When Clark wins the nomination, could Dean be the VP?

[floridaguy]

I think this is very possible, and would certainly make the Democratic ticket a blockbuster. Although Clark has stated he feels Dean can not beat Bush as the presidential nominee, he has stopped short of attacking him the way the other candidates have. This leaves the door open for a Clark/Dean ticket, and right now, that looks like the best thing that could happen to the Democratic party.

Of course, this won't happen until Clark makes a surprise showing in Iowa and finishes close to Dean in New Hampshire. Then upon winning most of the early February states, the writing will be on the wall. Clark will be poised to waltz into Boston the new pride of the Democratic party.

Dean's campaign organization is undoubtedly one of the best accomplishments in recent Democratic campaign history. The party's failure to capitalize on this would be a dissapointment and could possibly cost the party the election. Further, Dr. Dean's appeal to the disenfranchised part of the party will only serve to solidify the ticket, if he decides to be a team player.

What do you think?

I'm thinking Clark/Dean kicks some GOP butt!

[unfrigginreal]

1. Actually, I think Pres. Dean will honor Clark by letting him serve as

his special envoy to Iraq. Something that utilizes Clark's experience.

[Melodybe]

2. Dean/Clark, Clark/Dean it doesn't matter either is our dream ticket in 04

[Leilani]

3. I don't think Clark ever said Dean could not beat Bush

But he did say that he would be the best candidate to beat Bush because of his foreign policy & military experience.

[Gore1FL]

4. EIther combo is OK with me.

But I don;t expect to see the VP come from the ranks of those running for the top spot. It hasn't happened in over 20 years. and then not for 12 before that -- that's 32 years since the Dems did it with Humphrey/Muske.

Arguably, you could say law of averages dictate thatit happen again, but by the same token, such a move is a very rare occurance.

I'd love to see Maxine Waters on the short-list.

[Racenut20]

5. There is a great need

for country Doctors in western Kansas. He could go there and go back to collecting medicare payments.

Or perhaps Senator HMO will hire him as an aide to his staff, to work with Newt on reducing medicare since they both have experience.

[SheilaT]

6. What's this, the sixth millionth time this

has been posted?

It's not going to happen. Not Dean/Clark, not Clark/Dean. Neither man will chose the other for the VP slot. Let's just hope in the end that the loser will campaign for the winner in the general election.

[elfin]

7. I agree

The pick will be either Graham, Richardson or Gephardt.

[Alex146]

8. that or Dean/Clark

when Dean gets the nomination.

[dogman]

9. Dean would still be Dean

Clark shouldn't carry that baggage. He has an end strategy to beat Bush. But I trust him to make the call.

[GOPBasher]

10. I love this ticket.

I posted something similar to this some time back. I think this ticket would be our best chance to win back the white house.

[mumishka]

11. Clark is not even a real democrat

Clark is not even a real democrat. No real democrat will support Clark

A federal lobbyist for military corporations, a voter for Nixon and Reagan, a supporter of the School of Americas--- do you need any more evidence that no real democrat will caste a vote for Clark

I am not a Dean supporter but I am a yellow dog democrat and I would never trust Clark to support democratic causes.

[kang]

12. I'm not sure I understand why some view Clark as

so untrustworthy and as some sort of X-Files puppet candidate. He's only candidate who hasn't been involved in politics. Do you really think Clark doesn't stand for what he says he does? That he doesn't speak his own mind? This is a man who served this country for 34 years and stood up to the Pentagon in order to stop ethnic cleansing. He's never had a problem speaking his mind.

I mean, he's running on the idea that leaders should be held accountable! Do you really think his Pledges to turn around the country (listed on his website) are just hot air? If you're a true yellow dog, then you're a real centrist who should appreciate General Clark's practical agenda for America. Please don't let a few heuristic short-cuts lead you to the wrong assumption. I'm a real Democrat too and I'm voting for General Clark. Please consider taking a second look.

[dave29]

14. I don't harbor any conspiracy

theories about Clark - or give them much credence. My problem is that he is a bit of an unknown quantity who doesn't help himself with his coyness. He is very charming, witty and clearly a great man, however, he can also talk around an answer for a real long time without ever getting to the point. His lack of political background is not an asset - and is requiring him, in my opinion, to rely too heavily on his allies and advisors to get him to the nomination.

It's one of the main reasons I prefer Dean - who also has superb centrist credentials. There is no question what you are getting with Dean - he'll tell you straight up - whether you like it or not. I see Dean as more politically shrewd - and he also seems more authoritative than Clark (despite Clark's military background). Dean also has been more bold, and more of a risk-taker. Watching Clark meander his way towards jumping into the race was almost unbearable. Topping that, his voting history and recent advocacy of the current Administration, while not wrong to do, still makes some Democrats uncomfortable, and there's not much that can be done about that.

I see in Clark an remarkable and courageous military man who can serve our party very well - but I don't think the Presidency is the right place for him right off the bat.

[Todd Smyth]

17. I Agree But...

He is untested in the political arena, was a lifelong Republican and his tax plan is a fairytale. I think Karl Rove will chop him up.

[vermonter4clark]

13. how about clark and clinton?

she didn't say she wouldn't accept the vice-presidential nomination, did she?

[Better Days]

15. How about Dean with an African American VP?

As I White man I think I have the right to say I am tired of only white men, with one exception, being the only choices of the major parites.

[Name removed]

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[Todd Smyth]

18. Hmmm VP Debate??

I would prefer to see Dean go after Cheney in the VP debate but even with a Clinton endorsement I really don't think Clark's core support will hold up against what Karl Rove will do to him.

[Todd Smyth]

19. Republicans are Afraid of Howard Dean not Clark

I will support any Dem candidate but I don’t want to let the Republicans pick the one they want or eliminate the one they don’t want. The intense media distortions should tell you that they (Karl Rove) do not want to run against Howard Dean.

When you see Clark ads on Fox News that means that is who they want to run against.

[floridaguy]

23. GOP has every reason to fear Clark and not Dean

If you haven't noticed we are at war. National security is on the minds of every American. I guess you didn't get the Orange alert.

Bush trying to stand up to Clark's military record is laughable.

Even the Texas Air National Guard looks better than the deferment.

I guess all the conservative and liberal commentators who are saying Dean is unelectable are all involved in the conspiracy with Fox.

SHHH .. . Did you hear something?

[poskonig]

20. It is possible.

Isn't Clark hampered by taking public financing? One would get Dean's valuable organization, but wouldn't be able to exploit it financially against Bush.

[daschledemocrat04]

21. Clark will at least ask Hillary

I'm almost positive that his first choice is Hillary. He's hinted that way several times before. I think Clark/Clinton will beat out Clark/Dean or Dean/Clark any day of the week. In fact add the name Clinton to any ticket and it is almost sure to win

[Name removed]

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[copithorne]

24. I'm a Clark supporter.

I think Clark should and will select Howard Dean as his running mate.

Of course he will.

It will either be Clark/Dean or Dean/Clark.