My misgivings about Clark

[curse10]

I really had high hopes for Clark when he entered the race. But I really wish he'd be more vocal on domestic issues. Although national security and foreign policy are very important this election, domestic issues still have a stronghold on single issue voters and people like me (I still want to fix things here at home :-) ).

Do other people notice this too? He seems to get a little flustered when talking about domestic issues. But ask him about foreign policy and he's very eloquent. Can Clark overcome this barrier?

[JI7]

1. i think that's his "big announcement " next week

he is going to present something new and it's related to the domestic area. not sure about all this. but it's all planned for next week.

[Racenut20]

2. I suggest Clark04.com

There, you can read all the position papers he has issued, or the campaign has issued. There are a great many topics covered, thus possibly causing some of what you may see as hesitation in his answers. The past 4 months has been an incredible pace to absorb, decide, and announce while campaigning every day and the amount of fund raising and staff building that have been required.

[curse10]

4. I've been there, and I've read his positions

but I want him to be able to express them. He's got to be able to get his ideas out there in non-web form. People love sound bites, and right now he isn't producing any with regard to domestic issues.

[democratreformed]

3. Do you think

we can fix the domestic issues without first or simultaneously fixing the messes in Iraq and Afghanistan? Me - I just don't. They are draining our coffers and our ability to deal with domestic issues.

I believe that Clark will do what's necessary to deal with both areas at the same time. Perhaps it is not good enough for some people, but he is studying and learning and getting better every day at speaking about domestic issues.

[curse10]

5. that's not what I'm saying

I think the two go hand in hand- but I think Clark is just not expressing this very well and he's very unclear on it. Just my 2 cents.

[democratreformed]

7. I can see what you are saying n/t

[Jerseycoa]

19. I see what you mean

I think it has largely been due to the weirdness of the media and debate hosts, who don't seem to want to know past his military views. Even when he has tried to turn the discussion to domestic policy, they just can't seem to get enough of him on FP.

But he is naturally more fluent in foreign policy, and combined with the press focus, it seems as if he is not as concerned or educated or something in domestic policy. However, I have seen enough of him on c-span trail coverage to know it is not entirely true. I've been noticing in local newspapers he is stepping out on this, as well. If he starts getting more national coverage, which it looks like is happening, we'll know.

I believe he will do well promoting his domestic platform since he is as caring as he is and is a fast study. We'll see what this next week brings. But I utterly see what you are saying. I've wanted to kick my tv screen in and shout sometimes, goddamnit, let the man talk about domestic issues.

[R3dD0g]

6. Candidly

I think that domestic issues will be beyond the control of any Dem president as long as the Rethugs hold both house of Congress. The only thing a Dem could do from the WH is veto, veto, veto.

My only hope for a Dem president is to limit the damage.

[xrepub]

16. Pick a good leader

for the presidential race, and get coattail support for congress also. Clark can inspire.

[lurk_no_more]

8. One mans weakness is another mans strength

I have seen an improvement in these areas since announcing his candidacy and see no reason not to expect to see more, he's doing fine and will continue to do fine.


” JAFO”

[OKNancy]

9. I wish he had a chance to

but as so often is the case, the direction of a question or an interview is with foreign policy. I know he wants to because I've heard some campaign people say that.

He has some great ideas and given the time, I'm sure they will be expressed.

[curse10]

10. that is true, he is often thrown foreign policy questions at debates

I'm looking forward to the next one- maybe he'll get some time to shine.

[JI7]

12. that's one thing i don't like

i wish they would actually get into an issue and compare and contrast details of specific plans of all the candidates. such as plans for health care, education, job creation etc. of course they would spend a lot more time on less issues, but it would give a better understanding about each of the candidates positions on that issue. and maybe more debates of smaller groups might help also. they can randomly pick 4 or 5 to debate once and get the rest to debate another time. and the debates should be about a specific topic also.this would result in more debates, but also more understanding.

[magatte]

11. Check his very simple "Turnaround Plan for America"

He very succintly and straightforwardly presented his domestic policy aims. He also drafted it as a pact with the american people, promising to deliver on those issues by the end of his first term.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[curse10]

15. I won't have any trouble supporting him at all :-)

abb!

[blm]

14. The one comfort I get from Clark is that he is aligning with Kerry on most

every issue.

And I don't know how any progressive could argue with Kerry's positions on ALL the issues when taken as a whole.

[OKNancy]

24. As you know blm, I am a Kerry supporter too

except I support Clark...lol. I admire Kerry, and if he had a chance in Oklahoma, I would gladly support him. He's not campaigning here, and that is to be expected.

I wish the two could get together. Maybe it will happen.

[cosmicdot]

17. to balance a ticket offset by a more domestic-side candidate

maybe?

I think whomever the candidate is, he/she will need to fuse foreign policy and the economy into 'a Bigger Picture' ... to be able to articulate a message above those 2 fronts ... a bigger message which transcends, and affects both and is above all ...

... too many of our people have come to ignore or lose contact/concern of our Founding Principles ... I heard a former co-worker embrace "who cares?" when talking about their importance to our work environments ... 'Who cares?' They consider themselves 'patriots'?

... a candidate must be able to convey the emotion of why this country was founded ... refresh our history ... and revisit the doors of opportunity opened as we progressed toward one century to another to improve the experiment in The New World ... from farmers to laborers and the equality struggle ... and, life and conditions before the New Deal or other regulatory agencies there to make our food safe to eat and insure any money we entrust in the banks ... and, so much more ... needs to be a central focus of this campaign ...

Rove-Cheney want to divide us on one issue or another, so go to the basic values - integrity and honesty ... what better way to paint the liars and the lies they tell ... someone needs to project values in contrast to the ruling caste ...

The current White House, occupants of several countries, including ours (or they like the illusion of control) ... is dismantling our Founding Principles before our eyes ... people must be able to "feel" the reality of that through speeches, ads, etc. What could be more important than that ... we've been horded into 1st Amendment Zones in America ...

Plus, I think it would be beneficial to talk to citizens about their pain ... the pain of everyday living and what can be done to process-improve our daily lives ... to reduce stress, to increase quality time, and moderate anxiety we're living in with terra tyranny and fear layer on top ... you'd be surprised who will listen to someone seeking a way to reduce stress in their lives ... I tested it out on a few people a few years ago ... who-what is constantly increasing stress in our lives ... and, why do they want to abuse us like that ... contention is found many places ... and, people are tired of being mistreated by their fellow citizens in some environment or institution or another.

[Jerseycoa]

20. Very well said

Exactly to the painful root.

[Scott Lee]

18. Clark is a made for TV candidate.

I haven't gotten the impression that he's "real" on any level yet. This is a very disturbing thing, and I tell you it won't wash with most voters.

I am firmly convinced that, should we need a good general, Clark's the guy I would call. But as President? I don't think so.

[cally]

21. He is improving

Initially he seemed somewhat awkward discussing domestic issues. He's so eloquent on foreign policy and military affairs that the contrast is glaring. He has improved greatly. I heard him in SF and most of his speech was on domestic affairs. He talked compassionately about job losses, education, healthcare, and in depth about energy independence. I think he will improve even more ober time.

One interesting tidbit, Gert reminded him to make sure he calls on an equal number of women. I think the campaign is slightly concerned about his perception among women.

[maddezmom]

22. kick

that Gert is one smart woman. :)

[mmonk]

23. He doesn't do bad

on domestic issues. Most debates and interviews don't delve very deep. I like his proposals so far.