Where is Clark on the issues? An old refrain addressed astutely...

[Bread and Circus]

Posted on Thu, Dec. 11, 2003

Clark has a domestic plan, but many aren't listening
By Dana Hull
Knight Ridder Newspapers


NICOLAS KHAYAT, Abaca Press.

Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark speaks to students at Hunter College in New York City in October 2003.



DURHAM, N.H. - Wesley Clark, the retired Army general seeking the Democratic nomination for president, faces a problem: Critics say his domestic agenda is vague, but when he talks about raising family income or lifting children out of poverty, voters and reporters often respond by asking him more questions about Iraq.


To try to persuade voters that he's got a vision beyond the battlefield, this week Clark's campaign kicked off a weeklong "Turnaround Plan for America," to prove that "The General" isn't one-dimensional.


On Monday, Clark pledged to raise family incomes by $3,000 during his first four years in office. On Tuesday, he concentrated on the environment and air pollution. Wednesday, it was access to higher education; Thursday, children and poverty; Friday, health care.


But Clark has four stars, a 34-year Army resume and a compelling biography. That sets him apart from the crowded Democratic field; elderly voters and children alike are drawn to his military background. He regularly tells the story of a young boy who grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go because he thought that Clark could bring his dad home from Iraq. Teenagers who want to join the Army often ask Clark for career advice.

(end excerpt)

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/7469796.htm

[Auntie Bush]

1. Children love Clark

"children alike are drawn to his military background."

Some entrepreneur should start making GI Clark dolls with tons of medals, ribbons and uniforms. They would make a fortune and would also promote the General. Maybe even give a percentage of the profits to his campaign.

[webkev]

2. I already asked about this

my uncle works for a toy factory and I askled DU..
nobody seemed that enthusiastic..
but i'll bet they will be out anyway for 04..

[Tatiana]

3. Excellent article familydoctor!

Then came the questions: How can we get more Arabic speakers into the military? What do you think about American forces bombing a playground in Afghanistan?

"It's a dilemma," Clark said a day later. "Obviously, they want to talk security with me, and I want to talk to them about what they want to talk about. I know the security issues and the terrorism issues, and I have worked Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo … but I'm passionate about education, the environment and health care. I've lived those issues in the United States Army and around the world."

And therein lies the dilemma. We have a candidate who has taught economics, but all anyone wants to know is how the hell Clark will get us out of Iraq. Iraq is a valid concern, no doubt, but this article illustrates that the problem isn't Clark's lack of domestic policy and ideas. It's the fact that one seems interested in them.

We've got to change that.