Wes Clark responds to Karl Rove

[CarolNYC]

My response to Karl Rove

Democrats everywhere are bemoaning the preposterous and inflammatory remarks Karl Rove is accused of saying in response to the Senator Durbin's remarks on Guantanamo Bay:

"Has there ever been a more revealing moment this year? Let me just put this in fairly simple terms: Al Jazeera now broadcasts the words of Senator Durbin to the Mideast, certainly putting our troops in greater danger. No more needs to be said about the motives of liberals...Conservatives saw the savagery of 9/11 in the attacks and prepared for war; liberals saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and wanted to prepare indictments and offer therapy and understanding for our attackers." --Karl Rove

I am so saddened by this untrue, unfair, unwise statement made by President Bush's closest advisor. I hope you will express your sadness directly to the highest authority.

Wes Clark

http://wes-clark.forclark.com/story/2005/6/23/18858/3813

[whistle]

1. The statement was a BushCo wet dream......

...we'll hear no backing off, no apologies and no retraction. Rove made the statement with the full approval and prior knowledge of the Bush administration from the top down. So in my opinion the democrats need to take off the gloves and start swinging.

[Jai4WKC08]

40. You've got to be joking

Of course we'll get no retraction, because not only did Rove have approval, he probably didn't need it. Who do you think writes White House statements for the president?

But Clark is blogging to his own base, asking us to write the White House to express our own displeasure with Rove's statement. How could that be any kind of sop to Bush or Rove? Whether it brings a retraction or not (and I doubt Clark nurses any illusions), he's encouraging us to speak out.

If more Democrats would speak out against Repub rhetoric, and show a little spine doing it, maybe they'd at least think twice about how they choose their words. And even if they don't, it wouldn't hurt us to stand together for a change.

[WHAT]

73. Ha, Ha, Ha...

very funny!

:rofl:

[WHAT]

75. He, He, He...

I have to show-off my new sig. line...

"I am so saddened by this untrue, unfair, unwise statement made by President Bush's closest advisor. I hope you will express your sadness directly to the highest authority."...Wes Clark

[trillian]

2. Right on, Wes!

We need to let the poodles know how disgusted we are.

[JohnnyBoots]

23. Especially when the limp wristed liberal is a four star, combat

wounded vet who could probably whup george and karl at the same time! The liberal stigma and stereo type needs tobe combated I am sure that this was a response to the effectiveness of Dean's GOP based comments

[Wetzelbill]

80. no doubt

[Sparkly]

3. As posted elsewhere.... "Highest Authority"

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

(Using the word "highest" in a different definition, perhaps...)

[Texas_Kat]

26. Yeah, I think Wes is telling Rove

he should ask God's forgiveness. After all, what good does it do to be 'forgiven' by another sinner.

[Coexist]

87. done - to both of the idiots

[Frederik]

4. Didn't I just read somewhere (here I think)

that al-Jazeera hasn't even mentioned Durbin's speech?

[glaeken777]

11. Mediamatters has it....

There was an article yesterday stating that. AJ did run a story... buried it actually... and all it stated was that a congressman had apologized for (unspecified) remarks.

Hardly the trumpet blast across the Arab world that Rove characterized it as. He's a liar, pure and simple.

[BeHereNow]

5. Okay, I am dense- What exactly, is his response?

"I am saddened?"
Now THAT's telling Rove off!
"Give me your wrist Karl, I want to slap you with a feather."
I bet Karl is shaking in his boots now!
BHN

[Sparkly]

6. Well I guess he could have threated to beat him up.

:shrug:

[BeHereNow]

10. Or demanded an apology

and called him on demonizing the democratic
party?
But no, he is just too sad to use apply such an
accurate and appropriate response.
Poor thing.
BHN

[Adelante]

13. Right

And let Wes Clark become the story instead of Karl Rove be the story. I wouldn't mind that too much, but Clark is smarter than you and me.

