Josh Marshall on Clark's Repub dinner speech:

[bicentennial_baby]

"Clark moved back to Arkansas after leaving the Army to get into business and make some money and in all likelihood to get into politics. He got politically involved and basically kept people guessing. Republican scuttlebutt had him running for office as a Republican; Democratic scuttlebutt had him running as a Democrat. He gave this speech to a Pulaski County Republican Committee dinner. But a little context from a May 20th, 2001 article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette …

Pulaski County Committee Chairman Greg Racicot invited Wesley Clark as keynote speaker. Former supreme allied commander in Europe and leader of NATO during the recent Kosovo campaign, Clark now lives in Little Rock and works in high-technology venture capital at Stephens Inc. A hot-ticket guest speaker, Clark plans a similar appearance before the Democrats, his wife, Gert, confided."

-snip-

"A good piece I've found on Clark during this period is a column that Jim Pinkerton wrote in Newsday in July 2001. It's about Clark's book, but also about his views of the early stages of President's Bush's foreign policy.

Now, one final point. There's this idea afoot that Clark got into the Democratic party out of some sort of opportunism, and that this happened after 9/11. Frankly, this makes no sense. Is there really any time over the last two years that getting into the Democratic party would have seemed like a good way to get into office or advance politically? Particularly in a state like Arkansas which has been trending Republican? I mean, sad to say, but I don't see it. At the moment, President Bush is looking weaker and weaker. But that's pretty recent. Clark is clearly new to the Democratic party on many levels. But as explanations go, this strikes me as an awfully weak one."

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/


"

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. I will say it again:

Josh Marshall is a treasure. He can be counted on to write some of the clearest, most cogent and well-considered columns available today. Yes, he does "trend left", but does so in a manner that eschews flowery prose and histrionics. He invariably gets to the meat 'n taters of an issue, slashing his way through the bullshit with the biggest power tools he can wield.

The Power Tools of Reason.

I find I must check his site several times a day, to make sure I miss nothing. Prediction: Josh is heir apparent to the mantle of David Broder. Broder without the exceeded sell-by date.

[Cappurr]

2. Yeah Josh is great

I had an email relationship with him for awhile and he actually followed up on a couple of my suggestions. Very nice guy.

And I HOPE this puts to rest all those threads about Clark speaking at a republican fundraiser (there must be at least twenty of them). But I bet it doesn't. Some people don't want facts....they want dirt

Unfortunately, RWingers read this site and when they read what riles up our base, you can bet they will use it.

[roughsatori]

3. So he praised the Bush* team to make business contacts

That is even worse than doing it out of conviction. Not the best defense for a man already thought of by some as an opportunist.

[jumptheshadow]

4. Thanks for linking to this

So Clark, the hometown boy who excelled in many different countries, returned to a city that was proud of him. And he planned to give speeches to both the Republicans and the Democrats?

The next thing you know we'll hear that he spoke to the Little Rock Rotary Club.

[VolcanoJen]

5. Don't most speakers pander to the crowd that's paying them?

I'm not willing to simply give Clark a pass on this, and I feel it bears a closer look.

However, I don't find it highly unusual that a paid speaker panders and sucks up a bit to his audience. The same reasoning was applied by thoughtful commentators when analyzing the Dixie Chicks' criticism of Chimpy McFlightSuit in front of a London crowd during the build-up to the war...

[Lurking Dem]

6. Did anyone here gripe

when Al Franken spoke at a ClearChannel rally?

[returnable]

7. Bingo!

I was just gonna post that!

:toast:

[JohnOneillsMemory]

10. Franken doesn't have this dossier I copied from a 'Tinoire' post. Sharing>

Tinoire (1000+ posts) Fri Sep-26-03 11:56 AM
Response to Reply #95

98. GEN. WESLEY CLARK JOINS CSIS - Senior Advisor

Edited on Fri Sep-26-03 12:35 PM by Tinoire
I honestly trust Kucinich not to make a mistake about who authored that document. Just want to point out that both Clarks are on the CSIS and Wesley is actually more senior than William.

CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (CSIS) is another neo-con organization, which released a long analysis of terrorism in December. Foreign terrorists are described as those who "resent pre-eminent U.S. power and/or have disdain for the West".


