Clark Running? Looks Like It

by Chris Bowers, Wed Jan 31, 2007 at 03:49:28 PM EST

Last week, Clark said that he would make a decision within the next two weeks, but was clearly looking into a run. From Dailykos:A Clark adviser says the '04 candidate is "leaning towards setting up an exploratory then taking some time to explore." Clark accepted an invitation to speak at next weekend's DNC winter meeting in DC, along with the rest of the Democratic field. In addition, a major Democratic donor said that Clark has begun to make telephone calls to party donors." If you are calling donors, that basically means you are running, because you are looking into the viability of a run. If you see the support, then you take the next step, which is an exploratory committee. This is the process Kerry followed, and decided against, for example. An exploratory committee is not when you start running--it is one step in the process.

Next, yesterday, the DNC sent out this interesting press release about its 2/1-2/3 winter meeting (emphasis mine):The following presidential candidates will speak at the winter meeting: Sen. Joe Biden, Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.), Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Mike Gravel, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Sen. Barack Obama, Gov. Bill Richardson, and Gov. Tom Vilsack Not only does the release list Clark as a candidate, everyone else they list has actually declared. He is the only one who sticks out for not declaring. And then there is this little bit of info from a few hours ago: I just got off the phone with a "Platinum source" that has confirmed and I quote the Clark 2008 Presidential Campaign's "Engine is turning". So, I was wrong. Clark is running.

After Clark speaks to the DNC in Washington DC this Friday morning he will appear on Hardball with Chris Matthews. Um, Clark is a FOXnews analyst. Odd eh?

Expect an announcement soon. I don't necessarily trust a random, anonymous blogger with an anonymous source. However, if Clark is calling donors, if staffers are saying he is leaning toward a run, if he is speaking at a forum where the other eight speakers are all announced candidates, and if he is appearing on Hardball the same day as his DNC speech, then it gives a lot more credence to an anonymous blogger with an anonymous source.

All in all, it certainly looks like Clark will announce soon, probably on Friday. I didn't think he would run just one week ago, but right now it seems like I was wrong. Once Clark announces, that will leave Gore as the only announced possibility. In all likelihood, Clark's announcement will solidify the field at ten. Any changes to the field after his announcement will most likely come from people dropping out (cough, Biden, cough).

Tags: President 2008, Wesley Clark (all tags)

Comments

83 Comments

Sort by

permalink

Heh, people might think he waited too long but....

...remember last time he didn't jump in for another 10 months.

by MNPundit 2007-01-31 03:54PM | 0 recs

permalink

huh?

too long? Weeks after obmama and hillary...

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:08PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: huh?

MNPundit was addressing the perception. He did not think the same way.

by Pravin 2007-01-31 07:32PM | 0 recs

permalink

Securing America - Clark's site

For anyone interested...

http://securingamerica.com - WesPac front page

http://securingamerica.com/... - WesPac / Wes Clark blog

https://secure.ga3.org/01/wespac - Donate to WesPac / Wes Clark (seems slow right now! I think it is a little busy!) :)

http://securingamerica.com/... - Wes Clark's personal blog on SecuringAmerica.com

Kevin

http://washingtonwoman.blogspot.com

http://securingamerica.com

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:07PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Securing America - Clark's site

Wes Clark on ActBlue...

http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraiser s/12501

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:13PM | 0 recs

permalink

GA Dems for Clark

Does such an organization exist? I want to help coordinate a big show of support for Clark all around the country, especially in media centers if we can get a big enough commitment from volunteers.

I am ready to volunteer for Atlanta right now. I got to West Palm a lot too. So that is a secondary option too. But I want to know if Wes Clark is ready to play hardball with his rivals. Wes Clark needs to not shy away from cashing in any favors owed him after his tireless work over the last few years.

If any Wes contacts are reading this, please send me email if there is anything that needs to be done in my neck of the woods.

by Pravin 2007-01-31 04:08PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: GA Dems for Clark

Go to his site listed above. You will find the people and the things you need there. The blog has always been active, never stopped since he dropped out in 04.

There are good, dedicated and smart people there that can help lead you.