[Sparkly]

15. Would that have made Rove "shake in his boots?" n/t

[BeHereNow]

28. Well, in most cases, shining the light

on a cock roach sends it scurrying back to its hole.
The documentary about the Bush Brain, (Rove)
is FULL of documentation about how Karl operates.
Do we need to send Wes a copy, or would it just make
him sadder..."Sad" is an emotional response.
I would prefer concrete action.
BHN

[bitchkitty]

34. LOL! n/t

[Clark2008]

35. Actually, he asking US - the AMERICAN PEOPLE - to demand

an apology.

What? We can't do it on our own?

Flood the fucking White House email box with calls for Rove's apology.

[BeHereNow]

38. And what effect have our previous emails had?

How about Clark bringing up the DMS and prior Rovian
campaigns of destruction on his new Fox network broadcast?
BHN

[dogman]

50. Get a clue.

He does not have a new Fox network broadcast. He is brought in as an analyst. He has been telling what the DSM has revealed for years now and dismissed as a kook by both the right and left wing extremists for saying so. He holds no office but he does ask his supporters to avail themselves of the only tool they have, their voice.

[tridim]

7. A perfect response would be

"Fuck you Karl Rove". Simple, effective and to the point.

[Totally Committed]

12. There are times I think there is nothing this man can say...

that will get some of you to give him credit where it's due.

Honestly.... :shrug:

TC

"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is."

-- George W. Bush on Kosovo
(Houston Chronicle April 9, 1999)

[BeHereNow]

24. It is NOT what he says-

It it what he does NOT say that
bothers many of us.
Lord forbid we express our concerns about that
little fact though.
BHN

[ClarkUSA]

37. Wes Clark wants YOU to express your concerns - so go do it!!

The Democrats have already demanded an apology, fat lot that will do.

But maybe the grassroots better stop shouting directions and take action. Wes Clark wants us to stop "bemoaning" and take it straight to the top.

Instead of asking Wes Clark to curse 'em out, why don't you?????

I'll help out all the armchair warriors here:

Mailing Address
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Phone Numbers
Comments 202-456-1111
Switchboard 202-456-1414

Chimpface: [e-mail]
Chimpface's Handler: [e-mail]

[BeHereNow]

42. And what is his hesitation to both

ask us to email our concerns AND use his
airtime to call them out?
It's been my observation that the media
is a very useful tool in swaying public opinion-
Now that Wes has Fox airtime, as a "democrat"
I would like to see him use it on topics that MATTER-
like this and the DMS.
Not holding my breath for that day.
BHN

[ClarkUSA]

52. Are you solely here on this thread to bash Clark? Sure seems like it.

WTF are you blathering about Wes having Fox airtime? He's not hosting his own show, he is their military analyst and he consistently tells the Fox audiences of how Bush's policies are failing in Iraq. What do you expect him to do, ignore the events of the day on the ground in Iraq and start foaming at the mouth about Karl Rove and
the DSM? How ridiculous!

Just what is your candidate of choice doing about DSM and this issue?

Pray do tell. :eyes:

[FrenchieCat]

9. Well he wanted to say.....

"I'm gonna kick this motherfucker asshole Rove in his rat's ass behind.....cause he tells more lies...him and his little Bitch Piece of shit of a President!"

But I held him back...

I was holding on to his jacket and everything!

I just didn't want him to go off and become the focus of the news...instead of simply commenting on it and requesting his many followers to start writing letters!

[FrenchieCat]

16. Here's just one of the replies from one of his supporters....

by jen (http://www.freepress.net) on 06/23/2005 04:48:43 PM PDT
Thank you for addressing this here. I will write my senators, reps and directly to the WH as well as letters to the editor of my local papers. I also am taking your post to other blogs to get the word out to the troops! I have a horrible feeling things are going to get uglier and uglier as more FACTS become known to people.

Guess a lot of voices would be more effective than just one voice threatening to beat someone up or calling them a liar.

We have enough "Schoolboys" on the playground. The grown ups have to come up with a better strategy. I don't think a loud "tit for tat" word exchange is gonna garnet good will for the Democrats, in this particular case.

I know you are....but what am I?

