwards: Washington insider. Not very familiar with him. Seems charasmatic, but with some credibility issues. Doesn't seem that exciting. His anonymity could work in his favor. Nonetheless, could not beat Bush.

Graham: See above. Are he and Edwards the same?

Gephardt: Haven't we been down this road before (1988)? As exciting as week-old leftovers.

Kucinich: I grew up in Cleveland, and during Kucinich's term. I know he's been more or less vindicated from what happened during his term, but I just have a problem voting for him. Some compare him to Wellstone, but being a voracious Wellstone admirer and supporter, I don't see the enthusiasm and electricity. Career politician. Neil Bush could beat him in an election.

Al Sharpton: NO! But he was funny in 'Mr. Deeds'. I actually gained a little respect for him. A funny guy. But I wouldn't vote for him.

Carol Mosely Braun: Undistinguished representative. Not a chance.

Joe Lieberman: Bush Light. Phony, fraud. Republican in disguise.

And then there came Wesley Clark.

I heard a few rumblings about him, but chalked it up to "yet another populist". But my curiosity was piqued when I saw a reference on Bartcop. I finally clicked and liked everything I read about him.

He's a general, but beleives in war as a last resort. More pacifist than hawk.

Progressive on social issues. Uses a common sense approach.

Experience in running government and business concerns. Vast economic experience.

Well-spoken, and rational. Not a slogan-chanting carnival barker.

That jacket full of stars contrasts in an ironic way with Bush's military record, and his 'photo-op soldier' status.

The Democrats running this guy would be the equivalent of dropping a nuclear bomb on the Bush Cartel. He's Clinton without the question marks. He has a rapidly growing grassroots internet-based movement.

Now I know that the hard-core lefties here detest the idea of a four-star general running under the Democratic banner, but let's be realistic: Does a hard left-winger really stand a chance against Bush? Unfortunately, not likely. And we can all agree that Bush has got to go in '04. Hell, I'd even vote for Lieberman (with nose held) than vote for Monkeyman.

Wesley Clark is our best hope. Not as a VP, but as President.

[KG]

32. please expand on your assertions regard clark

Experience in running government and business concerns.



Vast economic experience.



He's a general, but beleives in war as a last resort. More pacifist than hawk.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

33. Either Beating Bush Is The Most Important Thing In Your Life

or it isn't

I'd give my little toe to get that cretin out of office- with or without an anesthetic.

[Bread and Circus]

40. I'd give 3 toes and my left tonsil...

to get Bush out of office.

[KG]

43. nice evasion.

but other than the 'ex-military' and 'integrity' theme, i haven't seen clarks cheerleaders point to anything that makes him any more qualified or electable than any of the other 9 candidates.

[tameszu]

41. Some answers

"Experience in running government and business concerns."

The military is a branch of the government, as much as the DOT or the EPA. SACEUR carries administrative and executive responsibilities to as governor of a small state or head of a large federal bureau/administration, like the IRS or SSA. He was also a White House Fellow, serving as an assistant to the Director of the OMB.

Since retiring from the military 4 years ago, Clark has been an investment banker (no points from me for that one :eyes:) and helped head Wavecrest, a company that develops alternative energy sources.

"Vast economic experience."

I'm not sure if you could call it "vast," but he holds a PPE (philosophy, politics, and economics) and the army decided that this was sufficient for him to teach economics to other officers.

"He's a general, but beleives in war as a last resort. More pacifist than hawk."

Statement indicating belief in war as a last resort:

"Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark told a group of Jonesboro scout leaders Friday the United States "hasn't reached the last resort yet" as the nation prepares for the invasion of Iraq.

"I think we could do more with inspections. I think we could do more with international pressure toward Saddam Hussein," Clark said. "So that's what I would prescribe. To be honest with you, this is a democracy and people need to express their views."

(From http://www.jonesborosun.com/archivedstory.asp?ID=3670">The Jonesboro Sun, March 3, 2003)

I'm not sure if I would describe him as a "pacifist," but he certainly would be on the dovish/diplomatic/multilateralist end of the American officer corps. He helped negotiate the Dayton Accords to (temporarily) end the Bosnia conflict. He was on good terms with Louise Arbour, the Chief Prosecutor of the International War Crime Tribunals in Yugoslavia, even though Arbour explicit said that she'd be strict in holding allied officers to the Geneva Convention and would be willing to accept war crimes charges against them.

Finally, from http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2001/0209.clark.html">"An Army of One" (Washington Journal):

"In the twilight of World War II we recognized the need for allies. We understood the need to prevent conflict, not just fight it, and we affirmed the idea that we must banish from the world what President Harry Truman, addressing the founding of the United Nations, called "the fundamental philosophy of our enemies, namely, that 'might makes right.'" Truman went on to say that we must "prove by our acts that right makes might."

