Question for Clark folk. . .

[Brian_Expat]

Why is Wesley Clark choosing Meet the Press over the final major Democratic candidates' debate tomorrow? Shouldn't he, as a candidate, participate in that debate? What's the utility of going to a talk show rather than a debate?

[Rulergirl]

1. well, let's see.....the debate is carried on CNN and C-Span

where Meet the Press is a half-hour show on NBC, in the early morning where most people sleep......I can see why that'd be a larger audience.

[UrbScotty]

3. Well, MTP is a full hour long.

You raise a good point, though.

[Brian_Expat]

6. It does seem odd to me. . .

You'd certainly look at the debate as a way to reach more people and contrast yourself with other candidates. It's also the last debate -- you don't want people to think of you as a "gap on the podium" rather than the second-place candidate trying to grow to #1, and I would think skipping out on the final debate would do that with some undecideds. . . :shrug:

[Clark Can WIN]

86. My guess............. the debate is in Iowa which he has skipped and

Oh, yeah. The debates have ALL SUCKED so far. Too many people for meaningful discussion. And gives him more time to speak in depth about many issues. All ANYBODY asks him about at the debates is military and defense issues. He actually has broad experience in domestic type issues but they get skipped over because of the attention deficit disorder nature of the debates.

MTP keeps him on the east coast does it not? I think every single hour near NH is precious to him now.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

60. Everyone's asleep from 10 am to 11 am EST, 9 am to 10 am CST?

Lazy bones!

This is on the top network NBC.... No-ones' watching the debates. And they only get a few minutes of air time a piece. The last debate they asked all of the other candidates questions about Howard Dean instead of about themselves. Those debates are a joke!!!

[windansea]

79. CLARK ON MTP SUNDAY 10AM EST

:party:

[kerry-is-my-prez]

81. Replays at 10pm-11pm on CNBC, and at 1am-2am

n/t

[windansea]

83. CLARK - MEET THE PRESS-NBC - SUNDAY 10AM EST

replays CNBC 10PM east coast 7pm west coast

[wndycty]

2. Well since you asked. . .

More people will watch Meet The Press than the debate.

Tomorrow night the debate will be competing with the Sugar Bowl and NFL Playoffs. . .other than peopl in Iowa and Democratic activists no one will be watching.

The debate will be about Dean bashing and the only thing people will talk about on Monday is how Dean was attacked by Kerry, Gephardt, Lieberman and maybe Sharpton. Clark does not bash he would have gotten no additional exposure and besides he has the appearance of rising above the conflict.

[Bolo Boffin]

4. Perhaps he wants to steer clear of the Dean pile-on

...plus, he's not running in Iowa.

[Brian_Expat]

9. Still seems odd. . .

This isn't just the Iowa debate. . . it's sort of the last national platform for the party before the primaries kick off.

[wndycty]

12. And you see the stories that say no one is paying attention. . .

Clark does not hurt himself by skipping. He would not have gained anything from this debate.

[Brian_Expat]

17. The stories say that "nobody is paying attention". . .

. . . but they also say "nobody votes in the primaries." Ergo, you'd better make sure "nobody" gets the degree of participation he's looking for. ;)

[wndycty]

20. Thanks for you concern. . .

. . .and go ahead make a big deal out of it.

[Scott Lee]

21. Oh that's right....forgot he was dissing Iowans.

[Justice]

36. You Used To Be A Clark Supporter?

Hard to believe.

Because if you were really a former Clark supporter, you would know that Clark is not dissing anyone.

Waiting to read your next post on how awful supporters of other candidates are about Dean.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

57. Nothing he does is ever going to please them...

They're really used to being kow-towed to. While the rest of us states are treated like we don't exist - they have 8 candidates in Podunk, Iowa "bowing and scraping." Doesn't seem right....

[lurk_no_more]

5. Because he can?

” JAFO”

[Toucano]

8. I personally use that reason often. n/t

[wndycty]

7. He gets more attention by skipping. . .

. . .and everyone will look petty with the attacks on one another.

[Brian_Expat]

11. I don't think he gets GOOD attention by skipping. . .

But that's my personal opinion.

[wndycty]

14. Its going to be pile on Dean. . .

. . .since he is trying not to attack any candidate he is well advised to skip this one.

[Brian_Expat]

19. I think Dean will do well. . .

. . . and I think the other candidates will hurt themselves if they go on the attack. Although, I am not sure Clark is doing himself a service by skipping. It seems too much like "I am not interested in the debate" to a lot of people who are still undecided but planning to vote in the primaries.