[BeHereNow]

20. Well THANKS for that!

I would hate for ANY democrat to be in the
news exposing the truth of how the adminstration
silences all dissent by demonizing our party.
Lord knows the Rebulicans kept quiet on Durbin-
Naturally, we should remain docile doormats
when we are characterized by KKKarl as
unpatriotic wimps.
BHN

[ClarkUSA]

55. Again, what is YOUR favorite Democrat doing about this issue and DSM?

Still waiting....*whistling patiently*

[Texas_Kat]

8. Karl Roves Worst Nightmare-not the first time Clark challenges the Brain

From the primaries on the roll out of Clark's tax plan:

"If Karl Rove is watching today, Karl, I want you to hear me loud and clear: I am going to provide tax cuts to ease the burdens for 31 million American families -- and lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty -- by raising the taxes on 0.1 percent of families -- those who make more than $1,000,000 a year. You don't have to read my lips, I'm saying it," Clark said.

"And if that makes me an 'old-style' Democrat, then I accept that label with pride and I dare you to come after me for it.""

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/01/05/elec04.prez.clark.taxes/index.html

:applause:

[11cents]

14. That looks like something he text-messaged in

And it's lame.

[Texas_Kat]

17. Are you talking to me?

Or did ya post this in the wrong place?

[11cents]

19. Posted in the wrong place, sorry

Trying to make a general comment.

[11cents]

21. Gaah!

Did it again.

[Tinksrival]

22. Spam the White House!

It is high time and way over due! Rove and puppet Bush need to feel our furry and get a taste of the power of the Blogs! I wish we could get an email effort going like we did for the DSM petitions. Well I definitely
am going to give them a piece of my mind! I am so angry!

[juajen]

45. I don't know about the rest of you, but I certainly

do not want him feeling my furry. Gosh, what a thought!!

OK, I apologize, but the spelling police has kept quiet for quite a while. Do go on, talk amongst yourselves.

BTW, for anyone who doesn't get it, it's spelled F U R Y.

[Tinksrival]

58. HHHHAAAA HHHAAA !!!!

I even did a spell check and it didn't come up! :rofl:
Thanks for the correction and the laugh!
Now I need to go shave.

[Al-CIAda]

18. "Sad"? "Bemoaning"? Er, I don't think so. Impotent, try again. n/t

[FrenchieCat]

25. Karl Rove is

an unwise sad little specimen of a turd. :hurts:

How's that?

[11cents]

27. Better

"Bemoaning" and being "sad" is what spineless weenie Democrats have been doing for years. As I said above, this message looks like something Clark did in a rush. It would be better not to flourish it around as a "statement," because it's a crappy one.

[jmaier]

29. concur

[BeHereNow]

32. You are correct-

And it simply furthers the "limp-spineless-liberal" stereotype.
The pukes have kicked the shit out of Durbin and others
for speaking the TRUTH.
When Rove kicks the crap out of the Democratic
party, the party leaders whimper their pain like
beaten dogs chained to the back porch-
they are so sad...
What pathetic crap.
BHN

[Tom Rinaldo]

71. I got your point, then I got it again, then again , then again...

Clark did not issue a strong statement about Rove, got it. Clark has had very strong things to say about Rove and Bush and other Republicans in the past, but this very short comment of his is not hard hitting. OK, I agree. I won't go as far as you though, in public speech calling something "very sad" is not a wishy washy limp emotional regret, it is a put down. Maybe not a strong put down, but a put down. "How sad it is that this is all you can say", that type of put down. In fact it is a type of put down of Clark that you could make right now if you chose, which just proves my point. It was a put down.

Now I happen to like stronger put downs personally so I'm not excited by this comment of Clark's, but you know there are some people who respect a soft insult better than a total smack down, and maybe this comment will be effective with them. None of this matters very much. It's not like Clark was piling onto Dean or Durbin or anything of that sort. No matter how you look at it, this doesn't remotely rise to the level of controversy. No sell out here and no smack downs. Time to move along.

