Chris Heinz says he wants a FP Veep

[Scoopie]

Here's a link to the Chris Heinz comment.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04169/333260.stm

Kerry is likely to name a running mate within two weeks, Heinz said, offering no inside information. "I was very pro- Edwards in the spring," he said. "But now I think we may need someone with stronger credentials on foreign policy."

I hear he posts here, so, if he's not out campaigning, perhaps he can comment on this. :)

[BootinUp]

1. Nice scoop Scoopie!

:)

[AP]

2. I hope Kerry also has a few people who, um, didn't grow up with trust...

...funds advising him, and who might have experiences of the last 3.5 years that are a little different from Heinz's last 3.5 years.

[robbedvoter]

20. Ouch! The claws are out! Only a rich person would think FP matters

in this day and age! (That would make your guy agree, non?)

[AP]

24. It's not that only a rich person would understand FP. It that a person

who hasn't had to work for everything he has, and doesn't feel so threatened by the changes bush is making to society that are making it harder for people to make it to the top if they don't start pretty close to the top might not appreciate what it is about Edwards that so many people are finding compelling.

[ChrisHeinz]

25. I take offense to that.

I have been on this board for a long time and know that AP has always passionately backed John Edwards. I would prefer if you continued to be pro-Edwards and not attack me for my opinion. But I think it is worse to attack me because of my family's wealth. It seems a little unfair, maybe even a little like what the people across the aisle are trying to do with JK himself. So, in my defense, let's review:

1. I dont advise JK what to do, and that is especially true of this VP issue.

2. I gave up my job (and yes, that hurts my pocketbook though I'll be fine) to join this campaign and have been talking to voters all over the country for 18 months. It's been my honor. Through it, I think I have a very good sense of what's on people's minds, because I hear it (almost) every day.

3. I am proud of my family's tradition in public service and that my father, mother and step father didn't leave well enough alone and live comfortably. Rather, they work for the public good. That's my model, please dont discourage it.

I find it odd that me having been very pro edwards would generate such a reaction.

[AP]

28. LOL.

Will the real ChrisHeinz please stand up? Please stand up? Please stand up?

[Padraig18]

29. That IS the real Chris Heinz, AP.

Trust me on this one.

[AP]

30. Then I'd love to PM him and talk to him about what he just wrote

rather than have a public debate about class an opportunity and what theis election should be about.

But he has his PM turned off.

[Padraig18]

31. Try e-mailing him.

I'd suggest that the words "I'm sorry..." be included somewhere in your letter.

Just my $.02.

:)

[AP]

35. I'm not sorry for hoping that Kerry is getting a diverse range of opinion.

[Padraig18]

37. That idea might not have been crystal clear in your posting.

I'm quite sure you meant to say that, and some may have read it that way; others may not have done so. Not suggesting any mal-intent on your part, AP.
:)

[AP]

43. I think it's crystal clear. As I just emailed to "Chris,"

he's a public figure and he has to appreciate that he's a symbol for certain things.

When you go around saying that you're more interested in FP than, say, the class issues that Edwards seems to be a symbol for, observers read that a certain way.

[Padraig18]

44. I hope you two have a good dialogue.

No need for quotes around his name, though; it's really him, AP.

:)

[ChrisHeinz]

45. email me again.

i just checked my email in my profile and it is from my old job (and therefore useless). It's updated now.

[AP]

46. Who was your old employer?

An investment bank?

Let me see if the email bounces back first.

[ChrisHeinz]

47. why the tone?

It wasn't an investment bank. but if you are interested in my professional history, I am flattered.

The email wont bounce back. I just dont have access to it.

[cosmokramer]

49. Nevermind AP...he takes that tone with lots of us.

[Scoopie]

68. That is so true!

And, since I'm for someone with foreign policy experience - I want to know where my new 2005 Mustang is and my inground pool - you know, since I have to be "rich" to want a Veep with FP experience. ;)

For the record - I have a 10-year-old Mustang and my son has a kiddie pool... so I must only be for sort of a foreign policy Veep. :D

[cosmokramer]

86. Me too...since I am for someone with FP experience...

...how come my son's kiddie pool is off the coast of East Medford Street in the midwest instead of off the coast of Martha's Vineyard?

[robbedvoter]

111. Ha!haa! I was also thinking: I must have been rich and not known it since

I too think that our foreign policy and world standing are in more urgent need of repair than people in economic trouble need to hear "the Speech"

[AP]

51. It's not a "tone" -- it's to confirm that you are who you claim to be.

If the email bounced back...and it was your old employer's email...ID confirmed, and it wasn't just a story.

Turn on your PM for a second, and we can talk, if you're really interested in hearing my opinion.

