Clark on Missile Defense

[HFishbine]

Where does Clark stand on missile defense?

In October of 2001 he said, "Our best protection is not going to build a wall around America," he said. "It's not going to be to create a missile-defense impenetrable shield. It's going to be, instead, to create a community of common values and shared responsibilities and shared interests in which nations and people get along. That really is ultimately the only protection."

source: http://www.temple.edu/cenfad/strategicvisions-3-1.html

But in Feb., 2001 he said, "To many Europeans the case for Missile Defense has simply not been made. Moreover, any discussion will meet counterarguments from Russia and the European left. A positive outcome to the "consultation" will require three essentials. First, a strong case must be made for the need for Missile Defense."

source: http://www.issues2002.org/2004/Wesley_Clark_Defense.htm

I do not necessarily see these statements as contradictory. One speaks perhaps to an ideal, while the other may be speaking on practical terms. But I would like to know which course Clark proposes to pursue as a matter of policy.

[Brian Sweat]

1. Also, the second quote may not indicate support for the MDS

He may just be saying that if we are going to go ahead and build the shield, that we need to make a strong case for it.

[StopTheMorans]

2. so Clarkies bash Dean on missile defense yet these statements

are inconclusive?

on edit: misread quote

[11cents]

3. They're not contradictory at all

I don't think Clark has said definitively that he's against "missile defense," but everything he's said pertaining to the subject suggests that he's highly skeptical of it. At any rate, I'd like to see the question directly posed to him. I'd also like him to speak more about the Pentagon budget, which he's suggested he'd be willing to cut.

[dfong63]

4. when will he say that the MDS is a boondoggle, ie, won't work?

... and a perfect candidate for termination to reduce the bloated military budget?

[SWPAdem]

5. Simple

The first quote, if the dates are correct, was actually made after the second one...and after 9/11. If he has said nothing else on the issue, it appears that he does not think that MSD will protect us from anything. Course, I might be prejudiced........

[maggrwaggr]

6. they're not contradictory. what's your point?

I find it reassuring that he's against missile defense, which any engineer will tell you WON'T WORK (including my right-winger Dad who actually worked on this stuff both in the military and afterwards)

[HFishbine]

7. As I said

I don't necessarily view the quotes as contradictory as a reflection of a belief system. What is unclear is how those beliefs would be reflected in policy guidance.

Simply put, would Clark pursue any or all of the missle defense system? I cannot tell from those quotes and could not find anything else that answers that question.

[stickdog]

8. HOW CAN WE BEAR SUCH A WAFFLER???

Just kidding.

He's too much of a blank slate to be called any such thing.