[BeHereNow]

31. No, Karl Rove is a DANGEROUS Straussian.

I would worship ANY dem who had the balls to point that out,
so far, none have.
Instead, they are sad...
Sad implies weak.
OUTRAGED is the APPROPRIATE emotional response
to Rove's tactics and demonizing.
BHN

[FrenchieCat]

33. Yes......

You would worship ANY dem who had the balls.....until the next morning.

Have you ever supported General Clark?

[BeHereNow]

36. No, I have not- he has FAR too many questionable ties

to Frank Carlucci and other Bush Sr. cronies for my taste.
Not to mention what it takes to become a FOUR star
general in our military.
Sorry. He has done nothing to win my trust or confidence.
BHN

[Clark2008]

56. And you have done nothing but trash this thread

I don't see anyone else out there saying a fucking thing.

Besides the widows and widowers of 9/11, that is.

[Cha]

30. Thank you, Clark, for speaking out

against "the preposterous and inflammatory remarks" of karl rove.

Josh Marshall had a good point on this kind of rhetoric used by the bushreich..

"The president and his partner are more concerned with going to war with half the country than they are with war against the country's enemies abroad. Until the president thinks differently on that key point there's simply no point in dealing with him on anything."


http://talkingpointsmemo.com/

[Boo Boo]

39. Not sure if this really qualifies as a "response" per se

at least not in the sense of a press release or prepared statement. This is a quick post to his own blog on CCN, probably on a Blackberry, encouraging his supporters to respond. If he were making a statement for the record I'm sure he'd have a lot more to say.

[11cents]

44. Exactly.

The problem is in the assumption that *everything* he does must be gold and therefore worth spreading far and wide. The blog entry was probably not meant for the general public, and any reasonable person can see that as a "statement" it ain't much. It's weaker than what many Democrats have been saying today.

[Donna Zen]

76. Then don't write

If it bothers you so much, then this action is not for you. Really.

I wrote because I think what is happening to this country is wrong, and yes, it makes me angry, but it also makes me sad. So I wrote.

I don't always write about everything, this time I did.

[Jai4WKC08]

48. Not a "response" at all

A call for all of us to respond.

He knows damn well the passion we're capable of generating.

And for those who think Clark's own words weren't harsh enough, let me ask you... what other Democratic leaders have contacted their consituents on this at all?

[CarolNYC]

57. Exactly...It's a call for us to get involved and make our voices heard.

He didn't even post it on the securingamerica site but on his blog at CCN.

Either you can take some action...or you can sit around complaining about the way Clark worded a quick message to his supporters. Your choice....

[Boo Boo]

66. No complaints here!

:7 <== See? I'm grinning like some kind of freak! Eager to act!

:kick: <== And here we see me leaping into the fray. Kicking ass!

[arewenotdemo]

81. What an ass!

Wish mine could kick like that!

:cry:

[Hidden Stillness]

41. The Same Shit--Again!

Now, moving on from attacking the great Democrat Sen. Durbin instead of Republicans, they attack the great Democrat Wesley Clark instead of Republicans! What is the matter with you people--don't you WANT our country's problems solved?

[BeHereNow]

46. Actually, WE did not attack Durbin

The Repukes did.
They Repukes have now attacked us collectively
and the best one of our so called leaders can come up
with is the fact that he is sad about it.
PAHLEEZE.
BHN

[Cha]

53. Some on this Board have

attacked Durbin.

[brentspeak]

43. That was an unforceful response

I'm disappointed. But I'll take it.

[Al-CIAda]

49. I'm saddened and bemoaning the fact that you are disappointed.

:cry: :+

[democrat_patriot]

47. Better response;

You cowardly rat-f****er. I am on my way over to beat your ass. This will be filmed, so we can show the American people how much of a chickenhawk coward you really are.

After the beating, some people I know are going to strap wires to your shrunken b***s and ask you a few questions.

Sincerely,

Uncle Sam

[11cents]

51. Best response

Mail Rove's fat ass to Fallujah.