[cosmokramer]

53. Geez, the mod already told you it was him fercrippesake!

[AP]

fercripesake, do you believe everything you read on the internet?

I asked the mod how he knew, and I didn't get a response.

[cosmokramer]

57. I believe Pad.

[Padraig18]

60. Thank you, cosmo.

:hi:

[cosmokramer]

64. My pleasure.

:hi:

[funky_bug]

65. As do I

Paddy is one of the good guys. If it comes from his lips, it's good enough for me.

[Padraig18]

58. Because Mods have access to information that you don't.

And that's as specific as I'll be, AP. It's really him, lad.

[AP]

63. But I don't.

[Padraig18]

72. If I told you, I'd have to kill you, AP.

And I like you too much to put myself in the position of having to do that.

:hug:

[JI7]

95. it's him because he confirmed it months ago on Kerry's site

on kerry's blog he said it. although he has another name he uses regularly uses when he doesn't want people to know who he is.

i think too much is being made of his comment concerning vp also. but i still don't think he should say anything about it publicly because of his position and close relationship with kerry even though he is still a private citizen.

[funky_bug]

62. He's the MOD!

What, the mod for DU is untrustworthy now? You don't think they would look into this kind of thing and verify the authenticity of the nomiker?

Keep paddling though. It's amusing.

[Padraig18]

67. We could get a DNA swab, I suppose.

You did read that clause in the TOS agreement, didn't you? ;)

[funky_bug]

69. I assumed mine had arrived safely

Now remember, you PROMISED not to clone me. Now, we can clone YOU and CL, right?

[Padraig18]

70. Please clone an extra Tony!

I've always had thios fantasy involving me and a set of identical twins. :evilgrin:

[funky_bug]

71. I'll do the work...

but only if you promise to let me watch ;)

Ooo.. so bad. I think I'm giddy... got to close to the "son".

[Padraig18]

73. Tony said to tell you he's flattered.

;)

[funky_bug]

76. Hey, I've been a fan long before you were a mod...

but Tony knows that :)

[Padraig18]

80. He said "Yep".

;)

[cosmokramer]

74. You and every other man on the planet...

:)

[JohnLocke]

108. AP and Paddy are two people I consider to be friends...

Paddy is right on this one.

[funky_bug]

48. Not good strategy if you're trying to woo for Edwards, AP

Your sarcasm toward Clark supporters is not a "well kept secret" around here, but if you'll remember, you catch more flies with honey, honey. Might want to lay back on the vitriol button there.

[AP]

52. I'm not trying to woo anyone. I'm just trying to share my opinion...

...as an average america what I think will win the election, because winning this election really means a great deal to me. M'kay.

[funky_bug]

54. Your opinion

Second time you've stated that it is "your opinion" and it would be lovely if you would truly take possession of it as just that.

Not everyone shares "your opinion", M'kay? The high-horse tone of your posts doesn't exactly lead the way to thoughtful discussions on what may or may NOT win this election, which obviously means a great deal to all of us here at DU.

[AP]

59. I really have no idea what you're talking about.

"take possession of my opinion"??? I haven't disowned it.

[funky_bug]

66. How about just the word "your" then?

As in "your" opinion... not mine, not the larger slice of the American pie's... it's simply your opinion. People do have the right to disagree with it, and still be treated with respect sans the patronizing remarks.

[janx]

77. AP, that was one quote, taken out of context by someone who

desperately wants Clark ("foreign policy" being a main campaign slogan) to be chosen as V.P. There will be many more quotes taken out of context as the campaign wears on. B-)

[Scoopie]

89. Hmmmm....

Seems like I've said about a gazillion times that Clark is my first choice, but ANYONE with solid foreign policy credentials will do just fine, thank-you-very-much.
I think that in this post-9/11 America and during a war, we need to show the world how lousy Shrub IS at foreign policy. And we do that by showcasing how GREAT Democratic foreign policy is. The neo-conservative wing of the Republican Party has owned this issue far too long.

Edited to add: The foreign policy issue was the reason that Clark was my first choice in the primaries and Kerry my second (Graham was popular with me, too, before he dropped out) - not the other way around. My son is an American, but his heritage is half Jordanian. Our country's goals toward peace in the Middle East is not only an issue I think should be dealt with nationally, it's also a personal issue to me. Just so you know.

[janx]

94. I appreciate your candor and understand your position,

but my point was that anything that any Kerry family member says about anything will be scrutinized endlessly both by the media and by those who hope for some benefit from it.

So I didn't mean to single you out personally at all, and if it came across that way, please accept my apology.

