Clark supporters, let's not forget Hugh Shelton supports Edwards!

[jpgpenn]

For those that don't remember Shelton, he is the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that said Clark was fired for "Integrity and Character issues". He then hid himself away nicely avoiding any further discussion on these all in out lies!

[Turkw]

1. I have a big problem with Shelton, Edwards needs to address this

I'm not the only one who feels this way, obviously

[liberalnurse]

4. Its still a free country. If Shelton supports Edwards.....

thats his choice.......It very well could of been the GOP and rove who put him up to the announcement!


Lets not be so trivial with our vote.

[RafterMan]

5. Or it could be

That Shelton is the one telling him the war was a good idea.

That and the fact that we *have* to judge someone as ignorant of foreign policy as Edwards by his advisors. What other measure is there?

I don't think it's trivial at all.

[jpgpenn]

9. Don't you find it odd that Edwards supports the war ..

and has a guy like Shelton supporting him? The same Shelton you say can be influenced so heavily by those criminals in our White House?

What does this say about Edwards to have major policy agreement with *Bush and company and having such strong support from a guy like Shelton?

[AP]

26. I challenge you to find ONE statement where Shelton says he supports

Edwards.

[AP]

25. Thing is, he doesn't. He advises Edwards 'cause they've know each other

for over 20 years. But Shelton made a point of saying that he wasn't endorsing any Democrat, and said complementary things about Kerry too.

He just didn't like Clark, but he never said whom he liked the most.

[Adelante]

49. I agree with you

It is Shelton's or anyone's choice whom they support. I don't think that's the objection here, though.

[RandomUser]

56. You're right

The objection is not about whether Shelton supports Edwards or not. It goes beyond that.

[mmonk]

2. I think you're on top of things

You don't let the silver tongue cloud your objectivity and examination.

[Adelante]

3. Good reminder

Thanks. We should not forget how this cloud hung over Clark's candidacy for so long.

[jpgpenn]

12. It was this smear attack alone that...

the repukes and major media used to derail Clark outa the starting blocks. They played and replayed this to death. Shelton refused any further word on it but the media felt it fine to report for maxium effect!

[Skwmom]

6. Now that you bring it up

didn't Edwards come out and say something in support of the Shelton smear?

[DaisyUCSB]

8. No he defended having Shelton as an informal advisor

people need to start spreading falsehoods around here

[Skwmom]

27. I'm not trying to spread a falsehood

I asked a question. I know there was something that came up regarding Edwards and Shelton and that Clark supporters were upset at the time but I couldn't remember what it entailed. The only thing I remember is that the Clark campaign issued a press release.

[bearfartinthewoods]

52. it's tough when they need to dig sooo far down to the bottom of

the barrel for something to criticize edwards with. give them a break. they don't have much to work with....

[DaisyUCSB]

7. And Clark started his campaign by snubbing Edwards in an awful way

Both of them ran the most positive campaigns of any of the serious candidates, although Clark ran his campaign with Edwards as the person he wanted to shut out most from the beginning.

I don't understand why you have to incessantlu attack Edwards by spinning every little thing into something bigger, and posting rediculous hit pieces, while never talking about how Kerry is a better candidate, because he isn't

[democratreformed]

13. Compared to Wes Clark, neither one of them are very good, IMO

But, alas, that is not to be.

[jpgpenn]

53. I agree

[jpgpenn]

14. How?

"And Clark started his campaign by snubbing Edwards in an awful way" this comment is baseless!

[democratreformed]

15. There are some who want to pretend that Clark's announcement speech,

in its timing, was designed to upstage Edwards' own announcement. That even though Edwards had been widely known to be in the race, Clark should have put off his own announcement b/c Edwards making his "official" that same day.

[jpgpenn]

18. and they call that snubbing?

If Edwards didn't think his name would override a new comer in the race what further does that say about him?

[democratreformed]

20. Yep. They have constantly harped on it for five months now.

I never understood it either. But, it just adds to my dislike.

[DaisyUCSB]

46. Constant? No, it's not constant. You can not find anyone mention it here

go ahead, have someone do a search. You'll be lucky to find 2 mentions in the last 5 months. I read here alot and I've never seen anyone mention it

[DaisyUCSB]

45. Clark had a year to decide and he chose the same 10 minute period

as Edwards was making his official anouncement. Every other major candidate got their rightful alotment of coverage from their seperate, official anouncements, except Edwards. It's so dishonest to deny that it wasn't a deliberate strategic bump of Edwards, which was successful in denying him even a 5th of the free media that all of the other candidates got when they made their official anouncements.

[jpgpenn]

47. no way!

Once again, here you had Edwards, a known senator,was always in the headlines, was in the running for some time, then Clark enters, a outsider, newcomer, someone with hardly any name recognition and you say he stole Edwards thunder?