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:18PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: GA Dems for Clark

I sent your post on. Hopefully someone will contact you soon.

by pelican 2007-01-31 04:30PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: GA Dems for Clark

I did too :-)

by Pilgrim 2007-01-31 04:36PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: GA Dems for Clark

Pravin

Please contact Kelly at

kellyflinn AT securingamerica DOT com

She will put you in touch with GA State Coordinator

by pelican 2007-01-31 05:14PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: GA Dems for Clark

THanks Pelican.

by Pravin 2007-01-31 07:15PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: GA Dems for Clark

pravin

you have mail

by pelican 2007-01-31 06:24PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Why is Clark running?

I'm not being flip; I'm seriously trying to find out what his "hook" is, what he can offer that the other Democratic candidates can't. What void does he fill?

by Master Jack 2007-01-31 04:11PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Go and read what is on his site. The links are above.

Plus... what will the rethugs try and use again?

9/11 9/11 9/11 terror terror terror fear fear fear

Clark has great security creds, is liked and respected by world leaders, has great domestic plans (I can lead you to his position papers), is SMART as Bill Clinton and he just plain GETS IT!

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:17PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

What void does he NOT fill?
Jeezis man.

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?us er=wkcmedia

by westcott 2007-01-31 04:30PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

National Security and Foreign Policy

by pelican 2007-01-31 04:31PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Bill Richardson is a foreign-policy expert, as well.

And we tried the "run-the-military-guy" approach in 2004 to supposedly shore up the national-security creds. Didn't exactly pan out. I hope that's not the only reason Clark is supported.

I'm not saying Clark is a bad candidate; he looks great on paper, he's obviously very intelligent, and he can certainly do the job. I just don't see what he brings to the table that we can't get with the candidates already out there.

Or to put it another way, will his presence do anything other than dilute the anti-Hillary vote? That's my concern with the field getting too crowded...

by Master Jack 2007-01-31 04:47PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

The security creds are big but... last time Kerry played to political. He did not take on the swift boaters OR the media that gave the swift boaters free air time.

Clark is NOT like that. Gdub still had high numbers at election time (close to 50%). Times are different and the fear will not work as well but they will still use it because "security" is and will be a major issue with the voters.

If we get "hit" again the repugs will play it up even tho it would be their fault or their plan.

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:55PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Nothing wrong with hearing from and following the campaign of another declared candidate and a dedicated patriot to boot. I mean a real one. I am an unabashed Obama supporter but I welcome General Clark to the race and hope to hear more from him. We are all in this together.

I have watched him speak many times and have never been turned-off or disappointed, quite the contrary.

by Shaun Appleby 2007-01-31 07:14PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Because he is an absolutely dynamite candidate who will whip any Republican's ass and is also liberal on just about every domestic issue there is. He believes military action should only be the last resort, and he is the most qualified of all the other candidates to clean up the mess in the Middle East.

by pradeep 2007-01-31 07:33PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Time magazine has said the race will come down to four candidates - the obvious four, and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Don't look for the only contendor with a real plan for Iraq and strong support among African American leaders in South Carolina to drop out.

I'm a member of his NH Steering Committee. He spoke to us via conference call the other day, and I can assure you, he won't be dropping out. We're in it to win.

by Nathan Empsall 2007-01-31 04:28PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Only real plan for Iraq? I assume you are talking about edwards..

Have you listened to or read what Clark has been saying for a looooong time?

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:45PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

I've been listening, and all I can say is... eh. Sure, he was against the war, but from what I've heard him say in interviews, he doesn't want to get out. I don't necessarily either, but still, something always seems a little off when I hear him speak.

by jallen 2007-01-31 04:53PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Please go to his site and check things out.

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:56PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

He does want us to get out, he just thinks it's dumb for us to announce a timeline when we can use that as a bargaining chip in talking to Iraq's neighbors, to better secure the kind of stability we want in the middle east as we leave it.

by catherineD 2007-01-31 11:42PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Saw Edwards speak yesterday. He wants to withdraw some troops and talk to Syria and Iran. All points I agree with, and the beginning of a good plan, but hardly a full plan itself. He says we must stop enabling the Iraqis and get them to "make their own bed" - ok, how? And are you going to talk to Maliki or other Iraqi leaders? What will you say? Where will you put the remaining troops in Iraq? What will their role be? How long will they stay? He said there's only a political solution, no military solution, but didn't get at what that might be. Like he is on many other issues, he was just too vague. See my "diary" for more info on his speech.

by Nathan Empsall 2007-02-01 03:43AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

You can tell you're a Biden supporter. You're already stealing Hillary's tag line: "In it to win."

by Vox Populi 2007-01-31 05:09PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Lol. Touche.
I was clearly mocking Hillary, but I must say, touche.

by Nathan Empsall 2007-02-01 03:40AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

I was just teasing ;-)

by Vox Populi 2007-02-01 02:12PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Biden campaign can't even spell contender.

by demondeac 2007-01-31 07:31PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

All I can say is... eh. :/

by Alikchi 2007-01-31 04:43PM | 0 recs

permalink

huh?