[Scoopie]

98. Apology accepted and appreciated

I really am a foreign policy wonk.
Probably as the result of being the ex-wife of a "foreigner."
But, honestly, as I sat here making peanuts, I second-guessed the entire Bush Administration's policy toward the Middle East and Iraq and I've been right every step of the way and haven't been paid a dime for it! (Not that they would have listened to me, obviously!) LOL!
When Clark came on CNN and said the same words I had spoken to family and friends, well, how could I NOT think he was the brightest individual on earth! O8)

[janx]

105. Did you protest the Iraq war?

?

[robbedvoter]

121. I did, repeatedly. I think those who opposed war need a rep on the ticket

(this was a quote from Dona Zen who expresses these things better)

[robbedvoter]

120. Edwards is a symbol of "class issues? maybe in his own mind and yours

Sorry, but I thought it was the political agenda of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY to stand up for the rights of the disadvantaged - was there even a party before Son of a Mill Worker came in?
I don't want to start an attack here, but to say that by not picking your guy (44 millions, many from war), Kerry is dissing poor people you are going kinda far. I think Kuchinich, Sharpton, Gephardt, Clark would have a bit of an argument with your symbol of class issues

[LandOLincoln]

33. Exactly: what YOU THINK this election should be

about, rather than what the majority of voters believes.

[chimpymustgo]

34. And he shouldn't be offering his opinions about VP.

Too many "aides" talking too much, advancing their own preferences - and not necessarily what is best for Kerry or the nation.

Loose lips sink ships. Button up, Chris. (but keep up the hard work for our guy)

[ChrisHeinz]

36. I agree with that assessment.

I was talking to supporters at a house party, and look where things end up.

[Padraig18]

This, too, shall pass.

No blood, no foul, lad!

:)

[chimpymustgo]

41. At your level in the food chain - there ain't no privacy.

And since I'm a nameless, faceless contributor to a web page, it is my wont to say:

Kerry/Edwards '04. And beyond...

[janx]

96. What a horrible thing to say!

There should always be privacy when it comes to the family of a major public servant, especially someone who is running for the president of the United States.

Do you remember what some people tried to do to Chelsea Clinton, and what the media did to the Bush twins, and what they tried to do to Howard Dean's son when his hockey buddies broke into a beer cooler?

Nay, dude--the kids are off limits. They are not public figures simply because they are related to a public figure. And they should not be exploited for sordid political gain.

[chimpymustgo]

110. Sorry. If you're out campaigning - you are IN PUBLIC.

If you commit a crime - regardless of your age - you have exposed yourself to public scrutiny. Of your examples, only Chelsea deserved privacy: she was under 18. her parents asked for privacy, and Chelsea never did anything to warrant public attention.

Chris Heinz is well over 21. He's out on the campaign trail, very publicly (and ably) supporting his step-father. I think he's a great guy. Bt he's a public figure.

Please, climb off the high horse.

[LandOLincoln]

39. Funny, I didn't see Chris express a preference except in

very general terms (no pun intended, I assure you).

And what the hell do you mean, "...he shouldn't be offering his opinions about VP?" Why not, pray tell? Chris is a private citizen and has as much right as anyone else to opine on this or any other subject.

[chimpymustgo]

42. Au contraire. He's NOT a private citizen.

Actually I am very nervous about a Kerry/ Cohen ticket. And I don't think we should try to fight the Rethugs on their home field. If Kerry goes names a VP based on FP, it says HIS OWN CREDS AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH.

Let's talk pocketbooks, and vision, and an optimism for the country.

Kerry/Edwards '04. And beyond...

[Jai4WKC08]

55. Not wait just a minute

Are you saying Kerry should concede on foreign policy and the ability to fight the war on terror, and clean up the mess in Iraq? That would be stupid. We do that, we lose. Simple.

Equally stupid is the idea that there's any weakness in saying, "FP is super important now (for the reasons above) and I'm going to put my team together with the best experts I can get."

[haypops]

84. explanation needed

<<Actually I am very nervous about a Kerry/ Cohen ticket>> What s the Cohen reference about?

[Jai4WKC08]

97. Oh wow, I missed that

He did say "Kerry/Cohen" -- that would scare the piss outa me too. If I thought it were the remotest possibility.

Any media talking head or pundit who suggests Cohen is totally clueless about the dynamics of Kerry's campaign. I mean, I'm no insider, but it doesn't take a wire tap to Mary Beth's office to see that Clark is a key player. He wouldn't be with Cohen, that you can take to the bank.