Sounds more like the lack of support and attention most folks gave Edwards!

[mikehiggins]

32. By announcing at the same time?

Edwards announced his candidacy on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart the night before.

How seriously should we take this complaint about Clark overshadowing him?

[texasmom]

57. I remember when that happened

and I remember wishing that they'd waited until the next day or done it the day before. Clark's announcement that he was entering and the official kick-off came very suddenly. I was absolutely thrilled, since I was in the Draft movement. But, then they chose the same time as the planned Edwards announcement. Edwards was not doing very well in the polls then, and Clark was getting a lot of press about his entry. I just thought, as a Clark supporter, that they should have waited until Edwards had his official, planned announcement of entry.
I blame Clark's campaign staff for that one, because it was completely unnecessary. They wanted to get it announced before his Iowa appearance later that week, I think, but they didn't have to do it at the *same* time.
JMHO

[Eurobabe]

10. not to worry here

I am supporting my #2, Kucinich.

[democratreformed]

16. Great! I gave some consideration to Kucinich and haven't totally

jumped on the Kerry bandwagon. But, I am closer to it than anywhere else right now.

[democratreformed]

11. I have not forgotten

And won't.

[KittyWampus]

17. Didn't Shelton Speak Out To Help Bush When O'Neill's Book Came Out?

Scarey to have a complete novice like Edwards getting advice from Shelton.

[Lefta Dissenter]

19. hmmmmmm,

thanks for the reminder. Beyond what Shelton has said about Clark, the bigger picture is where he places his priorities, particularly if he is an advisor to Edwards. What, pray tell, is justification for going to war, and what isn't? Oil? apparently yes. Retaliation? apparently yes. Carrying out a family vendetta? I guess so! Stopping ethnic cleansing that is actively taking place? Naaaah, let's not bother.

As has been said, because of Edwards' complete lack of any foreign policy experience, he will have to rely on his advisors. So I want to know, is Shelton representative of the type of adviser that Edwards will be listening to?

And don't slam me on the Kerry front - I haven't decided to jump on anyone's bandwagon at this point. I voted for Clark on Tuesday, and I'm ABB.

[anti-bush]

21. Shelton and Edwards

Both of them graduated from NC State with degrees in Textile manufacturing (I'm too lazy right now to go look up the specific degree titles.) They have known each other since their teen years. There is nothing sinister or politicky about Edwards and Shelton's relationship. To think otherwise is either foolish or tin-hat worthy.

And Edwards sent a letter to Clark that said basically "If I choose to talk to my long time friend who was the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, you can bet it is in regards to foreign policy." I can think of worse people to talk about foreign policy with than a former CJCS.

[Lefta Dissenter]

24. That's exactly my concern

"If I choose to talk to my long time friend who was the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, you can bet it is in regards to foreign policy."

I can almost (almost) get past things that are said in the heat of political battle, but we have to look beyond that - to what sort of president we want. Is Shelton the sort of foreign policy advisor that we want our next president relying on???

[in_cog_ni_to]

22. I will never forget.

Trust me.

[Nashyra]

29. I won't forget either

Shelton's remarks took alot of time, effort and money for the Clark campaign and it was not put to rest until after Clark testified at the Hauge and Milosovich used Shelton's statements in his defense. Even then Edwards did not come out and clarify the issue. And for those who didn't think the media refused to cover the Clark campaign fairly, at the time he testified he was in the top tier of presidential candidates and where were the headlines "Presidential Candidate testifies in War Crime Trial", where was the press?. No one I talked to knows that he testified, you had to be news junkie to get a small amount knowledge about this issue. Go figure. No I'll be on board the Kerry express, time, money and enthusiasm. Edwards needs more foreign policy exposure. Less than one senate term does not seem like alot and for those who claim Clark had no political experience I am refering to the fact that Clark gave 34 years to the people of the US and Edwards gave less rhan one term in the Senate to public service. No pro bono work on Edwards? Why? I have seen no explanation from the candidate on that issue either.

[Adelante]

37. That was the most shameful thing

"Milosovich used Shelton's statements in his defense"

And it's what it took to get Shelton to finally admit the conflict with Clark was political and not about Clark's integrity. I hope Shelton's ashamed forever to have his name and sentiments tied to a mass murdering dictator.

:puke:

[jpgpenn]

44. so so true!

I hope that bastard twists and squirms in hell for what he did to Clark and in turn, America!

[AP]

23. I challenge you to prove that Shelton endorses Endwards.

Actually, Shleton made a point of saying he DOES NOT endorse Edwards.

Edwards consulted him, and they've known each other for years. But Shelton went out of his way to say that he was not endorsing Edwards. In fact, I believe he said positive things about Kerry.