What are you getting at?

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 04:48PM | 0 recs

permalink

Another clue: appearing on Hardball...his FOX

contract prohibited appearing on other cable network shows.

So, going on Hardball on Friday means he's out of FOX.

And, interestingly, Tweety has been very vocal in his anti-Iran war talk so far, so Clark should have a receptive audience.

I'm glad he's running. He's been trying to herd the Democrats in Congress into some organized message on foreign policy. Now it's time to get out there in front himself.

by Gloria 2007-01-31 04:47PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Another clue: appearing on Hardball...his FOX

Why's he working for Fox News?

by joyful alternative 2007-01-31 07:40PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Another clue: appearing on Hardball...his FOX

Clark has done amazing work on Fox arguing the Democratic side of the issues.

Whenever Bill O'Riley or Sean Hannity interview Wes, he owns them. It's really a site to behold!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrSvSB6Hw G4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0xufARNu ws

http://securingamerica.com/node/2163

by pradeep 2007-01-31 07:57PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

I have found no red flags in Clark's path. As I keep saying, we face a hellacious situation by November 2008, and frankly, I'm scared. It just seems that Clark has more gravitas than the others. Note that people are worried about losing our entire nave to an Iran war. We would be bombing hot nuclear reactors. All the indications seem to be that that could release more fallout all over the earth than a couple dozen nuclear bombs. Millions would die right here in the USA from that fallout.

As I have pointed out, we could lose almost our entire navy in a Spanish Armada event with new rockets in the gulf. We could nerver, ever fix that.

You can bet we are going to need a heavy hitter to restore anything that might be left of us. So I'm for Clark.

by blues 2007-01-31 05:01PM | 0 recs

permalink

Good!

Now we can be the party of fear, too!

by jallen 2007-01-31 05:06PM | 0 recs

permalink

What?

No.. that is not it. The fact is that the repugs will use fear again.. we know this. The fact is that people are worried about security.. but.. that is NOT all Clark is about.

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 05:16PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Good!

The fear is .. what will gdub do and how can we stop him or fix his fucking messes!

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 05:17PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Good!

Jallen, the Democratic Party will not become a party of fear with Clark at the helm, but it will return to its roots as a party of strength in national security.

Clark has said again and again that military action should only be the very last resort. I don't know about you but for me, that kind of talk doesn't make me fearful. It makes me feel at ease.

Everyone knows Clark is a brilliant military man, but he also knows the horrors of war (first-hand). At the Texas Democratic Convention he said:

"I've been in war. I don't believe in it. And you don't do it unless it's the absolute, absolute, absolute last resort".

That's not fear talk. It's common sense.

by pradeep 2007-01-31 07:40PM | 0 recs

permalink

texas convention speech

i was there, and that's what sold me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpMV2G3Ta jA

by annatopia 2007-01-31 08:13PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Good!

I'd be fine with Clark as the nominee. I'd just rather have someone else.
Look, I know you like him, you're only saying good things about him. Personally, it really turns me off when people are so gung-ho for candidates. Look at my sig. I support John Edwards.
John Edwards ain't perfect, and I don't act like he is. Although I'm pretty liberal in economics, I wish he were more anti-free trade. If he is a real populist, as he depicts himself and is depicted in the media, then he should come out strongly for economic policies that don't screw us. I wish he didn't say what he did about Iran, though I think it has been blown way out of proportion. I wish he had more substance. I wish he had more foreign policy experience, and that he had real plans for the Middle East. I'm not thrilled with him, but the others thrill me less.
The other Edwards partisans, some of them, piss me off because I think they like him too much. Same with the Obama, Hillary, Clark, Gore, and Richardson supporters. I'm not sure about the one Biden supporter that I've encountered, but if you tell me you like Biden, thats like putting a "W" sticker on your car. It's a quick and helpful way to tell me that I probably won't like you. Sorry. Well, I actually only said "sorry" to be nice.
I guess what I'm saying is that you guys need a healthy dose of cynicism. There are none pure of heart in politics, except the kids. None of the candidates can really be trusted, you can only make your pick and hope for the best.