[Catch22Dem]

112. Indeed it is

I wish he had time to post here more often. Hi Chris!!!! :hi:

[Scoopie]

56. Wow!

When I asked him to comment on this issue - I didn't really expect him to do it!
Bravo!!
:)

[cosmokramer]

78. What a most enchanted evening...

:hug:

[Tom Rinaldo]

83. Your family has a great tradition Chris

Thanks for carrying it on.

[incapsulated]

85. Hi Chris!

Nice to know you are still lurking here! Although I can understand why you may be, uh, hestitant to post. ;)

btw, don't take any criticism I make about JK's campaign too seriously, I do it because I care, heh.

I'm For Kerry and ANY (Democrat) VP.

:hi:

[armymom]

88. Note to ChrisHeinz

Chris:
As the mother of a soldier in Iraq, I just wanted to thank you for all that you and your family are doing for our country right now. I also think your mom is great - and is exactly the kind of first lady and "first mom" that we need right now. :)

[Nicholas_J]

91. Well I think it is correct

Edwards has little or no foreign affairs experience, and this was largely why he finally did not gain the momentum to move furtther along in the nomination process. Also why Edwards had to perform campaign gimmicks and stunts to keep his campaign moving along, such as the cherrypicking a state like Wisconsin, campaigning there for 25 hours a day, and then doing well. It created a temporary boost to his campaign, but like all such attempts, the effects were only short term, and Edwards was unable to repeaat the performance and polling levels that he accomplished in that one state.

Edwards campaign speeches, particularly in the areas of foreign relations and national security were striking in the lack of depth of content in these speeches. No speech on these topics done by Senator Edward ever camp close to matching the depth of understanding and nuance involved in these critical areas of either Senator Kerry's Op Ed piece in the New York Times in September, 2002, or of his first speech given at the CFR in January of the following year. People cn argue all they want about Edwards abilities in these areas but facts are facts, he has only been in the Senate for less than one term, and his extemporaneous speeches in the areas noted revealed a painful lack of knowledge and experience in these areas. His prepared speeches were better, but these were prepared speeches. A lot of research of other people went into the preparations for them and finally the writing of them.

While those who virtually worship Edwards for his charisma and personality will not admit that he has these weaknesses, it is apprant that a large percentage of the publis noticed them, and moreso, the media was very aware of it and frequently pointed it out.

A number of articles and opinion pieces from early in the primary season continually pointed this out:

While his sunny message has helped this one-term senator became the main rival to frontrunner Kerry, the clock is ticking and Edwards may not have enough time to inspire enough people. The consensus among the pundits is Edwards is one of the most charismatic speakers in history, but he lacks the experience to move our nation forward at a time of great uncertainty. In fact, in its endorsement of Kerry today, the New York Times said that at a time when our country is at war and facing multiple threats of terrorism, our country is not ready to change leaders "if the challenger seems to require a lot of on the job training."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/03/01/politics/main603147.shtml

that does pretty well sum it up. With four years in Congress, Edwards has had little time to obtain the depth of knowledge that Foreign realtions and National security require. This sort of runs similar to the Dean saupporters who touted Dean's knowledge in this area, but you do not get to be good in these areas without working in them. You can read all you want about foreign policy and national security all you want, but a person has to be involved in the day to day work involved in these areas before any significant ability can be claimed. Dean didnt have it at all, and Edwards has had precious little of it. It is just one of those areas that has to be hands on before you know how well a person will do in it. Sort of like removing a gall bladder. You just have to get into the guts and get your hands dirty.

Dont feel bad. I like Edwards as well, great guy, sincere, has a great personality, abnd if the times were different, he might be a very good choice. But the times arent different and require that whoever is Senator Kerrys running mate have something like the mastery of these areas that he does. Nothing less will suffice.

But in this sort of situation, telling the truth about the situation will rarely result in your being patted on the back. At least not without a knife being in the hand that is doing the patting.

[Celtic Mama]

114. Chris, you're awesome!

Chris, you're father was admired by people all across our great state of PA, on both sides of the aisle. I'm sorry that some people feel you are "betraying" Edwards. You are simply thinking logically that we need someone with great experience in crises like we have now, both economic and security. Edwards just does not have that experience as a freshman Senator who gave up his seat rather than run for re-election that he would not win. A personal-injury lawyer with good intentions should not be a breath away from the president. I am a Wes Clark supporter, which I know will garnish the hatred of the Edwards people, but who cares. A pretty face, nice smile, and optimism isn't enough to be the VP. It's not just a ceremonial position anymore. We deserve the best in case, God forbid, anything were to ever happen to Kerry.

We have to stop the backbiting guys and focus on the main goal, getting Kerry in the White House. That is our main objective!