CSIS Press Release July 10, 2000

GEN. WESLEY CLARK JOINS CSIS
Former Supreme Allied Commander Named Distinguished Adviser

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2000 — Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark, who commanded the first major combat operation in NATO history, was named today a distinguished senior adviser at CSIS.

Clark, Supreme Allied Commander Europe from July 10, 1997, until May 3, 2000, will work with the Center across the full range of its programs, concentrating particularly on international security. Clark was in overall command of NATO’s military forces in Europe and led approximately 75,000 troops from 37 NATO and other nations participating in ongoing operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. In 1999, Clark commanded the alliance’s military response to the Kosovo crisis –Operation Allied Force.

Clark also was head of the U.S. European Command, responsible for all U.S. military activities in 89 countries and territories covering more than 13 million square miles of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and involving approximately 109,000 U.S. troops.

Clark served as commander in chief of the U.S. Southern Command, Panama, from June 1996 to July 1997, where he commanded all U.S. forces and was responsible for most U.S. military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. From April 1994 to June 1996, he was the staff officer responsible for global politico-military affairs and U.S. military strategic planning for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also led the military negotiations for the Bosnian Peace Accords at Dayton.

Clark graduated first in his 1966 class at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He holds a master’s degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He is a graduate of the National War College, Command and General Staff College, Armor Officer Advanced and Basic Courses, and Ranger and Airborne schools.

Among his military decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (five awards), Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), Silver Star, Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and the Army Commendation Medal (two awards). In addition, Clark received more than 20 major military awards from foreign governments, including honorary knighthoods from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as well as the Commander of the Legion of Honor from France.

“Wes Clark combines extraordinary skill as a soldier and military strategist with vast experience in public policy and distinguished scholarship. We are fortunate to have the benefit of his association with the Center. He will be a great asset to CSIS as we engage the foreign and security policy agenda facing the nation in the new century,” said CSIS president and CEO John Hamre.

http://www.csis.org/press/pr00_42.html

CSIS Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is composed of both public and private sector policymakers, including 11 members of Congress. The Board is co chaired by Zbigniew Brzezinski and Carla Hills.

Corporate Officers

John J. Hamre, President and CEO
Robin Niblett, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning
Erik R. Peterson, Senior Vice President and Director of Studies Program Greg Broaddus, Vice President for Operations, Treasurer
Jay Farrar, Vice President External Affairs
Judy L. Harbaugh, Vice President for Development

Counselors

CSIS Counselors are world-class strategists who have formerly held top-level government posts. They bring to the Center an extensive reserve of expertise and experience.

William E. Brock
Harold Brown
Zbigniew Brzezinski
William S. Cohen
Richard Fairbanks
Henry A. Kissinger
Sam Nunn
James R. Schlesinger
Brent Scowcroft

Senior Advisers

Senior advisers and associates are an integral part of the CSIS family. They provide substantive counsel and input on the full range of Center projects.

Distinguished Senior Scholars

Fred C. Iklé (in residence)
John Kornblum
Bernard Lewis

Distinguished Senior Advisers

Wesley Clark
Anthony Zinni

Senior Advisers

J. Carter Beese
Arnaud de Borchgrave
Charles Bowman
M. Stanton H. Burnett
Richard R. Burt
William Clark, Jr.
Diana Lady Dougan
Luis E. Giusti
Ernest Graves
Amos A. Jordan
Max M. Kampelman
Robert H. Kupperman
David McCurdy
Thomas F. (Mack) McLarty (special counselor)
The Duke of Westminster


Lagniappe:

"NEOCONSERVATIVES" - WHAT AND WHO THEY ARE

<snip>

"Neoconservatives" are mostly former leftists/liberals who converted to conservatism during the '70's and when Ronald Reagan became President. In domestic policy they tend to be moderate "welfare" Republicans. However, their major concern is foreign policy. They strongly favor US military interventions overseas and becoming the world’s policeman. They promoted the First Iraq War and are constantly the instigators for more confrontation with Iraq, Iran, the Sudan, and other Moslem states. They were among the chief instigators of the Kosovo War.