Oh, and about the "party of fear" thing, I didn't mean that the Democratic Party would use fear. I meant that we shouldn't make political decisions (including who the nominee of our party is) based on any consideration of fear. Don't be afraid of war. Don't be afraid of terrorism. Remember what the only thing to fear is. Resist it. It motivates people to do stupid things. Fear is oppressive. Don't let it influence you.

by jallen 2007-01-31 11:28PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: on fear and puppy love

"A coward dies a thousand times; a brave man dies but once." That is, I'm bored and impatient with all these scaredy cats, mostly Republicans, who'd trade in our Constitution to have one less mirage under the bed to fear.

And yes, all these people in puppy love with a candidate or potential candidate sound like cult followers. I like Edwards, at the moment I like Obama a little better, I want to hear more from Dodd, and I'll work for Hillary in the general if it comes to that (and it's likely to, because that's who all the nonblogging, real-life, 60+, always-vote Democrats enthuse over when I ask them; the young are wild about Obama).
Get skeptical, folks; rank-order the possibilities; don't go overboard and drown.

That said, if Dean announced, no doubt I'd be standing on streetcorners doing visibility events again, buttonholing strangers in supermarkets, all over again.

by joyful alternative 2007-02-01 01:08AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

As a naval action I always preferred the Boston Tea Party to the Spanish Armada. Remember the Maine!

by Shaun Appleby 2007-01-31 07:18PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Maybe/maybe not

From Lowell at Raising Kaine:

[UPDATE by Lowell: As far as I know, this story has not been confirmed yet. However, Dave does have excellent contacts in Clark World, plus Clark will be speaking at the DNC event on Friday with the other announced candidates, so it's certainly possibly he's right.]

[UPDATE #2 by Lowell: I just talked to my own "platinum" source and I would even more strongly reiterate my previous update - Dave's story has NOT been confirmed!]

http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do ?diaryId=6894

I will wait until I hear it from the man himself.

by jen 2007-01-31 05:12PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

What role does he fill? He'll presumably replace Edwards as the guy that a bunch of people in the netroots support for reasons that I can never really figure out.

Not to say he's a bad candidate, but the I've never been able to understand the salivating that some people do over him. It doesn't help that the comment I most often get when I ask "why Clark" is just some link with no explanation.

All that said, he's got a long time to make his case and I'll be curious to listen.

by Baldrick 2007-01-31 05:28PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Me too. People have said to watch him on TV, but I've never seen him except once on C-SPAN, and now I find out he's on Fox News, which is why I've never seen him.

So what is it he says there?

by joyful alternative 2007-01-31 07:43PM | 0 recs

permalink

stuff like this

i can't seem to embed a youtube vid, so check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrSvSB6Hw G4&eurl=

by annatopia 2007-01-31 08:10PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

For one thing he has been arguing for sanity regarding Iran constantly and effectively on FOX, opposing the next rush to war.

CarolNYC on Democratic Underground just compiled an amazing overview called:

Wes Clark on Iran
http://www.democraticunderground.com/dis cuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address =132x3089650

It includes but is not limited to many transcripts from Clark speaking on FOX (usually with links to videos). I urge you to read that thread on Clark to see how effectively he used his FOX gig for Democrats.

by Tom Rinaldo 2007-01-31 08:30PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Being a Fox News regular is no way to build your base, unless he's counting on crossover votes.

by joyful alternative 2007-02-01 01:13AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

That is correct. But Clark doing so was a good way to help build the Democratic Party base, and it was a good way to go head to head with the forces for endless war and expose them to their own support base as goons leading us to disaster. All of Clark's political moves have not been designed to further his own personal candidacy.

by Tom Rinaldo 2007-02-01 05:49AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Baldrick, here's my answer to "Why Clark?"

First and foremost, at this time in history America needs a president who understands the military. Bush didn't, and that is why America is increasingly in a national security crisis. The war in Iraq is sucking the nation's finest resources. The human cost is atrocious. The financial burden is set to be passed on to many generations, because of Iraq.

Clark has had tremendous military success, having led America and NATO to victory in the Balkans (without the loss of a single solider, by the way).

And more importantly, he knows how to use diplomacy. He helped broker a peace in Yugoslavia.

