Clark on CNN at noon EST

[chaska]

n/t

[VolcanoJen]

1. Will Clark make news today??

I'm watching, just to see if today's the day. Sunday is a good day to make big announcements, and seeing as how CNN helped make Clark a semi-household name, it's almost as if he owes it to them, and not Russert or Snuffleupagus, to make his announcement.

Of course, he probably won't. ;-)

Just an eager news junkie here, and also someone who hasn't picked a candidate yet,
Jennifer

[SeveneightyWhoa]

2. His announcement, on Wolf Blitzer's show??!

I DON'T THINK SO!
Clark wouldnt stoop to that level. He'd surely do it on a more respectable program, with a host that isn't an obnoxious, unlikeable, monotone rightwing robot.

[VolcanoJen]

3. Obnoxious, unlikeable, monotone rightwing robot

Name one mainstream Sunday talk show host who isn't...

}(

[TacticalPeek]

28. Bob Schieffer (Face the Nation)? n/t

[Cush]

4. On Now

Announcement in 2-3 weeks

People are looking leadership.

Says he's getting letters from Republicans saying that they regret their supporting Bush in 2000.

Forget polls, look at reality. We went into Iraq based on False Advertising. We've lost goodwill around the world, the economy is in shambles

SHowing clips of Delay (from April) slamming Clark, saying he has his own agenda, why is he an analyst for CNN?

Clark: He has it backwards, I am saying what I believe. He's all about politics, says what he has to in order to get what he wants.

Delay voted against Kosovo, he's driven by partisian politics, not patriotism

[lindashaw]

8. *sigh* Tom DeLay is from my state, what an embarrassment.

But the bright side is, anyone who Tom DeLay villifies has got to be doing something right!

[tsipple]

5. Clark Does What Powell Did?

I'm beginning to wonder. Sets up Clark beautifully for a senior cabinet post in a Democratic administration (and future political office) without the hassle of having to run for office. You're better off being thought of as a presidential contender these days without actually being one.

[VolcanoJen]

6. "I'm more interested in the issues than the process."

That's sounding a lot like "I'm not running" to me.

I liked this though, in response to the "is it too late to start raising money in the early primary states" question:

"Wolf, I don't know if it's too early to start raising money or not, but I do know this, that when people get up and speak the truth, and they speak their mind and they talk about the issues that are of concern to ordinary Americans, that I can't believe that should I do this, money's the issue. That's not the issue. The issue really is the issues. What does America stand for? How do we want to behave in the world? What will it take for America to realize its dreams at home?"

Unofficial Transcription, with any emphasis added, by VolcanoJen

ON EDIT: Edited to add transcript tag line.

[Cush]

10. on other hand

he said somethign along the lines of:

"Thats why I'm being drawn into this (politics)"

[DoveTurnedHawk]

12. Hmm. I Didn't Think That.

My take on it was that he is slamming the overly-politicized process and instead wants to get to the heart of the issues. Kind of a "No More of the Same Old BS" type of message.

I think he's running. God, I certainly hope so, anyway! :-)

DTH

[SeveneightyWhoa]

7. Oh my God!

That was an EXCELLENT appearance by Clark!
He literally laid the smack-down on Tom Delay. He came off cool, collected, intelligent, and thirteen million times better than Bush ever would.

This man is America's next President--or at least the world hopes so.

[VolcanoJen]

9. More transcript stuff.

In response to the question, "What is it that you could offer Americans that the 9 Democratic candidates could not?"

"Wolf, I think the American people are looking for, first of all, hands-on leadership experience. They're looking for a proven track record of leadership. People in the Democratic Party are especially looking for the articulation of what the Democratic Party means and what it can represent for America. And as I've gone around the country, again and again I find this just enormous hunger for leadership, and I think this draft movement is evidence. To some extent, there's still that hunger out there, despite the number of candidates in the race, and despite the President's polling. I'm getting a lot of letters from Republicans, and from people who say they wished they hadn't voted the way they had in 2000, and they want an opportunity to do it differently in 2004."

Unofficial Transcription, with any emphasis added, by VolcanoJen

ON EDIT: Edited to add transcript tag line.

[VolcanoJen]

11. Even more transcript stuff...

In response to the question "How vulnerable is George W. Bush to defeat next year?"

