General Clark on MTP tomorrow

[BOSSHOG]

He wants to chat about domestic issues. I'd like to see him reach across the desk and slap the crap out of little timmy.

GOOD NIGHT my fellow DUERS. I'm off to watch the Cowboys season end in Carolina.

[Justice]

1. MTP Will Show

Scenes from Clark's Breakfast Event in NH. Should Be Great.

[w13rd0]

2. It will be interesting to see how Timmy, friend of Cheney...

...treats Clark.

[maddezmom]

3. thanks for the reminder

hope my good friends at DU will do a play by play...since I can only listen on CSPAN. :)

[pasadenaboy]

4. I hope clark treats him

like he did the Faux news whore who was interviewing him.

Russerts a GE rights wing hack.

[Shakespeare]

5. Clark already "handled" Russert once.

I'm not too worried about how he'll fare. Last time, Russert tried to take some of Clark's comments out of context, Clark called him on it immediately, and Russert was left completely speechless for a moment. I'm looking forward to watching.

[AlinPA]

6. The pig Russert will show exerpts from things Clark said

for the last 10 years and act like a cross-examiner. Will be in church when it starts, so I'll miss the first 15 minutes. Thats OK, I can't handle the Russert, he's a bad as any of those right wingers on Faux "News".

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. I'm sure that Clark will do fine

It is funny how people here at DU get their panties in a bunch about Tim Russert. He is a tough interviewer. But if a candidate can't play with the big boys then they should shut up and go back to wherever they came from.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

115. He beat the bejeezus out of Dean and a few others- that's why

Gep, and Kerry are old hands and can handle him and Clark is a four star general and has finally learned how to handle these pundits.

[Jerseycoa]

121. That's what I say, too nt

[maxr4clark]

19. Clark had a fine interview with Russert

the last time; too bad you missed it, and it sounds like you'll miss most of this time, too. You should tape it!

As for cross-examination, have you heard any quotes from Slobodan Milosevic's cross-examination of Clark at the Hague? I've only heard one, and Clark did fine in it. Milosevic is no dummy, and hates Clark with a passion. If there had been any damage done there, you can bet your donkey that the RNC would be using it for adds as we speak. And if Milosevic can't hurt Clark in cross-examination, no one should be worried about Clark with Russert, or taking on the Rove machine in the General Election, either.

You know, of all the Democratic candidates, Clark is the only one who has an effective answer to what Bush will surely claim: "I got Saddam". No other candidate can compete with that like Clark can. I hope Russert brings up the capture of Saddam tomorrow; it will give everyone a preview of what Clark can say in response in the GE.

[incapsulated]

8. It's a test

Like any other. They all must pass if they want the ring. I have confidence in Clark, he is great at handling assholes. ;)

[democratreformed]

16. Wish some of that great

at handling assholes thing could rub off on some of us.

[jburton]

9. Clark should do well

He told the Faux punks where to stick it.

[neverforget]

10. I'm looking forward to watching MTP and Clark eat Russerts lunch.

[in_cog_ni_to]

11. I'm anxious to see if

Russert asks Wes about the Shelton slanderous statement AGAIN. The last interview Wes spent the majority of time defending himself about what Shelton had said. Hell, just Friday on Crossfire, Novak brought it up AGAIN. Sooner or later they have to tire of talking about it, right? :) The interview should be good and I KNOW Clark won't take any shit off of Russert. That doesn't concern me anymore since the Faux News smackdown and the interview with Tweety....he can handle them...or hand them their asses on a platter! :7

Go Wes!

[JNelson6563]

12. haha Me too!!

I'd like to see him reach across the desk and slap the crap out of little timmy.

That calls to mind a delightful image. haha :toast:

Julie

[TacticalPeek]

15. I need a raincheck on that day dream.

Presumably, Clark will be at the pancake slinging in NH, and Russert with the boys in the studio. A safe distance, were the struggle physical, but there's no help for Timmy in the mental combat. (Aside from tech sabotage, sound and light guys, etc, but they're usually too prof for that, I guess.)