[wndycty]

23. A lot of those undecideds are in New Hampshire. . .

. . .where he will be. He is not running in Iowa. And others will be watching Meet The Press.

[janx]

30. Dean will be fine.

.

[TeacherCreature]

37. he doesn't have to attack anyone

He has bad cops to do that.

[Justice]

10. I Feel Good

About what Clark is doing tomorrow - being on MTP, holding a breakfast in NH, then holding a session on women's issues in NH.

I've no problem with his not being at the debate.

[Brian_Expat]

15. I dunno. . .

. . . I think it might backfire -- be painted as "too elite to attend the debate" by others. Not debating is generally viewed unfavorably by most people, not to mention the media, in other circumstances. . .

[wndycty]

18. Well we know you won't view it favorably. . .

Go ahead. . .make a big deal out of it.

[Brian_Expat]

38. I'm not making a "big deal" of it

I just think it's a little odd that Clark (and Al Sharpton) don't think the final debate of the primary is important enough to attend. Even Joe Lieberman (who also abandoned Iowa) is going to be there. Any other time would be a great time to campaign in NH, but skipping the debate isn't a great idea, especially since people worried about NH (like Kerry) will have a great opportunity to attack Clark without him being able to respond.

[tabasco]

58. I agree

He needs the air time that MTP provides. Only snippets seen at the debate. There will be more debates. This is an opportunity for him to shine in the spotlight.

[maddezmom]

13. why do you care?

is this a make or break for you?

[janx]

16. I think it's a legit question. I wondered it myself.

.

[YellowDawgDemocrat]

28. I suspect that if given the chance, every single candidate would rather be

on Meet The Press.

[Scott Lee]

24. I also thought it was a good question.

Sorry if that upsets you.

[mzmolly]

22. I dont get it myself. I think it will not be received well among primary

voters.

[janx]

27. Well, those interested in the debates WILL wonder where

he is...

[FrenchieCat]

25. Clark opt to skip

the Debate originally because it was taking place on the exact due date of his first grandchild. His grandson was born early, but I don't believe that he was able to get back into the debate (remember Lieberman's problems last debate). Keep in mind that Clark was in Vietnam during the birth of his son, and missed it. He did not want to miss this birth.

All in all, a pretty noble reason to skip the debate. And unlike Lieberman, Clark is not crying about the fact that he now is available but not able to participate. That's the difference between Alpha males and cry babies.

Further, Clark will get his own exposure...

Al will also not participate....so viewers can be readied for a debate missing charisma and eloquent oration!

[Justice]

32. Thanks, Here's Waiting for All the "Worried" Posters

on this thread to reply to your email with support for Clark's wish to be there for the birth of his grandchild and congratulations on a healthy grandson.

Waiting, waiting, waiting....

Congrats Wes Clark, on the birth of Wes Clark III.

[eileen_d]

33. What a sweet picture.

I'm happy that Clark will be on MTP. For one thing, I'll be able to watch it, and so will the rest of my cable-less brethren(/sistren?)

My guess is that everyone in the U.S. who is bothered by Clark missing the debate will post on this thread. ;) Although it's certainly a legitimate question *why* he is missing it, sounds like the mystery is solved.

[pinkpops]

26. I wish all the candidates

could get more visible coverage. I do not have cable, have not seen a single debate. Even the Sunday morning network shows are viewed by a select few. They are timed to make room for sports (the modern equivalent of Gladiators)for the rest of the day. I don't blame anyone who takes advantage of a chance to get their message out. In such a crowded field, with everyone attacking Dean instead of Bush, Clark would hardly get a chance to speak.

[Brian_Expat]

31. To an extent, I agree. . .

. . . but let's be honest -- if Dean was doing this, wouldn't all the other candidates (including Clark) be enraged about it?

[FrenchieCat]

34. did you read

post 26?

Do you have a problem with the reason I stated

I remember Dean missing the NC NAACP meeting because he had to attend his Father/Daughter School day or something. Did anyone make a big deal about it or dedicated a post to it?

I think birth is a one time thing....about you, what do you think?

[Turkw]

68. No, Clark has not been enraged about any body's participation, or lack

He has been campaigning to become President.

[BootinUp]

29. The only time

skipping debates hurts a candidate, is when it appears the candidate is trying to avoid answering direct questions. Clark has been to many debates already, he his spending his time right now in NH. Therefore this is really a non-issue IMHO.