[slinkerwink]

118. Chris, you've gotten a lot of post replies by now

And my advice to you is to ignore threads like these. Don't trap yourself into a flame-fest in here. Just lurk :-) By the way, heard you came to Smith last fall. I was studying for a test at the time or else I would've met you.

[julialnyc]

126. Thank you Chris

Thank you and your family for answering the call of duty at this difficult time.

[Jai4WKC08]

26. I hope Chris Heinz does read this thread

And sees what at least one Edwardniac thinks about trust-fund babies.

Oh, and AP, I can think of a certain retired General who has "had to work for everything he has," and who feels "threatened by the changes bush is making to society," in a lot more ways than economic.

Yeah, yeah, you're gonna say Clark doesn't communicate that message to the unwashed masses effectively, right? BS.

You know, maybe that's one think I don't like about Edwards. His whole campaign was little more than "bread and circuses." Clark sees a much bigger picture.

[Padraig18]

27. He did, 6 minutes before you posted . n/t

[Jai4WKC08]

40. Yeah, I saw that

He posted while I was composing my reply.

Believe me, I went over and over and over my note, hoping there was nothing there that Mr Heinz might take offense to. There was certainly none intended. But I did recognize how offensive AP's posts were.

Btw, Pad, at the risk of pouring salt into a wound, I loved your comment about e-mailing a big "I'm sorry." If anyone think I owe one too, please let me know.

[janx]

82. Not all people with trust funds are lazy, AP. Many are

fiscal conservatives who work very hard and contribute to society through physical work, careers, and monetary donations. There are people with trust funds who live in very modest homes, for instance.

Being monetarily poor is not a prerequisite to being a good person or a good leader.

It's not the money itself; it's what you do with it and how you choose to live your life. I'll bet John Edwards would agree with me on that one.

[WI_DEM]

3. NY Post says he is leaning towards Nunn?

That truly would be a uncharismatic ticket. Nunn might make a good Defense Secretary but imagine a debate with Nunn and Cheney--it would be as bad or worse than the '00 VP debate between Lieberman and Cheney.

[RafterMan]

6. I saw Nunn on C-SPAN a week or two ago

In a debate, he would make Cheney look like the sputtering old fool that he is.

[robbedvoter]

19. But Nunn doesn't:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/17/politics/campaign/17kerry.html
And former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia, whose name has surfaced as Mr.
Kerry considers Democrats deemed strong on defense and international
relations, issued a statement saying that he had no intention of
returning to government or campaigning and that "I've had no
conversation with Senator Kerry about any position in government."

[checks-n-balances]

4. OK then, in that case, I think the choice is obvious...

...Gen. Wesley Clark, of course!

No candidate will be perfect, but any negatives about him are minor, I'm sure.

Kerry/Clark...a REALLY strong & complimentary ticket. Good for Dems, good for the U.S., good for the world.

We can do this! Let's hear it for John & Wes!

[WI_DEM]

5. why is he perfect?

I will support him, naturally, if he is the choice. But what makes a military man strong on foreign policy? their job is to carry out orders and enforce policy--not necessarily make it. MacArthur tried to conduct foreign policy and got sacked by his civilian commander in chief for it.

[BootinUp]

7. Clark has put forth a vision

in his books, on the campaign trail, he has made the dems stronger on FP this election already. Maybe you haven't been paying attention?

[WI_DEM]

8. No, I have been paying attention

but don't think he is the "obvious choice" so I guess we can agree to disagre and I hope I put that in a nicer way than you did towards me.

[BootinUp]

11. You're right

I was a bit snippy. Sorry 'bout that.

[ieoeja]

13. MacArthur got sacked for losing.

The Pentagon sent a full dozen requests to the White House to relieve MacArthur as he was deemed unfit for duty (too old, hadn't kept with the latest technology, tactics, etc). The Marine Corps general in Korea, after failing in his efforts to get one of Army generals in the theatre to relieve MacArthur of command, sent a wire to the Commodore informing him that he was removing himself and his division from MacArthur's control. This was less than twenty-four hours before the second Chinese offensive of the war. That would be the one at Chosin.

He also ordered the local SAC commander to hit the Chinese forces with atomic weapons. And all of the allies told Truman they were pulling out if he left MacArthur in charge.

Politics is what kept MacArthur in place so long. It had nothing to do with his being sacked.

[RafterMan]

14. You're over-generalizing

The argument isn't that he knows FP because he's a military man, the argument is that he knows FP. Period.

Check out this article ( http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0405.clark.html ), for instance. Doubtless, others can post more. The point is, if you watch him for any length of time, you just find an uncanny number of uncanny insights.

