Kerry Campaign Rep: "Clark was a Republian until 3 months ago"

[mzmolly]

on Faux news tonight. Anyone catch that? I'm sure many will be talking about Clark now that he's climbing in the polls?

[Renew Deal]

1. That's great news

Actually not really. I guess the Kerry camp is now fighting for their lives.

[Clark4VotingRights]

5. Possibly due to Kerry's unsupportable support for the IWR.

Fat lot of good it does us to have lifelong Dems voting
to invade countries for oil.

Don't think Kerry wants to talk about that.
I know, Bush - the man who had just stolen an election -
lied to him and was duped duped and is shocked shocked...

[TLM]

24. Clark also supported the war....

http://www.fair.org/press-releases/clark-antiwar.html

(CNN 1/21/03)"I probably wouldn't have made the moves that got us to this point. But just assuming that we're here at this point, then I think that the president is going to have to move ahead, despite the fact that the allies have reservations."

(CNN, 2/5/03): "The credibility of the United States is on the line, and Saddam Hussein has these weapons and so, you know, we're going to go ahead and do this and the rest of the world's got to get with us.... The U.N. has got to come in and belly up to the bar on this. But the president of the United States has put his credibility on the line, too. And so this is the time that these nations around the world, and the United Nations, are going to have to look at this evidence and decide who they line up with."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0919-01.htm

General Clark said that he would have advised members of Congress to support the authorization of war but that he thought it should have had a provision requiring President Bush to return to Congress before actually invading. Democrats sought that provision without success.

"At the time, I probably would have voted for it, but I think that's too simple a question," General Clark said.

A moment later, he said: "I don't know if I would have or not. I've said it both ways because when you get into this, what happens is you have to put yourself in a position — on balance, I probably would have voted for it."

[blm]

49. Dean also supported use of force resolution

IWR adopted much of Biden-Lugar guidelines.

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/primaries/new_hampshire/articles/2004/01/07/nh_voters_eyeing_two_non_deans/
>>>>>
The only awkward moment for Dean came when Katheleen Belgard, a 17-year-old Concord High School student and Kerry supporter, asked how he could portray himself as so clearly antiwar when he had supported an alternative congressional resolution (known as Biden-Lugar) that would have given the president authority to wage war against Iraq after securing a UN Security Council resolution requiring disarmament or, failing that, upon his declaration that Iraq constituted a grave threat.

Dean replied that he had initially supported Biden-Lugar because "I think the president deserves the presumption of right on his side in foreign policy. I wanted to give this president as much leeway as we could." (Imagine what Dean would say if John Kerry or Dick Gephardt had made that statement.) But Dean also noted that he had made a speech on Sept. 21, 2002, setting out his opposition to the war. However, Dean was still expressing support for Biden-Lugar in early October; at about that time, the authors of the resolution decided not to press forward with it.
>>>>>

[Padraig18]

59. Unfortunately...

... he didn't support the IWR, and John Kerry did.

[Skwmom]

69. Dean on the Iraq War.

He gets a deluge of phone calls from reporters asking him to clarify his position. Which is -- "as I've said about eight times today," he says, annoyed -- that Saddam must be disarmed, but with a multilateral force under the auspices of the United Nations. If the U.N. in the end chooses not to enforce its own resolutions, then the U.S. should give Saddam 30 to 60 days to disarm, and if he doesn't, unilateral action is a regrettable, but unavoidable, choice.

Bush's last ultimatium to Saddam I believe was 24 to 48 hours though when you add up all of his other ultimatiums I'm sure they would add up to more than 30 days. So how did Howard Dean's position differ from what George Bush actually did?

I'm sure you can point to another day and time when Dean took the opposite stance but I'm sure you can do that on almost every issue.

[dogman]

86. Support for a resolution, not a war.

The first sentence is hypothetical. The rest regards voting for a resolution. the second sentence talks about the credibility of the President which hindsight has proven to be worthless.

[Skwmom]

89. Dean's response when asked to clarify his war position:

He gets a deluge of phone calls from reporters asking him to clarify his position. Which is -- "as I've said about eight times today," he says, annoyed -- that Saddam must be disarmed, but with a multilateral force under the auspices of the United Nations. If the U.N. in the end chooses not to enforce its own resolutions, then the U.S. should give Saddam 30 to 60 days to disarm, and if he doesn't, unilateral action is a regrettable, but unavoidable, choice.

[xultar]

33. It's nice not being ignored! WES WILL WIN!!! n/t

[sandnsea]

2. I wish they wouldn't go there

It's so trite and it would be much more helpful if they said we don't know what Clark has supported in the past because nobody has ever asked him.

[jadesfire]

34. he has said he voted for reagan and the 1st bush

there was also a pretty long thread yesterday on his support, and even praise for, the school of the americas (or whatever they want to call it now...)