Clark believes in universal health care, and he wants to lead the American business and scientific community to realize a new economically viable source of alternative energy.

Plus, I hate to say this, but he is about as electable as a liberal can get. His Southern drawl and military background will be EXTREMELY attractive to moderate Republicans. But really, that's the least of the reasons to support Clark, IMHO.

Very simply put, the guy would be one hell of a president.

by pradeep 2007-01-31 07:51PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Is the problem with Bush that he didn't understand the military or that he just refuses to listen to the people who do? When you read FIASCO, among other books, it's clear that the proper information was out there -- they just didn't care. Also, arguments about who's most "electable" are as bad now as they were four years ago.

Your other points are worth thinking about.

by Adam B 2007-02-01 06:21AM | 0 recs

permalink

Clark and CT

As I recall, Clark was one of the few heavy hitter Dems who showed up in Connecticut to stump for Ned Lamont. Wouldn't it be great if Ned returned the favor now and hosted a rally and fundraiser (or two) for Wes?
There's probably alot of helpless/frustrated/pissed off Democrats and independents in CT who can't do anything about their insane junior senator. Lamont was their lightning rod and their hope, and he'd be just the guy to unleash their energy and money for Clark.
It would have the added advantage of keeping Lamont in the political limelight for another run in the future.

by johnalive 2007-01-31 05:30PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark and CT

Clark went to CT twice, and was featured prominently an a Lamont ad. As a Lamont volunteer and donor, I'm with Clark all the way.

by Go Vegetarian 2007-01-31 06:31PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark and CT

For that matter, Lamont would be a champion campaigner on behalf of whoever the Democratic candidate is in CT-04.
Does anybody know where to send letters of appeal to Lamont now?

by johnalive 2007-02-01 04:53AM | 0 recs

permalink

Clark running for what?

Harold Stassen had a better chance.

So what does Clark want?

VP? Hard to see that. He's not a good campaigner, never caught on with voters. He has no electoral base.

Sec. of Defense. Hard to see that. He was wrong on Iraq and he doesn't seem to offer any alternative which is what one would expect from someone running for Sec. of Defense.

by BrionLutz 2007-01-31 05:39PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark running for what?

he was NOT wrong on iraq. both kennedy and wellstone cited wes's testimony as part of their reasons for voting against IWR.

for more details, see this post:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/12/30 /12259/722

by annatopia 2007-01-31 06:18PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark running for what?

Clark never came out for our against Bush Jr invasion of Iraq. It's like the 2000 election. After the election he's talking about how it's good for America that his "great friends" of the Bush Jr admin are in office, and he does fund raisers for Bush Jr in Arkansas. Then claims he voted for Gore.

Since Clark's resume is the military, he needed to be right about Iraq, he needs to have a clear military plan now...he has neither.

by BrionLutz 2007-01-31 07:14PM | 0 recs

permalink

you didn't bother to read the transcript did you?

all this stuff you're tossing out has been thoroughly debunked.

by annatopia 2007-01-31 08:07PM | 0 recs

permalink

But you are at a loss to say what that is ;)

Feel free to articulate what it is that answers the question of why Clark is running for president.

He got no traction, no encouragement to run in his previous attempt. He didn't use the time to prove that he has any electoral skills. He could have tried running for Congress in his home state. He's had two election cycles to do that.

His current poll numbers confirm his lack of popularity and support.

So what is he doing? Looks like an resume fluffer, something to keep his name at the top of the "headhunter" lists for job openings in a new administration.

by BrionLutz 2007-02-01 07:09AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: But you are at a loss to say what that is ;)

no, i could literally write a book about why he is running and why i think he should run and can win.

if you are interested in really finding this stuff out, feel free to email me. i have a giganto list of bookmarks and links that i can send you. you just have to promise to read it. =)

by annatopia 2007-02-01 09:09AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: But you are at a loss to say what that is ;)

", i could literally write a book about why he is running"

So your inability to articulate one or two them here is a tad incredible.

Clark waffled on Iraq. He supported Bush Jr and Cheney (his "very good friends") in 2001 (hoping for a job?).

When that didn't pan out he decided he'd try to get a job with a Democratic Admin by running a "vanity" presidential bid.

He was never popular with the voters.

He did nothing in the intervening four years to demonstrate any electoral pull.