"Well, the conventional answer is people would look at polls. But what I look at are the realities, and I think the American people have begun to see the reality. #1, Iraq, if it is the centerpiece of the War on Terrorism, it shouldn't be. We went into Iraq on false pretenses. There was deceptive advertising, you could take it to the Better Business Bureau or a washing machine, the way we went into the War on Iraq. We're there now, we're totally committed to this, we have more than half of the deployable strength of the United States Army there, we're taken casualties, we haven't made America safer by this. We've made America more engaged, more vulnerable, committed, but less able to respond. We've lost a tremendous amount of goodwill around the world by our actions, and our continuing refusal to bring in international institutions.'

"At home, we've got a jobless recovery, we've lost 2.6 million jobs since this Administration took office. Just to sustain the same level of employment in America, we have to create about 1.3 million jobs a year, and instead we've lost 2.3, so the statistical unemployment rate just doesn't really address what the problem is that Americans are feeling out there. There are millions of people who aren't in the labor force, there are millions more that are underemployed but skilled, we've got problems."

Unofficial Transcription, with any emphasis added, by VolcanoJen

ON EDIT: Edited to add transcript tag line.

[TennesseeWalker]

37. He sounds a lot like President GORE.

eom

[Kahuna]

46. He's a consolidation of the best of..Clinton, Gore, Carter and Truman...

Wesley rocks!

[wndycty]

13. Did you see him slam Delay!!!

That was awesome.

[VolcanoJen]

14. Transcript where he rips Delay... this is GREAT STUFF!!!!!

In response to the "Tom Delay essentially called you a blow-dried Napolean" question:

"Well, I'd be happy to compare my hair with Tom Delay's, we'll see who's got the blow-dried hair. Anyhow, he's got it exactly wrong. Upside-down. I am saying what I believe, and I'm being drawn into the political process because of what I believe, and what I've said about it. So, I am unlike a man like Tom DeLay, who is only motivated by politics and who says whatever he needs to say in order to fulfill the political process. We couldn't be more diametrically opposed, and I couldn't be more opposed than I am to Tom DeLay. You know, Wolf, when our airmen were flying over Kosovo, Tom DeLay led the House Republicans to vote not to support their activities, when American troops were in combat! To me, that's a real indicator of a man who's motivated not by patriotism or support of the troops, but by partisan political purposes."

Look, I don't know if you like the guy as a candidate or not, but you've got to admit, he's on our side!!!Unofficial Transcription, with any emphasis added, by VolcanoJen

ON EDIT: Edited to add transcript tag line.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

15. Best Exchange of the Show

My jaw literally dropped, it was so good.

DTH

[VolcanoJen]

18. Wasn't that amazing, DTH?

I'm inspired by the guy, and it looks almost as if he feels liberated of those stars on his shoulder. He's now free to criticize the political machine, while propelling himself forward into it.

This is truly fascinating political-junkie stuff.

:-)
Jennifer

[Julien Sorel]

35. God damn! It's a

Democrat, laying the smack down on God's boy Tom DeLay. When was the last time that happened?

[TennesseeWalker]

38. My GOD! Standing up to the most VILE of the Evildoers!

This man is indeed presidential. Put him on the ticket! I'll vote for him. I'm a Gore man, but if he isn't willing to run, and Clark is, he's got my vote.

[BoogieBear]

45. He rips Delay a new one!!

You know, Wolf, when our airmen were flying over Kosovo, Tom DeLay led the House Republicans to vote not to support their activities, when American troops were in combat! To me, that's a real indicator of a man who's motivated not by patriotism or support of the troops, but by partisan political purposes."

OMFG that is f***ing AWESOME!! We need someone who can smack down these goddamn GOP Mafia hypocrites and Clark can do it!

Thanks for posting that, VolcanoJen!

[VolcanoJen]

51. It was my pleasure to post that, BoogieBear!

Whether he runs or not, you gotta admit it's nice to have a guy who talks the talk and walks the walk on our side.

:-)
Jennifer

[myomy]

55. He's most impressive. Loved the DeLay dig..

He could definitely beat *.

