Wes Clark met with Cindy Sheehan!!

[Clark2008]

Wow!!

He just said this on O'Lielly!

Bully, of course, is alleging she's a radical. Wes defends her as a mother who's in a lot of pain.

He met with her with Charlie Rangel.

:loveya:

[Eurobabe]

1. Fucking O'Lielly sez Cindy Sheehan "does not like the USA"

What a fucking IDIOT he is...

[Clark2008]

10. He told Clark to "listen to what she says."

Yeah, well, I have and I don't think she's radical, O'Lielly. :eyes:

Her son died for oil, for nothing - whichever. Of course she's pissed with her government, but she undoubtedly still loves America! Hell, I still love America and I've said worse than she has, which is one of the reasons I love America. I still CAN say those things!

[bvar22]

62. I am pissed BECAUSE I love America!!!!

Cindy too!
:patriot:

[onecent]

14. O'Lielly is a fucktard...sob.... He doesn't deserve to be in the same

room as Wes.....what a piece of shit.

GOD sometimes I hate the media,,,,,and the government....

dam damn damn
All My friends can't find work or are losing their jobs,
I took a forced retirement (although it actually turned out for the best)...my husband is on disability, and every year they fuck him with the premiums...our copays are increasing, prices are out of sight (gas, milk, drugs, hospital stays, on and on and on)

They simply hand me ANOTHER anti-depressant, (and I wasn't even depressed before)...but "panic attacks" are THE IN PROBLEM NOW.

lets see, tonsillectomies (sp) in the 50's
Appendectomies in the 50's and 60's
hestorectomies (sp) in the 70's
let's see 80's ...oh lots of valium for all my friends
diet pills in the 90's....
NOW ITS librium, xanax, zoloft,lots of antidepressants

just give me booze
ranting, sorry

[cire4]

2. Man...O'Lielly really was having a fit....

His obsession with Sheehan is quite scary. He seems to bring her up with every guest he interviews...

[LandOLincoln]

3. Was that wonderful or what? Wes'n'Charlie'n'Cindy....

and the bloviating, blotchy-faced pervert trying to claim Cindy's a dangerous radical who hates 'Murca, while Wes laughs in his face.

God I love that man.

[FreedomAngel82]

7. I hope there is a video!

[Clark2008]

9. Surely there will be one!

I mean - that was f*ckin' awesome.

I figure I knew just about all of Clark's moves, but I didn't know he'd met with Cindy. :)

I hope someone posts this video when it's out!!

[win_in_06]

11. The video will surely emerge

during the '08 elections. Unfortunately I can see it being used against him.

[Clark2008]

12. I guess they can try

But all he said was that he would listen and support any mother who lost a child in a war.

I doubt Heartland America would fault him for that (and I live there).

[CarolNYC]

20. Yeah, and I doubt he was worrying about how it would look for him...

....when he met with her. He felt it was the right thing to do so he did it, IMHO.

[Donna Zen]

19. And now for the best part:

Wes Clark isn't afraid of them, because telling the truth to power is more important than living in fear.

If more people (read politicians) valued the truth and their country over their petty ambitions, we wouldn't have to scroll through endless posts about "spineless Dems." And they wouldn't be groveling at the junta's toes in hope of receiving a pat on the head from rove, knowing full well, that the American people would be getting the boot in the groin.

[CarolNYC]

22. yep, yep, yep

That's one of the things that is so beautiful about Clark, his fearlessness when he's trying to do the right thing....his valuing truth and country over petty ambitions...He's really in this for us...It seems to be a hard thing for some people to come to grips with, perhaps because it is all too rare.

[fujiyama]

99. Why would it hurt Clark?

Bush looked like an ass hole by refusing to meet with her.

After all, she lost her son in his war. She went there to meet with him. He played around and ignored her...and looked like the real cold hearted ass hole he is.

[Pithy Cherub]

4. Wes truly is classy and supports those who entrust their lives to

protect and defend the USA and what it represents. What a stark contrast to those who defend the iraq war and voted for it! That is true leadership and by Clark and Rangel. Cindy has a voice and it has resonated with the public. :woohoo:

Any other details on the meeting?

[LandOLincoln]

8. No, no more details--and I think it's a mark of Wes's and Charlie's

classiness that they made no attempt to curry favor with the Dem base by trumpeting their meeting with Cindy.