[LandOLincoln]

54. Well, I have to admit I would have preferred

"Pistols at dawn, you gob o' spit, and John Kerry will be my second,"

but I suppose the Secret Service, Fibbies etc. would take a dim view of that.

[acmejack]

59. Perhaps not.

Could it be that they are eager for a change in management?

[LandOLincoln]

61. You may be onto something there.

Wouldn't be a big surprise, would it?

[libodem]

60. oh yeah they can say anything mean they want to

but when we stoop to their level we are seditious traitors aiding and abetting the enemy. Why wasn't their relentless hounding of president Clinton, unpatriotic and considered embarrassing for other nations to be made fully aware. It's a wonder that man could even run this country between whitewater and Paula Jones sticking her big ugly crooked nose where it didn't belong. What a bunch of spitefull unprofessional crybabies.

[ClarkUSA]

63. Great rant.

:applause:

[ProudDad]

62. Just part of the game

Rove plays bad cop,

Bush gets to play good cop...

(Ed Shultz' take on it)

[FourStarDemocrat]

70. I don't neccessarily agree. When Rove becomes the story its not good for

Rove or his boy Bush. They're all on the defensive now, and rightly so. Those statements are sickening. And they're all over the news. Karl can't be happy with everyone jumping on him. And the defenses by Andrew Card and others were laughably lame. The chimp is going to go down even more in the polls.

[FrenchieCat]

64. Actually, this was not a message for widespread consumption....

but a call for action from the Clark troups.

If one actually goes to the link, and reads the responses, one can see that most responses are saying that they will write, who to, and some have posted their letters already.
http://wes-clark.forclark.com/story/2005/6/23/18858/381...

It's not posted on SecuringAmerica.com, so it's not his public statement.

Some of us love the General so much, that we rush out and post everything he says and does....

Guess we will have to be a little more discerning as to what is a blog post from Wes directing Clarkies vs. a public statement. We don't need the "Haters" coming out of the woodwork....standing in line, ready to criticize ...a blog post not deemed "forceful" , not blinking enough, or wearing the "wrong" sweater, etc....

Remember, some cynical Dems are lying in wait....waiting to take away what they can from the General....

Let's not help them.

[CarolNYC]

65. Well, I assumed folks could see the statement for what it was...

...especially considering where it was posted. My bad, I guess, for giving people too much credit.

And, as a New Yorker who's really really sick and tired of the clowns in the Administration using my wounded city's tragedy to further their agendas and further divide this country and the world, I'm saddened too...so you guys can attack me also. :(

[Jai4WKC08]

67. I think most folks can

The naysayers in this thread either aren't thinking, or they're the type to look for any reason at all to attack the General and nothing he could do or say would good enough.

It's easy to criticize what others do, but I don't see any of 'em saying they will write the White House or their Senators. I sure as hell don't see them demanding other Democratic leaders put out a more strongly worded call to action. And there are a whole bunch of big-name Democrats who have their own PACs and blogs where such a call could be posted.

Well, I wrote. Before I ever posted anything to DU.

And whether our letters do any good or not, it occurs to me that whenever any Democrat says anything that the Repubs figure out a way to ridicule, every last one of 'em jumps on the bandwagon to condemn errant Democrat. You don't hear Repubs whining about whether the condemnations are worded exactly the way they might prefer. They join in, together.

If Democrats don't start learning to act together, and setting aside insignicant differences, we will never be a majority party again.

[CarolNYC]

83. Thanks jai

My shortcoming is that I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the concept that there are Demcorats who would much prefer to bash other Democrats than to go after Republicans....I'm fairly new to the political game. I guess I'll learn.

I also have a problem (one that is apparently not shared by all) with either party using what happened on 9-11 to further any kind of political agenda...Maybe you had to be there. :(

[Jim Sagle]

68. With his response, Clark conveyed several impressions:

1) The White House as Animal House;

2) The Democrats as sincere patriots outraged at a slur on their patriotism; and

3) Wes Clark as the REAL grown-up.

It was dead solid perfect.

I have one phrase for those Democrats who think it helpful to pound on other good Democrats:

Keep it together.

