Hilarious Clark quote

[DealsGapRider]

"How do you think I could have succeeded in the military if everybody didn't like me? It's impossible... Do you realize I was the first person promoted to full colonel in my entire year group of 2,000 officers? I was the only one selected. Do you realize that? ... Do you realize I was the only one of my West Point class picked to command a brigade when I was picked? ... I was the first person picked for brigadier general. You have to balance this out. ... A lot of people love me."

Wow. And humble, too.

http://www.tnr.com/primary/index.mhtml?pid=875

[GainesT1958]

1. He didn't mean "Everybody liked me"...

He meant that everybody didn't DISlike him. Believe me, politics (intra-military branch style) plays a HUGE role in who gets promoted in rank and who doesn't, especially when you're talking Major and above. I recall my uncle commenting on this--he retired a Colonel in the Army--and how ruthless it could be. Well, somebody MUST have like Wes Clark, or he couldn't have gotten those promotions. Then again, he must've done something to deserve it besides just campaign for 'em, too.

If he wants to brag on his rise, let him brag--especially since people keep sniping at him, saying he didn't deserve it. x(

B-)

[VolcanoJen]

2. Interesting the way you took that out-of-context.

I immediately recognized the remark, because it stuck out in my mind from the Sunday Washington Post's front-page treatment of Clark's military career and future as a candidate. It's not as though Clark made these comments off-the-cuff in attempt to puff himself up. He was responding to the charges against his character and leadership by a small group of his former superiors, now-turned detractors.

The quote was preceded, in the original article, by this paragraph:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45166-2003Oct18_3.html

Slight, trim and impeccably groomed, Clark still has the bearing of a four-star general. In two interviews, he displayed the outward calm of a man who cannot bear to convey doubt or failure. But when pressed about why some of his military peers take such a negative view of him, Clark was by turns baffled and defensive, wounded and defiant.

I wonder what I would say about my own career, if put in a position to defend it against attacks? I would hope I'd do the same, and vigorously defend my life's work, using concrete examples of the rapid manner and areas in which I'd been promoted.

Self-defense does not equal arrogance. It certainly points to Clark's confidence in his character, integrity, and record of leadership, however.

[OKNancy]

3. Thanks VJ

way to stop a smear cold.

[HootieMcBoob]

6. exactly

and aren't we always saying that we want a candidate who will stand up for himself. So, how is that all of a sudden a character flaw when Clark stands up for himself in the face of bogus criticism? Gimme a break already.

[Wickerman]

4. Say what you want

Could Bush* say ANYTHING like that? Does he have any list of accomplishments? Que the Bush Resume that appears on DU every few days...

Simple fact is, what he sez is true, and in context he was asked a question that required this followup.

[DealsGapRider]

11. True.

[AP]

5. I wish there were a DU rule banning people who repeat Republican talking..

...points. I don't mind addressing differing opnions. But I hate coming to DU and seeing people repeating the latest RNC talking points almost verbatim.

[HootieMcBoob]

7. my thoughts exactly.

It's even worse when it comes from a DUer. The GOP is letting us do its work for them. It's freaking sad.

[DealsGapRider]

12. Chill.

I just thought it was funny. Don't read too much into it. Clark is probably my favorite candidate after Dean.

[VolcanoJen]

9. Unfortunately, that particular smear comes from The New Republic...

... the so-called "Voice of Modern Liberalism." It's no right-wing smear, and, in fact, its source proves further that we liberals are quick to do the GOP's work these days.

The article linked-to above was written by Adam B. Kushner, a rather unapologetic Nader 2000 voter.

In the article, Kushner goes on to say, "There's no reason to think a candidate would openly expose his own shortcomings to a reporter, but this is characteristic of the way Clark's critics describe him: self-assured to the point of delusion." Funny, but in my opinion, Kushner's the delusional one. Clark "exposes" that he was appointed to full colonel, and later, brigadier general (one star) before anyone else in his USMA class? If these are the author's impression of shortcomings, I'd sure love to have a peek at Kushner's resume.

Adam's really no fan of Democrats, and used to spend most of his time picking on Bob Graham before Clark joined the race.

Edited: To clarify the source of the article in the original post

[AP]

10. I believe it was out of context. The spin was, no doubt, put on it by a RW

think tank.

[FrenchieCat]

8. Your desperation is showing..... n/t

[sangh0]

13. Something is definitely hilarious

but I suspect we disagree on exactly what

[leetrisck]

14. Think I'll rely on General Shalikasvilla's (sp)

opinion of Clark and it was pretty darned high.

[killbotfactory]

15. "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, gosh-darnit, people like me"

[VolcanoJen]

16. Tucker Carlson just repeated Clark's defense of his career on "Crossfire."

Nice to know that the GOP Mouthpieces are reading The New Republic smear pieces for research these days.

Thanks for doing the handiwork of Bushies, Adam Kushner! You kick ass, you liberal, you!

}(

[FrenchieCat]

17. Kar Rove is on overdrive!

They are trying to take the edge off of Clark's men's men and Soldier's soldier appeal!

It will not work.

Have you seen the pic of Clark on his horse. Unlike Bush, the man rides a horse well! And that's priceless!

[killbotfactory]

18. It's so silly, too

If you search for co-workers of any candidate you'll find somebody who doesn't like them.

Karl Rove will help you get some Zzz... :boring:

[maggrwaggr]

19. This is what they did to Al Gore

He's damned if you do, damned if you don't.

How else is he supposed to respond to accusations than to show them to be unfounded?

But noooooooo .... now he's egotistical.

This is exactly what they did to Al Gore.

[The Magistrate]

20. A Man Who Says This Of Himself Will Make An Excellent President

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"