Wesley Clark to run for President

[clk]

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-clark,0,3086108.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

From what I've seen of Clark on television, he seems to be an extremely smart person and more sincere than the other Democratic candidates.

Clark has a resume that unnerves potential rivals -- Rhodes scholar, first in his 1966 class at West Point, White House fellow, head of the U.S. Southern Command and NATO commander during the 1999 campaign in Kosovo.

Would you vote for him over Kerry, Dean, and the others?

[arcticpenguin]

http://www.theemailactivist.org/impeach.htm


On the June 15 edition of NBC's Meet the Press, former General Wesley Clark admitted to anchor Tim Russert that Bush administration officials had engaged in a campaign to frame Saddam Hussein for the September 11 attacks—beginning on September 11! Clark said that he was called by the White House that very day and urged to claim that Baghdad was connected to the terror attacks, but he refused to do so due to a complete lack of evidence.

[Regnad Kcin]

Bye-bye, W. Enjoy your retirement!

[arcticpenguin]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2003-09-11-clark-candidacy_x.htm


Clark has a resume that unnerves potential rivals — Rhodes scholar, first in his 1966 class at West Point, White House fellow, head of the U.S. Southern Command and NATO commander during the 1999 campaign in Kosovo.

A Clark White House bid would grab the political spotlight and undercut the strengths of several in the nine-way Democratic race.

Dean's effort to solidify his front-runner status might suffer from the distraction of a Clark candidacy. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts would no longer be the race's only decorated combat veteran. Sens. John Edwards of North Carolina and Bob Graham of Florida would face another Southerner.
...
Clark believes his four-star military service would counter Bush's political advantage as a wartime commander in chief, associates say. The retired general has been critical of the Iraq war and Bush's postwar efforts, positions that would put him alongside Dean, Graham and Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio as the most vocal anti-war candidates.

I honestly don't know much about the guy. Any potential skeletons in his closet?

[clk]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2003-09-11-clark-candidacy_x.htm


I honestly don't know much about the guy. Any potential skeletons in his closet?

I doubt it. From listening to him talk, he seems like a very sincere person. But who knows?
Here is a website that displays his stance on the issues:
http://meetclark.com/faq/index.asp

On the war on Iraq:

“We went into Iraq under false pretenses. There was…deceptive advertising; you'd be taking [President Bush] to the Better Business Bureau if you bought a washing machine the way we went into the war in Iraq. [W]e're taking casualties. We haven't made America safer by this. We've made America more engaged, more vulnerable, more committed, less able to respond. We've loss a tremendous amount of goodwill around the world by our actions and our continuing refusal to bring in international institutions.”


On the separation of church and state:

“I grew up believing that…one of the basic principles in our country is that we would keep church and state separate. And this is because everyone is entitled to freedom of religion, and that is why people came to America in the first place. And we learned that in order to have freedom of religion, you’ve got to protect the state from the church…I think that it is a wonderful thing for people to have-values and religious, their religious faith, and I certainly have mine. But I think that it is better for our democracy and better for our religion if we keep the two separate.”


On education:

“[Clark] decried the lack of funding for the No Child Left Behind Act, saying ‘we should stop beating teachers over the head and start supporting them.’"


On the economy:

“In this economy, right now, today - it’s about two things. Number one: security. And I think that Americans today understand that national security is personal security. We need to devote the resources and the attention necessary, not only to attack Al Qaeda abroad, but to ensure that citizens in our cities, in New York, in Washington, DC, are safe and protected.

And number two: we need to put the right kind of demand stimulus back into the economy. A stimulus that’s efficient in terms of how much it costs us, in terms of the deficit. A stimulus that’s fair in terms of rewarding the people who need it the most, not the wealthy. And a stimulus that’s long term, fiscally responsible in terms of not creating huge deficits that our children have to deal with or that we have to deal with ten years out.”


There's more information on that website.

edited to add: Clark is going to officially announce his decision next week at the University of Iowa.
In a dig at President Bush's flight-suited landing on an aircraft carrier, Clark rejected suggestions he announce near his alma mater, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. "I don't want to politicize the armed forces," he says. "Should I run, my patriotism will be a function of what I've done, not wrapping myself in the military."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/2003-09-10-clark-usat_x.htm

[arcticpenguin]

“I grew up believing that…one of the basic principles in our country is that we would keep church and state separate...

Yowza! That's one of my personal hot button issues. It's refreshing to find a candidate who would actually state that publicly. Too many feel bound to pander to the religious right.

[Clancie]

From Christian Science Monitor (http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0819/p02s01-uspo.html)

On social issues, Clark supports abortion rights, affirmative action, and gays in the military. On the economy, Bush's Achilles heel in polls, Clark is also critical: He opposed Bush's tax cuts, calling them unfair and inefficient as a stimulus for creating jobs. He also criticizes Bush for allowing the budget deficit to skyrocket.

