Why Clark Adds to Campaign - Christian Science Monitor

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http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0918/p08s01-comv.html

Gen. Wesley Clark's entry into the 2004 Democratic presidential-nomination race will strengthen Democrats' ability to critique the Bush administration's national security policies. It may also raise the level of debate over the war on terrorism. And it may draw new attention to the Democrats' nominating contest, which has yet to seize the public imagination and is currently overshadowed by California's political drama.

President Bush's pursuit of the war on terrorism has raised several issues: What kind of military does the United States need to meet the threats of terrorism and the proliferation of dangerous weapons? Is the administration pursuing the right strategy? Does the US have enough troops to do the job? What's the best way to gain other countries' cooperation?

Several candidates have built their campaigns around opposition to the war in Iraq - Sen. Bob Graham of Florida, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, and most notably former Gov. Howard Dean of Vermont. But General Clark, with his military background, brings credibility to his war opposition that others will find hard to match.

The Bush administration may be pursuing the right course. But even if it is, the election should provide a reality check - causing the president to dig deep to justify his policies before the voters ratify or reject them.

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