I doubt we would ever have known of this--unless Cindy herself let it be known--if Falafel O'Loofah hadn't brought it up in an attempt to smear all three.

[BlueJac]

5. Wes is a good man..........

has a heart

[FreedomAngel82]

6. Good!

:) I like Charlie too. :)

[Totally Committed]

13. What a wonderful thing! -- I wasn't able to watch, so...

reading about it here for the first time.

How awesome that Wes met with Cindy, and accorded her the respect and dignity our own President could not. Knowing how he loves all the soldiers, I can only imagine that his words were a comfort to her. And, Charlie is a mensch, too.

Wes Clark is class, personified. What great news!

TC

[Dr Fate]

15. Bush=CHICKEN!! Wes= Man of the People.

Hilary met with her too- I say good for DEMs who are unafraid to meet with representatives of the Ant-War movement.

[Donna Zen]

16. Caught this quote from another post:

O'Lielly - you gave her credibility. She does not like this country bla bla bla...

Clark: I can't imagine she doesn't like the country. She supported her son serving in the armed forces. I can tell you lots of people wearing that flag who wouldn't let their son serve.

•••••••


Clark makes it so fucking easy to support him.

[CarolNYC]

18. Yeah,

I liked this response too...I'm so glad he said that to O' Lielly....People need to be saying it all of the time. Wearing a flag pin or a yellow ribbon on your bumper doesn't make you a patriot...

He also found time to point out that the National Guard units that had been through evacuation preparation drills are all in Iraq. The ones at the Super Dome were not trained for what they were asked to do.

And I do love that he and Charlie met with Cindy...Wes is so good....

[Clark2008]

21. I love the way he dismisses O'Lielly as if he were a child.

He shakes his head and looks at Bully like he needs a good spanking.

[PatrioticOhioLiberal]

17. Wes made the point

that he knows of a lot of people who wear that flag pin who won't let their kids sign up to fight in Iraq, and he honors any parent who has a child who has done so.

Now THAT'S a true patriotic American attitude.

[judy from nj]

23. It was a nice clip

with Wes, Cindy, and Charlie Rangel. There were photographers there, so I don't know why it wasn't covered.

O'Lielly obviously wanted to trip Wes up, but Wes made him look like a petty person.

[JNelson6563]

24. Very cool.

Bravo Wes! Classy thing to do. :toast:

[LandOLincoln]

31. Why, thank you, Julie. You just proved yourself to be pretty damn

classy yourself.

[JNelson6563]

38. My pleasure

I like to give credit where it's due and it's alwyas great when it's a Dem who's due the credit. I hope more Dems follow Wes' lead and meet and talk with Cindy.

Woot! :toast:

Julie

[LandOLincoln]

47. Hey girl

woOT your own self! :toast:

[tabasco]

25. Thank you, General Clark.

I hope you are the next President.

[MODemocrat]

43. I'll be beind the General one hundred percent

He's someone we could all be proud of, and I'll work my proverbial butt off to support him.:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
Here's to you General Clark! :thumbsup: :yourock:

[NCarolinawoman]

26. General Clark was calling out the chickenhawks

when he spoke of all the people he knew who wore flag pins, supported the war, but wouldn't let their own sons and daughters serve in the Armed Forces.

Please note, he said the word "DAUGHTERS". This, of course, brings into play the Shrub's own hypocricy.

[Cha]

32. It also brings into play

hillary's hypocrisy.

"Clinton to Sheehan: "I don’t want their sons to die in vain."

"Cindy wanted to know "WHAT NOBLE CAUSE?" Hillary tells:
"I happen to think that fighting for freedom is a noble cause."


More..
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4862052

[roguevalley]

42. If its so damned noble, then Hillary needs her daughter to sign up.

Oh. I forgot. They don't do 'those sorts of things' in their family.

[Cha]

52. Precisely!

hillary's being a big shot with other people's sons and Daughters!

[AndreaCG]

79. Chelsea's mom didn't start a war for oil

Where are Jenna and not-Jenna? Are they even gainfully employed?

As for Jeb's criminal bunch, I don't know if they would even take Noelle. Oh wait, the military has lowered standards so if she doesn't arrive with a needle in her arm she's in.

