Clark Merits DU V.P. ENDORSEMENT With Good Soldiering for Democrats

[WiseMen]

Howard Dean is building his own new grassroots organization. John Edwards is conditioning the backing from his fundraisers. It seems that Wes Clark in the only major contender who has really unconditionally thrown his heart into the Kerry campaign.

It is great to see General Clark put his actions behind his words. It shows character and may also show a level of comfort with Kerry as the nominee that some other V.P. candidates may not have. I think it would be great for DU to give him an endorsement, for what that is worth.

I have previously argued Clark suitability and advantage in the V.P. role.

Clark has diplomatic experience. Clark’s major posts as Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command and then as Nato Supreme Allied Commander were essentially senior diplomatic positions negotiating and implementing U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Clark has Policy Experience. Clark’s stints at Washington assignments (White House Fellow and as Special Assistant at OMB) as well as his stints in economics and Wall Street finance should provide him with some grasp of domestic policy issues.

Of Course, his record of military command is stellar. In Vietnam he left the battlefield severely wounded and received the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. His post-Vietnam awards include numerous medals and commendations including honorary Knighthoods from the British and Dutch governments, commander of the French Legion of Honor. In August 2000, President Clinton awarded General Clark with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Bill Clinton is probably the smartest Dem politician around, and he is rumored to be supporting a Kerry/Clark ticket. If he has been supporting Clark it is likely not just because he is a fellow Arkansan. He owes a debt to Clark for the way he handled Bosnia and the war in Kosovo. But his support for a Kerry/Clark ticket now is likely based on more than his debt to Clark. Bill probably has a good sense about a ticket that will win.

But, beyond this, there are many practical ways in which Clark could help Kerry nail down some key elements of the swing vote:

The Catholic vote in the industrial Midwest. In 2000 Bush won this traditionally democratic-leaning block. Clark could help Kerry win back this group.

The middle-America rural communities in the critical swing states of Missouri, Ohio and West Virginia. Clark’s family background means that he will have much more in common with voters in this group than Kerry.

Independent White Men. Sadly, republicans seems to have a big advantage in the voter group. The polls in New Hampshire showed that the first name “General” does much better among men than women.

Finally, disaffected Republicans. Having voted Republican in the past and having only recently joined the Democratic party, Wes Clark could give disaffected Republicans some comfort voting for the Democratic ticket in November.

Without any crippling weakness, and a lot of enthusiastic support among democrats and independents, and having won all the V.P. polls at DU, I think it would be a fine idea for DU to formally endorse Wes Clark for the V.P. position.

[JI7]

1. John Kerry is catholic also

[RichV]

2. I like the idea and all

but you should probably edit the subject line. He hasn't earned any kind of DU endorsement just yet.

That said, go Wes!

[JI7]

3. i think he won in some du poll

but i agree, it's not official so the subject line should be changed.

[citizen snips]

6. Did all 41097 Du'ers vote?

I bet the poll did not even get 1,000 votes.

[Padraig18]

8. It didn't even get 500 votes... n/t

[citizen snips]

13. 40597 DU'ers did not vote.

What an accurate poll!

[cosmokramer]

31. Do you count the people that didn't vote in an election????

NO, if someone doesn't vote, it is their problem. If they want to be counted, they will vote. Maybe may didn't want to vote.

You don't cancel an election if only 20% of the voters actually vote and use the excuse of "but 80% didn't vote". That is just ridiculous!

[citizen snips]

33. Some people don't visit the GD: Campaign 2004 forum.

Duh.

[cosmokramer]

37. And some people just don't vote. Duh.

[citizen snips]

38. Less than 500 people voted. . .

out of over 40,000 DU'ers not every DU'er visits this forum cosomramer.

[cosmokramer]

40. So WHAT! You don't cancel the results of something because

those who didn't vote didn't get their say. Too bad, so sad. NOT voting doesn't annul the result.

[citizen snips]

79. It is not an official poll.

Too bad so sad DU will not endorse someone for VP.

[JI7]

10. yeah, i usually don't vote in them

but i think the poster should speak for himself and his reasons for why he thinks clark should be vp rather than say they deserve an endorsement from du or anything else like that. i would say the same about those who support others for vp.

[foo_bar]

12. the 41097 includes tombstones

No one really knows the size of the electorate, or if they do, they ain't telling.