Here's was Josh Marshall had to say about a specific instance of this:

"When I interviewed Clark that passage was the one that struck me most and the one that stood out in my mind. The analogy hadn't occurred to me before. But it's extremely apt. And the backroom politicking over Iraq is something I know a bit about.

Why it stuck in my mind was that it showed not only a deep grasp of foreign policy issues but an equally canny sense of the informal and extra-governmental ways policy gets hashed out in Washington. More than anything it signaled an understanding that what we've been seeing for the last two years is part of a much longer history stretching back into the late 1960s.

...

But when you see these slashing words from the neocons against Clark, it's not because he's "confused" about anything. It's because he's got their number. And they know it."

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/002044.php

He's not just some "military man". Don't lump him in with MacArthur -- remember that George C. Marshall was a general, too.

[Jai4WKC08]

32. MacArthur got to big for his britches in Korea

But let's not forget that he made policy in post-war Japan and did so brilliantly.

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. I wonder if our endless VP polls has anything to do

with this. ;) I have always hoped Chris was still lurking about DU. This is great news. I hope his step dad listens to him.

Go, Wes! :bounce:

[WI_DEM]

10. foreign policy experience can point to many others besides Clark

such as Nunn and especially Gephardt--with 28 years in congress. Nothing against Wesley Clark, but just having been in the military doesn't give you vast foreign policy expertise--any more than being in congress. If he wants someone with foreign policy expertise he could go with William Christopher or Madeline Albright (though she wouldn't qualify since she wasn't born in the US).

[returnable]

12. Missing a major point

"but just having been in the military doesn't give you vast foreign policy expertise..."

What sets Clark apart from others who "just served in the military" is the fact that he was the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and thus had working relationships with many heads of state. His role in the Kosovo War was as much diplomatic as it was military.

That kind of experience is hard to come by, inside or outside the military. It shouldn't be dismissed.

European leaders are a lot more familiar with him than they are with many of the other contenders being discussed.

[in_cog_ni_to]

18. He wasn't "just" in the Military.

He was Supreme Allied Commander of a 19 country coalition. He had to make sure the children had good schools and an education, people had healthcare, housing, food.....hardly..."just" the military. He also served this country for 30 years and is a 4 Star General who graduated # 1 in his class at West Point and is a Rhodes Scholar with a Major in Economics. He's BRILLIANT AND he's the MOST Liberal of all the presidential candidates....he and Kerry "fit."

Sam Nunn is not going to be Kerry's VP, he's much too conservative and for Gep, I really doubt it. He did POORLY in the Primaries. I don't think he'll be VP, but he will be part of the Kerry Administration.

How does General Wesley Clark compare to legendary West Point Generals? See for yourself.

1. General Robert E. Lee - Class of 1829 #2 in class of 46
(Civil War)
2. General Ulysses S. Grant - Class of 1843 #21 in class of 39
(Civil War)
3. General John J. Pershing - Class of 1886 #30 in class of 76
(World War I)
4. General Douglas MacArthur - Class of 1903 #1 in class of 94
(World War II + Korea)
5. General George S. Patton -Class of 1909 #46 in class of 153
(World War II)
6. General Dwight Eisenhower - Class of 1915 #61 in class of 164
(World War II)
7. General William Westmoreland - Class of 1936 #112 in class of 276
(Vietnam)
8. General Norman Schwarzkopf - Class of 1956 #43 in class of 480
(Dessert Storm)
9. General Wesley Clark - Class of 1966 #1 in class of 579
(NATO/Kosovo)

Definitely one of the smartest generals in U.S. history.

[checks-n-balances]

23. Yep, he's not PERFECT, but he was also a Rhodes scholar

After the disastrous dimwits of Bushco, maybe he & Kerry can restore intelligent sensibility to the White House.

And he's just as good at motivating a crowd as Edwards - and BETTER than all the others I've seen on any list (including McCain who was NOT really on the list).

[cosmokramer]

81. Kerry is a VERY smart man...

...and although I know he appreciates his step-son's opinion, I am sure he has figured the need for a strong foreign policy veep with little input from others. But I am very glad the two of them communicate and get along so well...I love seeing split families come together working for one another.

[quam]

15. How About Bill Richardson?

True, also someone from south, appeals to moderates and perhaps with executive experience.

The only person I can think of with such a background is Bill Richardson (ok, New Mexico is not exactly "the South", but would arguably have better appeal to the region than someone from "the North).

Richardson is currently a Governor, former secretary of energy, former U.S. ambassador to the UN, and former congressman. He was also nominated four times (1995, 1997, 2000, and 2001) for the Nobel Peace Prize, in association with international work. His bio.

Yes, Richardson indicated he was not interested, but what if Kerry asked him to be VP?

Any other suggestions?