[Jai4WKC08]

85. Agree that Bush's daughters should go first

But Clinton voted for the IWR, hasn't admitted she was wrong or misled, hasn't proposed any kind of change in course, hasn't said anything positive about Clark's call for change, or anyone else's as far as I know. As far as I'm concerned, that puts her in same catagory as Bush and the rest of the chickenhawks, if not at the same level of culpability.

So yeah. Clinton should ask Chelsea to sign up, or do something to keep other people's sons and daughters out.

Wes Jr did his time in the Army. We weren't at war when he did, but if we had been, he'd have gone. He took the risks. As a vet myself, and the mother of a Guardsman, I say let the others put their children where their mouth is.

[Totally Committed]

34. Welcome to DU, NCarolinawoman!

:hi:

TC

[NCarolinawoman]

36. Thanks, Totally Committed!

I have always enjoyed your passionate, intelligent, and heartfelt posts.

[Totally Committed]

40. Thanks...

What a nice thing to say.

I'm blushing! :blush:

TC

[democrank]

27. Wes Clark has more integrity in

his little finger than most of the Democratic "leaders" combined. He knows what he believes and he`s willing to stand up and say it, without taking a poll first or worrying about who might not like it.

[Ksec]

28. Clark is the man

Hes got my vote already. I love this guy.

[CarolNYC]

29. video of the O'Lielly appearance

here:
http://www.yellowdogdem.com/092305.WMV

Please download and view, rather than stream..Thanks!

[Crunchy Frog]

78. Thank you for posting that Carol.

I really liked those shots of Wes, Charlie, and Cindy together.

O'Lielly claiming that "we're both gentlemen".:spray:

[PresidentObama]

30. Way to go Clark

I hope more Democratic leaders and possible 2008 candidates come and meet with Sheehan. We need to keep the attention on the War In Iraq, and on Cindy's efforts.

Good work Wes Clark!

[Adelante]

33. I watch this man like a hawk

And I had no idea this had happened. What a nice surprise. :D

[FrenchieCat]

35. Yeah Wes! Wearing Pins don't mean a thing.....

if you ain't willin' to do anything for your country.

O'assholielly is one of those. Guess he loves this country cause he aint' got to sacrifice shit for it, and he still gets paid!

Cindy Sheehan gave us her son, and that makes her the patriot that O'assholielly could only dream of being....as he wears his little fucking pin that means absolutely nothing.

Thanks Wes for pointing out that symbols in the face of real sacrifice don't mean a damn thing!

[Sparkly]

37. After trying to villify Cindy, Billy tried to villify Blanco

and the General didn't let him do either.

Summary of exchange on Blanco:

Billy: Shouldn't the governor have gotten the National Guard involved right away knowing there'd be lawlessness blah blah blah
Clark: The National Guard is a backup for local law enforcement, a last resort.
Billy: Yeah but shouldn't the governor have known what'd happen and get the National Guard there at the refuge blah blah blah
Clark: They were there, but got cut off from their own supplies as the water rose.
Billy: Yeah but shouldn't the governor have gotten the National Guard in there to handle things blah blah blah?
Clark: Those who were there hadn't trained for this; the Lousiana NG who'd trained for such a situation are in Iraq.

I had to wonder the same thing about Billy I always wonder about Scarborough: Is he just plain STUPID, or simply an ASSHAT?

[MODemocrat]

39. Can anyone tell me if O'Reilly is an alcoholic?

Just the things he says makes him seem as if he's drinking heavily, or is on some kind of drugs! Surely no sober/normal person would be that angry about everything and everybody. He's a rather nice looking man, and it's just too bad he is such a bore. :boring: :boring:

[Crunchy Frog]

I don't know about alcolhol.

He did get beaten up by his father when he was a kid. That could explain why he's such an angry person.

[windbreeze]

41. I never knew he met with Cindy....

But, having met the man...I can honestly say, I am not the least bit surprised...Wes Clark is, A CLASS ACT...A man and leader such as this, only passes our way but once in a lifetime...let's not let him get away...Charlie Rangle is tops too...these two guys ROCK!! BRAVO!!
windbreeze...

[FrenchieCat]

45. Hell, he not only met with her, Wes had his arm around her.....

on one side, and Charlie was on the other side.

This is a mother who has lost her child, and she's mad as hell. She has nothing to lose, cause she's lost it already.