[Donna Zen]

72. Whoa Jim! Thanks

I took the naysayers sentiments to heart and thought the entire message over. What was the tone, and who is his audience? The troops demand redmeat, but I've waited an hour before posting on this thread, and I think he's right.

Wes Clark said he was sad; so I say about what? And so I listed what makes me sad about the state of our nation.


I have this letter to send:

Considering the lives lost since 9/11 and the great trauma that the country has endured, is it productive to try and divide this country by creating a false dichotomy based on fictitious assumptions? Is that the role of government? Is that what the often quoted phrase “everything changed after 9/11” means? That neighbors should now disparage neighbors because Karl Rove doubts their ability to love their country in a way that he sees as politically correct.

Or are we just being discouraged, once again, from asking questions? Is that the freedom that our attackers were so jealous of?

It is unfortunate that Karl Rove has so little love or knowledge of our Constitution, and our nation, that he is unable to grasp the simple: out of many one. That he would think it clever to twist Senator Durbin’s statement in an effort to shift the blame for the outrage in the Arab streets over the administration's despicable policies onto a convenient scapegoat, betrays his agenda. His words are nothing more than a show of disrespect for the institutions of American government, and an insult to the people they represent.

Karl Rove now serves on the public payroll and thus, is counted as a public servant. He has dishonored his post with his petty, cruel words. It is now time to show him the door since he seems incapable of such an act of human kindness as an apology.

[wiggs]

82. I agree

I don't need Clarke to spend any more time or thought on Karl Rove than that. Ridicule Rove and move on to more important issues.

You are right...Clark handled it like a real grown up. Rove's intention is to throw a stink bomb out there and watch everyone run around getting upset and demanding an apology. Waste of time, IMO, and Clark treated it as such.

Unfortunately, just like the Dean stuff of the last month, all the "journalists" will be asking about dems' opinions on Rove now to avoid talking about real problems.

[Donna Zen]

84. When asked about Karl

...each one of them must turn the conversation. Since most of them won't talk about the DSMs anyway, this is an issue they "might" respond to. But the tone is "bush and karl are bullies with no respect for anyone. They are people who would use a national tragedy to advance a political agenda. That's wrong."

Please write and call. Then write again.

[geckosfeet]

69. I hope he crawls back under his rock and stays put. Keeping his

fat jowls shut would be better than an apology.

[EFerrari]

74. Apology?! Wtf? I don't want an apology.

I don't want my tax dollars paying this cockroach's salary.

Call them and demand he be fired. No one elected Karl Rove to insult the people's representatives.

Apology?

Hello? McFly?!

[CBHagman]

77. The "Durbin puts the troops in danger" talking point...

...had already appeared in a LTTE in The Washington Times :puke: the other day. This must be among the carefully disseminated RW talking points.

Of course, in terms of sheer lack of logic, it's right up there with blaming Clinton for 9/11...when it was Bush who received the August 6, 2001, Presidential Daily Brief titled "Bin Laden determined to attack in the U.S." and then stayed on vacation for the rest of the month.

[Donna Zen]

78. Yeah

I tried to get that in my letter. They needed a scapegoat for their fucked up war, and they definately "rolled" this out.

Clark was meeting with the Senate Dems today, I imagine that his note to his blog arose from the meeting. Plenty going on here. Durbin is one of the good guys who always votes for the veterans, the talk in the room must have been awful. They had the veterans in MI come out against Durbin...imagine that.

Wes Clark's son once said that his dad really is that geewhiz American who truly loves this country. If you have read "War Is The Force That Life Meaning" by Chris Hedges, the stuff that is happening is scary, makes you angry, and if you have any feeling for the ideals of this nation at all, it makes you sad. I think the General is truly sad.

We are on a road to nowhere.

Please write...fill the goddamn e-boxes.

[Catrina]

79. Gen. Clark

was my candidate for president. I think he would have made a great president.

I hope he will make a much stronger statement than that about the lies told by Karl Rove in that, now infamous attack on patriotic, Americans, which include, troops, first responders, Democrats who gave their lives for this country in all of its wars, the families of 9/11 and millions of Karl Rove's fellow citizens for whom he appears to have more hatred than he does for the enemies of this country.