---


Guests: Wesley Clark, Democratic presidential candidate; David Broder of the Washington Post; David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register; William Safire of the New York Times and John Harwood of the Wall Street Journal.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/

[John_H]

13. Can't wait to see him out-everything Timmy, just like last time

Ten bucks says dim Tim doesn't try the same monkey business that Clark whacked him on last time.

Clark's the kind of guythat won't let the MW's start their memes like they did in 2000. And believe me, that is a major key to victory.

[Clark4VotingRights]

14. Thank you for the reminder!

MTP MTP...

[windansea]

17. clark kick

:dem:

[Donna Zen]

18. I think the set up stinks!

Russert interviews Clark, followed by the whore squad lying their way to brunch. Do I like the set up....oh no brothers and sisters.

[maxr4clark]

20. Yeah, MTP is a bad format...

I don't remember who was on the panel last time, but I can guarantee there wasn't more than one real Democrat on it. I've been kind of weirded out lately to see so many Republican strategists on the news channels discussing the outcomes of Democratic debates.

Gee, maybe there IS a bias to the media!

[Eurobabe]

32. Make sure you watch it!

Clark refilled his can of General WhoopAss!

[OKNancy]

21. Just watched it

Clark was great. Bashed Bush, didn't bash Dean ( well, not directly anyway)
----
The pundits sucked. Dean Dean Dean. Even this non-Dean supporter is sickened by all the b.s.
Well, I thought the guy from Iowa was okay.

[LouisFC]

22. Another Great Interview

Clark was awesome this morning. Very articulate and decisive.

[jpgpenn]

23. Great Job by Clark

He is is without a doubt, in a stride that wont be beat!:bounce: :kick: :bounce:

[floridaguy]

24. Clark was quite simply Presidential

Clark's command of the issues and his unrelenting attack on the Bush administration is pure genius. This man is brilliant, and we will be honored with him as our President. After his election, the entire world will will breathe a sense of relief.

Howard Dean does not possess the same cool and calm approach to the difficult issues which Clark handles with ease. I am just envisioning the Clark v. Bush debates. Wow, what a visual.

Wesley Clark makes being a Clark supporter a wonderful thing.

Way to go General Clark!

[DemExpat]

25. That's how I feel about Wes! The world will finally be able

to breathe again when he is Pres....

:kick: :kick: :kick:

DemEx

[Palacsinta]

26. Solid performance by Clark on MTP!

Totally in command.

[One Taste]

27. Clark reaffirmed he is not going to be the vice president...

after Russert asked him about 15 times. :eyes:

[peekaloo]

47. no kidding.........Lil Timmy was fishin' for an insult.

btw Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[in_cog_ni_to]

28. Coming on in 5 minutes

here in Illinois...Central time...tune in midwesterners! :bounce:

[Killarney]

29. I'm so close to becoming a Clark supporter

He did a wonderful job on MTP this morning. He continues to impress me over and over.

I'm just stuck on this campaign financing crap. If Clark wasn't capped at $45 million, he would have my vote and my support right now.

I'm just still so torn.

[LouisFC]

31. Don't be torn...

This time, with your help, we can make this election about the quality of the candidate and NOT the quantity of money.

[jpgpenn]

33. spot on

:toast:

[slinkerwink]

34. face it, the reality is about money.

and you need that to beat bush.

[jpgpenn]

39. once you can see past

having the future of our country in the hands of greed you will see its the message that counts.

A candidate shouldn't be stating endless "LIES" for the sake of a vote!

Does this ring a bell?http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=49199&mesg_id=49199

Liars never win!

[DancingBear]

40. More importantly, you need to be seen as presidential

Our guy has that in spades, and can easily get the money.

You guy got one out of two. :(

(BTW, I've noticed you're now concentrating on the "money thing." Gettin' a little warm in the kitchen??)

[windansea]

46. heh

Hello voter...we're running on the money platform...

[slinkerwink]

53. in my opinion, Dean looks presidential also

I'm wondering why you're ignoring this vital point....