Whatever her views are about a lot of things, right, wrong or indifferent....she is first and foremost an American who has the right to request an audience with the one that sent her son to his death. Afterall, this is Bush's war.

Wes Clark did what Bush should have done long ago--showed concern and understanding for how she feels, and let her know it.
Too bad this Piece of Shit of a President knows no shame!

[BootinUp]

53. Cindy looked very excited

and happy. I wish there was more coverage of what happened. Wes and Charles are two of my favorite guys.

[windbreeze]

59. I couldn't agree more

Cindy has the ultimate right to ask, and be answered..What was the "noble cause", for which my son died...???

Any man who rappels down a mountainside, to see if he can rescue a fellow soldier, from a burning vehicle, and then return the wedding ring to the widow of that man, personally...WOULD take it upon himself to meet with Cindy..it takes a thing called CLASS..does anyone have a picture of Wes/Cindy/Charlie? I would love to have it for my collection...

* is an embarrassment...period!! and class to him, is an unknown...He proves it with every passing day...
windbreeze

[Gloria]

44. He also said that the Guard in NOLA didn't have the training that

the Guard in Iraq had in terms of emergencies, etc....I didn't know that!!!!

[FrenchieCat]

46. Yep.....the ones that trained for this

were in Iraq doing who knows what!

This is Bush's War...so this was Bush's fault. Period!

[Guava Jelly]

48. from clarks page

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/148


General Clark: I have the deepest sympathy and empathy with Cindy Sheehan. My son served in the Armed Forces and I worried about him every day. And, I carried a burden of guilt about his service, as I am sure most mothers and fathers do. Because, after all, we either encourage them, supported them, or sustained them in making this commitment to their country. My prayers and condolences are with every family who has lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan, or seen him or her come home forever scarred or crippled. And I thank them for their loved ones' service and for their sacrifice. And I understand the depth of their feelings I believe, because every American trusts our leaders to use our men and women in combat only, only, only as a last resort. And in Iraq, this wasn't the case. And we will probably never learn the full array of motives that lead our nation's leaders to take us to this war. I warned at the time that it was "elective"--we didn't have to do it. There wasn't an eminent threat. So why did we? Cindy Sheehan, every mother and father of our service members, and every American has a right to know. It was a strategic blunder to go there. Now America sees it in hindsight.But those in power have responsibilities to do the right thing, and when they don't they should be held accountable. Cindy is doing everything she can to hold them accountable. President Bush should talk to her and tell her the truth.

[Adelante]

65. That was in August when Cindy was in Crawford TX nt

:)

[CarolNYC]

49. O'Lielly's

an idiot....but I do so love that line of Clark's about the flag pin wearing phonies....How many times I've wanted to throttle those who wholeheartedly support this war but have no intention of fighting it or having anyone they love fight it andyet have no problem denigrating Cindy or her patriotism....You go Wes!!!!

And O'Lielly says he'll have him on next week to talk about Iraq....WooHoo! :)

[CarolNYC]

50. And one more observation...

don't Wes and Charlie just make a great team? I love those two guys together...My Congressman and, hopefully, my future President. :)

[Crunchy Frog]

81. My dream ticket for 2004

would have been a Clark/Rangel ticket. Could you imagine what Charlie Rangel would have been like debating the Dick?

[OzarkDem]

51. Great news!

What a wonderful man! Now that's leadership and courage.

:yourock:

[Vektor]

54. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Thank you Gen. Clark! I'm glad to hear this.

[imperial jedi]

55. Bravo Wes! Classy thing to do

Wes Clark rocks!!!

[Clarkie1]

56. Very cool. Thanks for the post! n/t

[Dread Pirate KR Read]

57. Clark Reversed the Spin Zone, and O'Lielly Wobbled!

I can see how O'Lielly tried so desperately to label Clark as "irresponsible" by meeting with Cindy Sheehan today.

I noticed how Bill kept plugging his spin words over and over again, saying that: Clark was "irresponsible"; Clark gave her "credibility"; and then adding over and over again, I'm "Surprised" at you, General, ...I'm surprised, ...but let me tell you that I'm just "surprised."

Skillfully, Clark immediately said that he did not endorse what Cindy had said, buthe did defend her right. Her son was killed. Clark then added that he honors any parent whose children serves in the Armed Forces. Clark further added that he was also working with Charlie Rangel and several other Congressional leaders who represented the "Out Of Iraq" Congressional Caucus to discuss his perspectives for a success strategy out of Iraq. Clark knew quite well, how Bill was trying to spin this, but kept talking about the real issue, Iraq!