[dave29]

98. gotta call you to the mat

Clark, although I like his policy for the most part - is one of the worst about answering direct questions - and I think this is part of him being a political newbie rather than anything else.

Dean of course speaks bluntly and gets hit over the head repeatedly for it - so maybe the general is just trying to avoid some body blows.

This isn't the first time Clark has had scheduling issues with a debate - he almost didn't do the last NH debate because of a previously planned event. Not sure exactly why he wouldn't go for all of the free publicity he could get - but that's the name of the game when you want the top job.

[DFLforever]

35. It's the kind of scheduling mistake

that shows he's a novice, imo.

No doubt the General would like to keep up an image of being above the fray, but it may lead uncommitteds to think he's not really in the race.

[Brian_Expat]

39. Similar to what I'm thinking, but better stated. :) n/t

[FrenchieCat]

43. Too bad

you really don't read the replies to the thread that you, as a concerned poster...posted.

[Brian_Expat]

46. Au contraire!

J'ai répondu à bon nombre d'entre elles.

[FrenchieCat]

47. Sauf la miene!

[Brian_Expat]

49. Ah, mais vous êtes une manifestation spéciale. ;) n/t

[madmax]

62. WOW what head full of HAIR!

The only baby I ever saw cuter than this baby, is my grandaughter :)

Granny 4Clark

[Auntie Bush]

94. The only baby I ever saw cuter than this baby, is my grandson!

He was born on 12/23.

[maddezmom]

41. hmm... when was the last time your first grandchild was due?

he's not going to be there, the other candidates should make the best of it. Be happy.:)

[carpe diem]

50. no mistake...

I think this is a great opportunity for Clark to get some local media coverage in NH without having to compete with 8 other people for it. He is the only one there right now, so he's got all those hungry little local reporters all to himself for a day or two. GOOD FOR HIM!! NH is where he needs it the most right now.

[Clark Can WIN]

87. Scheduling mistake?

It was his GRANCHILDS DUE DATE ..........

Perhaps you would have his daughter in law schedule a premature C-section so that the general could appear less of a "novice" in your eyes?

[KittyWampus]

40. Did You Know: Clark Drew 800-1000 NH Resident To An Event Planned For 200?

New Hampshire voters swarm to see Clark!

Saturday, Wes Clark was meeting residents in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when people began to pour out of stores to walk with him down the street. They followed him to South Church, for a "Conversation with Clark."

The Conversation was scheduled to take place in the basement, and organizers were expecting a crowd of about 200. More than 800 people showed up. The event was quickly moved upstairs to the main sanctuary.

One Clark staffer in attendance called the reaction to Clark, "amazing."

"Something good is happening in New Hampshire," he said.

[Brian_Expat]

52. That's great. . .

. . . but don't the rest of the country also deserve a chance to see him?

Kerry's also worried about him in NH and likely will be launching a few volleys of his own during the debate, which will go unanswered since Clark isn't there.

[Justice]

54. Again - I Think You Have Your Answer

To your original post. Funny that you don't even acknowledge the answer.

[janx]

42. Is there another debate--before NH?

Maybe he can make up for some lost time then.

[FrenchieCat]

44. Yep....

sometime in January, right before the NH primary.

[Justice]

45. Did You Read the Previous Post?

Clark doesn't need to "make up" anything -- he is doing just fine.

[H2O Man]

55. Wait until Monday......

.... and General Wesley Clark is going to make a bold move that I think will have all open-minded democrats (including my good friends in the Dean camp) very happy that Clark is on our side. I am confident that Monday evening, even some of our friends who have serious questions about Clark are going to appreciate what his move does to contrast our democratic values with those of the bush administration. It goes beyong any debate between us .... and focuses the spotlight on the cold and heartless -and corrupt!- lack of American values of the far right. Please keep an open mind until Monday!!!

[Justice]

66. Big New Idea

I've heard snippets of this bold move - it sounds pretty terrific. Looking forward to it being announced.

[TorchTheWitch]

71. he's going to start Pentagon leaking?

I always wondered about that. He knows the evil deeds that are going on there.

[Auntie Bush]

95. Yeah, it's already Monday!

Waterman, do you have insider information? Let us in on it...it's late...no one is listening.

[mot78]

48. He's not running in Iowa

Don't think skipping this debate will hurt him, especially since he'll be devoting most of his time campaigning in NH.