[Skwmom]

93. He voted for Clinton and Gore. e/o/m

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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

[Renew Deal]

7. That's totally true

Actually when I went up to Clark's NH office, the guy that opened the door had a PNAC lapel pin. Everyone of the people working phones also had a copy of the Washington Standard on their desk and the Campaign manager was on the phone with Tom Delay.

[stickdog]

26. Why isn't anybody laughing?

[Renew Deal]

29. It's about context

you should see what was deleted.

[Padraig18]

46. It's Dean's fault.

Just ask anyone here... :P

[kerry-is-my-prez]

50. I am... LOL!

n/t

[LuminousX]

4. That G*d Danged Dean! How dare he make Kerry say stuff like that?

[quaker bill]

6. It is expected news

Clark is seeking voters with a candidate preference on the issues and resume that are strikingly similar to Kerry supporters.

The competition had to heat up sooner or later.

[Renew Deal]

10. The good news

is that Kerry and others are all tied up in a slap fight in Iowa.

[blm]

8. If that is Kornblau, I hope he gets shut up.

I'm glad it wasn't Kerry who said it, like Dean did.

I don't mind when Kerry says he was fighting against the presidents Clark was voting for, because that's highlighting his loyalty and resume within the party and his national stature in those fights. Fair...it's an important part of who Kerry is.

For a spokesman to say Clark was a Republican 3 mths. ago - UNFAIR.

[mzmolly]

16. Kerry made a similar statement last week

prepare for things to heat up as they tangle for the "Anti-Dean" position.

[LuminousX]

18. Nahh, Clark and Kerry are going to have a lovefest.

[mzmolly]

22. That seems to be what some think?

I think they are in for some schoolin' soon. :scared:

[blm]

35. "Newly minted Democrat" is a gentle tweak and it was true.

But, for a spokesman to say Clark was a Republican 3 mths. ago is thoughtless and untrue.

[maddezmom]

73. I have no problem with that line

pretty creative ;)

[mzmolly]

85. I was surprised BLM, but fasten your seatbelt, your gonna hear many more

*less* gentle tweaks out of the Kerry camp in the near.

[dd123]

9. I'd pick Kerry over Clark too.

Kerry's ok. I don't trust Clark.

[cavebat2000]

12. Lol

I would pick Clark over Kerry. I dont trust kerry. :)

[jadesfire]

36. just out of curiousity...

what makes you not trust (insert name of candidite you didn't trust)


the candidate I don't trust is dean because he has changed his position WAYYYYY too many times on many of the issues that i care deeply about, is embracing all of the endorsers he has built a campaign tearing down, and when asked a critical question reacts just like bush...arrogance, anger, and with any words that pop out of his mouth- which he later has to issue clarifiying statements to defend/correct.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

48. Well I like and trust both of them so there!

Guess I'll have to start beating up on myself....

[jonnyblitz]

91. so would I. n/t

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. Kerry has said great things about Clark

and this wasn't Kerry saying this.

[mzmolly]

20. Kerry has said some not so great things too NFM.

Prepare to see a battle for second place.

[Tatiana]

13. Wonderful news!

I expect Clark's numbers to increase even more... and Kerry's to continue trending downward.

I really believe Democratic voters are beginning to tire of these attacks on fellow Dems.

[OKNancy]

14. And he's wrong....Clark was never a registered Republican!!

He was an independent and voted for Clinton and Gore....sheeeeeesh

[blm]

37. I hope the jerk gets schooled fast. He was wrong.

.

[imhotep]

15. The difference between Clark and Kerry

Kerry has proven himself as a loyal Democrat.

[LuminousX]

17. Ahh, Kerry doesn't care. Kerry loves Clark.

If Dean weren't in the race, they would make a gentleman's agreement over who would get the nomination.

:puke:

[JVS]

21. That is true

I think one of the reasons Kerry is often bashed here is that his long loyalty has raised the expectations for him, where Clark just gets a pass because his loyalty was never established in the first place.

[Name removed]

40. Deleted message

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

[Turkw]

74. So now the Democratic party needs litmus tests, probationary terms, loyalt

tests? Umm, if you are the guys that are going to "remake" the Democratic party, count me out. I'll vote Buchanan- 'cause he is more democratic sounding than you guys. (yes some of the things you post ARE that scary)

But if the party remains true to the principals of inclusion and democracy, I'll stay a proud Democrat.

Isn't it Dean that says a lot of negative things about Kerry? I know Clark doesn't

There are no second class citizens in the Democratic Party!