As(s) O'Lielly continued to rant about Cindy, he decided to assure Clarks persistence on focussing on Iraq, and said that he would have plenty of time "next week" to discuss his Iraq strategy. But Clark persisted on his talking ppoints above O'Lielly's attempt to close the segment early with the label he was trying to spin.

Confidently (and smiling), Clark said, "Great! Lets! Let's talk next week, ...I want to talk about the policy, ...not the company!":kick:

O'Lielly, a bit distracted by it, snarkingly replied: "Ok,..Don't worry, we'll get into that." :mad:

[Mz Pip]

58. I just want to say

shut the f*ck up to all those naysayers of Clark's during the primaries. All those who didn't "trust" him because "ohmygod he voted for Reagan!" or he's a stalking horse for Hillary or he's a PNAC plant or he's just part of the military industrial complex.
This guy does not waffle. He speaks truth to power in a way that Kerry or Hillary do not seem to be able to do. He's for real, he is not a fake liberal.

Damn it. Why can't we just support someone who is smart and articulate and actually knows what's going on? I listen to him and think what a mistake was made by not running him in the first place.

And guess what, the Dems won't run him in '08. They'll pick some candidate who talks out of both sides of his/her mouth. -another "politician." And they will lose again, because the Repugs got running politicians down. We have to do better. I wonder if we can.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[Donna Zen]

64. doncha know?

It's all about the corporate $$$$$$.

[July]

68. Clark is a real leader.

And in my opinion, he is someone who could start to turn around the mess the Bush gang has made in this country, just because he exudes honesty, intelligence, and true love of this country. I think he would appeal to many who normally wouldn't vote for a Democrat, as well.

I'd love to see a ticket in '08 with Clark in either slot.

[Totally Committed]

72. "And guess what, the Dems won't run him in '08...

They'll pick some candidate who talks out of both sides of his/her mouth. -another "politician." And they will lose again, because the Repugs got running politicians down. We have to do better. I wonder if we can."

Maybe it's the morning coffee talking, but I am a bit more optomistic about that than you are. And, no one on this board is more disgusted with the level of cowardice and indifference of elected Democrats in Washington, and the cynical corporate boot-lickers Democrats in high places choose to run for POTUS time after time, than I am... no one.

But, this morning, upon reflection at the news that my candidate, General Wesley Clark, has again done the RIGHT THING, instead of the politically expedient thing, and, knowing Wes, without a thought to what that good deed might mean to his "viability" in 2008, I am proud to support him. Damned and utterly PROUD.

To me, there is something very inspiring about a person with his moral clarity, his amazing integrity, and his compassion. To know that person offers himself to us, our country, and our Party for the Presidency is, again, inspiring. The thought makes my heart expand with hope. And, we all need hope these days, don't we?

Sure, there is a part of me that thinks, as you do, that the Democrats are too stupid to nominate this man. (Most days... these days... I think exactly that, and am consumed with anger about it.) But, this morning, sitting here at my sunny window, sipping my morning coffee, and knowing that today a few more Americans -- a few more Democrats -- realize the greatness of Wes Clark, I am cautiously, but irrepressably more hopeful than I was yesterday that maybe I am wrong. Maybe this Party will yet find the balls, the sanity, and the soul to line up behind him, and nominate him. He should be out nominee if we are the Party we have always SAID we are. And, we can be that Party again. With Wes.

So, if he chooses to run in 2008, I will work as hard as I can, for as long as I can, to make a Wes Clark presidency a reality. He has everything I am able to give to make that happen. Then, if this Party does crap out and nominates the "same old, same old" I will at least have the clarity of conscience to walk away and let them sink into the abyss without a second thought or care.

TC

[Mz Pip]

77. I hope you're right

I am so sick of feeling cynical and bitter about the lack of clarity and vision in the Democratic Party. I saw Nixon get elected - twice and Reagan run up huge deficits and come out smelling like a rose.

I keep trying, but like you, 2008 may be it for me. If the Dems can't capitalize on the total incompetence and mismanagement of the current GOP then it deserves to sink into oblivion. It does not deserve to be a major party anymore.