[Brian_Expat]

51. Lieberman isn't running in Iowa either, but he's going to be there. n/t

[TorchTheWitch]

74. well

Lieberman isn't running in Iowa either, but he's going to be there

Looks like Lieberman couldn't get a date and had nothing better to do. Whoopie. :eyes:

[Tinoire]

53. Because Clark is reaching out to Republicans and Independents Too

The birth of his grand-child is nice and all but the child has been born and there's been plenty of time to re-arrange his plans.

His campaign is probably thinking he'll reach a wider, not larger, but wider audience on MTP but he'll lose points from Dems for this.

I'm more and more thinking that Clark is going to end up as an Independent.

*all the above are just opinions*

Whatever happened to video-feeds anyway? Unless there's a time conflict, I really don't see why he can't do both and think it's more a calculation of "bang for the buck".

[Justice]

56. Clark Is Reaching Out To Primary Voters

Not really sure what this post is saying.

Clark said no to this Iowa debate because of the due date for his grandson's birth. Remember Joe Lieberman when he tried to get back in on a debate in Iowa after saying no originally? He was told no, and no video tape.

Not sure why people keeping trying to make an issue out of this nonissue.....

[eileen_d]

59. Pssst!

Not sure why people keeping trying to make an issue out of this nonissue.....

They're running out of issues? :shrug:

[Tinoire]

61. Saying it's more bang for the buck

So you're telling me that if you turn down intitially, you can't accept later? That's unfortunate.

I was aware that Lieberman had tired to get back in via video-feed and that they said no (I feel 50/50 about video-feeds) but hadn't thought of that. Thanks for reminding me.

But he still could get on a plane and attend unless the times conflict and they won't let him back in. Otherwise my impression is that he doesn't think it's worth it.

It doesn't really matter to me because it gives the other candidates a few extra minutes but I think this will hurt him with the Dem base.

[carpe diem]

64. I DON'T!!

[robbedvoter]

67. Yes, Tinoire, he is reaching to all anti-W voters. Preferable to

antagonizing his base, potential supporters by calling them cockroaches, bush-lite and "republican wing of the dem party". Rallying the voters is the secret to victory. Sorry if that offends you.

[Tinoire]

73. Article: "Idea that Republicans will sign on has yet to pan out "

Why should it offend me that you don't like my opinion?

===
Clark failing to woo outside his party

Idea that Republicans will sign on has yet to pan out
Monday, October 27, 2003

By ANNMARIE TIMMINS
Monitor staff

Democrat Wesley Clark said last week he'll need Republican votes to win the White House. His supporters say he can attract them with his Oxford education, centrist views and military experience. Republicans, however, have yet to enlist.

Republicans who want to vote in January's Democratic primary have until Friday to re-register as independents. So far most have stayed put, according to Secretary of State William Gardner. And several Republicans interviewed last week said they have yet to plug into the Democrats' campaigns.

<snip>

Dante Scala, an analyst with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics in Manchester, said yesterday that it's too early for Clark to be courting Republicans because this isn't their primary. Clark needs to first win over the Democrats, Scala said.

<snip>

http://www.cmonitor.com/stories/news/politics2003/102703clarkrepub_2003.shtml

With that goal in mind, I'd say the bang for the buck is on "Meet The Press" Quite a little group of friendly reporters there to make up for the 20-some minutes he'd get at a debate. Sorry if that offends you :shrug:

Sunday, January 4, 2004

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
JOHN HARWOOD of the Wall Street Journal.

MODERATOR/PANELIST: Tim Russert - NBC News

http://msnbc.msn.com/Default.aspx?id=3849657&p1=0

[eileen_d]

80. That article is from October

You know, Googling sometimes *isn't* the answer.

[Tinoire]

84. IMO, the point is the same though

This has been a goal since the beginning of the campaign, Democrats, Independents and Republicans (in that order). Hlinko and Marguiles were pretty clear about this from the start and had mentioned on C-Span that the support in the Draft Clark movement was running about 40/30/30. I don't see why that would change now especially for getting future voters.

[JNelson6563]

91. I wondered aobu thtat too

in this the age of the miracle of close-circuit and all. :-)

Julie

[JI7]

63. Clark isn't competing in iowa

i think they said his late entry into the race is the reason for not competing in iowa so he can spend more time in new hampshire.

[drfemoe]

92. Um. yeah

I don't know what the due date was for his grandchild (or if that's the reason he turned down the debate), but he was in NH on 1/1/04 speaking to Kerry's firefighters.

