My view of Clark, what don't you agree with

[douginmarshall]

I posted this as a reply on another thread but got no response. Tell me what you think.
:think:
What the results so far have shown us is that each candidate (Kerry, Dean, and Edwards) are appealing for different reasons. Kerry started to gain support as the Anti-Dean because of his Military background. Dean's support comes from those wanting change in Washington and like him because he is a Washington outsider. Edward’s support comes from his modest background and that he is from the South.

We can have all of these qualities in one person in General Clark. His military and national security background is more impressive than Kerry's. He is even more of an outsider than Dean because he has not been in politics at all. Clark is just as much Southerner and from modest background as Edwards but has 34 years of service to this country and lived most of his adult life very modestly.

In addition he is arguably the brightest of the bunch and knows what it is like to order men and women into harms way.

On the issues the candidates differ very little. All support traditional Democratic values, all want a new administration in the White House. So, how do you decide? For me it comes down to two factors. Character, and who will be able to stand toe-to-toe with George W. Bush and come out the victor. In my opinion General Clark is the clear choice.

Clark is a retired four star general who served his country proudly for 34 years. He is one of this countries most dedicated soldiers. But, don’t take my word for it, see what those who know him have said.

John H. Dalton secretary of the Navy from 1993 to 1998, “I believe that Gen. Wesley Clark is uniquely qualified to revitalize our economy as well as to lead our nation back to its rightful role of world leadership in international affairs”.

Dan Christman and Chuck Larson former superintendents of the Military Academy and the Naval Academy. “In light of the character and judgment displayed by Clark, from Vietnam to The Hague, military students will study his actions for generations to come. His career models the very values that our service academies seek to instill in 21st-century leaders duty, honor, courage and commitment to country”.

If any of the other candidates get the nomination the Republican’s will try to say that Democrat’s are soft on Defense and that we should not trust them with national security. Clark vs. Bush on national defense, who do you think would win that debate? 34 years in the military vs. 1 year missing from Guard duty.

I believe that Clark is the answer. I will strongly support the party this fall but, I think we loose if it is not Clark.

[democratreformed]

1. I agree that Clark is the one

I enjoyed your post. Yes, I believe that Clark has what it takes. Above all, I believe that his heart is in the right place. That is what puts him over the top to me.

[deminflorida]

2. I Agree, and the Kerry - Jane Fonda issue is going to be Huge..

Matthews is just a bell-weather as to the effort the GOP is going to exploit that one.

But you can't tell today's or yesterday's Democrats that.....

They'd just as soon charge Hell with a bucket of water. Trust me, we jump in haste at this one, there will be plenty of Tea-Cups to cry in. You better believe that.

[HoosierClarkie]

7. "They'd just as soon charge Hell with a bucket of water."

That creates such a great visual! :)

[Mobius]

11. Kerry threw his medals

That is an insult to veterans. Irregardless of the legality or necessity if any war, those medals were earned for bravery. Throwing them at or over anything is just a stunt to gain support or attention. Much the same kind of tactic Kerry employs now. Why don't people see through Kerry's thumb in the wind candidacy?
:wtf:

[goclark]

3. With You Totally Agree

There is just something missing with Kerry.
His shining moment was his speech after winning Iowa.
All the rest of his speeches,before Iowa Win and After Iowa Win have been lack luster.

Even with sorry Bush to debate he still doesn't do it for me.
Nor do I talk to any people who are just all fired up about him.
When you say the General's name, 99% of the people that I talk to respect and honor him. I don't see that with Kerry.

Sorry Kerry supporters,that is what I see.

I will vote for ANY one but Bush and the Neocons but CLARK is my man!

[Nashyra]

4. Too busy calling voters in VA and TN

[vi5]

5. I've said this before, but why I feel he has no chance...

I like Clark. I have no problem with Clark. I would vote for Clark if he were the nominee.

BUT

As much as people in this country like the IDEA of an outsider or a non-politician, when it comes time to actually pulling the lever for one, they almost always will cop out. And the fact is that Clark is someone who does not have the ins-and-outs of knowledge of government and how washington works on a broad array of issues. Financial, social, economic, military. He has some touched upon basis for some of this stuff but nowhere near the scope that will make people comfortable enough handing over the reins of the country to him. Couple that with a good chunk of lefties who would never vote for a military man and you've got a recipe for a problem.

You can rationalize this all you like and come up with reasons why you think I'm wrong, and that's fine. But the fact is that America's love affair with outsiders is always something that sounds more glamorous on paper than it does in reality.

[paulk]

8. I think you've nailed it

Kerry is winning votes BECAUSE of his insider status. After 4 years of complete incompetence from BushCo, Democrats (and many Republicans/Independents) are looking for experience. Political experience - and Clark just doesn't have it.

Despite other faults, Kerry still has the best (political) resume - and voters are responding to it.

I hope that Clark pursues a career in politics - I think he has a lot to offer.

[bowens43]

6. OK

First I disagree with the idea that military service is in any relevant to ones ability to function as the leader of a civilian government.

I disagree that Clark's military service is more impressive then Kerry's. I find Kerry's activities in the anti-war movement after his stint in Vietnam, as honorable if not more honorable then Clark's continued service.

I don't think he is the brightest in the bunch. Take a look at his proposed policies. If he actually believes that he can get legislation like that passed in a republican congress ... well let's just say that being a Rhodes Scholar doesn't impress me the way it once did.

Outsider in Clark's case translates into 'No political experience'.

Southerner? So what. The race won't be decided on geography. As we will see this evening, Kerry has more support in the south then Clark has.

Of all the candidates, IMO, Clark's character is the easiest to attack. His political philosophy flip-flops are the stuff of legend.
Either his lavish praise for the current administration or his current attacks on the administration are disingenuous.

Four star general? Decorated soldier? So what? We're not electing the secretary of defense, we're electing the leader of a civilian government. His medals , like his career are irrelevant to the presidency. In fact, his career would probably be a detriment. He is a man used to giving orders and used to being obeyed. It doesn't work that way in Washington.

No difference in policies? Let's look at tax policies. Clark wants to drop all taxes for those making 50,000 or less and raise taxes on the wealthy by 5% MORE then they were BEFORE the Bush tax cuts. Clark thinks this will pass a Republican controlled congress? The difference between Clark's policies and the policies of most of the other candidates is that Clark's policies have almost no chance of becoming law.


Who care's what the Republicans say? Are you implying that we should run someone who is more acceptable to the republicans? No thanks.

All he has is a uniform.

[Tom Rinaldo]

9. Well I agree with you. Completely

Don't have time for a long post, am busy making phone calls for Clark. Clark already outperformed Gephardt, Lieberman, and Graham in this race as a political novice, and in recent weeks he has gotten quite good at campaigning PLUS he is already an experienced leader.

Media hasn't been willing to take Clark at all seriously for a month or more while promoting Kerry as unbeatable while fawning all over Edwards, and STILL Clark has hung in there. If he does well tonight they can't continue to ignore him. OK, back to calling Tennessee.

[Donkey007]

10. I wish ppl. would just listen.

Winning the nomination because everyone heard your name and jumped can't really be that big of an honor. No one had ever even heard of him in the beginning.