I am a Clark Supporter who is a Clark Supporter

[Tom Rinaldo]

And if I wasn't a Clark Supporter, I wouldn't call myself one. Pretty radical concept, eh? Today I have been noticing threads where the poster calls attention in the header to the fact that they are a "Clark Supporter" getting excited about someone else, or fearful that all is lost for Clark.

Might a Clark supporter feel that way? Sure. Except two days before the NH vote that isn't the type message a Clark or any other supporter tends to emphasize as the topic of a new thread. Nope, not usually. Maybe in the text of a post, or in discussion on another candidate's thread, or even by starting a new thread like "John Smith is starting to look better to me". But when you get phrasing like "I support JOe Doe, and I think he will lose" or "I support Joe Doe, but John Smith seems better" well, it just feels a bit off to me. Two days before the vote, not after it mind you.

I suppose I could be wrong. One thing I do feel confident of though, Republicans have a game plan, in conjunction with cooperating media as evidenced by the Fox debate ambush of Clark, to cripple Clark's candidacy right now in NH if at all possible. What they are hoping is that they can scare off enough voters from Clark to derail his campaign early, minimize attention to him, and get him off the air and out of print. And those voters who they can't scare off, they want to discourage away from Clark, by portraying his quest as hopeless and, oh look, there's a shiny new campaign over there, don't you want to go check it out?

Just an observation, you can take it or leave it. But years from now, political science majors will still be studying the dirty tricks employed in this year's election. Mark my words, or bookmark this thread, whatever works for you. They want Clark out of the picture. They have their reasons.

[Momof1]

1. I am a non-supporter of anyone right now, but

I am leaning toward Clark, and yes I have noticed the trend. It disturbs me.

[Melodybe]

2. I'm a Dean supporter who has absolutely no problems with Clark

[Tom Rinaldo]

14. Hi Melodybe. We're cool.

I understood your thread, and had no problem with it. When push comes to shove candidates will start dropping and we have to be prepared for that. Only one guy leaves the Democratic Convention still in the race after all.

[Qutzupalotl]

15. Props to you then, Melodybe

:yourock:

Despite the negativity and disruption all over, there is an emerging realization; we have to stay positive, stay on message, keep our eyes on the prize, or we're finished.

[MODemocrat]

61. Ditto on that Melodybe

I like Wes Clark very much, and it's making me upset to see him being railroaded just as Howard Dean has been. Some people need a punching bag, and I guess those two make real good ones.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. Fervent Clark supporter checking in!

I agree with you 100% Tom!

[mmonk]

4. Firmly Clark

and no other candidate is enticing to me enough because of what I've come to know about Clark.

[Joe the Revelator]

29. I'm still excited by clark

in fact if you look at the donation thread from earlier today i gave my third donation of the month. I also made a thread asking questions about John Edwards. While i support Clark i don't see any reason to be blind to all the other canidates. I'd like to know more about each of them, expecially ones that i could see myself supporting if Clark happens to falter.

[Tom Rinaldo]

35. More than fair.

I have my back up scratch pad handy also. It would be foolish not to give some thought to it. There are no sure winners this year. After Clark I look at Dean Kerry and Edwards. Over the last week Kerry is slipping on my back up list and Edwards has risen. But I will keep fighting for Clark.

[faithfulcitizen]

54. Of course, who else???

http://www.wewantwes.com/wesismore.htm

we've just been on the phone all day!

:toast:

[Forkboy]

5. It was the same with the "Dean supporters" who switched

you're right to be suspicious.

[alittlelark]

6. The media is doing all they can to marginalize Clark

They know that if he gets the nomination they will have to answer the questions about what they ignored for 4 years...AWOL, IRAQ LIES, 9-11cover-up...the list goes on. They do not wish to be called on their lies.

[bain_sidhe]

7. I'm a Clark supporter who actually supports Clark too

And I've noticed the same trend. Almost posted a similar observation in a couple of those threads, but I'm not quite sure if the GD2004 rules allow it, because I'd certainly be *hinting* at disruption, if not outright saying it. Thanks for posting a thread where that's not a problem.

[Qutzupalotl]

8. Right on.

I think your instincts are absolutely right about Fox News wanting to host the debates so they can control the message and try to pick our nominee for us.

Luckily, Fox is such a joke that everyone on the left is on to them. Not hard for critical observers to see what they're doing.

Brit Hume and Bill Kristol both "predicted" that Clark would be the one to drop out after New Hampshire. Oh really? After his first election? Wasn't he shooting for third in this one? That was no prediction, that was propaganda.