Is this his first grandchild? Maybe his wife really doesn't want him to run for pres now that they have a grandchild to play with.

[TreasonousBastard]

65. As I said in the other thread on this...

there is no point in him going to a debate no one will watch in a state he's not running in.

He's happily running around New Hampshire meeting people unencumbered by other candidates falling all over each other, and will be on Meet the Press which a lot of people DO watch. Sounds like a plan to me.

As far as "national exposure" goes, there's plenty of time for that in venues that might actually have some viewership. There will undoubtedly be vast numbers of bobble-head pundits waxing prolific over his missing the Great Debate, but their words will be almost immediately forgotten by the vast numbers of actual voters out there.

If it is indeed such a bad move on his part, why would anyone not in Clark's camp bother to question it?

Should be throwing a party, no?

[in_cog_ni_to]

69. Because he will have the entire interview to HIMSELF.

He won't have to share that time with 8 other candidates. I bet he gets to give an answer that's longer than 1 minute. :) He's also on CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer at 11:00 A.M. Central time....PLUS C-SPAN is covering him at his pancake breakfast. ALL that news coverage TO HIMSELF. I think it's a VERY good move.

Go Wes!

[robbedvoter]

70. To give your guys more time. Enjoy it!

On behalf of Clark I feel flattered that he is missed like that, but don't cry! he'll be back for the next one, OK? Try to play nice in his absence, don't use sharp instruments, don't run with scisors.

[Scott Lee]

72. Hmm, it looks like the General is afraid to debate....

And given his latest performances in this arena, I'd say he has some basis for the fear.

[Justice]

75. LOL

His debate appearances have only been getting stronger. No fear there.

His not appearing gives the remaining participants many opportunities to shine - let's see if they do.

[Dookus]

82. Yes....

the 4-star, purple heart, bronze star, Presidential medal of Freedom winner is afraid.

Shame on you for your non-stop childish attacks. It really reflects well on your candidate.

[Leilani]

85. The only challenge he has refused

was the invitation to a ski race against Dean in New Hampshire. Although Wes skis, he didn't get all that practice time that Dr. Dean got in Aspen.

[SCB]

88. The only person "afraid to debate" will be the Chimp when

he has to face Clark next fall

[TorchTheWitch]

76. and don't throw a tomato into a fan

;)

ever read that book? by Erskine and Moran i think.

oops... off topic (but there really wasn't anything much of a topic anyway).

[SahaleArm]

77. Who's gonna watch the debate? Terrible timing...

Only political junkies will watch the debate. The NFL playoffs/National Championship game will get the lions share of the viewers. At least MTP is before the games/pre-game shows.

[JI7]

90. and most only watch after debate whore spin

and many only watch the after debate spin by media whores which is almost always different from what i saw. and sometimes a candidate who did the best can end up doing bad according to them.

[windansea]

78. Clark Clark Clark

this is good...more publicity that Clark will be on Meet The Press on Sunday reaching a nationwide audience

Keep this thread kicked guys and gals...it's the 2nd or 3rd one I've seen today publicizing Clark's appearance on MEET THE PRESS ON SUNDAY.

:)

[TeacherCreature]

93. marcia marcia marcia

kerry

[SCB]

89. Any candidate who would passes up a chance to be on MTP vs.

a cable-only debate is crazy. A major network program gets program gets far more exposure than CNN or CSPAN. In particular MTP reaches a large audience of senior citizens who 1) vote in large numbers and 2) are less likely to have cable.

[Gloria]

96. If you had watched MTP, you would have gotten your answer!!

Clark said straight out that he wasn't running in Iowa because of the late start and that it required so much on the ground prep and there was too little time. He decided to put his resources into later races.

That's the answer. OK?

The whole thing is in the MTP transcript.

This decision was made well before MTP was a gleam in his eye.

He also said that if nominated, he would visit Iowa first....

[Cheswick2.0]

97. actually it was the chicken dance

He is afraid to debate because he has everything to lose.

[dave29]

99. Lieberman even showed up in Iowa

it's all about face time and sound bites. It was not a smart move IMHO. Clark, who is a great man (and would make an excellent VP ;) - has been about as waffley about debate appearances as he was about actually jumping into the race.

[Gloria]

100. Waffly? the decision was made weeks ago, independent of

anything other than strategic concerns involving time and resources.

That's the reason. He's said it many times and repeated it again on MTP.

I guess no one can get used to someone who says something and means it.

Oy vey!