[LTR]

42. I will expand

How about this:

http://www.draftwesleyclark.com/Biography.htm

Biography of General Wesley Clark

General Wesley K. Clark is one of the nation’s most distinguished retired military officers. During his thirty-three years of service in the United States Army, he held numerous staff and command positions, rising to the rank of 4-star general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander. Now in the private sector, General Clark is chairman and CEO of Wesley K. Clark & Associates, a strategic advisory and consulting firm, serves on the boards of several private corporations and non-profit organizations and comments regularly on politics, diplomacy and public affairs.

From 1997 through May of 2000, General Clark was NATO Supreme Allied Commander and Commander in Chief of the United States European Command. In this position, General Clark commanded Operation Allied Force, NATO’s first major combat action, which saved 1.5 million Albanians from ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.

From 1996 to 1997 General Clark served as Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command, Panama, where he was responsible for the direction of U.S. military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From 1994 to 1996, he served as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff with responsibilities for worldwide U.S. military strategic planning.

General Clark is a 1966 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated first in his class. He holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

General Clark is a recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He has received honorary Knighthoods from the British and Dutch governments and was made a commander of the French Legion of Honor. In August 2000, General Clark was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

General Clark is also an investment banker. He joined Stephens Inc. as a consultant in July of 2000 and was named Managing Director – Merchant Banking of Stephens Group, Inc. from March 2001 through February 2003.

An acclaimed public speaker and commentator for CNN, General Clark is the author of the best-selling Waging Modern War: Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Future of Combat (Public Affairs, New York, NY, 2001).

He and his wife Gert live in Little Rock, Arkansas where he grew up and graduated from high school. They have one son, Wesley, who is married and lives in Los Angeles.

As far as 'war as a last resort': Do you even read this board?

War as a last resort means using war responsibly. Meaning the ability to defend our country. It DOES NOT mean attacking Iraq to protect personal oil investments and finish your dad's war.

I assume Clark has seen more of the cruelty of war than any of us would care to. He is not against the wild, wanton use of war to intimidate our neighbors. But war is necessary sometimes to keep the peace (as funny as that sounds) and liberate the oppressed.

Vote however you want. Realisticly, a vote for a radical left-winger in this day and age is a vote for four more years of Monkeyboy.

Just ask Ralph Nader.

[KG]

44. impressive resume

i could've gone to his website and read that.

but you didn't really expand on your assertions. still haven't seen anything that makes him any more qualified or electable than any of the other 9 candidates.

and yeah, i fuckin' read this board. been reading it for two years smart guy and i dam sure intend to vote however i want, and i dam sure don't need your permission.

i just asked for you to back your assertions about your candidate, no smart-ass comments about me or my politics were called for.

[LTR]

47. Whoa! Easy...

I did not mean that as an insult. Seriously. And I really don't want to start a flame war. Democrats should be above this.

But do you want my honest opinion as to why Clark is more qualified? Here goes:

1. Not an insider. Conventional wisdom would decree that someone from Congress would be a better candidate. But the Presidency is first and formost about leadership, right? Judging by his resume, I'd say he has leadership experience. More importantly, he hasn't been tainted by Washington politics. He doesn't kiss ass to the GOP like Kerry, Lieberman and Gephardt. People in Congress get corrupted by the Washington D.C. aura, and they become wafflers. Plus, the electorate tends to lean toward D.C. outsiders. The last Congressman president we had was Bush Sr. (I beleive he did a brief stint in the house). Before that, Ford (not elected president, but a long career in the house) and Nixon.

2. Expertise in the areas I mentioned in my previous post. Hell, I'd say he's got more expertise than any president in the past few decades.

3. He's actually electable. I assume we both have something in common - we both want to put GWB where he put millions of others, on the unemployment line. But I am thinking realistically. After four years of the 'Bush Revolution', Moderate America is not going to vote for a far leftie president, unless as an anti-Bush vote. And that won't be enough to elect. In that situation, a vote for a leftie in the primary will keep Bush in power for the next four years. He'll get slaughtered. But what's wrong with a progressive, who's seen as more centric? It brings the progressive philosophy to mainstream America.

4. My 6 year-old neice is mroe qualified that Sharpton or Braun.

5. Whoever you decide to vote for, you must clear it by me first. I will decide if it acceptable. Just kidding.

6. Magnetism. In the media, he seems much more charasmatic, straight-forward, down to earth and intelligent than the others. Granted, he has not started campaigning yet (officially) but he seems less like a carnie barker than the others. He also has "the look", which is important on a psychological factor. Or what Molly Ivins calls the 'Elvis' factor.

7. No skeletons in the closet. Didn't see anything that Rove's sleazemongers can use against him. Very important!!! What are they gonna criticize? gays in the military. If Clark is the nominee, Bush would be wise to stay away from any issue having to do with the military.