Sigh.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[frictionlessO]

60. This is great news and is what the left and the peace movement need.

Thanks for posting this... and oh so nom'd!

[FrenchieCat]

63. Clark, Rangel and Sheehan......

Coming together as a lethal trio -

those three represent the Military at the highest rank, a 35 year Congressional veteran, and a mother who has lost her son to this trumped up optional war that has cost lives and billions!

If America doesn't take those three seriously, than all is lost!

[lateo]

61. I want Clark as my President.

[farmbo]

66. By meeting with Cindy, Clark sticks it to Rove...

Remember Rove's statement about Cindy and the antiwar movement last week:

On The Anti-War Movement: "Cindy Sheehan is a clown. There is no real anti-war movement. No serious politician, with anything to do with anything, would show his face at an anti-war rally..."

Meanwhile, Clinton (both), Kerry, Edwards and Bayh seem to have gotten Rove's memo and are avoiding Cindy like she's a leper.

Clark is only potential Democratic candidate who is showing any vestige of leadership.

[Clark2008]

67. Found the story in the Village Voice

http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0539,fergusonclar,68194,2.html

The grief and outrage that Cindy Sheehan and the other dissenting military families have evoked this week in Washington, D.C., is palpable, as is the evidence they muster of just how careless this administration was in putting their loved ones at risk for the Iraq war.

But in calling for an immediate withdrawal, the peace movement can’t duck a central question: Just how do we leave?

On Friday, Sheehan appeared on a Congressional Black Caucus breakfast panel with General Wesley Clark, the former NATO commander and presidential hopeful, who was there to address the issue of whether the U.S. can “win” the war in Iraq.

“We’re involved in a war that we didn’t have to fight. That’s the simple truth,” Clark said. “Now it’s in trouble, deep trouble. I wish it was just as simple as saying, Mr. President, you made a mistake, get those troops out now."

The trouble is, he continued, that the Islamic extremists “really do want to attack us. Getting out of Iraq will be a great defeat for us unless we do it in the right way.”

[Clark2008]

69. Newshounds also has something on it

http://www.newshounds.us/2005/09/24/wesley_clark_stands_his_ground_defends_cindy_sheehan.php

On last night's Factor, Bill O'Reilly, the the ever-contentious host, chided FOX News Military Analyst Gen. Wesley Clark because the General met with anti-war Gold Star Mom Cindy Sheehan, whom O'Reilly called an "outright radical." Kudos to Clark who stood his ground and didn't buy into the FOX News party line. He also said he believes there is a "small window before it's too late" in Iraq, but O'Reilly didn't want to talk about that, being fixated on the Sheehan story. However, Mr. Bill promised to schedule the General next week for a serious discussion of Iraq. Clark had the guts to go against the orders from Fox corporate to "Get Cindy Sheehan." My prediction? We won't be seeing the General on FOX News anytime soon. (Transcript follows.)

O'REILLY: Now, you mentioned Iraq and it's interesting. I'm gonna go away from the hurricane just for a second with the General because I was very surprised, General, very surprised when I heard today you met with Cindy sheehan and ...

CLARK: Well, I don't know why you'd be surprised, Bill, because ...

O'REILLY (interrupts): Because she - she is ...

CLARK: ... she's a ...

O'REILLY: ... an outright radical. She's a radical woman.

CLARK: She's a mother who lost a son.

O'REILLY: Yeah.

CLARK: And I would meet with any mother who - or father - or brother - or sister - who lost a relative in the military whether they were in Iraq or anywhere else.

O'REILLY: Do you know how radical she is, General?

CLARK: Well, you know what I saw is a woman in a lot of pain. Now, my purpose in being there is to talk about my own prescription for Iraq. I haven't had a chance to talk about it on your show, Bill, but I think there's a small window before it's too late in Iraq.

[CarolNYC]

70. BTW,

Discussion of this appearance on Gen Clark's community blog is here:

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/1098#comment-18239

[Jai4WKC08]

71. Transcript at NewsHounds

The folks who "watch Fox so you don't have to."