Juan Williams was right there and his prediction was Lieberman would be the one to drop out. He leans left, so it sounds like all three commentators were engaged in wishful thinking. (Kucinich or Sharpton will be the next to drop out. And I'll be sorry to see them go.)

[Loren645]

9. Firmly Clark here too.

Yo.

[LyndaG]

10. STILL a Clark Supporter

I would never dump a candidate just because they were having a rough couple of days.

[Maddy McCall]

11. I am also a Clark supporter firmly in the Clark camp

Right now, I am laughing at all these attempts from the Dean camp to unite and co-campaign.

Let's ride it out a little longer.

Like I said in another thread, Dean is a Noreasterner who should have already hit his stride; Clark is a Southerner who has YET to hit his stride.

:toast: True Clark Supporters!!

[davsand]

12. I try and be charitable about it.

This IS the time when a lot of the softer support will either transfer or else firm up. When I see threads like the ones you mention, I try and stay charitable about them and view them as soft support that has transferred.

I figure it keeps me from wanting to smack snot outta the few disruptors out there. If I really can't muster any charity at all toward somebody I ask them if they will support WHOEVER the Dems put forth as then go from there. I find that really does keep me out of a lot of trouble.

Laura

[Tom Rinaldo]

16. I understand what you are saying

Believe me I struggled over the exact wording for this post header. Soft support and dirty tricks. Both are real. It's kind of a gut thing, y'know?

[davsand]

23. We all know the tricks go on.

It is a given thing. This is high stakes and you gotta know the tricks will reflect that... You are dead on when you talk about the gut--that is all we can go with.

I think you saw me ask a disruptor on a Clark thread about backing the eventual Dem nominee-and he refused to agree to do it. THAT nails it as far as I am concerned. Up to that point, I try really hard to give the DU folks a lot of slack. Maybe I'm just naive.

Pax.

Laura

[LiberalBushFan]

13. great post

I'm a Clark supporter, and I'm in as long as Clark's in. I won't give up before he does.

[MariaS]

17. I will support Clark

forever. I will vote democrat in GE but will support no one else in any other way. It is so obvious to me and at the same time so baffling that others don't realize what we have in Clark. If Clark loses, America loses. It is that simple for me. There is an article in the Moderate Independent that I think may hit the nail on the head when it comes to the Repugs plans for the Dems. It makes alot of sense IMHO.

http://moderateindependent.com/v2i2elections2004gop.htm

[For PaisAn]

18. Yes

Right on target Tom. Their aim is to marginalize Clark right now and make him disappear. He is their worst nightmare and he's my greatest hope. I'm sticking with Clark. I hope this nation gets it right this time. He is a gift to the Democratic Party and to the county.

[bain_sidhe]

19. And I'll add

There seems to be an awful lot of threads premised on the idea that the only contenders are Kerry and Edwards. Seems to me they skipped a couple of people in there.

[AnnitaR]

20. My support for Clark will not change!

I have supported Clark since he got into the race and I will continue to support him no matter what.

Clark didn't give up on saving 1.5 million people in Kosovo and I won't give up on him.

Sure, it's been a rough couple of days, but none of us ever thought this was going to be easy. Clark will do really, really well here in Tennessee. TN will not go for Kerry over Clark.

[BlueStateGirl]

21. Clark is my man. He has my vote, my money and whatever time

I can spare to volunteer.
It *has* to be him. I believe he can and will do it.

That being said, I do like some of the positions of the the other candidates. I like Edwards, and I liked Gephart. I like a lot of what DK says.
And I refuse to attack any of them.

[lcordero]

22. After all of the stuff he said today, I suggest that he avoid flying

on any small planes. His quest is far from being hopeless. He's the 800 lb gorilla.

[smiley_glad_hands]

24. Yo Clark supporter right here.

Signed the draft petition long ago. By the way--Clark looked good on Meet the Press---possibly his best showing. We need at least 3rd in NH to contiue to be viable IMHO.

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

25. Clark is GREAT- our best hope to wipe the floor with Bush-but..

Dean is great too !
Don;'t let the repuke pollsters tell you that Kerry is the winner.
We decide who our candidate will be --not the twisted spun polls.

[dennis4868]

26. I will always be a Clark supporter....

he is the first politician I truly believe in (even more than Clinton)...he has the integrity, the smarts, the background, and the leadership to turn this country around. If he wins the dem nomination I will take a leave of absence from my job to work for Clark.

