WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 — Gen. Wesley K. Clark is moving closer toward a run for the White House, having put together the frame of a campaign organization and consulted an architect of Al Gore's 2000 presidential candidacy in preparation for an announcement that could come within a week.
General Clark would have some obvious strengths as a candidate. He is poised and accustomed to public speaking. He has also found fault with the conduct of the war in Iraq, a circumstance that would presumably allow him to crowd in on the effort by Senator John Kerry to build campaign credentials on his status as a Vietnam veteran.
But General Clark would face obstacles as well. For one thing, the nine declared candidates for the Democratic nomination enjoy nearly a year's advantage in raising money and building campaign networks in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
He would also be a first-time candidate for office, beginning his career in politics by seeking the very top rung on the ladder. Several Democrats and Republicans alike described that today as a recipe for trouble, noting the difficulties first-time candidates invariably have in trying to navigate a political race. What is more, his personal and political record is only now coming under the kind of scrutiny that will grow all the more intense if he declares.
Soliciting advice on the possibility of a run, General Clark sat down the other day with Mark Fabiani, a senior adviser to Mr. Gore's campaign three years ago.
"He's an intriguing figure," Mr. Fabiani said today. "You spend any time with him and you realize he is a prestigiously talented person with an extraordinary record. He would be a very potent candidate."
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/12/politics/campaigns/12CLAR.htmlI think this article is balanced in describing what Clark faces. I'm thrilled he's entering the race but I know being a first-time candidate will probably be tough. That's why he needs excellent and experienced campaign people.