[jpgpenn]

57. maybe because

many don't agree with your comment at all.:shrug:

[slinkerwink]

76. It seems that most americans agree with me in the recent CNN poll

and most state polls where Dean is leading.

[jpgpenn]

78. can you please post that

poll? Also can you address the few other replies I have to your posts?

[slinkerwink]

84. here you go....read it and weep.

CNN/Time Poll conducted by Harris Interactive. Dec. 30, 2003-Jan. 1, 2004. N=604 likely voters nationwide. MoE ± 4.

.

"Suppose the 2004 election for president were being held today and you had to choose between , the Democrat, and George W. Bush, the Republican. For whom would you vote: ?"

.

George W. Bush versus Howard Dean
% % %
12/03 - 1/04
Bush-51% Dean- 46% Not sure- 3%
Among all registered voters:

Last month's CNN-Time poll
11/03
Bush-52 Dean-40 Unsure-8
9/03
52 42 6

[DancingBear]

91. Uh, this one wouldn't have anything to do with, um, gee, let's see

name recognition, would it??

Of course not, silly Bear, I mean, Lieberman is in second place and we all know that's accurate.

Oh no, all of us put our faith in this poll, unless and until the next one comes out differently, in which case CNN-Time becomes the "enemy."

it would be funny if it wasn't sad.

[jpgpenn]

93. weep?

What is there to weep about, I just asked for the poll?:shrug:

Can you provide the FULL link to this post? Seems there is some info missing?

[kerry-is-my-prez]

118. Most are just having a good time - it's "fun" to support him.

It's fun to be with the person who's winning. I realize that you are probably one of the few "serious" people (perhaps you're a bit older and have a bit more experience). I notice that you are about the only person who talks about Dean on the issues and you do a good job.

[DancingBear]

97. You're right

now that I've seen him with tie loosened just a-strummin on that guitar ....

"Tied, to the whippin' post...."

How could I have been so wrong!

[Turkw]

43. You're right, good thing that Clark has money

[Kahuna]

55. Since bush will have more than everybody should be

set the coronation now? Of course not. We won't do it for Dean either.

[MidwestMomma]

99. Hey people...quit arguing with the Dean supporter

Come on down to the bottom of the thread and talk about Clark's great performance on MTP! We need your input! :hi:

[SahaleArm]

131. If it's about money just give Shrub the presidency n/t

[Killarney]

35. I know that's the way it *should* be, but...

the fact remains that Bush has over $200 million and Clark would be capped at $45M. No matter what, money will matter. :(

What is more important to me than any individual candidate is getting Bush out. That's why I'm still torn between Dean & Clark (and a little bit o' Kerry ;) ).

[windansea]

42. there will be plenty of money

supporting Clark...for instance...Ickes will have about $75 million to run attack ads on Bush...lots of other 527s will have tons of dough...pick the guy you think can win the most votes

[jpgpenn]

44. yes

It's the message not the money. The money will be there when it's needed.

[robbedvoter]

65. THE MONEY IS HERE - More than HD. Look:

October 1, 2003 money in the bank = 3.4 million.
Funds raised in 3rd quarter = 11.1 million
FEC matching funds for Sept., Oct., & Nov. = 3.7 million.
FEC matching funds for Dec. = 2.0 million
Clark's Total 3rd Quarter 20.2 million - 10.5 million est. expenditures = 9.7 million balance 1/1/04.
Howard Dean's money!
10/1/03 money in bank = 12.0 million.
Funds raised 3rd Quarter = 15.5 million
Dean's Total 3rd Quarter = 27.5 million - 18 million est. expenditures = 9.5 million balance 1/1/04
Last I checked, 9.7 beats 9.5

[jpgpenn]

66. I know it is

I was saying as time goes on etc.:kick:

[Bread and Circus]

106. Wow, that deserves its own thread if your analysis is sound.

Good job, you and DTH rock n roll

[Killarney]

49. Good point...

I guess with ads... moveon can do the anti-Bush ads and Clark could stick with positive ads about himself.

