The only way to defeat Bush is to debate him on our terms, on our turf

[lib 4 all]

I do not believe that Wes Clark would be a strong candidate against Bush. Clark's main appeal is as a NATO General, but Bush is a "war-time president". That is his turf, and he wins on it.

If we allow him to set the agenda of the debate, we will lose. Clark will only make the focus of the election Iraq since his military record is all he brings, and Bush has the solid approval there. Clark has no working experience with any other issues.

We need to make the focus on traditional Democratic values, and there are many candidates in this race who would be far better suited.

[BootinUp]

1. There are many qualities that attract voters

The problem with almost all of your posts I have seen, is you have no opinion about Clarks leadership, communication skills, record of integrity, record of taking care of servicemen and woman, record of diplomacy, knowledge of foreign policy issues, knowledge of domestic issues, progressive platform, support by many Democrats, civil rights leaders, civil liberty leaders...and undoubtedly more stuff I can't think of right off the top of my head.


As long as your battle cry is NO GENERALS! Your posts will not attract much in depth debate.

[lib 4 all]

3. I don't see Clark's communication skills or leadership standing out

from anyone else in the race. If anything, I think his communication skills are weak. And communication skills will not win you an election. Elections are about issues and experience, not image.

[Toronto Ron]

5. "Elections are about issues and experience, not image" ?

If that's true, explain why Gore didn't win more convincingly than he did in 2000.

[liberalnurse]

2. His platform is narrow in scope.

He has not been challenged as of yet.....and I think he is in for a similiar anti-Dean attack from Rove and the boys up on the hill.

Clarks rise in the polls are to be short lived once the real battle begins. Dean has been able to sustain the gauntlet with success. It has prepared him for the Rove attacks....This has been a good exercise for Dean.

[Mattforclark]

6. Narrow in scope?

Please provide specifics as to where he lacks.

clark04/issues

[Snivi Yllom]

4. Dean is much better rounded

Clark only figured out he is a Democrat in the last few months fer petes sake!