[kayleybeth]

27. I am a diehard Clark supporter

and I am completely and unabashedly unwavering in my support. Team up with another campaign? HA! Lose hope because Clark dipped in the polls? I don't think so. It's Clark's FIRST primary and it's just New Hampshire, for heaven's sake. No matter what happens Tuesday, we are going on to 2/3 and beyond. In the meantime, I will not let the media or the polls or anyone on DU affect my enthusiasm and support for General Clark.

GO WES GO!

[snyttri]

28. Solid Clark support from the people. Pundits in for another bruising.

[maxr4clark]

30. 4clark is in my name, and no doubts I'm supporting the right candidate

[Gloria]

31. Yes, the GOP is gaming our selection process...check out this

article---

http://moderateindependent.com/v2i2mediawatch.htm

I am diehard Clark. Frankly, I can't see voting for anyone else.

[snyttri]

33. this merits its own thread

[Lauren2882]

32. You make an interesting observation....

Clark supporter here too. If I start to have doubts about our guy, well ... I'll keep them to myself until after 2/3/04. Right now it's still anyone's game, and I'm confident about Clark ... and I'm not just saying that because I said I would keep doubts to myself!

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

34. Me too.

I'm here for the duration. This is in fact the first time I've gotten involved in the nominating process.

If Clark does not get the Democartic nomination I'll support the one who does but only if and until that time. Meanwhile I'm solidly in the Clark camp.

[Jerseycoa]

36. Clark to the end!

Until then, Clark's my man.

[Leilani]

37. I Waited & Hoped Clark would get into the Race

& I'm not going anywhere.

I'm with Wes until the last dog dies. (Didn't Bill Clinton used to say that?)

I've looked at the other candidates, & no one comes close to Wes.

If his candidacy does not go all the way, then I'll decide what to do.

[texasmom]

38. Clark's the man

and I'm with him all the way. I question those threads, too, but they're fairly transparent. You're exactly right; what supporter would start threads like that right before their candidate's first primary?
Since 2000 I've known that the media and Rightwing would go after the Dem candidate with a vengeance. I underestimated their determination to choose our nominee, however. Not just the debate, but the media coverage thereafter has proven your point. I think Clark will be stronger leaving NH and going into the Feb 3 primaries. He will have gone through his first election, and they'll no longer say he isn't "battle-tested."

[drfemoe]

39. LOL

"I am a Clark Supporter who is a Clark Supporter"

It's not over on Tuesday. Hang in there, Tom.

[maddezmom]

40. Clark supporter here

:)

[in_cog_ni_to]

41. I'm not going anywhere!

Clark is, IMO, the best candidate to beat Bush and to be our president. Like Michael Moore said...."He's a Gift we have been given." and I want him and our country needs him to be our president. I'm here for the long haul! I think NH voters will surprise the pundits and the naysayers. :7

Go Wes!

[Justice]

42. A Solid Clark Supporter Here

Tom,

Thank you for your continued eloquent threads.

I completely agree that republicans know they need to cripple Clark in NH - or else. That fight I expected.

I have contributed to other candidates, and attended events, as I am ABB and go into this with my eyes open. Our office sponsored an event for Edwards last week. Edwards was great.

What has really surprised me is my senator John Kerry. Kerry has completely lost my respect. Completely. Politics over country, that is what Kerry is about.

I contributed (more) money to Clark over the weekend to help pay for advertising to publish Kerry's complimentary quotes about Clark.

I was so proud of Clark on MTP. He continued being complimentary about Kerry. Clark has more honor in his big toe than Kerry has in his entire frame.

[NicRic]

43. Still CLARK for a win in 04 !

Once again it will be a missed oppertunity for the Dems if they let this gem , be dulled by a slanted media spin ! They always try and knock the best off early. The media helped bush steal the 2000 election and the trend continues ! Iam standing by Westley Clark all the way !

[KittyWampus]

44. Turn The TV OFF! Go To Clark's Blog. This Is Psychological Warfare

I personally think Clark MAY still win come Tuesday.

But all he needs is to finish strongly.

He has organizations in all the Feb. 3 states, grassroots, money and endorsments.

Do NOT let the media manipulate you. I am hoping NH voters will see how obvious it is.

[Lefta Dissenter]

45. I guess you can't

see my name, avatar and sig line and doubt that I'm absolutely supporting Clark to the end. I've been working almost full-time in his Madison campaign office.

Hey, folks, if you need a pick-me-upper, pop in some tapes. I'm just now putting together a tape that includes "American Son," that first NH town hall meeting, and yesterday's rally in NH. I'm sending copies of this to all my friends and family.