"Neocons" almost never explain reasons for terrorists' hatred towards America, because that would bring questions about the "costs" of having a world empire. So they "explain" terrorists as just "crazies" who enjoy killing people, just because they oppose freedom and American values. Typical is Washington's neo-con CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, which released a long analysis of terrorism in December. Foreign terrorists are simply described as those who “resent pre-eminent U.S. power and/or have disdain for the West.”

<snip>

Neoconservatives are the dominant force over establishment Republicans in Congress (although here again Kosovo weakened them a bit) and in most of the major conservative think tanks. Their main base among think tanks is the AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE ( a policy paper in January, 2001, urges American attacks on Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Gaza. Others are the HERITAGE FOUNDATION (see more below--modified after Kosovo), ETHICS AND PUBLIC POLICY CENTER, and BROOKINGS INSTITUTION. Of the large think tanks only the CATO INSTITUTE and LUDWIG VON MISES INSTITUTE actively oppose their positions. The Kosovo disaster caused HERITAGE to pull back from its former strongly interventionist positions, e.g. favoring NATO expansion. "Neo-con" power comes from their knowledge and political credentials in matters of foreign affairs (European, not 3rd World or Asian) and because of their influence over the giant Foundations (Bradley, Olin, Scaife) which provide major funding for pro-interventionist think tanks. Also some gain major financial support from many weapons manufacturers. The NEW YORK TIMES reported recently how such industries were a major factor promoting NATO expansion to East Europe and then paying for the recent NATO anniversary celebrations in Washington. There are billions to be made in outfitting weapons for new NATO members, and they'll want Washington to lend/pay for it.

The old military industrial complex is now called the MICE, military/industrial/congressional establishment. This was particularly evident during the bombing of Serbia when freshmen and sophomore Republican congressmen were mainly in opposition, while all the old Senate Republican Committee Chairmen supported it.

"Neocons" are the brains of the "War Party." They are well organized, very well-financed, and very focused. Their members know what they want---American Empire, Cold War level military spending, lots of new weapons, and a globalist policing mission that would project American military power deep into Asia and all points in between.

<snip>

http://www.iconservative.com/neoconservatives.htm


Public Speaker
A highly sought public speaker, General Clark appears before groups as diverse as the American Enterprise Institute and Federalist Society, to corporations, to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
http://www.coloradoforclark.com/Media/bio.htm

I already posted a ton of stuff about Clark's associations with many neo-con organizations. The prime one is the Markle Foundation which is a big time fan of Homeland Security and "fighting terrorism" and is the sister organization of the Brookings Institute (with its co-signers of the PNAC plan), parent organization of the Israeli neo-con Likudnik Saban Center Also not to forget Clark's association with Jackson Stephens and the fact that he sits on the board of Acxiom:

Acxiom’s stake in terror war under fire
Little Rock’s Acxiom Corp. has spent most of the two years since the attacks of Sept. 11 looking for government contracts to help fight the war on terror. It has found the contracts. Now it has a fight on its hands. The data-management company is involved in a growing dispute over the release of information on millions of airline passengers to a Defense Department contractor last year.

Acxiom sold that contractor demographic data on roughly 2 million airline passengers — about 40 percent of those involved — as part of its role in the war on terror.

As a result it now faces criticism from a Washington, D. C., privacy rights group, the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

<snip>

Wesley Clark, an Acxiom board member and now a presidential front-runner for the Democratic Party, had lobbied for the company, according to those reports, in the areas of "information transfers, airline security and homeland security issues."

<snip>

Calls to Clark’s campaign staff were not returned Tuesday.

<snip>
In the past, the company has claimed to have information on 96 percent of U.S. households.

http://www.nwanews.com/adg/story_business.php?storyid=42585

Interested people should start googling away before opening the gates of Troy. IMO, Wesley Clark is PNAC through and through. The boys in charge right now are NOT going to cede power easily and I hope people aren't naive enough to believe that they're above having a back-up plan with a Trojan Horse within the Democratic Party. I seriously think it's Clark and will have no part of him. There is too much information out there about this man and concerned Dems who love our country and our Party need to start scrutinizing this "unknown" very closely. If he passes your test of scrutiny- fine, but he has failed mine more miserably than any of the other candidates.