He lied about the words of Sen. Durbin, and about the fact that AL Jazeera used them to denigrate this country. Karl Rove has given Al Jazeera daily reasons to denigrate this country.

I hope Al Jazeera doesn't publish Karl Rove's vicious attack on half of America's citizens. Our image abroad is damaged enough as a result of the policies of this administration.

We also know that the reason why 'Conservatives' meaning the Bush administration was so willing to go to war now. We have read the Downing Street Memo/minutes and know without a doubt that GW BUSH intended to go to war with Iraq for years and used 9/11 and the grief of the American people to get his wish.

The Downing Street Memo/minutes are all we need to know about why Conservatives (Bush et al) were ready for war after 9/11, and it wasn't about fighting the War on Terror!

I as a NYer am sick and tired of this administration using the tragedy of 9/11 for political purposes and I want our leaders to demand that Karl Rove and George Bush apologize to the tens of millions of American citizens he insulted!!

Aaron Brown called Karl Rove's comments 'silly' tonight! I call them a vicious attack on millions of Americans. Aaron Brown needs to hear from those of us who were the victims of that attack, I think.

Karl Rove is hoping we will be diverted from the Downing Street Memo/minutes. Wrong, he actually reminded me of it in his vile speech when he, for once, told the truth. 'Conservatives were ready for war'. Indeed, as the DSM prove, and which until now, they have denied. Thanks for the verification, Karl. And I demand an apology, btw, and then prosecution, for Valerie Plame amongst other things.

[rodeodance]

85. he is telling us to something. plain and simple. The outrage has to come

from us--the 'people'!!

[CarolNYC]

86. you know what?

I didn't even realize that ratbastard Rove made those remarks in Manhattan until I watched the local news last night! What a piece of shit that guy is! Yeah, the whole thing is disrespectful to liberals but it's also offensive to those who were effected by the tragedy of 9-11. I find it highly offensive that anyone would use that day as a political football....and, yeah, sad.

[Jai4WKC08]

88. Clark did more than put out a call to his base

According to ABC's the note, dated yesterday:

After being spotted Tuesday on the Hill walking through the Capitol with New York's junior senator, and then again spotted in Dick Durbin's Capitol office, Gen. Clark has accepted Sen. Dorgan's invitation to speak at the DPC lunch today where... he's expected to warn Democrats against talking about troop pullouts and timelines and instead hold the Administration's feet to the fire to provide a success strategy.

He'll urge Democrats to stick together and not play in to GOP hands by dividing on statements like those of Dean and Durbin of late.

Clark is also raising some campaign cash for congressional candidates while in town. Tuesday night he headlined a fundraiser for Eric Massa for Congress. Last night he did the same for Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN).

I could have edited this down, and I know by not doing so I'm risking attacks from some who will criticize Clark for talking down troop pullouts and timelines. All I can say to that is it's what he believes is best, and also what he thinks is politically smart. He is on record for saying he thinks the Repubs will pull troops out, starting late summer this year but culminating in time for the 2006 elections. He knows we need to be prepared for it.

He also knows, imo, that the administration quite possibly plans on taking overt military action against Iran in the summer/fall of 06, trying to pull the same shit they did in 2002, forcing the hand of Congressional Democrats to "support the War on Terror" (which will be redefined once again) or risk losing their reelection bids. He wants us to be ready for that scenario and not fall for it again.

None of which has anything to do with this thread.

What is relevant is that we had a helluva lot of Senators stand up to condemn Rove yesterday. More astonishingly, we had none (that I know of) who criticized, contradicted or tried to tone down the remarks of those who did.

Sound to me like Wes Clark was doing his part to convince our reps and senators to "get some starch" in their backbones and stand together. Also sounds to me like his blog entry (in the OP), probably blackberried in after the luncheon, was a down-and-dirty call to all of us to stand with them.

Clark more than most understands the potential of the grassroots.