But... the money isn't just for ads, it's for plane tickets, etc everything to do with campaigning. If he can't spend anymore then he can't get around, right? No hotels, no plane tickets, no nothing, right? He has to get to the people.

I'm really trying to feel better about the money. I emailed the Clark campaign about it last week and they sent me back a generic email saying all the issues are listed on his website. :rolleyes: Then, I wrote back saying you didn't answer my question and campaign financing wasn't on the website... what's going to happen when the $45M is gone? And no one wrote back. :(

[slinkerwink]

56. also, the 527 groups can't name a candidate they like directly

it has to be an ad against the candidate's opponent. Still, the candidate needs more than $45 million dollars in those three months for campaigning, and rapid response teams, and quick advertising rebuttals to negative ads. Dean's done so well so far in the quick advertising rebuttals.

[jpgpenn]

62. you still don't get it?

can you please address this reply to your post.http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=58160&mesg_id=59836&page=

[slinkerwink]

77. oh, and Dean's message is clearly resonating with a majority of

Democratic voters in the early primary states.

[jpgpenn]

80. you mean the states..

He has been pouring all this important money into for at least the past year?

[slinkerwink]

86. the money is what carries the message in campaigning

you pay for buses to bus your supporters, you pay for speeches on television, you pay for an appearance on a talk show, you pay for lunches, you pay for the salaries of your campaign staffers, you pay for print and tv advertising, etcetera.....and all that gets the message out. Dean has money in spades to do that.

[jpgpenn]

95. is that why Dean went back on his word...

and opted out of the campaign spending cap? Apparently he is spending everything he can to take down fellow Dems instead of focusing his spending priority on Bush as he claimed was his reason for such a move.

Remember LIARS can't win!

[DoveTurnedHawk]

64. Candidates Have Never Had Problems Getting Around Like That

All modern Democratic campaigns have had enough cash to allow for plane tickets and logistics, if they ever start getting cash-strapped, they simply cut back on some TV advertising. They also have a built-in safety valve when it comes to cash, the ability to ask their more fervent supporters to defer salary (particularly the more expensive support staff).

I would also note that even if the opt-outers end up raising twice as much money as General Clark (which is nowhere near a foregone conclusion), Clark has not burned through nearly as much as any of the candidates who've been running for ages have. He will be in a much healthier "cash on hand" position than just about any other candidate. And he has been very prudent in his expenditures thus far, his big ticket items have been semi-biographical television ads, which have a dual-benefit of introducing himself not only to Democratic primary voters, but also to the entire, general American public who will be voting in the general election. He is NOT spending, say, $4,000,000+ on the arcane organizational ins-and-outs of the Iowa caucuses, which have limited bang for the buck.

One of the best things about Clark, IMO, is that he appeals to our higher feelings of honor, duty, patriotism, sacrifice. In short, he inspires us. I have heard so many people say that they don't just want to be angry, they want hope for the future. I think General Clark represents this in spades, and no amount of crass, cynical money can buy that feeling.

DTH

[Killarney]

67. Thanks for this info! n/t

:)

[Tom Rinaldo]

68. Clark has spent much less than the other major candidates.

Clark is at a big disadvantage in many ways for having gotten into the race so late, but it does bring one advantage. Clark spent very little money in 2003, a few million dollars. Someone like Gephardt or Kerry (I know he opted out - but his fund raising has stalled) probably have burned closer to twenty million.

Clark has an ample cushion to hold back enough money to keep his campaign up and running until the Post Convention. I grant that Dean has an advantage here (but even he won't have nearly as much as Bush) but I wouldn't start worrying about hotels and plane tickets lol.

Clark is also "fresher" than Dean from a media perspective. Dean was quite the story for 6 months, rightly so, "coming out of nowhere". Dean got tons of free ink and air time. That angle has run out of gas now, but much less so for Clark. If Clark manages the upset and beats Dean, he will get plenty of free coverage, including lots of talk show appearances to directly tell his story and make his case to voters.

