Clark: Mastering the Media Appearance

[Jack_Dawson]

I'll be the first to admit there have been some Clark interviews I wasn't completely sold on, but I'm still blown away by his MTP performance this morning.

In a little over three months, General Clark seems to have "figured out" the media appearance. Staying on message, reframing the question, avoiding the verbal traps set by interviewers...all while coming off as very statesmanlike and presidential. And whenever you can keep Russert off-balance, something is working for you.

Other people seem to be taking note of his turnaround and fundraising prowess. Safire's borderline obsession with General Clark this morning was a far cry from the arrogant dismissals he was garnering just a few weeks ago. And I've heard other RW pundits predict everything coming down to Dean v. Clark for the nomination.

Throughout his life, whatever Clark didn't know, he has learned and learned quickly. Apparently the media interview was next on his list.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

1. They didn't give him much time at Iowa debate today.

They didn't ask him many questions but he did a
pretty good job of not making gaffs etc.

[BootinUp]

8. You missed your calling, lol

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. I SO look forward to his appearances

both in the interview format, and in the town-hall meetings. The debates are fun, but there's so little opportunity for anyone to develop a thought or deliver anything more than a one-liner. In the interviews, and particularly in the town-hall format, we can really be a witness to Clark's breadth and depth of knowledge and his compassion. He is so articulate, and does not allow other people to put words in his mouth. I don't sit there in fear, waiting for a screw-up or some statement that will require a retraction or 'clarification'.

I can't WAIT to have him in the White House as my President! :)

[Jack_Dawson]

3. He definitely takes charge

Like any 4-star general would. Could he be any more presidential? Christ what a godsend to the Democrats.

:bounce:

[maxr4clark]

4. Not just RW pundits, though

Mark Shields of the The Capital Gang is also saying it will be Dean v. Clark--and that the Clark/Spitzer ticket will win in November.

Clark has got the vote of anyone who cares most about foreign policy. When Clark's Q4 fundraising came in at $11M, the Democratic base started to take notice. Clark has made the right decision, to bypass Iowa and focus on New Hampshire; he's been getting record crowds there. Today he gets to campaign with no opponents in New Hamphsire, since the others are all in Iowa (except maybe Lieberman?). Sure, Dean has been on the cover of a few magazines lately--but with bad press, not good.

All of this is leading directly to a Dean v. Clark race, just as the primaries are beginning. I'm confident that Clark's challenge to Bush, providing answers on what should have been done and can be done from this point, will sway more voters during the primaries than Dean's more emotional rejection of Bush's policies, without much to say about where to go from here.

Dean definitely is in the lead right now, but only superdelegates are chiming in right now; and Dean's lead among superdelegates is only about 70 over Clark. Once the regular delegates get started from the voting, I think Clark will come on strong.

Way to go, Wes!

[Clark4VotingRights]

7. Ohmygod! That's my dream ticket! Clark/Spitzer

But I wasn't sure if it was practical.
Do you guys think it a viable combo?

Spitzer is...an amazing man.
Needless to say Clark is extraordinary.

[TexasSissy]

14. Ditto! That'd be a GREAT ticket!

[Jack_Dawson]

15. Spitzer fights for Joe Everyman

and word is he likes Kerry, but I'm sure he won't have trouble jumping off that sinking ship when the time is right...

[grannylib]

19. Hear hear! Clark/Spitzer would be the dream team! I can almost see the

current misadministration wetting itself already! Hee hee!

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. I couldn't agree more, Jack.

Clark is BRILLIANT. He is incredibly intelligent, a VERY fast learner and today's interview was his best yet. I can't wait to see what his next performance shows us. :)

[KT2000]

6. MTP was impressive

It tells me he can take charge and lead, as he did in the interview.

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. He was so

calm, cool and collected. No-one is ever going to make Wes look bad in an interview. He'll take them to the mat.

[Jack_Dawson]

18. They TRY to make him look bad

but then they suffer the fate of that Faux guy when he goes smackdown on them. I almost sense some reporter intimidation.

[Clark4VotingRights]

9. The transcript is here

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

And some video.
I'm looking for the entire video...

[doubleyoi]

11. I didn't like the VEEP stuff....

I have mentioned this in another thread, but although I like Clark and would be fine with Clark or Dean or ABB, the VP question needs to be handled better. Russert nagged him on it too much I thought, but the answer should be some version of "Since no one RUNS for VP 10 months prior to the election this question make no difference, I am running for president." and just END the questioning with that. I mean, we all know Russert ONLY exhibits tenacity and balls when talking to Dems, so this was forseeable, but he should have been ready with something better than "I will NEVER be VP" or whatever he said. It was too final and we KNOW Russert will run it endlessly if it turns out to be DEAN/CLARK in 04, giggling the whole time like the annoying girl in 3rd grade who knew all the secrets. I just wish it would have been a better answer.

[robbedvoter]

12. Considering that other candidates put it out there to hurt him and

even used it to steal union endorsements, lie to NH voters (vote HD, you'll get Clark too), he needed to clear the air. Sorry if you do not like it, it was an albatross that had to be shaken.

[TexasSissy]

13. Yes. I totally agree.

As a Clark supporter who doesn't have blinders on, I saw from the first that, although he had the substance and the ideas and the background, and you name it, he was rough around the edges, media-wise, since he hasn't spent years being interviewed by the media.

But my gosh...he sure has turned that around! He's a very fast learner. How essential it is to have someone in the WH who learns quickly and has a few brain cells, in add'n to kahunas, rather than relies on others to tell him things.

He's looking presidential.

[Capn Sunshine]

16. Yes, he's very 20th century media oriented.

At ease troopers.

[xultar]

17. Clark's MTP apperance is included in CNNs Debate coverage

On the CNN website they have a article that includes his MTP apperance and the fact that he won't accept a VeeP slot.
He got better more focused coverage than the other candiates did today.

[NV1962]

20. A quick learner he is

Which is another thing that'll hunt B* out...

Wes, da Smart Bomb!