September 24, 2005
Wesley Clark Stands His Ground - Defends Cindy Sheehan

On last night's Factor, Bill O'Reilly, the the ever-contentious host, chided FOX News Military Analyst Gen. Wesley Clark because the General met with anti-war Gold Star Mom Cindy Sheehan, whom O'Reilly called an "outright radical." Kudos to Clark who stood his ground and didn't buy into the FOX News party line. He also said he believes there is a "small window before it's too late" in Iraq, but O'Reilly didn't want to talk about that, being fixated on the Sheehan story. However, Mr. Bill promised to schedule the General next week for a serious discussion of Iraq. Clark had the guts to go against the orders from Fox corporate to "Get Cindy Sheehan." My prediction? We won't be seeing the General on FOX News anytime soon. (Transcript follows.)

O'REILLY: Now, you mentioned Iraq and it's interesting. I'm gonna go away from the hurricane just for a second with the General because I was very surprised, General, very surprised when I heard today you met with Cindy sheehan and ...

CLARK: Well, I don't know why you'd be surprised, Bill, because ...

O'REILLY (interrupts): Because she - she is ...

CLARK: ... she's a ...

O'REILLY: ... an outright radical. She's a radical woman.

CLARK: She's a mother who lost a son.

O'REILLY: Yeah.

CLARK: And I would meet with any mother who - or father - or brother - or sister - who lost a relative in the military whether they were in Iraq or anywhere else.

O'REILLY: Do you know how radical she is, General?

CLARK: Well, you know what I saw is a woman in a lot of pain. Now, my purpose in being there is to talk about my own prescription for Iraq. I haven't had a chance to talk about it on your show, Bill, but I think there's a small window before it's too late in Iraq.

O'REILLY: Well, let's get there. We'll - look ...

CLARK: If we do the diplomacy right, we can take the pressure off our troops.

O'REILLY: Let's get to that next week. We'll book you next week ...

CLARK: Alright.

O'REILLY: ... when we don't have a hurricane to deal with. But I, I was a little surprised that a man of your stature would go to meet with somebody who said the following: America's a bad country. We've been murdering people since we first stepped foot on the continent. That the insurgents who are killing our soldiers right now are quote-unquote freedom fighters in Iraq. I mean this is talkin' about Sunni fanatics and Al Qaeda.

CLARK: Well ...

O'REILLY: I mean. You lent - you gave ...

CLARK: By meeting with a mother, Bill ...

O'REILLY: By meeting her, with all due respect ...

CLARK: I'm not endorsing anything she says except for her grief.

O'REILLY: But you gave her credibility!

CLARK: I didn't give her any credibility at all. I was there ...

O'REILLY: Sure you do! You're a prestigious guy!

CLARK: Now listen to me. I was there with Charlei Rangel and a couple of other congressmen and we're trying to work on the right exit strategy, success strategy, for Iraq. It was a very serious meeting. I was in there Tuesday night with a bunch of them in the Iraq causcus with Congresswoman Maxine Waters. I've got traction. I think it's moving in the right direction for the country. Look. You cannot win this with military force alone. Everybody knows it. Ask any of the soldiers and they will tell you. The diplomats have to get to work. The President has to get to work.

O'REILLY: OK. And ... and...

CLARK: And as much as we dislike Syria and Iran, we've got to talk to them!

O'REILLY: Alright. And we will have you on next week to get into a very serious discussion about this.

CLARK: Good.

O'REILLY: But I will tell you we disagree about this, gentleman to gentleman. You gave her credibility. She does not like this country.
I feel bad for her loss. But her statements over the last month have ...

CLARK (shaking his head in disbelief): Well, I - Bill ...

O'REILLY: ... absolutely irresponsible and outrageous

CLARK (still shaking head): Bill ...

O'REILLY: ... and I - I am just flabbergasted. Go ahead,. I'll give youthe last word

CLARK: I can't imagine that she doesn't like the country.

O'REILLY: Well, she said we committed murder

CLARK: She supported her son serving in the armed forces and I can tell ya' there's a lot of people who wear that American flag pin who wouldn't let their children serve in the armed forces so I honor any parent whose son serves in the armed forces - or daughter.

O'REILLY: Alright, Gentlemen's disagreement but just go back and look at the things that she said, General. I don't know if this is the company you want to keep.

CLARK: Lets talk next week. I'll talk about the policy, not the company.

O'REILLY: We'll get - we'll get deeply into that.

CLARK: Alright.