For Clark boosters, the gold-plated résumé makes them stand and salute: first in his class at West Point, Rhodes scholar, 34 years in the military, Vietnam combat veteran, NATO commander.

He's also an investment banker and an author - his second book, "Winning Modern Wars: Iraq, Terrorism, and the American Empire," comes out in September.
Wesley Clark....if only.....

[corplinx]

sooo, how is he different than any other democrat except that he was a general in the military?

I think the whole Wesley Clark hope is people realizing that most of the current dem candidates stink and they want to bring Clark in as a ringer.

[arcticpenguin]

Does anyone have a good link for an issue-by-issue comparison of the Democratic candidates? There are too many for me to keep track of.

[Cleon]

The amusing thing about a Clark presidency would be watching the conservatives try to call him "anti-military."

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by corplinx
sooo, how is he different than any other democrat except that he was a general in the military?

I think the whole Wesley Clark hope is people realizing that most of the current dem candidates stink and they want to bring Clark in as a ringer.
Could be. I certainly have problems with some of the candidates (e.g. Lieberman). Some I just don't know much about yet. Since I'm not a Democrat I could just until after the primaries and concentrate on the nominee.

[clk]

Originally posted by corplinx
sooo, how is he different than any other democrat except that he was a general in the military?



He doesn't seem to be a dirt-slinging politician like the other candidates. I think he says what he believes, unlike some of the other candidates, who only say things that will give them a better shot at getting elected. But of course, you have to play the game if you are going to run for President, so I may be proven wrong, though I doubt it.

[Clancie]

Posted by corplinx

sooo, how is he different than any other democrat except that he was a general in the military?
Well, that's a big one in itself, isn't it. Especially when we've got an incumbent President starting wars abroad and making photo ops in a military flight suit.

Clark is more socially progressive domestically and also more critical of the war in Iraq than some of the Dems (like Lieberman).

And, let's face it. The Democratic candidates are not exactly brimming with charisma. Clark has it--and is great on television. He's obviously highly intelligent and, with the addition of the military background (and understanding of separation of church and state AP mentioned, as well as other Constitutional issues--like civil liberties) it has the makings of a fascinating debate between Clark and Bush.

[arcticpenguin]

I expect Bush would avoid any debates, unless his poll numbers sunk pretty far.

[Zep]

From what little I've seen of him, and the stuff above makes up a fair bit of that!, he does seem to have his head screwed on properly regarding important issues. So I would be interested to see if his stances on other domestic issues are well received by mainstream America.

Of course, it seems amply demonstrated that he has a sharp brain, so perhaps politics is going to be tough for him! :)

[Reager]

Clark was on Real Time with Bill Maher last Friday. In addition to being exeptionally eloquent and intelligent, he was not afraid to describe himself as a liberal. While that certainly makes him a prime target for right-wing hatemongers, it was nice to see he had the guts to say it. There is nothing wrong with beng a liberal...we need to take back our word!! :)

Mike

[Landis]

I signed up to support Wesley Clark on the Draft Wesley Clark website over two months ago. I think he's a brilliant man who only desires to steer the United States in the right direction.

His only fault is that he's not a carreer politician. That would be a plus except for the fact that "Politics" is a dirty business and career politicians on both the right and the left will not easily tolerate an outsider in the White House.

[Clancie]

Posted by Landis

His only fault is that he's not a carreer politician. That would be a plus except for the fact that "Politics" is a dirty business and career politicians on both the right and the left will not easily tolerate an outsider in the White House.
True, but what about Dick Gephardt as his VP? (Although being from Arkansas, I suppose Clark would need someone from a Western or Northern state, not another Southerner :( ).

[corplinx]

I think Clark is playing the democratic base like a fiddle. Dean has pulled the rest of the candidates into mud slinging which could let Clark slip in late and steal the nomination. He probably knows that if he had been on a podium at the last debate he would have looked just like the other candidates.

On the issues, he seems to be no different than Kucinich. The difference being that Kucinich is going about the nomination process the regular way instead of orchestrating a "movement" to bring himself in to save the party.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Clancie

True, but what about Dick Gephardt as his VP? (Although being from Arkansas, I suppose Clark would need someone from a Western or Northern state, not another Southerner :( ). [/B]
I would not like to see Gephardt in either the P or VP position. I do not care for his protectionist slant on foreign trade.

[corplinx]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin

I would not like to see Gephardt in either the P or VP position. I do not care for his protectionist slant on foreign trade.

Is there anything left of Dick Gephart inside his suit? He seems to be a shell of a man and a shill to boot.