I agree with those who say to turn off the 'pundits' - let's all 'get a brain, Morans' and think for ourselves!

General Wesley Clark is absolutely the best man for the Presidency of the United States. Regardless of what the numbers are in NH tomorrow, it is only one rung of the ladder, and we move on to the next rung, and the next - one after another... right into the White House.

[democratreformed]

46. Tom, you just keep amazing me

Thanks so much for the pick-me-up. For the record, my support will never waiver from Wesley Clark either. But, I sure am getting nervous about our first big test. It's that inexperience thing for me. It's like having a final and only half knowing the material.

[democratreformed]

47. Oh yeah - a question for you

You know all those threads that say "who's your second choice" or "rank the candidates"? Do you ever answer or post on those. I really never do b/c I don't have an answer. My first choice is Clark. My second choice is Clark. My ranking is Clark, Clark, Clark, Clark, Clark, Clark, and Clark.

[Tom Rinaldo]

48. I think about it

But I don't answer. I don't even want to go there. But I do pay attention to other Candi ates also. It would be kind of irresponsible not to I figure.

[Tom Rinaldo]

49. Nothing has changed.

Still feel the same. Off to New Hampshire to help with the efforts there on Election Day. I'll be off line for most of a week, got a Business trip, don't got a laptop lol.

Keep the faith.

[VOX]

50. I will vote Clark in CA on March 2nd...

My pledge.

:toast:

[Dark Star]

58. Me, too!

My pledge.

:toast: :toast:

[Tom Rinaldo]

51. I am mad again

At people who claim they are sad again, and act all defeatist on throw in the towel threads. I'm not buying it. Hey, anyone out there remember that good old Lennon Song? "Keep playing those Mind Games forever..."

[incapsulated]

56. You've made me mad too!

I'm sick of this crap and I'm ready to scorch the next weak-knee'd, fear in the belly, lame "supporter" of Clark who starts this bullshit!

:mad: :nuke:

[blm]

52. I hear ya.

Lots of odd posts lately.

[MrSlayer]

53. I'm with Wes no matter what.

I don't bother watching any of that crap. I knew who I wanted from day 1 and I'm sticking with it. Clark is clearly the best man for the job. I wouldn't mind seeing a Clark/Edwards or Clark/Dean ticket in November.

[Tom Rinaldo]

55. Me too. Both would be good for different reasons.

The games here can be amusing though if you have a sick sense of humor.

[Ivote]

57. I take my marching

orders from the General who is a proven leader. I'm for this ride all the way!

[henslee]

59. Me too. I'd have Clark's love child if I were a woman.

[Tom Rinaldo]

60. Now that was a KICK! lol Hey, got an idea....

It would be great to start answering doom and gloom fake posts on this thread, or another like it, rather than feeding into their game on theirs and kicking it for them.

Of course none of this matters. Everything is pretty transparent. Let the voters decide, it's a Democracy (sort of).

[Auntie Bush]

62. I'm sick of this (sort of ) Democracy so I'll

be with Wes Clark all the way to the WHITEHOUSE!
I've been with him since the early draft movement and I have absolutely no intentions of being anything other than the last one out the door.

[Jerseycoa]

63. I've been giving them a kick

just so I can post the link to this thread. I cannot believe how many of them are out there and most of them with a low post count, as IF they were once Clark supporters. :spank:

[bicentennial_baby]

64. I'm a pissed off Clarkie!

I've had it and I'm gonna snap...screw it all. Clark's too good a man for this nasty business, and people suck!

/rant over, for now

[dae]

65. For Clark in mind, body, spirit, and checkbook.

[gulliver]

66. I'm sticking.

Got my bumper sticker on, my Clark cap, and put $200 on the train.

Clark is the guy to beat Bush and unite the country, if the Dems are smart enough to let him.

[lurk_no_more]

67. I thought I was going crazy

Since Iowa, the growing number of defeatist Clark supporter threads have been amazing, that along with building up another candidate while admitting that Clark (Their Candidate?) pales in comparison.

As they say "There is something rotten in Denmark"


And then there were none!
” JAFO”

[TexasSissy]

68. I totally agree. I'm a Clark supporter!

On to the south and southwest from NH!

[Auntie Bush]

69. He is on his horse with his boots on

[Jack_Dawson]

70. STILL a CLARK supporter

I've been cheering people up all week. Joe Scarborough just said Clark is done after N.H. Something cheers ME up about that. CLARK is THE MAN, and I can't wait for tomorrow.