Plus the grassroots, (most Dean supporters included if Clark ends up the certain Democratic nominee) can be very creative. We'll produce and distribute our own campaign literature. I suspect we will also organize fund raising drives for "Move On" and other Democratic outlets that will have free reign to produce TV ads. That's where my donations will go during that time period.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

116. We'll receive a lot of $$ when the other candidates begin dropping out

We'll get most of the Kerry, Gephardt and Edwards supporters (whoever drops out) and their money. Most importantly, the big donors are "waiting" to contribute.

[LouisFC]

70. Maybe

I appreciate your thought process, but I choose to believe that if enough of us stand up to say that we will accept our responsibility as Americans and vote for the candidate who is best qualified than we can overcome the candidate with the best fundraising machine.

[Bill of Rights]

101. Clark can opt out of

federal financing at ANY TIME. He will just have to pay a penalty. HE CAN OPT OUT AT ANY TIME!!!

[windansea]

110. got a link for that?

would be good ammo to debunk this money meme

[TexasPatriot]

51. the best reason

to avoid public money is state spending caps - not how it affects the GE... and dont think that didnt play a huge role in both Dean and Kerry's decisions (Dean to fight off Gep in Iowa and Kerry to mount a defense in NH)

the 'he wont have any money' issue is smoke. There will be so many opportunities for Clark to get his message out I wouldnt worry about it - he's such a charismatic speaker and he's so personable that he'll be a media darling and that coverage is free

[robbedvoter]

59. He can opt out in the General's election and will

So far, he has more money in the bank that HD, and no Iowa black hole to waste it on.

[slinkerwink]

79. no, he's capped at 45 million until july 1st, so he's a sitting duck

for three months.......can't raise anymore than that until july1st, and there's those three months from march to july where Clark, after the primaries, will have a FEW million on hand against Bush's 200 MILLION.....doesn't that thought frighten you at all?

[kerry-is-my-prez]

123. Most of the big donors have not donated to anybody yet - they're waiting..

n/t

[Jack_Dawson]

128. Clark Hits Another One Over the Bleachers

This guy is getting better every second. He completely took charge of the interview, didn't back down once and even caused Russert to stumble and stagger. Could Clark be more presidential?

[Renew Deal]

130. Bleachers? What Bleachers

:silly:

[artistaboard]

30. Today on MTP

Just missed church to see Wes Clark on MTP. He was awesome, presidential and in complete command. Makes me proud to be a Clark supporter and wonder why we'd be running anyone else.

[Eurobabe]

36. Can a whoop ass!

General was packin' his today...

[maddezmom]

38. we all need a can of that for bush*

LOL :)

[democratreformed]

37. Looking forward to tomorrow's new plan

dealing with taxes.

[KittyWampus]

45. Clark Sez Will Simplify Tax Code To Make It More Progressive

Dean has been talking about simplifying the tax code.... Clark gets specifics out there first.

[jumptheshadow]

114. You beat me to it

I was gonna use that picture for my sig line.

Great picture.

[mbali]

41. What is with Russert's obsession with Bill Clinton?

Jeez!

[robbedvoter]

52. It runs deep since the Clenis time. Bartcop nailed it then:

[Auntie Bush]

96. Russert yapping

Great Graphics!
Have you ever sent that to Russert?

[Lefta Dissenter]

113. Robbed, that's hilarious! :) (eom)

[Jerseycoa]

124. That is hilarious

:7

[MidwestMomma]

54. I think he secretly admires him

You know, how like when you like someone in grade school you're extra mean to them. }(

But I liked Clark's responses to Russert's obsessive questions about Clinton. I like it that Clark is not afraid to say Clinton was a good president.

[in_cog_ni_to]

58. Tweety's obsessed with Clinton

too. They like to think Clinton is a "bad" thing for the Democrats...just the opposite is true. I was so proud of Clark for standing by Bill. Smart guy. Gore was STOOOOOPID for NOT using Clinton in his campaign. IMO.

Russert was also obsessed with the Dean's VP question. Holy shit! How many times does Wes have to say 'No, I will not be Dean's VP?" ..damn....sheesh....for crying out loud. :grr:

Wes was awesome! Russert doesn't have a chance against Clark's great mind.