[WiseMen]

22. Maybe DU should do an official poll. Last one I saw had Clark with big win

[JI7]

23. no

just let people support whoever they want. there is no need for official polls or anything like that. du is for a lot of people, even those who want evan bayh for vice president. and this isn't an election anyways, kerry himself will pick the vp, and it might not even be clark or edwards.

[katieforeman]

34. Please not Bayh-terrible idea

1.) Expectations
Democrats in the primaries and in polls have shown a clear preference for Edwards as VP. Many Kerry voters I talked to seemed to be under the impression they were voting for Kerry/Edwards. Some of them might feel betrayed if Kerry turns a deaf ear to their preferences. Furthermore, it would be difficult for Bayh to live up to the inevetable comparisons with Edwards. There might even be a slight dip in the polls after the anouncement of Bayh over Edwards. Kerry could loose some of the swing voters Edwards won over already.

2.) Proven national appeal
Edwards was beating Bush by about 10 points in national polls, about the same margin as Kerry at the time. Bayh has no proven appeal outside IN.

2.) Midwest appeal
I'm from OH, and I don't know many people who have even heard of Bayh. Furthermore, I really don't think a swing voter in OH, will care if Kerry's running mate is from IN when she steps into that voting booth.

Just because Bayh's from a Midwestern state doesn't mean he will be able to connect with voters in OH or in any other Midwestern state. Home state or neighboring state advantage isn't what it used to be. People move from state to state more frequently and local media has lost ground relative to national media. Gore lost TN in 2000. Gephardt lost in IA. There is no reason to think Bayh would help in OH or the midwest.

John Edwards has already demonstrated his ability to appeal to voters in the Midwest. He collected 34% of the vote in the OH primary.
I've personally had swing voters in OH say to me, "you know who I kind of like? John Edwards." In WI, John Edwards won among moderate Republicans and Independents. Bayh's appeal outside of IN is a big unknown.

3.) Nader
More of the left wing of the party might be driven into Nader's arms if we went with a DLC candidate. Edwards has the unique ability to appeal to swing voters and would-be Nader voters alike. Even Nader likes John Edwards.

4.) Campaigning skills
John Edwards is the best campaigner of the potential vp cnadidates. If I were John Kerry, Edwards is the one I'd want representing me and making my case every single day. Bayh is an unknown as a campaigner. My impression is that Bayh's really lacking in Charisma.

5.) Kerry/Edwards brand
Kerry and Edwards look great together. Edwards brings out Kerry's natural smile and warmth. A Kerry/Edwards ticket is just fresher than a Kerry Bayh ticket. Kerry/Edwards evokes energy and optimism guided by Kerry's steady, experienced hand. Kerry/Bayh would be a ticket of somewhat stiff professional politicians.

6.) Cheney debates
With his experience as a trial lawyer, I can't imagine anyone better to put up on the stage opposite Dick Cheney than John Edwards. Edwards v Cheney would be youth and optimism v old cronyism. Bayh v Cheney would just be two politicians sorely lacking in charisma.

7.) Edwards has already been vetted during this primary process. He has experience running a national campaign and a national base of enthusiastic supporters.

8.) 2012
Edwards would be Super Candidate in 2012. With 8 years vp experience under his belt, he would be unstoppable. We don't want to have 8 years of Kerry's accomplishments to be undone by another Bush in the White house in 2012.

I honestly don't see what Bayh brings to the table besides more years in the Senate and more votes to provide ammunition to Rove.

PS I've mentioned Bayh to friends and family in OH. After I explained who he was they thought Bayh was a terrible idea.

[cosmokramer]

44. I don't agree with you at all about Edwards,

but I sure as hell agree with you about Bayh. BAD, BAD, BAD choice.

Just say NO BAYH!

[katieforeman]

46. I'm really worried about this Bayh thing.

I keep hearing his name mentioned and I just heard someone from one of the presidential campaigns on c-span radio mention that Bayh set a record for ticket-splitting voters in IN the first time he ran for Senate in 1980. Bayh still lost because of the Reagan landslide.

The reason this little tidbit worries me so much is that it might mean that some people are really looking into Bayh's background. I'm afraid the Kerry campaign might be thinking that because Bayh gets a lot of ticket-splitting votes in IN, he'll be able to appeal to moderates and independents throughout the Midwest.