[Bombtrack]

19. ALL of the major campaigns to have cheap-shot, lying A-HOLES employed

Some of Kerry's people have said these lying, mean-spirited, ruthless things

Some of Clark's people have said these lying, mean-spirited, ruthless things

Alot of Dean's people have said these lying, mean-spirited, ruthless things.( either that or alot by the same people)

I haven't seen comments that were obviously untruthful from the Lieberman and Edwards staff, but that doesn't mean they haven't said them.

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

51. Can't argue with that

The world of politics is a moral sewer.

[edzontar]

78. Agree on Edwards...but Lieberman is another story...

Although I'lladmit he's honest..

Honestly reactionary...and bad for the party.

[edzontar]

80. Dean must have been behind it...after all...

He's the only "angry" smearing attack-dog candidate?

Or is he?

Seriousy--Clark deserves to be asked about this--his past voting record is a legitmate issue....and Kerry or his org. have every right to bring it up.

[TLM]

23. Hey finally Kerry tells the truth about something...

bout freaken time.

[JVS]

25. His stock is rising in my eyes

[bigtree]

27. he's gotta do it

Gen. Clark, by name rec or centrist appeal has captured the voters attention who are moving away from Dean's percieved vulnerability against Bush.

Gen. Clark could edge him in Iowa, show him up in New Hampshire, and then scamp him in South Carolina. He's got to frame the differences with Gen.Clark here and now.

Aside from Gen. Clark's positioning against the war, he has demonstrated the same interests as Sen. Kerry. But Sen. Kerry outshines the general on experience and results.

For Democrats, Kerry should be the centrist's choice. After all, "Clark was a Republican until 3 months ago"

[KittyWampus]

42. Clark & Kerry Are Center LEFT- While Dean & Edwards Are To The Right

All things considered.

And Kerry doesn't outshine Clark in regards to fundraising and grassroots support.

Or in Foreign Affairs or Executive Experience.

[mzmolly]

79. Funny, Kerry's been painting Dean as a leftist and himself as a centrist

as of late?

[sandnsea]

84. Dean painted himself as a leftist

Kerry had no choice but to go centrist really. Weird world because everybody knows Dean's the centrist and Kerry's the leftist.

[stickdog]

28. Is Kerry a man or Clark's waterboy?

I guess his response to this will tell us.

[Lobo_13]

30. I told you so

Clark has been eating away at Kerry's niche for a while now.

It was only a matter of time before Kerry realized this and started taking on the real threat to his campaign.

[isbister]

31. Well, he wasn't a Democrat until three months ago

His voting record and praise of bush II does seem to indicate that he was a republican... as long as Kerry's person (and Dean's) are accurate about this, what's the problem?

People change. Let's welcome the General to our party (I'm sure this bush is driving all kinds of people from the republican party).

[Lobo_13]

38. I happily welcome the General to the party

I just don't think he should get the keys to the car just yet.

Maybe he should be a senator or something first. Doesn't AR have at least one or two big repubs to knock off?

[mot78]

44. Voting record?

He wasn't in Congress selling a stupid war against his own instincts because he wanted to run for President.

Clark is a military man, and when you serve in the military, you are supposed to be apolitical. After he retired, he had Republican friends and Democratic friends, and he attended fundraisers for both sides. He's also voted Democratic since 1992 at least. There's nothing wrong with being apoltical in a partisan country.

[mikewriter]

56. i want to know if Clark voted for Clinton

I bet not. Kerry's campaign is in trouble but so will Clark's with all his pro-rebublican views

[Turkw]

75. Yes, twice, and for Gore

[funky_bug]

77. Thank you!

It's nice to see logic prevailing over the "not a real democrat" remark.

For those of you interested in logic, follow this:

The "Not a real democrat" logic: Clark said he voted for Reagan and Bush Sr. That means he was a republican.

Rebuttal: Clark said he voted for Clinton and Gore. That means he was a democrat.

"Not a real democrat" rebuttal: He only SAID he voted for Clinton and Gore. There's no proof. He's lying.

Well, if he you believe he lied about voting for Clinton and Gore, why do you believe he's telling the truth about voting for Reagan and Bush?

You either believe he's lying, or you believe he's telling the truth. If you believe he's a liar, then you can't believe ANYTHING he says, and you cannot base your arguement on what he said about voting for Reagan and Bush.

If you believe he's truthful about his voting record, then he voted Dem for the last 12 years. That makes him a dem supporter.

But the ultimate truth is, he was an independant. So what if he used to follow repug values? He's seen what Bush the Lesser has done to this country, and he's vowed to right the wrongs. Where is the problem with that?

[BootinUp]

32. Clark needs to stay on the high road, on the other hand

He should straighten out obvious smears/misrepresentations. Clark tells the story of his trip to the democratic party on nearly every stump speech. This will not hurt him in NH, but might on the national level.