Go Wes!

[mbali]

61. Ain't that the truth?

Clark: No

Russert: Does that mean 'no?"

Clark: I said no.

Russert: Is that really a no?

Clark: Yes.

Russert: So you mean yes?

Clark: Let me spell it out to you again, Tim. I will not run for Vice President. No No No.

Russert: What if Dean says, "pretty please?"

Clark: No.

Russert: "With sugar on top?"

Clark: NO!

[Jerseycoa]

126. You're translation so close, mbali, it's uncanny ;)

MR. RUSSERT: Let me go through this whole exchange with Governor Dean that you had about the vice presidency. In December you said this. "...as a matter of fact, did offer me the vice presidency...it was sort of discussed and dangled before I made the decision to run." "It was a meeting that we had...This was in early September." Governor Dean responded "...I can tell you flat out" that "I did not ask to be by running mate." Who's telling the truth?

GEN. CLARK: Well, I don't think we need to play semantic games with this. I stand by what I said. And I also will tell you this, Tim. I'm not going to be Howard Dean's vice president.

MR. RUSSERT: You said something else: "I'm not going to be Howard Dean's Dick Cheney. We've already tried that model of government and it doesn't work. That's what misled America thus far."

GEN. CLARK: That's exactly right. We need people who are experienced not only in the domestic issues but in the foreign policy issues.

MR. RUSSERT: Another general who entered politics, William Sherman, was asked whether or not he would seek elective office. He said: "If nominated, I will not accept. If elected, I will not serve." If General Clark is nominated as vice president, will you accept?

GEN. CLARK: Well, I've said I'm not going to be the vice president, and that's what I stand by. I'm running to be president of the United States. This country needs a higher standard of leadership, Tim, and to get that higher standard, I'm going to have to be the commander in chief and the president of the United States. That's why I'm running.

MR. RUSSERT: But General Sherman had a very understandable formula: "If nominated, I will not accept." Is that your view?

GEN. CLARK: I'm saying that I'm not going to be the vice president. I'm not going accept that nomination. I can't make it any more clearer than that.

MR. RUSSERT: So if nominated, you will not accept the vice presidency?

GEN. CLARK: I'm running to be president of the United States. I am not running to be vice president, and I do not intend to accept that nomination, and I will not.

MR. RUSSERT: Absolutely.

GEN. CLARK: That's absolutely the facts.

Transcript


Russert: "With sugar on top?"

Clark: NO!

:evilgrin:

[laruemtt]

48. i love the way

Clark's mind works so seamlessly - such a breath of fresh air!

edited to change "his" to "Clark's" - did NOT mean dim tim's mind!

[MidwestMomma]

50. Loved it when Clark said: If Bush is qualified to be president then..

any of the Democratic candidates are qualified.

This was Clark's response when Russert asked him if he thought Dean's lack of foreign policy expertise made him unqualified to be president.

I was so proud of Clark's answer. I was happy with all his answers. For those that didn't see, Russert continually tried to get Clark to attack Dean. Clark resisted every one, I think.

Can't wait to hear Clark's major policy announcement tommorrow. Said it was about reforming the tax code to make it fairer for the poor and middle class.

[Killarney]

60. Yes, I clapped when he said that!

Got a lot of my respect. He could easily have just bashed Dean right then, that's what Tim wanted. But instead he turned it around. Clark is a very classy man.

[Tom Rinaldo]

72. It was actually a little friendlier than that

Clark said that if George Bush is qualified to be President, than any of the Democratic candidates are BETTER qualified to be President than Bush LOL. Clark hit the perfect tone on that one. Of course Clark thinks he's best qualified (me too) but he didn't take the low road.

[MidwestMomma]

89. No low road for Clark

That's for sure! Good thing Bush doesn't watch TV or he would be :scared:.

[peekaloo]

63. another great moment when Lil Tim asked him

how REPUBLICANS would view his announcement tommorrow he answered with, "I believe the AMERICAN PEOPLE will view it........"

suck on THAT Tim-Tim.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

69. IMO, This Was Clark's Best Appearance Yet

He was poised, confident, and had NO hesitation in batting all of Russert's questions out-of-the-park. He kept to the high road, and was amazingly articulate and intelligent.