His current polling numbers are the same single digits he got in 2004.

What's it all about Alfie?

by BrionLutz 2007-02-01 09:22AM | 0 recs

permalink

Wrong

I'm not a Clark partisan, but I'll defend him. I remember staying up late nights watching the war unfold on CNN, with Clark providing commentary. Thats when I got to know, and like the guy. He occasionally made comments indicating that he may not have been supportive, and after one incident in particular, and this is still in probably the spring/early-summer of 2003, he said something that stuck in my mind and made me know for sure that he had been against it. I don't remember what he said, but I remember the realization, connecting it to other comments he had made, and his demeanor while watching the war unfold with me, when I realized that he had been against it from the beginning.
Lutz, chill. We have plenty of fine candidates. Stop criticizing them. Lets be unified [except for the Biden guy, thats just nuts (I'm kidding)].

by jallen 2007-01-31 11:38PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Wrong

" He occasionally made comments indicating that he may not have been supportive..."

That's it? The guy claims to be a military "genius" but doesn't even oppose Iraq war on the various military reasons much less the political and US national security reasons (terrorists being in Afghanistan not Iraq).

"...and this is still in probably the spring/early-summer of 2003

So here's Clark a year into the war still equivocating on it, waiting for the poll numbers to change so he can decide.

"...he said something that stuck in my mind and made me know for sure that he had been against it. I don't remember what he said..."

Either does anybody else.

by BrionLutz 2007-02-01 07:14AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark running for what?

That has to be one of the most outright ignorant posts I've ever read on any blog.

by donjo 2007-01-31 06:20PM | 0 recs

permalink

Wasn't a bad campaigner

That was a Corporate Press myth that everyone believes.

...I followed Clark's campaign pretty closely in 2004 and I remember things slightly differently.

Indeed, looking back, I think the conventional wisdom is that John Edwards excelled as a candidate, while Clark never really caught on with voters. That's not quite what happened.

~If interested read on at The Carpetbagger:

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/arc hives/9242.html#more-9242

by jen 2007-01-31 06:25PM | 0 recs

permalink

C-Span 3

If you're at all interested in learning the truth, you can watch the Iraq Debate from 2002 -- they're showing it on C-Span3 now and so far both Senators Boxer and Kennedy have quoted General Clark's HASC Testimony as reasons they're against going into Iraq.

http://www.c-span.org/watch/cspan3_rm.as p?Cat=TV&Code=CS3

Senator Wellstone also quoted General Clark -- he hasn't been up yet. Right now it's Senator Snowe.

by jen 2007-01-31 06:28PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark running for what?

Honestly, Brion, how many of these folks do you suppose actually remember Harold Stassen? Gotta admit you got me with that one. LOL

by Shaun Appleby 2007-01-31 07:24PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Chris, I would suggest you look back at some of the previous diaries and comments of djm4america who previously said they were an Obama supporter who you have listed as one of your sources for this story. I am confused since they had a pro-Obama diary as recently as 1/26.

I am more than aware that many Clark supporters and staff have already privately and even publicly voiced support for Barack Obama. In fact some are waiting to see what Clark decides in January and then jump into the Obama camp.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/12/17 /103219/80

http://www.dailykos.com/search?offset=0& amp;old_count=30&string=djm4america& amp;type=comment_by&sortby=relevance &search=Search&count=30&wayb ack=262080&wayfront=0

by robliberal 2007-01-31 05:54PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

I see many Clark supporters who like others also. Gore and Obama supporters seem to also like Clark and vise versa.

by kevin22262 2007-01-31 06:01PM | 0 recs

permalink

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

okay, i think this good news just balanced out the bad news about molly ivins.

by annatopia 2007-01-31 06:05PM | 0 recs

permalink

So Gore is conclusively not running?

Hey guys, just joined myDD... tangential question. I follow the Intrade political markets extremely closely, there is sustained demand for 2008DEM.NOM.GORE shares and I can't figure out why ... I have been scouring the public source for Gore buzz/information and I haven't found any. And he isn't appearing at this confab. And, as Stoller I think pointed out, he is not behaving like a candidate.

Also, no announcements from Gore recently, it's eerily quiet. Is that because everyone has just given up on him, or is he making a final decision and it's more tortured of a process than we think?

At this point I think a Gore entry would really screw Obama, much more than anything else.