Undoubtedly, Bayh still gets a lot of ticket splitting votes. He's an incumbant Democratic Senator in a Republican state. He has to get a lot of ticket splitting votes to be in office. However, the dynamics of running a Senate campaign as an incumbant are completely different from collecting these votes as a vp in a national campaign. (He obviously wasn't an incumbent when first elected, but that was a Senate campaign a long time ago.)

I don't know about you. But I don't think Bayh helps at all in OH. He seems like just another professional politician, a little low on charisma. He doesn't seem like he'd be very good out there on the stump. He doesn't have anything Kerry doesn't already have in terms of national security. He'd drive some of the left wing of the party into the arms of Nader.

I've mentioned Bayh's name to some of my family back in OH. They thought it was a terrible idea. I'm just worried that political consultants are going to decide this thing in a way that is completely out of touch with how real voters in the state of OH think.

[cosmokramer]

73. I wouldn't give it much consideration at all.

Bayh is grossly lacking in the skills needed for a VP, and he is way too far right to be seriously considered. Also, he wouldn't be able to deliver his home state, which will be a key factor in considering the VP. He also lacks the FP/diplomatic/military experience to carry any significant message. And you are right, that split vote in his senate election will not translate to votes for him on the ticket as VP.

Of those in Ohio that do know Bayh (which is not many, believe me--even party regulars don't know who he is), their opinion of him is not good. He is viewed much in the same light as Zell Miller.

I wouldn't give it a second thought, and I am sure Kerry won't either.

By the way, I found out that I will be picking up the General from the airport and giving him a tour of our revitalized downtown area. As you may know, Ohio has a certain significance because of the Dayton Accords, for which General Clark was a chief negotiator. It is going to be very exciting! Is there anything you would like me to ask him?

[katieforeman]

74. That is exciting!

One thing I heard about the Dayton meetings is that they chose Dayton because there wasn't much to do here. There wouldn't be the kinds of distractions in Dayton that there would be in NY or Washington. Is that true?

I'd be interested in anything he has to say about the process and the people involved. I'd also be interested in his thoughts about Rwanda and what he thinks we could have done there.

But it's your moment. Just ask him what's most important to you and be sure to tell us all about it.

PS I know you'll do this anyway. But tell him welcome to the party and thanks for the work he's doing for Kerry. Even those of us who didn't support him for prez are glad to have him aboard.

[cosmokramer]

75. They chose Dayton for the peace talks for a number of reasons.

First, the security at WPAFB is incredible. This is the home of the US Airforce Intelligence and Strategic Planning area. Mega Security. Much of the spy plane technology is here. Locals often joke that the aliens are kept in a hangar somewhere on base (LOL). Lots of underground facilities, and places no one knows about but those with top secret security clearance. An excellent place to hold a peace negotiation.

Second, Dayton is, as you know, not a well blended multi-racial community. It is black and white and very, very little of any other ethnenticity. It would be easy to recognize an influx of 'strangers' (sad, but true).

Our airport is rather average sized, so it would be very easy to identify oddities in the incoming foreign traffic. Also good for security.

Also, because the parties being represented in the accords have no population here, there was no risk of protest or nepharious activities being executed by these parties.

What there is and is not to 'do' in Dayton has little if no significance, though I do think the more there is to do in a city is directly related to the diversity of it's population.

I will ask the General about Rwanda and what he thinks we could have done there...that is an EXCELLENT question. The only burning question I want to ask him is how much campaign debt there is to be settled. I strongly feel that since we Clark drafters asked him to run that it is our responsibility to help him close the books on that debt.

I will give him your thanks--it is very nice of you to offer it!

:)

(edit: forgive the typos...can't type for some reason today)

[katieforeman]

77. Thanks for the info on Dayton Accords and have fun tomorrow!

[tameszu]

52. I second what CK just said

I also think that Edwards is a pretty good pick for VP, but not as good as Richardson or a number of other governors.

Clark for anything useful in the cabinet--Sec'y of State, VP, or NSA would all be wonderful.

My main issue with Edwards VP is that a double Senator ticket is dangerous, especially with all of the votes they've missed in the past 24 months.

[katieforeman]

62. What worries me about Richardson is his tenure at the Department

of Energy. There were some spy scandels the Republicans really loved beating him up over. I don't think that he defended himself all that well, although my memory is sketchy on the details.