The war, aka "Humanitarian Intervention" in Kosovo was step one of PNAC's plan to destabilize Asia and the Middle East.

Prepare for your sons to be drafted as people like Clark cavalierly talk about the "endless occupation" of Iraq with its huge costs in money and human lives.

"We're the envy of the whole world but we are trapped in a jobless economy and an endless occupation and that is the problem we have to address," Clark said.

"I'm running for president because this country needs leadership. It needs honest leadership, it needs visionary leadership, it needs leadership with experience," he said to cheers from the crowd.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A32052-2003Sep18?language=printer
----

The Military Industrial Complex at its best. I can not and will not support this. Kucinich has been fighting this his entire political career and, like you, I am proud to help him in this fight. We are fighting noit only for the soul of the Democratic Party but for our country and for world peace!

Here's some guy who voted for Reagan for crying out loud and praises him, sits on the board of some neo-con organizations, comes as a shiny bright General pushing Homeland Security, ready to "save us" from Islamic terrorism (and ourselves I guess) and is being shoved down our throats by the DLC now that Lieberman has been totally exposed and who tells us he liked his PNAC colleagues and would be happy to work with them again. When? Under his administration? No thank you. I am unfortunately willing to bend to a known DLCer like John Kerry who enabled Bush but was at least a proven social progressive but I will not, in good consicence, stoop to an unknown entity with all this baggage. I won't help hand the keys of the Presidency of the United States to someone with no track record we can scrutinize and who has such disconcerting associations.

Peace

[robbedvoter]

11. Krugman was a consultant for Enron. He exposed them

So does Clark expose PNAC:
 " I WENT BACK through the Pentagon in November 2001, and one of
the senior military staff officers had time for a chat. Yes, we were
still on track for going against Iraq, he said. But there was more. This
was being discussed as part of a five-year campaign plan, he said, and
there were a total of seven countries, beginning with Iraq, then Syria,
Lebanon, Libya, Iran, Somalia, and Sudan. So, I thought, this is what
they mean when they talk about “draining the swamp.” It was evidence of
the Cold War approach: Terrorism must have a “state sponsor,” and it
would be much more effective to attack a state than to chase after
individuals, nebulous organizations, and shadowy associations.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/969671.asp?0bl=-0

[robbedvoter]

12. Asked and answered in the debate last night:

Asked and answered: from the transcript


> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A433-2003Sep25.html
>
On May 11th of 2001, as reported in US News and World Report, you addressed at the
Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner in Arkansas, expressed your support for the leadership
of Ronald Reagan, for that matter, the leadership of our current president, George W. Bush,
his immediate staff and Cabinet, and indicated they were needed in place.

Did you believe it then? Do you believe it now?

CLARK: I think it's been an incredible journey for me and for this country since early 2001.

We elected a president we thought was a compassionate conservative. Instead we got neither
conservatism or compassion. We got a man who recklessly cut taxes. We got a man who
recklessly took us into war with Iraq.

I was never partisan in the military. I served under Democratic presidents, I served under
Republican presidents. But as I looked at this country and looked which way we were headed, I
knew that I needed to speak out. And when I needed to speak out, there was only party to
come to.

I am pro-choice, I am pro-affirmative action, I'm pro-environment, pro-health. I believe the
United States should engage with allies. We should be a good player in the international
community. And we should use force only as a last resort. That's why I'm proud to be a
Democrat.
snip

SHARPTON: Well, first of all, as the only New Yorker, I want to welcome General Clark to New
York and I want to welcome him to our list of candidates.

And don't be defensive about just joining the party. Welcome to the party. It's better to be a
new Democrat that's a real Democrat, than a lot of old Democrats up here that have been
acting like Republicans all along.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

[Padraig18]

8. I read Josh daily

His clear and REASONED analyses of various issues is one of my 'gut checks'; I don't always agree with what he rights, but his is a voice of sanity, something that tends to be lacking here at DU, on occasion.

[tnlefty]

9. I'm wondering if this is what has the GOP in full attack mode

After all they paid him to speak at one of their events and then he turns around and runs as a democratic candidate against their Smirking Emperor ---the horror! Unless I misunderstood his comments during the debate he basically seems to think that the Emperor and his court suck.