[zakur]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
Does anyone have a good link for an issue-by-issue comparison of the Democratic candidates? There are too many for me to keep track of. There's a short questionnaire here: http://selectsmart.com/president/

At the end, they list the candidates in order by how closely they match your views. You can click on any of the names to get that candidate's known views on the issues.

For those who don't want to take the time to fill out the questionnaire, here's Clark's rundown. It's sketchier than what's listed for most of the other candidates, but I expect that will change when he officially announces he is running and starts making his views more public):

http://selectsmart.com/president/Clark.html

(just change the last part of the URL to get the rundowns for other candidates)

[renata]

Originally posted by zakur
There's a short questionnaire here: http://selectsmart.com/president/

At the end, they list the candidates in order by how closely they match your views. You can click on any of the names to get that candidate's known views on the issues.

For those who don't want to take the time to fill out the questionnaire, here's Clark's rundown. It's sketchier than what's listed for most of the other candidates, but I expect that will change when he officially announces he is running and starts making his views more public):

http://selectsmart.com/president/Clark.html

(just change the last part of the URL to get the rundowns for other candidates)

Great site! I have 100% match with Dean and 2% match with Bush! :roll: :roll:

[Hexxenhammer]

Originally posted by corplinx
I think Clark is playing the democratic base like a fiddle. Dean has pulled the rest of the candidates into mud slinging which could let Clark slip in late and steal the nomination. He probably knows that if he had been on a podium at the last debate he would have looked just like the other candidates.

On the issues, he seems to be no different than Kucinich. The difference being that Kucinich is going about the nomination process the regular way instead of orchestrating a "movement" to bring himself in to save the party. In other words, acting like a politician. And with more than a year to go until the election, I hesitate to call this "late". I watched Bush hijack all of Mcain's issues in 2000, and get the nomination because he could play the game better and had more special interests behind him than Mcain because they knew Bush would dance to their tune. I would say that's a might bit worse than any tactic Clark may take.

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by renata


Great site! I have 100% match with Dean and 2% match with Bush! :roll: :roll:


My Results:

Bush, George W. - US President (100%)
Libertarian Candidate (99%)

Closest Democrat:

Lieberman Senator Joe CT - Democrat (72%)

[Hexxenhammer]

Originally posted by Kodiak

My Results:

Bush, George W. - US President (100%)
Libertarian Candidate (99%)
That's funny, you seem like a nice guy.;)

[Upchurch]

"President Clark"? :eek:







Hint: B5 Reference.

[NoZed Avenger]

Originally posted by renata


Great site! I have 100% match with Dean and 2% match with Bush!


Gosh. Try again once the medication wears off.

NA

(Ah. I kill me. :roll: )

[shemp]

Dean 100%. I'm not surprised.

Clark 45%. The Dean-Clark ticket should be an interesting one.

Bush 22%. I'm dismayed, hoped it would be 0%.

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer

That's funny, you seem like a nice guy.;)

I am! :eek:

P.S. Those of you on the left leaning towards Clark, keep in mind he personally owns over 20 firearms, is an avid hunter, and supports the use of nuclear power!

[arcticpenguin]

Dean 100%
Green party candidate 96%
Kucinich 88%
...
Wesley Clark 65%
...
Dubya 5%

I would have preferred a few more options on some of the questions.

[Occasional Chemist]

Originally posted by Kodiak

P.S. You those of you on the left leaning towards Clark, keep in mind he personally owns over 20 firearms, is an avid hunter, and supports the use of nuclear power!

What's so wrong with nuclear power, anyway?

He'll be more impressive to me than Bush if he can at least pronounce "nuclear power" correctly. :)

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by Occasional Chemist


What's so wrong with nuclear power, anyway?

The modern environmentalist movement is opposed to it, thats all...

[Hexxenhammer]

Originally posted by Kodiak


I am! :eek:

P.S. You those of you on the left leaning towards Clark, keep in mind he personally owns over 20 firearms, is an avid hunter, and supports the use of nuclear power!

Yes you are. Have a salmon.

I love guns, I don't hunt but support hunters, and have few opinions about nuke power.

Yay Clark!

[EvilYeti]

Originally posted by Kodiak


I am! :eek:

P.S. Those of you on the left leaning towards Clark, keep in mind he personally owns over 20 firearms, is an avid hunter, and supports the use of nuclear power!

Here's his full quote:

“I have got 20 some odd guns in the house. I like to hunt. I have grown up with guns all my life, but people who like assault weapons should join the United States Army, we have them.”

Smart guy! He has my vote.

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by EvilYeti


Here's his full quote:

“I have got 20 some odd guns in the house. I like to hunt. I have grown up with guns all my life, but people who like assault weapons should join the United States Army, we have them.”

Smart guy! He has my vote.

Best of all, he knows the true differences between a real assault rifle and a semi-auto rifle with purely cosmetic similarities.