This man simply MUST be our next President!

:bounce:

DTH

[jpgpenn]

71. I agree

His confidence shined thru.:kick:

[MidwestMomma]

81. He just keeps getting better and better IMHO

I think this man can not only beat Bush but govern in a manner to make us all proud. :D

[Auntie Bush]

100. Not only will Clark make us proud but

He will go down in history as one of the GREATEST!!!!
He'll do more for this country at home and abroad than any other President in history. How can we pass up an opportunity like that?
We Democrats have been blessed with his presence. Bless Wes!

[MidwestMomma]

73. What did you think of his reponse to TR ? about his support of Bush...

When Russert put up the quote when Clark said Bush was doing a great job as commander and chief and president?

I thought he handled it well by saying that quote related to the initial action against Afghanistan but then we didn't finish the job there and that's why he criticizing Bush now.

Thought it was great because Clark got to make that point that the admin turned away from Afghanistan to start concentrating on Iraq even though Saddam did not have anything to do with 9-11 and was not an imminent theat.

I've thought before that the Republicans will have a hard time 'using' Clark's support of Bush against him in the general election. This shows one reason why. It just gives Clark the opportunity to point out where Bush went wrong.

[Tom Rinaldo]

74. Exactly. n/t

[maddezmom]

90. yes, just herad that, thought he explained himself well n/t

[MidwestMomma]

75. I also liked how Clark stressed the South is important...

not just because it can help elect him as President but because of the 5 Congressional races in the fall that Democrats need to win.

I really like how he looks at the big picture...

[DemExpat]

83. This looking at the big picture is my Nr. 1 reason to back Clark....

and his picture is big - encompassing the whole world - which I believe is absolutely vital for today!

:kick:

DemEx

[in_cog_ni_to]

85. Absolutely he has

COATTAILS! Could we take back seats in the Senate with Wes? You bet we could. Clark's the man to do this for us. I hope people realize it before it's too late.

[Punkingal]

82. Clark was awesome.

He just comes across as so honest and straightforward.

[maddezmom]

87. listening now on CSPAN radio

going after bush* about 9/11. Go WES!!

[Blue_Roses]

88. Clark would make an

awesome President! I just wish he had gotten started earlier.

Seems so much is at stake with him missing the Iowa caucus.

[in_cog_ni_to]

94. Can you imagine

how he would be polling had he started this in January 2003? Whew! I think people are finally learning about Wes and they like what they see and hear. He can do this! He can win! :bounce:

[MidwestMomma]

98. Just wait for Super Tuesday

I think he is going to do great!

[laruemtt]

92. nothing personal against Gep,

but right now on cnn with wolf, he's such a huge letdown after Clark. no comparison imho. Clark is simply our best chance to dethrone chimpie!

[MidwestMomma]

102. Who here thinks Clark's got mometum?

My support of Clark is kind of like the book about the little train and the big hill. At first I was like "I think he can, I think he can" but lately I'm more like "I know he can, I know he can"

Cheers and thanks to all the draftclark people....I think you found us a winner!

[jpgpenn]

104. My support never wavered!

Clark all the way. He is simply presidential material!:toast:

[DemExpat]

107. I'm totally steadfast......

since the time I heard rumors of his running....

:bounce:

DemEx

[jpgpenn]

108. Kudos

:toast:

[MidwestMomma]

111. Kudos x 2!

:yourock:

[MidwestMomma]

109. You rock!

:toast:

[JaneQPublic]

103. MTP Re-Airs on CNBC tonight at 10 Eastern

I missed it this morning, so I'm looking forward to seeing it tonight.

Congrats to the General and his supporters for what sounds like a boffo interview!

[MidwestMomma]

105. Boffo interview indeed!

:D

[kerry-is-my-prez]

125. Thanks Jane - appreciate it.

n/t

[Lefta Dissenter]

112. Once again, another home run

for Clark! GREAT job!!!