8. Humiliate Bush. MOST IMPORTANT!!! Do any of the nine candidates stand a chance of coming close to defeating Bush? This is going to be a hostile, brutal, sleazy campaign.

9. Interesting. Author of two books. Media and public speaking experience. Seems personable. Articulate.

10. He's not George W. Bush.

So there you have it. So let's turn the tables, shall we? What makes the other nine MORE qualified than Wesley Clark?

[KG]

52. sorry. no table turning.

i'm not on DU pumping a candidate. :)

[LTR]

60. Ahh yes

But in your tone, you're trashing one.

Not even ONE reason?

And if this board isn't for discussion of important issues concerning Democrats, then what is it here for?

Hope it's not to discuss Kobe Bryant.

[tameszu]

48. KG, I see you didn't respond

to my answers to your request.

You're not obligated to do anything, but seeing as I did try to provide some answers, it would be nice to get your reaction. I know you didn't like RT's response--Clark does have a nice resume, and it's easy to be dazzled by it, but I think a lot of us have also tried to point to his positions as well.

Apologies if any of us rubbed you the wrong way.

I don't think Clark would ever maintain that he is more qualified than any of the current candidates. No one can be sure that he is more "electable" than any of them either, but his speaking ability, his constructive and clear platform on foreign policy, his military background, as well as his national exposure as a non-partisan defense analyst on CNN seem to play very well in the current environment. Plus, he's a southerner with relatively little political baggage and has positions that appeal to both the base (support of core Keynesian economics, critique of the war, environmentalism, pro-choice, skeptical of PATRIOT Act) as well as the center (fiscal responsibility, strong support of veterans and U.S. forces, limited gun control).

But, as most of the people on the board maintain, whomever they support, the point of the primary process is to determine the candidate most able to promote progressive values--and in this case to beating Bush. To me, Clark would be competitive with the current frontrunners--Dean and Kerry, in my opinion--and even if he doesn't win, I would hope that his contribution would make either of their candidacies--or the candidacy of whomever gets the nom--as strong as possible.

[Donna Zen]

50. Just a FYI...

From 1996 to 1997 General Clark served as Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command, Panama, where he was responsible for the direction of U.S. military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

He learned to speak Spanish when he accepted this post. Clark speaks four languages. Can you imagine? To go from a monkey boy that can't even speak one language, to an elected president who speaks four languages...I don't know why but that cracks me up.

[newyawker99]

63. Hi RatTerrior!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[mainer]

45. I like Clark but...

I'm thinking of what Molly Ivins said about him. She likes him, but she has concerns about his ability to navigate political waters.
She said: "When a man runs for his very first public office, I don't think he should start with PRESIDENT!"

[tameszu]

49. Point taken...

..although one might glibly respond, "when a man participates in a war, I don't think he should start as COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF." Which, if we were to take that to heart, would eliminate just about everyone in the field except I think Kerry.

Everyone brings different experiences to the table in politics. If Clark runs, we'll see for ourselves whether he's quick enough to learn the art of a tough campaign. That's what the primary process is for. If not, then I'm confident that Democrats will be smart enough to select someone else. We clearly think that he will be able to hold his own, and that his experiences give a good background to serve America and American progressives well as chief executive.

[comsymp]

51. Question/Request

While I'm in general agreement with you on his potential as a candidate, can you suggest any resources to which I could refer in order to gauge what kind of President he'd be?

EG- positions on choice, AA, Medicare/SS, GLBT issues, corporate welfare, urban development, etc., etc.

Yeah, lazy of me to ask for it but time is kinda tight lately and I tend to become too easily sidetracked when Googling.

The thrust of my point is this: maybe he'd be an excellent candidate, could probably beat *... ok, then what?

[tameszu]

56. Sure! The best place to start would be...

...at the http://www.women4clark.com/issues.htm">Women for Clark site. I think you can get a ton there--many of the other Clark sites repeat this information, so you may be best off going through all of the articles there first before going somewhere else so you don't get frustrated by the repetition.

Make sure, though, that you don't miss this http://www.esquire.com/features/articles/2003/030801_mfe_clark_1.html">Esquire profile. It's amazing.

Although I can give you the following:

-Abortion: Pro-choice
-Affirmative Action: The military is very pro-affirmative action (they filed an amicus brief for retaining it in the Michigan case), and I'm pretty sure Clark is as well.
-GLBT: Opposes Don't Ask, Don't Tell, but wants the military to develop their own solution--I think Clark is best positioned to integrate the military, though. Was mum on gay marriage.
-Corporate Welfare: I am honestly unsure on this one. When talks about the economy, he talks about jobs and fairness. But I don't know if he would favour subsidies--this is actually an interesting issue on the left, since some corporatist lefties would favour this. And as I have said, his stint as an investment banker isn't the part of his resume that I myself would choose to highlight--but I'm very biased; no offense if you're an investment banker who does progressive causes by night. But, hey, he quit after a year, so that's gotta be a good sign!