I think Edwards' positives: his natural talent as a campaigner, the fact that he has already demonstrated his appeal to swing voters in the Midwest and South, his starpower and ability to help raise funds, the fact that he was beating Bush in national polls by about 10%, the national following he has built within the party, all outweigh the negatives of missed Senate votes. Bush really can't attack Kerry/Edwards on that given his record amount of vacation time and record amount of time spent fundraisng.

I just don't think the old rules about not having two Senators on the same ticket apply this year. Most of the governors are still unknown entities nationally and have no experience with a national campaign. They haven't been vetted through the primary process. In my opinion, they are much more risky choices than Edwards.

[tameszu]

66. Most folks have a few controversial decisions

Richardson would net us a ton of hispanics, though, and that's huge. I personally like Napolitano and Rendell myself...

And I really like Eliot Spitzer...maybe he and Edwards could just flip a coin; heads Spitzer gets VP and JE gets AG, tails vice versa...

[katieforeman]

68. True- Richardson would probably help with the hispanic vote

which could be big, and all canidates have some negatives.

However, none of the other candidates you mentioned in this post have proven national vote-getting appeal and none of them have been tested on the campaign trail like Edwards has. Edwards was beating Bush in national polls by about 10 points at one time. He has been vetted during the primary process. He has the uniqie ability to appeal to swing voters and potential Nader voters alike. It just seems like the others are big question marks and would be riskier.

Edwards would hit the ground running. I don't know that any of the other candidates could do that as well.

[Padraig18]

24. Both Clark and Kucinich are over-represented on DU, as opposed to...

... the real world. Of COURSE he'd win, WiseMen.

[WiseMen]

26. Was struck by the Validation Clark support was getting from Clark ACTIONS

in the field. Given what Clark was doing, it occurred to me that
the fact that he had such overwhelming support here was worth
publicizing.

Of course Kerry will select his V.P. based on a variety of factors.
But be assured that a variety of groups are expressing their
opinions and preferences.

I, for one, avoided criticizing Clark during the primary, though I did
not support him, because didn't see a big problem with his
candidacy.

It is now some time since he has withdrawn from the race and I have
to admit that he is DOING what he committed to in a very
commendable way.

[democratreformed]

69. Thanks for saying this

I wish everyone would at least give Wes Clark a little credit for what he is trying to do. Some people are so wrapped up in the VP argument that they insist on still bashing him by claiming he is a Repub, a liar, or whatever. I wish they could forget about the VP thing - Kerry will pick who he picks and that's that (Like I have said B4, since he is being trusted to be our next President, surely he can be trusted to choose the best possible VP candidate).

I am flabergasted (sp?) to come on here this morning and see two threads that serve to invite the type of Clark bashing that has been making me sick for the past two weeks.

[acmavm]

4. Would suit me just fine since he didn't get the Presidential nomination.

Clark is exactly what the new administration needs. And can you imagine the freak-out by those draft dodging chicken hawks with Kerry and Clark on the ticket?

[Leilani]

5. Sounds good to me

but then you're singing to the choir!

Kerry weaknesses: National Security & War on Terror
Male Voters

Clark helps with both weaknesses!

[Torgo4]

9. I Agree Leilani

I couldn't see it a month ago, but now seeing as how Bush/Rove are going to somehow play up 9/11 as a strength, Clark may be his best Southern bet, while not removing any sitting Demos.

While in the race Clark started really pounding on BushCo.'s lack of action on Al Qaeda prior to 9/11, as well as Iraq being a diversion from fighting terrorism. After the Madrid bombing, it's not hard to foresee BushCo harping on 9/11 all the more. Clark could really smack 'em on the "Not Iraq but Al Qaeda is the real threat, you dolts " theme.

I fear AQ is gonna try a similar stunt in US just prior to Nov 4. Hope Bush/Cheney don't try to cancel elections and declare martial law for "national security" reasons!

Wouldn't put anything past these creeps!!

[WiseMen]

21. The myth of National Security as Bush's strenght is The Challenge

of the campaign.

[Padraig18]

7. "...Edwards is conditioning the backing from his fundraisers...."

What does that statement MEAN--- exactly?

:wtf:

[JI7]

14. there was no conditioning as the poster claims

at least none that i know of. especially since edwards promised them at his first meeting with john kerry. if there was any condition it would be kept secret and edwards would have only helped out after he was chosen. i can understand people supporting certain candidates and listing reasons for doing so, but no reason to give misleading info just to hurt others. i would say the same about those who say clark only endorsed and is supporting kerry because he wants to be vp.