I find Obama's recent move to secure his left flank consistent with my "WTF is up with Gore" hypothesis... it could have just been to nip the Edwards threat in the bud, but I don't think Edwards is that much of a threat to Obama, so Obama worries about Gore would be consistent with his moving aggressively to stake out the antiwar position.

by jforshaw 2007-01-31 06:23PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: So Gore is conclusively not running?

Gore doesn't want to run. I have a friend who works pretty closely with him who says the man just isn't interested.

That doesn't necessarily mean he won't change his mind, but my impression is that there is zero talk about a campaign in his inner circles right now. Maybe that's all an elaborate facade, but my guess is that Gore feels far more free as a rogue firebrand able to say what he wants and not have to spend endless time sucking up to raise money and thus get tied back up in the dirty business of politics.

by Baldrick 2007-01-31 06:52PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: So Gore is conclusively not running?

OK, that's what I thought... guess that makes things pretty crystal clear for Obama to take the nomination, though.

(I don't see how HRC doesn't get annihilated)

by jforshaw 2007-01-31 07:35PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: So Gore is conclusively not running?

OK, that's what I thought... guess that makes things pretty crystal clear for Obama to take the nomination, though.

(I don't see how HRC doesn't get annihilated)

by jforshaw 2007-01-31 07:35PM | 0 recs

permalink

fantastic!

I can finally get behind somebody all the way... no offense Barack and John.

I would expect our rising star Jim Webb would definitely come out swinging for Wes too.

Total feather in his cap!

And what's Eric Massa doing right now?
if he isn't going to challenge Shotgun Randy again, seems like he'd be a perfect addition to the team.

man, I wish he had been elected.

-C.

by neutron 2007-01-31 07:18PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

If I was a Republican looking at the Democratic field, Clark would be my worst nightmare.

If Republicans lose national security as an issue, the party is finished for at least a generation, and maybe forever.

My main worry about Clark: is he willing to rip the throats out of his opponents? You would expect so of ex-military, but his son says he has this "Mr Smith goes to Washington" personal philosophy....and remember, Jimmy Stewart got rolled by machine politics in that movie....

by Taylor26 2007-02-01 03:12AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

He certainly won't sit quietly and take it when the smears start. He vigorously defended Kerry during the swiftboating
from Boston Globe
By Glen Johnson, Globe Staff | August 29, 2004

''Where was George Bush when young men from Arkansas and Texas and Massachusetts were called to serve their country and went to Vietnam?" Clark shouted as Kerry stood next to him before thousands gathered in a parking lot outside the Tacoma Dome. ''Where was George Bush? He wasn't there. I think it's outrageous that the president of the United States can question the medals and the service and the valor of American veterans who have served."

Clark added: ''We say to George Bush, enough is enough. You want to match early records of service? Throw it open to the public. Let's read about your efficiency reports. Let's read about that honorable discharge. Let's show it out there. Let something out. But if you want to talk about what the American people want to talk about, then let's talk about policies."

by abburdlen 2007-02-01 04:09AM | 0 recs

permalink

exactly!

clark IS their worst nightmare.

i'll give you an anecdote here. i live in a very very very red part of texas. my hubby works in the defense industry. politics comes up there occassionally. when ever it does, the wingers sneer at hillary, salivating, because they can't wait to sink their teeth into her. they claim hillary will be it for us. when my hubby suggests that not only will hillary not make it out of the primaries, but that we will choose clark for our nominee, it shuts them the hell up. more often than not, they even admit that they coulud vote for him.

by annatopia 2007-02-01 09:12AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: exactly!

"very very very red part"

All of Texas but Austin and Brownsville!
:P

by Nathan Empsall 2007-02-01 05:17PM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

I think we have to wait for the word from the man himself--but if WKC does run, he will have the broadest appeal to Dems and Independents of any candidate. And that's what winning is all about, sports fans.

by summercat 2007-02-01 05:05AM | 0 recs

permalink

Re: Clark Running? Looks Like It

Clark is a great addition to the field. Obviously, military and national security credibility at the top level. Also, very intelligent guy and a liberal on domestic issues.
Southern. Sounds like a grand slam to me. Also, not burdened with Congressional record.
He's getting in early enough this time and that could be a big difference.

In addition, a fantastic VP balance for any of the current top three: Hillary, Obama, Edwards.

Clark is a key player in this election.

by Thaddeus 2007-02-01 05:34AM | 0 recs