[thebigthink]

39. Didn't happen to catch the guy's name, did you?

I'm kind of a stickler for getting facts when someone makes a statement like this -- everyone really should be, or the next thing you know, Al Gore invented the internet.

But if it was someone actually affiliated with Kerry's campaign, shame on them for getting their facts wrong, if nothing else.

[blm]

54. that's the way I feel.

.

[mzmolly]

82. First name Mike, last initial M. I'm one for facts too but GD is full of

these type of informational threads.

I guess I see this coming, but I don't think Clark/Kerry supporters do for some reason? That's why I noted it here. I realize it's par for the course.

*They also trashed Dean on the show. Had a rep from Geps campaign and Kerrys campaign on. I think it was the Brit Hume show?

[mot78]

41. Sorry Kerry

But attacking other candidates more than promoting your own agenda didn't help you against Dean, and it won't help you now.

[Padraig18]

43. It's all Dean's fault!

Trust me, whatever was said, it's Dean's fault. :P

[maddezmom]

45. is that the exact quote?

or paraphrased talking about voting record? didn't see it, so I don't know.

[RafterMan]

47. And another...

...Dean supporter trying to stir up Kerry/Clark troubles.

Worried about something?

[Padraig18]

53. Nah, just pointing out...

... that Dean isn't the only one telling the truth about General Clark's history. :)

[RafterMan]

61. Gee Padraig

And to think you yourself started a thread about it:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=95870

Set Kerry against Clark and board in the smoke.

You should use two logins if you're going to contradict yourself ;)

[Padraig18]

63. There's no contradiction.

But thanks for your advice. :eyes:

[Clark Can WIN]

52. Bad move by Kerry or his campaigner

He's better than this. I can hang with someone pointing out that the General is new to the party, BUT falsehoods are below him.

[maddezmom]

57. need to see the exact quote and the context n/t

[mzmolly]

60. That's the exact quote. The man was asked about

New Hampshire and Clark being in second place.

[maddezmom]

68. not to be a PITA

but who was the man?

[mzmolly]

72. First name Mike last initial M. I'm not all that familiar with the people

in Kerry's campaign, but Fox might have a transcript?

[Hoppin_Mad]

55. If Karl had only taken Wes's call none of this would have happened ! ;-) -

[xultar]

66. Clark's the front runner! n/t

[mzmolly]

71. LOL

;) Your bad Hoppinmad. :evilgrin:

[Padraig18]

58. Grabbing a bowl of popcorn kick

[okieinpain]

62. but, but, but, clark is unapproachable. NO ONE, and i mean

NO ONE can question the integrity of clark.

[Padraig18]

64. All hail his sanctity and inviolability!

:P

[xultar]

65. Congratulations Clark Supporters, WE'RE OFFICIALLY THE FRONTRUNNER!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Padraig18]

67. Not yet.

Kerry's just finally realized you're ahead of HIM! :P

[thebigthink]

81. Ever wonder why Lieberman was never the frontrunner?

Lieberman was a ahead of Kerry by a good 5-10 points in the polls all the time Kerry was being called the frontrunner. He was the only candidate anyone in the country had ever heard of back when Edwards was being called the frontrunner. But despite his having actually run at the front for the better part of the year, I can't recall a single instance of reading or hearing anyone ever call him the frontrunner.

[Padraig18]

70. kick for fun

[xultar]

83. You know I'll help you kick!!! n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

76. Well,

Clark can always say, "At least I didn't vote for the IWR." Then he can say..."I voted for President Clinton..TWICE and Gore in 2000." THEN, he can say, "I was an Independent, not a republican."

EAST REMEDY! That mantra is NOT going to do a darn thing to damage Clark.

[mzmolly]

87. I dunno Incognito, many voters dont really seem to *know* Clark

they appear to be basing their opinion on superficial matters like:

He *looks* Presidential

He's a 4 Star General

His wife is attractive

He's cute ;) etc... :shrug:

[Padraig18]

88. Morning-shift kick

[Killarney]

90. That's an outright lie.

He was never in his life a registered Republican. He was registered Independent. Only 3% of Arkansas voters are registered R or D, 97% are independent. Yes, he is only recently a Democrat, but at least he's not a liar.

I am disappointed by Kerry's camp for spreading lies like this. Yes, he could say that Clark voted Republican in the past and that would be true and fair game. But this statement was an outright lie.

[Zero Division]

94. Yes it is, no matter how many times it's repeated

eom

[newsjunkie]

92. Kerry is desperate

and last night he said 'I promise I will never support Bush again!" Well DUH! Gee thanks...it's a little too late,there John. The damage is done!

GO DEAN!

[jonnyblitz]

95. well we know he wasn't a DEM when he announced.

I don't see how his handlers missed that one.

[Padraig18]

96. It's so nice to see someone else picking buckshot out of their ass.

:P