He wasn't going to endorse anyone.

[mikehiggins]

33. After what he did to Clark, who cares who Shelton endorses?

Edwards did nothing to separate himself from his adviser of many years, Gen Shelton, so I see no reason to do so now.

Fortunately this is a moot question. There is no way Edwards is going to be our nominee OR VP.

Adios, Johnny. Good luck in your law practice.

[AP]

41. They were friends for over 20 years. They talked shop for 5. Shelton

hasn't even endorsed Edwards and has only talked positively about Kerry, as far as I know. I don't think Shelton has made a single public comment about Edwards.

[robbedvoter]

28. Edwards rep trying to convert Clarkies - story in my mail:

Edwards reps went first (were there 45 min early) and didn't do much to inspire any of us...they weren't the best people to send. One of the questions raised with them was the Hugh Shelton comments--we knew that would be touchy, but as I told them, it made a huge negative impression on us and we could see no reason for the early smear of Clark that seemed to remain in the news for the duration. They had no comments other than "Shelton did not speak for Edwards". They were looking into whether Shelton was a paid staff member/advisor, or just a peripheral loose cannon.
But when Clark asked:

Edwards kept the tiff going with a snooty reply directly to Clark: "Whatever your personal views on General Shelton, I'm sure you agree that he is a respected military leader who served our country with distinction." Concluded Edwards: "I will continue to seek his advice," adding, "When I talk to the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it's about the safety and security of our men and women in uniform, not about politics."
http://www.villagevoice.com/print/issues/0347/mondo5.php

[Auntie Bush]

31. Is that you in the center front Robbedvoter?

[jackie867]

30. does anybody know...

why Edwards held all those rallys at Serb halls..is he of Serbian decent or just coincidence???

[newyawker99]

35. Hi jackie867!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[jackie867]

39. thanks for the welcome!!

:)

[Bad Thoughts]

34. Nor have I forgotten that Shelton blocked Clinton security initiatives

Sidney Blumenthal documents how Shelton refused Clinton's requests to go after al-Qaeda by going into Afghanistan, choosing instead to promote missile attacks (in order to protect the military and his position) that failed to resolve the threat of terrorism to US. We should be very concerned that Shelton is advising Edwards on security and foreign policy matters.

[BootinUp]

36. Oh, you HAD to remind ME!

:evilfrown:

[Padraig18]

38. While you're remembering things, remember that Toricelli supports Kerry

Remember Toricelli, of 'Osama Ad' fame? :eyes:

[TexasSissy]

40. What makes you think Shelton supports Edwards? I thought he was a Repub.

[Adelante]

42. He is

As well as an advisor to the Edwards campaign.

[AP]

43. He doesn't "support" Edwards. They went to the same college, and knew

each other non-professionally for over 20 years. When Edwards became a Senator, and when Shelton worked for Clinton, Edwards took advantage of their preexisting personal relationship and consulted with him.

I suspect it's easier to know if the witness is bullshitting you when you know what the witness is like in private.

Shelton hasn't endorsed Edwards. Edwards consulted him on frgn relations issues prior to a coupld of the debates.

[celticartemis]

48. Enough said

I will have NOTHING to do with Edwards if this is true. I was waffling a bit - Kerry makes me uneasy - but if John Edwards is consulting Hugh Shelton on foreign relations, the same Hugh Shelton who smeared Wes' character groundlessly so that that's all people remember about Wes (especially after the New Yorker article), then Edwards is so far off the radar screen that he may be on Mars already.
:mad: :mad: :mad:

[RandomUser]

50. Thanks for the reminder, and I do note the distinction

There is a distinction between having a personal relatioship or being endorsed by someone and seeking that person for advice.

I don't condemn Edwards for knowing Shelton if they were old school buddies. And if Shelton chooses to praise Edwards, that is not entirely within Edward's control. It's a free country and even slimeballs like Shelton are free to praise whoever they want.

But Edwards actively seeking advice from Shelton on foreign policy coupled with Edward's lack in this are is troubling. When the candidate himself has little foreign policy credentials, one looks to his advisors. And since Edwards has actively sought out Shelton for foreign policy advice -- considering what Shelton did to Clark with the media smears -- this is not something that endears him to me.

After the slime and smears by Shelton on Clark, I do not trust Edwards's judgment in seeking out Shelton for advice.

[Kat45]

51. I remember Shelton. Thanks for reminding me about Edwards.

[cajun4clark]

54. Hell no, I won't forget!

Just one more reason not to like Edwards. He just seems sleazy to me. Plus, no national security credentials--HELLO!

[RandomUser]

55. I won't forget the name Shelton for a very long time

if ever.