Did Clark really rule out being a VP if Dean asked him?

[dansolo]

The immediate reaction after Clark's statement that "I don't see that in the cards" was that he was ruling out accepting being asked to be a VP if Dean were to get the nomination. But when you look at his entire quote, it looked like what he was really saying was that he didn't think that Dean getting the nomination was "in the cards". The key is what Clark was referring to as "that"? Was he talking about him being VP, or about the prospects of Dean being the nominee?


CLARK: No, I don't see that in the cards. I think the issue for this election is who should be the commander in chief and who is the right person to face George W. Bush. And that's what the Democratic electorate has to decide on. I like Howard Dean. I think he's done a fine job. I like his spirit. But, you know, Wolf, the days are passed when the Democratic Party can nominate a candidate in a time of war to go against a sitting president who is the commander in chief, who can say he's been there and done it.

You can't put someone against the commander in chief and win who hasn't been there and done it, in terms of foreign affairs. So for me, it's about being the commander in chief, and that's why I'm running.

[mmonk]

1. Time will only tell

depending on how things turn.

[Pastiche423]

2. Please, please, please

rule it out!

[alexwcovington]

3. And potentially keep Clark off the ticket altogether?

If Dean wins Clark should seriously consider it -- the offer is standing to my knowledge...

[Eloriel]

5. What offer?

It's MY understanding that Dean's REFUSAL to consider him for the ticket so early was part of his decision to run himself.

I'm with Pastiche. I hope Clark's words will keep him from any consideration by Dean.

Eloriel

[mmonk]

6. did he insult the king?

[FrenchieCat]

11. who's words?

Dean is not trustworthy.....first he's just "swell" with Clark....
2weeks later Dean backstabs!
That's your candidate, be proud!


September 11, 2003, Thursday
NATIONAL DESK
Dean Asks General to Join Him in Primaries, Aides Say
http://query.nytimes.com/search/restricted/article?res=F20815FA385F0C728DDDA00894DB404482
By JODI WILGOREN (NYT)
BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 10 -- After months of friendly discussions about national security and other issues, Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont, asked Gen. Wesley K. Clark to join his presidential campaign in some capacity if General Clark decided against making the run himself, aides for both men said tonight.
''The governor's told him repeatedly that he should run if he wants,'' Joe Trippi, Dr. Dean's campaign manager, said at the campaign headquarters here. ''I'm sure that along the way the governor's made clear that we want General Clark's support if he decides not to run for president. I assume every other candidate has done the same thing.''
--------------------
Dr. Dean, whose summer surge has made him a focal point of the nine-person primary field, has often spoken fondly of General Clark, in public and among his friends and supporters. The two men are both darlings of the Internet, which spawned a Draft Clark movement and has been fertile ground for Dr. Dean's fund-raising success.

----------------------------------------------------------
SO ALL WAS HONKY DOREY, AND THEN THIS HAPPENED!

NATIONAL DESK | September 24, 2003, Wednesday
Dean Takes The Offensive In Comments On Clark
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0C16FD3C590C778EDDA00894DB404482
By JODI WILGOREN with EDWARD WYATT (NYT) 802 words
Late Edition - Final , Section A , Page 25 , Column 1

ABSTRACT - Howard Dean, whose campaign for Democratic presidential nomination has been built on antiwar message, questions antiwar credentials of Gen Wesley K Clark, whom polls show at top of 10-member Democratic presidential field; intensifies attacks on Pres Bush, condemning his record on court appointments, race, education, domestic security and war on terrorism; photo (M)
---------------------------
AND THEN THIS HAPPENED, BECAUSE DEAN DOESN'T KNOW WHEN TO STOP!

[Pastiche423]

12. Stop what?

[Pastiche423]

10. Potentially?

I do not want clark anywhere near Dean.

clark has stated that he is running for president, not vp. I hope he was telling the truth.

[mmonk]

4. Wish

the flamers could be addressed.

[Dagaz]

7. I can't see it

Clinton and Carter are fighting the Dean nomination but right now he looks like he'll win. I hope those two get together and back somebody since that would really make a statement. NH is a small state and Iowa is a crazy caucus so the real race starts after NH.

[killbotfactory]

8. If he is serious about stopping Bush

And is convinced that teaming up with Dean will help insure his defeat, then he will accept a VP slot if Dean offers it.

But there is no reason to say he would right now, since he's running for the nomination.

[jsw_81]

9. Clark

Presidential candidates always say that they aren't interested in the vice presidential nomination, even if that's what they're really after. Bush played this game in 1980, Bentsen did the same in 1988, and Gore went so far as to laugh and say that he would definitely NOT take the veep slot in 1992. But when the phone call comes, they say yes 99 percent of the time.

The only time that nobody truly wanted the veep slot was in 1972 after the McGovern/Eagleton fiasco. McGovern had to literally beg several top Democrats (including Kennedy, Humphrey, Muskie etc.) to take second place, but everyone kept saying no because they knew he was doomed. He finally settled on Sargent Shriver and promptly lost in a landslide.

[AndyTiedye]

14. This is more like 1972 (much worse actually)

in that the wartime president has solid control of the media,
and the fix is in for the election and everybody knows it.

In any case, the primary qualification for a Democratic VP
candidate must be LIFE INSURANCE FOR THE PRESIDENT.
Wesley Clark does not meet this qualification.

[HuckleB]

13. He wants to be president.

In order to be president, he needs to focus on that wholly, at least in public. That doesn't mean he won't accept the VP nomination, if it comes to that.