He just keeps on message, on message, on message, not letting little Timmy put words into his mouth. He seems to get a little amused when he says "NO" 15 times, and then the question comes for the 16th time (whoever counted above must have missed one ;) ) - he gets that little smile on his face, "NO!"

I really want a president we can be proud of - and I know that Clark is that man! I don't worry that he's going to say something wrong, something he'll have to bail himself out of. It is SO fun to just sit back and enjoy the interview, not wait with baited breath, wondering if this is going to be another f*ck-up or not.

I don't want another president (?) like bush, who is just a 'common man, plain speaker, aw shucks sort of guy.' I want a president who will inspire all of America and the rest of the world. Wesley Clark is that man! He doesn't have to shout and scream to get his point across, he just oozes brilliance and a calm diplomacy.

Time to hit rewind and watch that interview again. Sometimes I find that I'm just watching the interplay between Clark and the interviewer, admiring Clark's demeanor and dreaming of the day he'll be our President, and I forget to listen to some of the specifics. ADD strikes again!

[robbedvoter]

117. Anyone has the transcript?

I get lost on that website.

[Jerseycoa]

120. Transcript

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3849657/

[moz4prez]

122. Jan 4 MTP Transcript

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3849657/

[oasis]

119. Clark gave a most impressive interview. The best of any candidate so far.

[Gloria]

127. Safire's comments about Clark/Dean...Repug crossovers might be

listening in the states like here in NM where they can switch parties....

"But it becomes one against one, Dean vs. the anti-Dean, then we will see what I hope is Dean's winning of the nomination. I'm a right-winger. I'd like to see another McGovern because I envision a Dean candidacy that not only reaffirms a second term for George W. Bush but drags down Democrats all across the country."


The panel also spent a lot of time on religion and brought up Dean's first saying Dems shouldn't run on "God, gays, and guns" and how now he's talking about religion all the time.

Also, still talking about Clark as VP!! Safire thinks Clark wouldn't take it, but then flip flops and says

MR. SAFIRE: But I think when the moment comes in the convention, there you are sitting in NBC's booth, right, looking down at all these people waving their banners, and Dean realizes that he has to bring the party together, and he sends an emissary to Clark's emissary, who will be one of the Clinton people, and say, "Hey, how about it now? Now, I'm really offering it to you. I just sort of dangled it last time. This is a firm offer." And let's say Clark says no. What do you do if you're Dean? You pick up the phone, you call Bill Clinton and say, "Hey, get this guy on the ticket because that's the only way we're going to bring the party together, and that's the only way I'm going to support Hillary in 2008 if I don't win." And if you're Bill Clinton, will you then turn to General Clark and say, "Do your duty to the party"?

MS. TUMULTY: And on the suggestion that perhaps he is keeping a little bit of his--that Wes Clark is keeping a little bit of his powder dry here is the fact that he has not been among the candidates who have been out there just being scathing about Howard Dean. And you even saw on your program this morning how he tried to portray that joke about skiing, which is how Howard Dean spent the Vietnam War, as just a joke and something that he was trying to...

[DrBB]

129. The REAL reason they keep asking the VP question

...is to keep conveying the impression that it's Dean, Dean, Dean, and that Clark is an also-ran. It has nothing to do with getting an honest answer and only a little to do with trying to foment some kind of controversy. It has a little more to do with perpetuating the impression that the Dems are a bunch of internecine back-biters (something we always seem eager to oblige them in). But it has MUCH more to do with the fact that Dean is the media-annointed front-runner, and they like it that way.

It's the flip side of the "aura of inevitibility" game. Ultimately I think it serves Clark in that he hasn't come in for some of the big torpedo slurs they've been firing at Dean.

[robbedvoter]

132. Well said. Also flame bait - who lied?

"let's not get into semantics" Clark smacked Timmy.
Timmy gor a few R wins in the Gov races last year - one of them Jebbie by dismantling the Dems. Heard of a fluff interview with Pickles. I saw him buttering Cheney once. So, he's helping out. Good soldier Tim 9but watch for general Smackdown!)