Reported by Marie Therese at September 24, 2005 06:00 AM

http://www.newshounds.us/2005/09/24/wesley_clark_stands_his_ground_defends_cindy_sheehan.php

This was such an obvious ambush. Clark was there to talk about the role of the Guard in disaster relief, but O'Liely set him up, waiting for an opening like it was just casual conversation, but with the video of Clark, Sheehan, and Rangel on cue.

Clark responded perfectly. Got his points in about Iraq and what Democrats are doing to develop a strategy and defended Sheehan too. And made a dig at the chickenhawks, even Bush himself, who will only send other people's sons and daughters to die. Maybe a little too subtle for most, but I can't help but believe that at least a few Fox viewers will have something to think about next time they pin that little American flag to their lapels.

This is exactly why WKC is on Faux. A lot of clueless moderates watch this show precisely because they buy the nonsense that O'Reilly is a moderate too; it's why the O'Reilly Factor has the highest ratings on cable news. And since Clark is on contract, he has to be treated with some modicum of respect. So when O'Reilly prefaces his comments with stuff like, "a man of your stature" and "You're a prestigious guy," it only helps Clark make his case.

[Totally Committed]

74. I agree with you, Jai, this was an ambush...

But, once again, Wes accorded himself with such absolute moral authority and innate dignity, O'Reilly cam off looking like the heartless, cynical, clueless buffoon we all know him to be. Wes handled him (if you can call facing down an idiot with the truth "handling") by standing his ground and speaking truth to power.

He makes me proud to support him.

Thanks for the great post. It was quite a read!

TC

[Jai4WKC08]

75. Well said, TC

I hope you don't mind, but I quoted you at NewsHounds. Not the Sheehan thread, but one about the first part of the interview.

[Totally Committed]

76. Mind? I'm honored!

Thanks, Jai. :)

TC

[AndreaCG]

83. O'Lielly'll probably renege on Wes appearing again

The chickenshit.

[Mad_Dem_X]

73. Go, Wes, go! I love this man

He and people like him make me proud to be an American.

[WA98296]

80. Vote Clark!!

Our best representative.

[Totally Committed]

82. Welcome to DU, WA98296 !

I share your sentiments!

:hi:

TC

[WA98296]

84. thanks for the welcome, its great to find you guys

[sharonking21]

86. Wes Clark is not afraid to listen

or to be associated with people with a wide variety of views--in fact that is the hallmark of his thought process. See this for why I support him:

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/778

See this for my account of a trip to Crawford:

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/779

[CarolNYC]

87. Pictures here....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16242652@N00/page27/

Here's a few:









More of Charlie, etc....starting on page 27....

[FrenchieCat]

89. We could have done without the last one.....LOL!

[CarolNYC]

90. yeah,

It's too bad he's got his eyes closed on there but it's a better picture of Cindy and Charlie both I think....

[Totally Committed]

91. Not a "normal" Wes photo, for sure....

This has got to be the most wicked smile I have ever seen on Wes's face... I would love to know the backstory here! It made me laugh out loud.

TC

[Kevin Spidel]

94. I took this photo...

and I forget the back story :(

it was in regards to something related to differing views... but a common thread.. I knew he was goign to react... so I zoomed in and waited.

[CarolNYC]

88. I understand that this was a freeper's comment

after last night's show:

"If Fox wants to be pro-American as well as "fair and balanced", why did it hire and promote a hard-core anti-American leftist as a commentator, for cryin' out loud."

hehe...too much.

[johnaries]

92. Transcript on newshounds "We watch Fox os you don't have to"

http://www.newshounds.us/2005/09/24/wesley_clark_stands_his_ground_defends_cindy_sheehan.php

[Kevin Spidel]

93. I have photos of the meeting ;)

Wanna see?

[Totally Committed]

95. How about a hint as to WHERE for us computer-challenged?

I promised I looked and couldn't find them.

Pretty please????

TC

[Kevin Spidel]

96. they found my photos above :(

you can find them buried in my flikr CBC set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16242652@N00/46144439/in/set-1008162/

[CarolNYC]

97. Sorry....

...to steal your thunder a little bit there...They are great photos all...not just the ones of the CBC panel...I'd recommend everyone checking them out....Nice job Kevin.

Have any comments on the goings on at the panel?

[Crunchy Frog]

98. Thanks for the photos Kevin. They're great.

[Totally Committed]

100. Those are super, Kevin!

Thanks so much.

TC