[Wickster]

16. Impressive

Heretofore I have dismissed Clark as another former military man who is finally making some money as a media consultant. However, this appearance today was very impressive and "presidential."

Hmmmmmm.

[Poiuyt]

25. Yes, he is presidential

I've been saying all along that he can rip apart the other side and still remain dignified. I'll support any of the Democratic candidates against Bush, but I hope Clark runs!

[gulliver]

17. Nailed Bush on Iraq and War on Terror -- again

Clark pulled no punches on Bush's concept of national security. Clark said we would have "called the Better Business Bureau" if we had been sold a washing machine the way were were sold the war. He said we're not safer, and if the war on Iraq is the centerpiece for the war on terror, then it's the wrong centerpiece entirely...

It seems like Clark took it up a notch today. It was truly great to see someone so assured and credible saying the things he said.

[NNN0LHI]

19. Whether Clark runs or not, I sure am glad he is on our side n/t

[VolcanoJen]

20. More GD Discussion in this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=189364&mesg_id=189364

[alfredo]

21. My wife is now a Clark supporter.

She liked Dean, but foung Clark to be unafraid of the bush mafia.

She also said, he's a hunk.

[VolcanoJen]

22. BEWARE: banal comment ahead

At the very least, he's "easy on the eyes."

;-)
Jennifer

[tjdee]

33. He is pin-up material.

Especially when he puts on his turtlenecks!

[graham67]

39. I'll second that!

The black turtleneck was yummy. }(

[graham67]

23. Whoo!

That was an incredible appearance. I've never heard him talk so tough, and the smackdown on Delay was beautiful! And yes, he is extremely easy on the eyes :-)

[barbaraann]

24. Wow!

I've been pretty skeptical of Clark up until now, but it sure looked to me today like he knows what the BFEE is up to and hates it.

However, there is only one candidate who is talking about what I think is crucial--revitalizing the grassroots of the Democratic Party--and that candidate is Howard Dean.

If we don't regrow our grassroots we will continue to be vulnerable to being suckered by fake Democrats who actually advance the agenda of the ruling elite once they are elected. (I'm not talking about Wesley Clark here.)

I actually like Dennis K's platform a lot better than Dean's but he is not doing as good a job getting people involved and feeling empowered as Howard Dean. In the end the only thing that will save us is working together against the BFEE; NO leader can do it for us--the tentacles of the rightwing octopus are too numerous.

Perhaps Clark would be a good VP candidate for Dean and help to counterract Dean's vulnerability on the military service issue.

[VolcanoJen]

30. I really doubt that a 4-Star General and SACEUR has VeepLust

It would be very beneficial to the Democratic nominee for Clark to be on the bottom of the ticket, but I just doubt a man as competitive as Clark would be interested in the Vice Presidency.

If he isn't interested in the top of the ticket, I think he could best serve his country as Secretary of State or Defense. Just my humble opinion, of course.

It's so comforting to have his voice on our side right now,
Jennifer

[barbaraann]

40. You could be right about that but

after what I saw today it looks to me like he might hate the BFEE enough to set aside his competitiveness.

[tameszu]

50. I think Clark would take VP, but that is not his focus right now...

...his focus at the present time is running for President of the United States. And it's looking very much like he will run. Thank goodness!

If he decides not to run, then it will most likely be for family reasons, in which case, it's unlikely that he would take VP either.

If he doesn't run for some other reason (thinks his chances aren't good enough, etc.), or if he runs and loses honourably, then I could see him taking VP--I doubt Dean would offer it, unless Clark runs a really strong race, since Dean would want someone who's more of a traditional Washington insider to offset any jabs about experience, but I could see Kerry offering.

[tjdee]

31. 500K before he even announces is pretty good grassroots, I'd say.

But I see what you mean.

[Kahuna]

48. I think the solution is for..

Deanies to crossover and join the Clarkies as many are already doing. Afterall, even Mike Moore, the progressive's guru is impressed with Clark and seemed to indicate that if we want a candidate who can win, Clark is the one.

[eleny]

54. I was a "Deanie".....

... until a few days ago. I was one of the folks who sent Dean financial support via the net, too, and am proud of it. But Clark is the rock solid guy we need in the WH. I'm sure he would have appeal to the ever-conservative voters here in Colorado.

