Wes Clark coming up next on Air America (Rachel Maddow)

[MoonRiver]

He'll be talking about how to stop Mad King George. :kick:

[Clark2008]

1. What's he saying?

I can't get it stream and, of course, in my rightwing-controlled radio zone, there is no Air America station.

[MoonRiver]

2. Not on yet.

I'll report back after the commercials.

[Nutmegger]

3. He's on now!

[Clark2008]

4. Nevermind... it finally came on.

He's on now.

[MoonRiver]

5. Here's Clark....

Thinks the "surge" will help militarily in Baghdad :(. But, there is risk for increased violence. The ultimate answer is political. People are fighting in Iraq for survival and power. Absent solutions to the underlying political problems, we can't win. pResident's plan is tactical not strategic. Should craft a new plan focusing on what U.S. interests are and how to go about securing those interests.

[Clark2008]

9. He did point out that it would help MILITARILY, but that that wasn't

the entire problem, so it wouldn't help in the long run.

Not a sad face, MyPetRock. He's correct. :)

[MoonRiver]

10. Yes, upon reflection, I totally agree.

I really hope he runs. Gen. Clark is one of the greatest patriots in this country's history. I would be so thrilled to call him my President.

[Clark2008]

13. He's got two problems though.

The media doesn't think he's "cute" and he's too nuanced for many mouth-breathers.

;)

[MoonRiver]

14. Code for he's just too darn intelligent.

Such a burden for Wes to bear! :)

[Clark2008]

15. BTW, I'd also be tickled if the guy in your sig line ran and

was nominated.

I'm a Tennessee girl - Al was my first political "crush."

I'm a Clarkie, but I'll always be a Gore baby. :)

[MoonRiver]

16. Honestly, I'm about equally split between the two.

Sadly, neither of them might run. :cry:

[Clark2008]

6. Clark says (paraphrased):

I think it will help militarily in Baghdad...

The real problem we're dealing with is that the real cost is political. Bush's plan assumes that people are fighting because they're afraid... part of the problem, not all of it.

Absent a solution to the underlying political problems, the problem will still exist.

Bush's plan is tactical, not strategic.

Craft a new policy for the REGION.

I know this administration's interests require reqime change in Syria and Iran. We're moving toward a showdown with Iran...

Ike PREVENTED elected war...

Reagan actually sat down and talked with Gorbachav... actually TALKED with him

There has to be a military option in dealing with Iran, but not the first or ONLY option.

We didn't attack Eastern Europe. We put in western style - caused people to lose faith in their own government and those government's failed...

People don't want war...but will fight...

If you push Iran, they will fight. They view US in the region as a direct threat. We have to change that perception...

MORE

[MoonRiver]

7. Says it's like the captain of the Titanic focusing on the chairs on the deck

instead of the iceberg right ahead. Perfect analogy!

[Clark2008]

8. More Clark paraphrased:

What the people want the captain of Titanic to do is look up ahead at the iceberg instead of looking at the deck chairs and we're heading straight for the iceberg...

If you look for ways to head off problems, you'll have them. If you look for ways to go to war, they're probably there. Don't have to...

The Dems in Congress are going to have a hard time because it is CIC who sets policy. Dems should try to get him to change the policy...

Nothing to be gained by this increase in military. Will have more roadblocks, snipers. Don't believe that's the key. When we escalate, Iran, etc. will escalate.

Get a strategy for the REGION. Broader interests for the REGION... not just Iraq.

We need a new strategy...

Running?

No decisions. Haven't said I won't.

What I'm concerned about is the policy. As soon as someone says they're running, everything they say is questioned as politics. I want to get the policy out there.

Don't use force unless you absolutely have to.

[nealmhughes]

11. He is going to be in Alabama on Monday, the 15th, from Mobile to Huntsville.

He is set to swear in the new Democratic Ag Commissioner, attend MLK festivities in Birmingham with Charles Barkley, then on to Huntsville for a potluck supper (free) at the UAW union hall by the airport. I really want to go to the potluck! Just to see him in person.

[Clark2008]

12. My Dad and step-Mom live in Huntsville.

Wes Clark has a road named after him in that city. :)