Is Clark's team turning him into another Kerry?

[gulliver]

Clark needs to play the media better. He is being too cautious. The media doesn't want to be used as a way to give Clark face time. He has to give a little of what they want. He has to give them controversy, off -the-cuff remarks, conflict.

He is turning into the general who always tries to steer the conversation into domestic issues. He is playing defense. He needs to go on offense. We don't need two Kerry's. The original will always beat the copy.

On edit: Kerry is a better Kerry. He's my third choice after Clark and Edwards. Kerry has enough history that his caution is not as damaging to him. Caution from Clark is not good.

[democratreformed]

1. Honestly, I think this is Clark's call

Like I said before, I keep hearing that he has to "go negative" sooner or later. I really want to believe that he won't have to. But, it seems to be indicated more and more that he will in order to compete. And, to me, that is really really sad.

[Doctor_J]

2. Clark hasn't attacked

the other candidates like JFK has. That's one stark difference that will remain, IMO.

[gulliver]

3. Clark doesn't look like he is having fun any more.

I'm not saying he should go negative, but he needs to call them as he sees them. And he needs to play the media much better. If he thinks they aren't onto the idea that he will try to steer clear of controversy and talk about his tax plan (or whatever), then he is not being advised well.

The media expect him to try to be boring. We need some more of that old brilliant Clark doing what people don't expect. That's the Clark that can win, not Kerry 2. Clark has the courage. He needs to fire it up and stop being so careful.

[Abigail147]

5. Yeah those people that know more than us

have lobotomized him. I'm a Dean supporter, but I found Clark interesting as well because he was able to connect. Hey, I like them with a little fire not "nice" and bland and both Dean and Clark had that special something.

[KittyWampus]

7. He Looked Like He Was Having A Great Time At The Townhalls

the Dinner last night, serving donuts.

He did really great on MTP this morning.

He is at a debate at Dartmouth College right now and it will be televised tommorrow.

Where did you see him not looking like he was having "fun"?

Please explain?

His talks etc. are as good as ever.

He certainly didn't look like he was having "fun" at that debate on FOX...

[gulliver]

10. Loved him in recent town halls and on MTP this morning.

He did appear to be having fun there. So it isn't all the time.

The ABC appearance this morning was not as positive IMO. The almost naive attempts to continually steer the conversation to issues and message just wore thin for me. Also, the FNC debate was not positive as you know. He could have gotten mad or said something controversial (but safe). I liked his response to the Moore question, but I believe he now needs to complete the mission on that one and give the press a little more red meat.

Clark can be electrifying. He is the only candidate sure to beat Bush, IMO. He has everything the other candidates have combined.

I just think he is playing it too cautiously lately.

[maxr4clark]

4. I'd like to understand what you like about Edwards

So far I have had trouble seeing Edwards as doing anything but practicing for 2008. I would like to give Edwards credit for what he deserves it for. Since you and I agree on Clark, maybe you can explain to me why you see Edwards as second best over Kerry.

[gulliver]

9. Edwards has a lot going for him.

He is young, good looking, self made, from a working class background. It is easy to picture him besting Bush in a debate both in style and in substance.

Kerry's style seems weaker to me than Edwards. Kerry often comes across tired and rehearsed. Edwards too, but not as often.

Edwards is from the South. I think that is more important than Kerry's military service, particularly if AWOL gets shot down and takes Clark with it.

I see Clark as having the combination. He has everything the other three main candidates have all rolled up in one big package. I just think he is being managed to death.

[JI7]

6. Clark's plan was to run as the anti-Dean

from what i read the plans in the clark campaign were for him to run as the anti dean after expecting a big win from dean in iowa. this would have given dean a huge boost in new hampshire. but allowed clark the chance to show that he is the one that can be the better alternative. since kerry and edwards could not do it in iowa, he(clark) can. but with not only kerry, but edwards also beating dean in iowa things changed.

[dsewell]

8. Clark's hesitance to drop the bomb is why he'd make the best President

It just occurred to me that some keys to Clark's campaign style are to be found in his published and spoken observations on military tactics. He knows perfectly well that modern war is fought not only with weapons but on the battlefields of public opinion, mass communications, and media "spin"; he was thoroughly aware of this in Kosovo and talks about it in Winning Modern Wars. We also know that he believes in the doctrine of achieving maximum results with minimum damage both to one's own forces and to innocent civilians. We've all heard him say on the campaign trail that military force should be used "only, only as a last resort."

Can you win a political campaign with this philosophy of battle? Or is politics still back in the WWII era of maximum damage to the enemy by whatever means are at hand? Does it take the political equivalent of chemical and biological warfare to win elections, as the Republicans clearly believe?

I still feel that Clark is the best potential President among all the candidates. He's not the best campaigner, but how could he have been in a field of pros with decades of experience? It's as if Michael Jordan had been required to make it as a major-league baseball player in order to be on the Chicago Bulls.

Anyway, I'm not ready to write political obituaries yet. I keep reminding myself that American voters don't do what the pundits say they should, bless them.

[gulliver]

12. Clark needs to be the Bushwacker. That's the job this time.

I'll bet that is the number one issue for Dem voters. Clark needs to smack Bush, and he needs to do it when there is an opening. This is an opening.

I don't disagree with your post, BTW. I too think that Clark is using good tactics and strategy in general. I just think this AWOL turn of events qualifies as a major opportunity.

[buckeye1]

11. They are working on the rug.

Clark could never grow it.