[LandOLincoln]

16. Clark is from the South, appeals to moderates, and

has at least as much executive experience as Richardson, without Richardson's baggage.

On edit: Clark did very well here in New Mexico and in Arizona in the primaries, too.

[in_cog_ni_to]

17. And Oklahoma!.....n/t

[cosmokramer]

128. Yep!

[Lefty48197]

21. Richardson would be an excellent choice.

He'll definately lock up NM for us. He'll make us competitive in AZ, NV, and maybe even CO. I'll bet Richardson is on the very short list.

[Jai4WKC08]

50. I like Richardson

He does have good FP experience and credentials, he's a good leader, a good centrist Democrat, and I think he'd help tremendously with the Hispanic vote, which could be a problem if a few (but vocal) Catholic bishops keep up their shenanagans.

BUT, NM was a blue state in 2000. I realize it could be in play in 2004, but I'm not real concerned. It also doesn't have many electoral votes. And, fwiw, Clark did fairly well in not only in NM, but also in AZ, which was red in 2000. His support among Native Americans is VERY strong and they are a big block in those states, possibly big enough to make the difference in a close race.

Mostly, tho, Richardson is one of the few politicians I've come to believe when he says, "I don't want it." I've even heard he refused to be vetted. Well, we'll just have to see, but I wouldn't bet the rent on Richardson.

[quam]

103. Kerry Plans to Meet Richardson on NM Visit...

According to a news article by the Albuquerque Journal, Richardson, chairman of the Democratic National Convention scheduled for July in Boston, said he plans to meet with Kerry during the candidate's visit (on Tuesday).

The more I think about Richardson, and what I have read of the nation's needs, Richardson would make an excellent candidate. Moreover, he speaks well.

[LandOLincoln]

115. Of course he's going to meet with Richardson when he's here

Monday and Tuesday--just as he's met with Richardson every other time he's been here.

Richardson "meets" with every prominent Dem politician who visits New Mexico.

Now, if Kerry came to New Mexico and didn't hook up with Richardson, that would be news. This--not so much.


BTW, the Journal is a Pubby rag. Just so's you know...

[Scoopie]

22. KICK

:kick:

[cosmokramer]

38. Great 'scoop' Scoopie!

And people were challenging us on this just a few days ago, when we have been telling everyone for MONTHS that Kerry said this MONTHS ago. Perhaps now some folks will open their eyes to what KERRY actually wants.

[ngGale]

61. You know, like it or not, foreign policy is Bush's forte...

so he tells lies, most everyone believes him. Kerry should not fight on W's issue, let W sink in his own ship. Kerry has plenty knowledge of foreign policy and experience with the reality of war. I trust him to pick a good guy for his cabinet. IMHO, I think Teresa H. Kerry is walking foreign policy. Enjoyed her on C-Span Sunday and hate listening to FOX put her down. The world will love her and relate to her. I'm not going to compare her to Jackie O, but she has the grace with which to help gain respect from our allies.

I see the world looking at us and our election. They are afraid and discouraged, so are a lot of people in the US, including me. It really matters if Kerry picks a Veep that the world may see as a threat. We have to mend our fences, France is no problem with Kerry, neither is most of the world. Our allies will return to him.

Domestic and economic issues are many. I feel Edwards understands and relates on a personal level, not just to me, but for many. We also need women to vote, women as a whole identify with Edwards. That one block can win this election. As foreign policy has been discussed ad nausea um, we women are busy trying to make ends meet on many levels. Our children and their future depend on this election and we do not want to lose.

Kerry - Edwards is the perfect ticket. Soothe the nerves of the people, give us some security, hope, a positive message for the future. In doing so, the world is watching and relating. They need to see strength and courage, not a massive never ending war machine.

So goes the women of America, so goes the world.

[Scoopie]

75. I'm a woman

and I like foreign policy veeps.

Besides, I think Kerry's got the female vote, anyway. It's white males he needs to attract.

[funky_bug]

79. Right on the money, as always, Scoopie!

Teresa sealed the deal for me LONG before her hubby won my favor. I'll be willing to wager a lot of women like the ring of First Lady Kerry.

For the record, (and I'm sure you'll agree), I don't think Clark will hurt the female demographic much ;) What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man...

[Scoopie]

87. Yes he is...

He's smart, saavy in the foreign policy AND domestic areas AND easy, easy, easy on the eyes.
;)

[union_maid]

101. Yup, all of those

I'm a woman and I agree. Clark's got all the beauty, brains and experience that anyone could ask for. He was the first of the candidates that I heard talking about the problem of outsourcing high tech jobs. Actually, he wasn't even a candidate when I heard him talking about that. The others that I'd heard on the subject were still focused strictly on the manufacturing sector, where Clark seemed to understand that the problem was broader than that. I love Edwards on domestic issues, but I'd agree that as long as the candidate is good on domestic policy, which Clark is, being really sharp on foreign policy is the more important thing right now. We're never going to get our domestic house in order if we can't straighten out our foreign affairs.