[Padraig18]

15. I've heard of no 'conditions' on Edwards' support, either, frankly.

It's all well and good to advocate that someone should be VP, but to baselessly disparage another candidate at the same time is, at best, lame...

[WiseMen]

16. The scuttlebutt from last meeting was such. Happy if contrary is true.

And the insult is neither called for nor appreciated. It is not
a big deal. The point is that there is no positive announcement
regarding activity on the campaign trail or on the fundraising front.
What JE did was commendable, just as is Deans support. But now a few weeks have passed there appears to be a difference in actions on the ground.

[Padraig18]

17. 'Scuttlebutt'?

Your post doesn't make it clear that it's nothing but common gossip, WiseMen; maybe you should clarify that... :wtf:

[WiseMen]

18. Ok. Fundraiser support "rumored" to conditioned on future role

for Edwards (V.P. implied). Sorry. I assumed conditionality rumor
was about.

[Padraig18]

19. It seems to be the first virtually anyone here has heard of it.

I've been following the story closely, and never head a word. What are your 'sources'? Is it OK if we all start using common gossip as 'sources' for our posts now? :wtf:

[Darkamber]

54. If I recall correctly...

from the story I read, it was the backers themselves that encouraged Edwards as VP to Kerry. I believe it was from one of the NC papers.

I don't have the direct link, but I think Edwards himself encouraged the full backing of Kerry. Edwards main fundraisers then simply encouraged Kerry to pick Edwards as VP. Pretty standard I would think.

Don't think it is was conditional. I'm sure that in the coming weeks there will be more action by Edwards supporting Kerry. He is a Senator and has been in the Senate after he took the break to be with his family.

All that said, I don't have a problem with Clark as VP. I just hope the democratic party manages to keep both Clark and Edwards involved in the coming years.

[angryinoville]

27. I thought it might...

be a joke about him conditioning his hair.

[robbedvoter]

67. IP, the Edwards praising station/show:

<http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0403/14/ip.00.html>

From Inside Politics this AM:

"MERCURIO: Yes. Well, the list is obviously 50 or 60 people long. I won't go
through the whole list.

But what we're hearing this week is that John Edwards obviously had a
meeting on Thursday with John Kerry in Washington at the St. Regis Hotel. We
all saw Edwards greet Kerry with the, "Hey, brother," little moniker. But I
don't know if that worked with Kerry.

In the meeting, though -- and I'm told by some people who were there, some
Kerry campaign people, Edwards' supporters, his financial donors, stood up
and basically sounded as though they were tying their financial
contributions to Kerry to Kerry's intention to support Edwards as VP, the
idea being, you know, we'd really like to see John Edwards as VP, so take
that into consideration."

[BootinUp]

71. interesting, thanks n/t

[WiseMen]

89. Thank You for confirmation. No Biggie, but I hate to be told that I

don't know what I am talking about. I usually do.

[For PaisAn]

11. Agree 100%

n/t

[LuLu550]

20. no argument from me

I LOVE Wes :loveya:

[Capn Sunshine]

25. Is there an echo in here ?

what are you going to do when he picks Bayh because he's taller?

[WiseMen]

28. All other things equal, it is largely a matter of lobbying for a Clark

by his supporters.

I understood Clarks entrance as a dangerous distraction from Kerry's
candicacy, supported by the Clinton group, because of worries about Dean.

I do, however, see Clark as a strong national candidate in terms
of his credentials and lack of a voting record for Bush/Cheney to target.

[atre]

29. I cannot support Clark for VP

As has been mentioned elsewhere, we already know what the Republican attack dogs are using to attack Kerry: they aren't making a serious case that he's weak on defense; they're going hard on the "waffler" charge. How does it help to rebutt that charge when we have another such waffler (or at least one that can easily be spinned into as much) as No. 2 on the ticket?

I also don't think he has enough of a public presence to be on a national ticket. He needs to learn how to deliver a speech without looking down at his notes every fifteen seconds- it does not come across as genuine. I guess if he is chosen, it would be one of those "hide my deficiencies" selections, because Clark would make Kerry look like a Clintonian campaigner.

Clark has a good resume, but that does not matter much in politics. If it did, we wouldn't have a silver-spooned, powdered-nose, know-nothing occupying the White House because Gore would have trounced him so soundly that the election couldn't be stolen. Take a Poly Sci class and you'll learn that what matters is image.

