"Chafee Says Republicans Fear Wesley Clark the Most"

[Rowdyboy]

Agrees with Ted Kennedy on His Bush-Iraq remarks...

http://www.insidepolitics.org/heard/heard011804.html

But still plans to support "W"?

[in_cog_ni_to]

1. That's true.

Clark is KKKRove's worse nightmare. I know what you mean about Chafee ....WHY? if he feels that way, does he still support the chimp? Doesn't make sense, but, then again, we get to have Zell Miller in our party. :(

[Ilsa]

2. Thanks for the link.

I've shared this already (since you posted it) on another message board. Subtle headlines like this are very important, esp. the end of the article.

[mmonk]

3. While I think so

the reality is no one knows what's in the minds of republicans because not all of them are the same.

[HootieMcBoob]

4. Of course he is

That's one of my biggest reasons for supporting him. Clark would absolutely destroy Bush* in every area. Rove would have to resort to a smear campaign and i just don't see that sticking.

Last night Clark was talking during a town hall meeting at an American Legion hall in New Hampshire. He is getting really, really good. He's very relaxed and is able to speak at length on any topic in a conversational manner that is very appealing to people, it's actually Clinton like. He's outrageously smart but doesn't come off as elitist. He is IMO by far the best candidate to run against Smirky McCokespoon.

[Red_Storm]

5. The Bush mob is well aware...........

of Clark and the threat that he represents.......

[andym]

6. Chafee is one of the most liberal Republicans in Congress

Chafee is one of the most liberal Republicans in Congress. He's probably more liberal than some Southern Democrats like Zell Miller-- I'd like to see their ACLU and other progressive ratings compared.

He is a Republican because his Dad was, and is likely not part of the Rove propaganda machine because he would not be trusted. So his opinion probably means something, since he is likely to at least overhear the political opinions of his more conservative Republican brethren in the Senate's Republican caucus.

Though I bet he gets some kind of "reprimand" for opening his mouth to the press.

My take is that they don't really "fear" any of our candidates. However, they do have their preferences, and I think Clark would be way down their list because of resume, personality and the fact he comes off quite well on television. But the most serious reason is that he threatens to appeal to part of their base, and cause a realignment in National politics.

Why does he threaten their base? Because he is a cultural anomaly. The stereotype of a military man these days is conservative, but Clark's views are progressive and liberal. If elected he will move the country to the left, because he will be perceived as a moderate almost no matter he does, in an analagous but opposite way to Reagan who was perceived as a moderate though he was moving the country far to the right.

Of course, it's his role as cultural anomaly that disturbs some elements of the left as well. Clark stands outside classic stereotypes which people use to classify others politics.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

11. Chaffee votes with the Dems 95% of the time

I wish he would do a Jeffords and leave the party. Same for Collins and Snowe from Maine. These are the Old Yankee Republicans that I actually have respect for-they tend to vote conscience and not party line.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

7. Chafee's on the Money Again

He and McCain are my favorite Republicans right now. Oh, and Paul O'Neill, of course.

DTH

[Mz Pip]

9. THese guys talk the talk

but at the end of the day they will not walk the walk. All will support Bush for re election.

On the other hand there is Zell Miller who doesn't like where the Democratic Party is and not only comes out and says so but outright says he will support Bush. Do I like that? No, but it does show conviction.

I'd like to see McCain, Chaffee or O'Neill show the same conviction as Zell Miller. Until then, they have zero credibility with me.

MzPip
:dem:

[Clark Can WIN]

13. See if you can make room for Chuck Hagel on that list

He's my homestate senator and a very fine senator at that in spite of belonging to the wrong party. He has openly and repeatedly criticized Bush for a variety of issues and most pointedly for the war.

[Jackhammer Jesus]

8. Chafee doesn't like Bush, and doesn't try to hide it.

On the local news a few months ago, I remember Chafee being asked whether he approved of Bush and whether he would vote for him again - the only answer he would give, even after being asked several times, was "I'm a Republican." I think it's safe to say he's not too fond of W.

Glad to have him as my senator!

[11cents]

10. If Chafee didn't at least give lip-service to supporting Bush ....

... he'd have to change parties or go independent, and there's no upside for him in doing that now. When Jeffords went ind and caucused with the Democrats, he created a Democratic majority in the Senate. If Chafee did the same now, he'd just become part of the minority and lose whatever clout he has as a Republican whose vote needs to be courted.

If the Democrats gain Senate seats in 2004, I bet Chafee will switch in a heartbeat.

[grisvador]

12. And for good reason

Clark has the resume that they can't attack to harshly without wrecking their military base. Karl Rove will try and lose the military vote for Bush.