[Auntie Bush]

127. He's hard on my eyes...makes them want to pop out of my head

with excitement. Calm down eyes! Relax!

[SW FL Dem]

100. I have to agree Wife

Teresa would bring class and intelligence back to the White House. Kerry wasn't my first choice in the primaries but he was a close second. I would love to see them with Wes and Gert in Washington.

[armymom]

102. mrs Kerry

Mrs Kerry will be a great first lady and "first mom!"

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

90. Foreign policy is *the* fundamental issue this time.

As important as the domestic issues are -- jobs, health care, education -- until we get our foreign policy in order, we won't be able to do much about those things. As long as we are stuck with pouring vast sums of money into the rat-hole that Iraq has become due to this administration's insane wet dream of American hegemony, funds will not be available for social programs, which will be cut and cut some more. "Soothing the nerves of the people" will be impossible. I don't want a nice, cheerful nerve-soother; I want competence. And competence and depth of experience in foreign policy and national security is absolutely essential in the person who is immediately in line for the presidency.

BTW, I'm a woman, too.

[cosmokramer]

92. Completely agree, Ocelot.

And I am a woman, too...with a teenage son who will be an adult in the coming administration. It is IMPERITIVE that competence in foreign policy be key for the entire ticket. Kerry I trust. I want to trust the VP, too, and I won't be able to do that without him/her having the knowledge required to assume the presidency in the event of a crisis.

[Adelante]

107. Woman here

Clark supporter :hi:

[sparrowhawk]

122. I think Republicans are overrated on foreign policy ...

and Bush is the worst. Kerry is fine on foreign policy but it would be a good idea if his VP is too.

[David Zephyr]

93. I Really Agree With Chris Heinz Here.

Justified or not, the American people are jittery now after 9/11 and after the Bush Administration and the media scared the bejesus out of them.

That fear/concern (real or perceived) will play a very large factor in the Presidential Election in November.

Reading here (thank you, Scoopie) that Chris Heinz has said that he "was very pro-Edwards in the spring, but now I think we may need someone with stronger credentials on foreign policy," has given me a greater peace about Kerry's thinking on potential VP's.

It is my hope that John Kerry will choose Wes Clark to be our next Vice President.

Kerry and Clark tower in foreign policy experience over Bush and Cheney.

[haypops]

99. The first function of government

is to protect the citizens. The army is SO deployed to hostile combat zones. I suspect the percentage of deployment(?) is greater than Viet Nam? Does any one know for sure. WE are at war, due to numerous flaws of Bush's personality, and foreign policy/national security is paramount.

[missedherniceguy]

104. Why?

If I had his millions I'd be too busy on vacation or shopping to worry about such matters.

[janx]

106. If you were stupid you would.

But if you were smart, you'd save your money and not flaunt it.

[robbedvoter]

113. Uh, it's Chris heinz, not GWB. Is Soros next on your list to attack?

I sense you may be lost.

[cosmokramer]

117. Some never learn.

[janx]

125. delete

[janx]

124. .

.

[zulchzulu]

109. Chris is a DU regular...and I agree with him

Although Edwards would be "easy on the eye"; I hear his wife is a real biotch.

Chris is a good man and will hopefully get me decent tix to the Inaugural Ball. :->

[nickinSTL]

116. Kerry VP

I think a FP VP is probably a good way to go.

That said, I'm fine with Edwards, if Kerry goes with him.

But, with the fears rampant after 9/11, I think the American people may feel more comfortable knowing that if called upon, the VP can step in and be as strong on FP as Kerry.

I wasn't aware of Clark's degree in Economics, that can't hurt either, with the BA's weaknesses in that area.

[robbedvoter]

119. Ha also taught it at Westpoint and worked in the WH office of Budget

He had to make fiscal executive decisions as an Army General as well, especially as NATO SACEUR.

[nickinSTL]

123. Economics

Sounds like he'd be a great choice, then. FP experience, plus great understanding of fiscal policy.

Clark has pretty much moved into the #1 slot for me, though I'll vote for Kerry whoever he picks, and I'd really be fine with Edwards and most others.

I hope it's not Gep, though. I keep hearing people saying that Gep would deliver MO, but I'm just not convinced. Rural MO isn't necessarily going to jump for Kerry just because there's a St. Louisan on the ticket.