I hate to say it, but I also would hate to see him as VP, because it would make some vile people happy. Said persons know who they are.

[Auntie Bush]

48. Who me?

Li'l 'ol me? :shrug: I think the shoe fits so I'll wear it.
Just call me Cinderella! Oh I forgot...I'm one of the vile step-sisters!

[atre]

51. No,

You aren't one that I specifically had in mind, although if I looked hard enough....

[tameszu]

53. Oh, c'mon

every candidate has a goodly number of vile supporters on DU. There are a bunch of folks supporting the main VP candidates in this thread who aren't exactly being lovely about it. Of course, it says something that you're only holding this against Clark...

[cosmokramer]

30. Kerry is already giving work to Clark...sending him all over the midwest

General Clark raised the most money of ALL candidates (including Dean) between the months of October and January 30th. Over $8 million in January alone. He is one helluva fundraiser, beating everyone in the money primary from the point he entered until the point he left. Kerry knows this (even though the media never gave it a mention).

Sending Clark to speak on Kerry's behalf is a very strong sign that Clark will be part of the next administration. Sending him specifically to OHIO, and other midwestern states, also is indicative of Kerry using Clark where his base is: Midwest, middle-America. He will likely send him stumping in the southwest soon as well--Clark had mega endorsements with Hispanic and Native Americans.

Bottom line is that Kerry WANTS Clark stumping for him--he knows the value of that. Example:

""""Bush's presumed opponent, Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), is responding with events this week focusing on troops and veterans in West Virginia and other battleground states. Kerry will say that Bush has shortchanged soldiers and their families in a time of war. Retired Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark, who lost his bid for the Democratic nomination, will speak for Kerry in Ohio.""""

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56474-2004Mar13.html

And this from my email:

Thanks so much for your support during my campaign for President. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your friendship and all your hard work.

On Tuesday, March 16th, I will be visiting Ohio to deliver a speech and campaign for my friend John Kerry. It is critical that we stand together, unified in our quest to send George W. Bush back to Texas and return the White House to its rightful owners -- the American people. We will do that by electing John Kerry the next President of the United States.

I hope to see you in Ohio on Tuesday and thank you in person for all of your support, while we join together to support John Kerry's campaign for President. Here are some details on Tuesday evening's event:

Montgomery County Democratic Party's annual "Frolic for Funds"
Hara Arena
1001 Shiloh Springs Road
Dayton, OH 45415
6:00-9:00pm

For tickets, please call the Montgomery County Democratic Party at [phone].

Again, thank you very much for your support. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday in Ohio!

Best regards,

[WiseMen]

32. Kerry having Clark speak for him is a tremendous endorsement,

especially so often and so early.

[cosmokramer]

36. Indeed, it is. And ALL democrats benefit from it.

[windansea]

39. and all americans will benefit

if Clark is chosen for VP or a cabinet position.

[cosmokramer]

41. Absolutely...take if farther...

...the WORLD will benefit.

[Sensitivity]

35. Should do Official Poll on Gd Gd2004 and PC. Then announce results.

[Crunchy Frog]

42. You'll get no arguemetn from me

on that score. Thank you for laying it out so well.:toast:

[cosmokramer]

43. Amen! Which is why Kerry is sending him across Ohio this week!

People can say all they want about Clark, fact is, Kerry WANTS him speaking for him. They are friends now, just as they were friends before Clark entered the race.

Bank on it that Clark's future in politics didn't end on Feb. 10th.

He is just getting started. Next stop: VP or SOS.

Count on it.

[DyedNTheWoolDemocrat]

45. I don't like the idea of losing candidates being chosen as VP's

[katieforeman]

47. Why?

[Auntie Bush]

49. I was just thinking the same thing. WHY?

Why shouldn't the best man for the job be VP just because he ran for president? Doesn't make sense to me :shrug: unless they had very different beliefs or didn't really like each other?

[DyedNTheWoolDemocrat]

64. Because if they lost they are damaged goods, are they not?

I'd rather see the winner pick someone untainted by the stink of loss.

[Auntie Bush]

72. With that kind of thinking...The people that win silver or

bronze metals are damaged goods too. Me thinks you need to rethink your thinking.

[DemPoliticalJunkie]

50. Clark has policy experience??

[Leilani]

55. Obviously, your knowledge about Clark's

qualifications & resume make you an unlikely prognosticator as to who is best credentialed to run as Veep.