Hope you find it interesting reading!

:toast:

[comsymp]

57. TYVM

Will check 'em both out ASAP

[Skip Intro]

34. AGREE!!!!

I would hope that if Clark gets in, these guys would play a big part in official campaign strategy. They need to rub bush's nose in the the trail of bs he's left since he staggered outta barb (sorry for that image).

Hell yes, in your face is the way to go, and Clark can surely stip away the false image of bush as some sort of hero. (Damned idiotic rightwingnuts act like he prevented 9*11 or caught Osama or something). Show the coward for what he is in confrontational terms middle America would not forget.

Same advice would go to whoever the nom. is, but Clark could do it just by being on stage with the moron.

Clark was getting shot at in Viet Nam while bush was getting bombed in Texas! F****G excellent!

on edit: if he get's in , that should be a must-have bumpersticker, even next to the sticker for whomever else you might support.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

35. I Have To Believe That Would Be KKK Rove's Worst Nightmare

[Skip Intro]

36. What could they do if Clark's the nominee? Now, if he's the VP choice

Then rove would surely focus on slandering the nom. (and I don't see anyone whose not in some danger from that). That's why, when I think about it from a purely "who could obliterate bush by taking away the one leg he's standing on" - Clark seems to be the guy.

This is NOT a slam at any of the other candidates. From a "who best represents the Democratic party" or "who best could dig this nation out of yet another bush hole" outlook, the answer might be different. I personally wish Gore would get in, but he has said things that could come back and haunt him, just like everyone of our "top tier" candidates, I believe.

If we want to go with the most sure thing (leaving Gore outta the race), I think it might just be Clark. I see no chance of bush winning with Clark on the ticket, especcialy at the top. rove would be getting his resume together time as Clark won his first primary. And bush would be in the dark (as ususal) until somebody told him weeks later that he was DONE.

Sorry to rant, but I don't want to see the match go for fifteen rounds, I want to see a knock-out before round three. And I think Clark can do that, simply by contrast. And talk about imagery...

IMHO, as always.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

38. I would love to see them in a debate on national security.

It would be like watching a debate on physics between Albert Einstein and Fred Flintstone.

[unfrigginreal]

46. He sure looks tough to beat so far!

I saw the CSPAN interview too, and when those guys pointed out that they couldn't wait to run side by side photos of Bush landing on the carrier and then hold up General Wesley Clarks Vietnam uniform with 4 bullet holes, I realized that he is the definite goto guy!

I have already contributed to Dean and I'll remain a Dean supporter. If Clark gets in, then after a little time for him to flesh out his stance on the issues, I'll throw my support to him if he sounds like the candidate that I believe can get the job done. I'll reiterate that my main goal is to beat Bush and Dean would do it but if there's a better candidate than I'm all ears.

[Nashyra]

55. Thank you DemocratSinceBirth

Einstein vs Flinstone what a perfect visual.

[Bake]

53. I'm intrigued by Clark. I hope he decides to run.

I like what I hear so far. And "getting shot in Vietnam while * was getting bombed in Texas" --PRICELESS!!

Clark doesn't need an "action figure" in a flight suit to be the REAL THING.

Bake

[UTUSN]

54. I'll Love "Starp[ass" Before I'll Love "Clark" btw, are You a Guy? n/t

[UTUSN]

59. O.K., Now, I'm Checking Out Now, Night All n/t

[SweetZombieJesus]

58. The thing that scares me about Clark...

Is that in virtually every way, at least on the surface, he's the exact opposite of Shrub. He almost seems too good to be true, and being that he's military, that scares me even more. I'm not saying I believe that one poster with the sketchy "war criminal" talking point, I'm just very suspicious of the guy, in that I think there are larger, more powerful, scarier entities out there than the BFEE, who would LOVE for us to pin all our hopes and dreams on a guy who looks like the exact opposite of Fearless Leader.

A military man is not what we really need now. We need a diplomat of the highest order, and I'm not sure Clark is that guy. I hope to God my paranoia is unfounded, because if Clark does get in the race, he will probably become the front runner.

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LTR]

62. 100% correct!

We have to rally together and put a Democrat in the White House no matter what.

I'm even willing to vote for Lieberman if he becomes the nomonee(though I'll never admit it to friends and family) to keep Bush out of office.

This is one of the reasons I'm starting to like Wesley Clark. I see him, realistically, as the one that has the best chance at knocking down Bush.

[phillybri]

64. Great suff...Those guys were great yesterday....

Clark is almost even with Kerry in my list right now. In fact, if I hear Kerry say that the inspectors were kicked out in '98 one more time, that could be it...

[HFishbine]

65. Is Clark

a democrat?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

66. Yes

he's a small d democrat and a big D Democrat.