My gut tells me that Clark is the one who will keep Rove awake and worrying at night. How do they "attack, attack, attack" Clark without it being an attack on the military. Dontcha just love those kind of rocks and hard places? Yeah!

Eleny

[chaska]

26. And if you're impressed with his tv appearances....

you should see him speak to an audience. On a stage in front of a house full of people he is very inspiring. TV has a way of making everyone look small. When Clark gets onstage with the other Dems and we hear his vision for this country, it will be obvious that he is the one to carry our standard.

[ewagner]

27. LOL

Love your sig line :bounce:

[chaska]

29. I was beginning to wonder if anybody knew where that came from,

it's been there for two months.

How 'bout this one: 'Vermin Against The Exterminator'? ...Uh, maybe not.

[Justice]

32. If Clark runs, he will win

Wesley Clark sounds like he is running, so much so that if he declines to run people will be very disappointed.

He is very solid, more than able to handle the media - whether it be "friends" or "foes" (I've heard him with several CNN folks and with Sean Hannity). He does not engage in the politics - he is focused on reality. With Americans worried about their safety and digusted with partisan politics - Clark is a breath of fresh air.

DeLay's comment is laughable - truly laughable.

[NNN0LHI]

34. The freeps are so scared of Clark they won't post a thread about the show

They are scared shitless about this guy. All Junior has going for him is that he is a wartime president. That is all! If Clark runs all of Juniors thunder is gone. NO MORE... DONE .. KAPOOT... FINISHED!

Don

[VolcanoJen]

36. CLARK /BLITZER *OFFICIAL* TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE!

Here!

http://www.draftclark2004.com/news_detail.asp?nid=101

:-)
Jennifer

[huckleberry]

41. Possible clues to a Clark candidacy?

Here are two clues that I picked up on today -

1. Washington Post Sunday Talk show article listed GEN Clark as a "(D)"

LATE EDITION (CNN), noon: Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Saudi foreign policy adviser Adel Jubeir, retired Gen. Wesley Clark (D), California gubernatorial candidate Arianna Huffington (I), terrorism analyst Brian Jenkins, Richardson,Granholm and Abraham.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4343-2003Aug16.html


2. Wolf emphasized that GEN Clark is "no longer working for CNN."

"BLITZER: General, I want you to listen, during the war, when you were still working for CNN--and just want to alert our viewers, you're no longer working for CNN as our military analyst."


Seems to me that GEN Clark is running. I like him but I prefer Dean!

[Pepperbelly]

42. I told everyone here that there is no way Wesley is a gop ...

We come from the same family, the same socio-eco-geographic area and I know the values that he grew up with and there is no way that he would choose a party that is so fucking destructive of everything good in America.

[chaska]

43. I've noticed several times...

There is an undercurrent, in every appearance that he makes, where he hints about poverty issues. Everybody in politics talks about the middle class. Nobody talks about the poor. I can hear that he really cares about the poor in a way that is downright out of style now.

Jesus Christ, that's a breath of fresh air!

[realFedUp]

44. Everyone's desperate for the truth

like water in the desert....but let's look at a
candidate more deeply than what's he's saying.

We've seen Bush in the past two years say one
thing and do the opposite. Talk is cheaper than
actual funding or action.

[FubarFly]

47. Clark/ Dean, Dean/Clark

It's a win-win situation in my book.

As long as the focus is on defeating b*sh, the Democratic Party is in great shape for 2004. And when was the last time we could say that?

Note: It is just as hard for a Dean supporter like myself to imagine Dean accepting a VP nod as it is for Clark supporters to imagine the same. This is a sign of the true leadership qualities that both men possess. Although I seriously doubt that they will be on the same ticket, the strengths that each man provides would compliment the other tremendously.

[GOPBasher]

49. In a fair general election, Clark would destroy Bush.

I love Clark on the issues, plus I think he's our best chance to beat Chimp. If he gets the nomination, I just hope the elections are fair.

[neverforget]

52. Damnit, I missed it! Clark is truly awesome, I just wish he would

declare (or not) soon. If he's in, he's got my support.

[TakebackAmerica]

53. Clark was really amazing!

I've always benn impressed in him.

This by far was the his best interview yet.