[DemPoliticalJunkie]

56. My knowledge is better than the average voter

so that doesn't say much for the marketing activities thus far for Clark.

[Leilani]

57. Seeing as you are new to DU

it seems you have missed many informative discussions on Clark's qualifications & policy experience.

Research is always a good place to start, if you'd like to acquaint yourself with facts.

Gen Clark's entire biography speaks for itself, along with his very informative books. He doesn't need to be marketed.

And since John Kerry will choose his running mate, & administration, & he is aware of Clark's abilities, I'm not too concerned.

[DemPoliticalJunkie]

58. What matters is what the general public thinks

Not what you or I individually thinks.

Clark has no policy experience was my original comment. I fail to see how no legislative experience qualifies Clark as having any policy experience, seeing how he has never held office or has any political experience whatsoever prior to his failed candidacy.

[Leilani]

60. Clark has never held elected office

however if working in the White House, working for OMB, & leading a coalition of 19 nations in a victorious war, does not qualify as policy or political experience, then I don't know how to explain it to you.

Enough said.

EOM

[democratreformed]

76. Sorry you fell in that trap, Leilani

They are getting more numerous by the day, aren't they?

[Leilani]

80. I knew it was a waste of time

but I couldn't help myself!

[IronLionZion]

59. Clark is not a practicing Catholic

he goes to a Protestant church. everything else sounds good

[WiseMen]

84. Thought it was the other way. Practicing Catholic but a Protestant

in his upbringing.

[IronLionZion]

85. nope

he was raised Catholic but now goes to a Protestant church.

[Spazito]

86. Actually he was raised protestant, converted to catholicism after...

meeting Gert, coverted in Vietnam, actually, attends catholic church now I believe. He is a man who understands that faith isn't determined by a religion but by one's beliefs.

[IronLionZion]

87. it's an interesting situation

he was raised Protestant, then Gert wanted them to be Catholic but he now goes to a Presbyterian church


BELIEFNET: Now you are still Catholic but you're going to a Protestant church?

CLARK: Right we go to Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.
http://www.belief.net/story/136/story_13636_4.html

[BootinUp]

88. Another thing I like about Clark

I have a very similar outlook on religion.

[CoupdEtat2000]

61. Nothing against Clark - I just think there are far better choices than him

[democratreformed]

78. That's fair. n/t

[jumptheshadow]

63. Wes Clark is sincere

He is sincere about his commitment to the Democratic party. He is sincere about being called to public service at a time of national crisis. He is sincere about wanting the Bush cabal out of the White House. He is sincere about setting our country on a better path.

He is showing us the depth of his convictions by his actions now.

[in_cog_ni_to]

65. Who is the ONE ex-candidate out traveling the country for Kerry

giving speeches on his behalf? Wes Clark. He IS sincere. He has the inside info on the cabal. He was in the Pentagon and KNOWS what they were planning for Iraq...long before they started the war.

70. DU should not endorse anyone

until after the nominating process is completed. It's Democratic Underground, Not Clark Underdground, Edwards Underground, Dean Underground, Sharpton Underground, Kucinich Underground, Kerry Underground, Lieberman Underground, Clinton Underground, Bayh Underground, Rockefeller Underground, Mosley-Braun Underground, Kennedy Underground, Byrd Underground, .......:mad:

[bowens43]

81. Clark lacks integrity.

Clark as VP would be a disaster. No experience, horrible judgment, unrealistic policy positions, piss poor numbers in the primaries, product of 30 years of military indoctrination, fired from his last military position, lavish praise for bush , rice, cheney and rummy, no credentials as a democrat or liberal, flip flops galore. Why would Kerry want Clark? Clark would be a HUGE liability. He has nothing to offer and Democrats have already overwhelmingly rejected him.

[Spazito]

82. Clark lacks integrity???????????

Based on the drive-by smear perpetrated by Shelton? The only person that lacks integrity between Clark and Shelton is Shelton who, by the way, seems to have gone to join Cheney in the bunker.

Clark's international reputation is beyond measure and if the US ever hopes to win back support from the world someone of Clark's stature will be needed and put to work immediately after Kerry defeats bush.

[democratreformed]

83. Thanks for your comments as well.

Some people still do not realize how much respect and admiration Wesley Clark has in the rest of the world. They think we Clark supporters are making that up.