[Hexxenhammer]

To conservatives: Is Clark someone Republicans might jump ship for? For example, I usually vote Democrat but I would have voted for McCain in 2000, but didn't get the chance. Could Clark make you do the same thing?

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer
To conservatives: Is Clark someone Republicans might jump ship for? For example, I usually vote Democrat but I would have voted for McCain in 2000, but didn't get the chance. Could Clark make you do the same thing?

I wouldn't personally, but moderate or centrist GOPers might...

What would happen in a presidential race where Powell/Clark or Clark/Powell were an option??

[Hexxenhammer]

Originally posted by Kodiak


I wouldn't personally, but moderate or centrist GOPers might...

What would happen in a presidential race where Powell/Clark or Clark/Powell were an option?? That's a toughie. I'd probably go Powell. Even if he ran as a Republican, he's still a Democrat.

[Crossbow]

Has Clark flat-out declared the he is a canididate?

He seems to hint around a good bit about the subject, but so far I have not seen him make an actual announcement that he is a canididate.

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer
That's a toughie. I'd probably go Powell. Even if he ran as a Republican, he's still a Democrat.

Sorry. I wasn't clear.

I meant what if they were running on the same ticket together!?

[Hexxenhammer]

Originally posted by Kodiak


Sorry. I wasn't clear.

I meant what if they were running on the same ticket together!? Ah. In this climate, 2 centrist military men with proven war AND diplomatic records, 1 black and 1 white, would be nigh unstoppable. Even if they ran 3rd party. IMHO. But Powell should be the Pres and Clark the vice.

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer
Ah. In this climate, 2 centrist military men with proven war AND diplomatic records, 1 black and 1 white, would be nigh unstoppable. Even if they ran 3rd party. IMHO. But Powell should be the Pres and Clark the vice.


I must admit I'd have to give them serious consideration.

Alas, my dream of an electable libertarian candidate is no closer to reality... :(

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Kodiak


I wouldn't personally, but moderate or centrist GOPers might...

What would happen in a presidential race where Powell/Clark or Clark/Powell were an option??
A very interesting question. I think Powell is a moderate (for a Republican) and his position in the current administration can only harm his standing in my eyes.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Kodiak

Sorry. I wasn't clear.

I meant what if they were running on the same ticket together!?
Yowza!

If Bush tried another "flightsuit" photo he would be laughed out of the race.

[CapelDodger]

From Kodiak:
Best of all, he knows the true differences between a real assault rifle and a semi-auto rifle with purely cosmetic similarities.
Are there any obvious give-aways? I'd like to know in case I ever get one or the other pointed at me.

[CapelDodger]

From what I've picked up Clark seems to have a rationalist approach rather than an ideological one. For instance, his view on Bush's tax-cuts - inefficient and unfair - is rational, but if asked "Do you favour lower taxes when it's appropriate" I'm sure he'd answer yes. As opposed to the standard Democrat who'd reply "No, we should tax working people more because there are shiftless layabouts and foreigners out there who really want their money". He seems like someone who read the Constitution and thought "Yeah, I'm OK with that".

As to not being a politician, wasn't he head of Nato or some such? No lack of political experience there. Consider Eisenhower, who was in much the same position as Supreme Commander in Western Europe. He may not have been a social liberal or likely to champion Civil Rights but he wasn't a bad president. And he did issue the warning against the "military-industrial complex" that the US has, sadly, succumbed to.

On the down side, a Clark presidency would strengthen the link between military and political that is so marked in the US. The damage isn't so much to the political as it is to the military where every star brings a bigger swarm of pols to distract The General. Then again, if it's a choice between military-political and oil-political, give me the military-political. Bush's flight-jacket would become his version of "read my lips - no nude axes".

I'm denied a vote, but if anybody bumps into the General tell him I'm on his side.

[corplinx]

Originally posted by CapelDodger
From what I've picked up Clark seems to have a rationalist approach rather than an ideological one. For instance, his view on Bush's tax-cuts - inefficient and unfair - is rational


Rational in....... BIZARRO WORLD. Seriously, Wesley is just another slick politician.

[EvilYeti]

Originally posted by corplinx



Rational in....... BIZARRO WORLD. Seriously, Wesley is just another slick politician.

If BIZARRO WORLD isn't going to have a trillion dollar deficit next year, I'm moving there.

You're a native, could you recommend a good part of town?

[Mike B.]

Originally posted by EvilYeti


If BIZARRO WORLD isn't going to have a trillion dollar deficit next year, I'm moving there.

You're a native, could you recommend a good part of town?

OH YEAH...

NYAH NYAH NYAH
I am rubber you are glue whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you!!!

:p
;) ;) ;)

[corplinx]

Originally posted by EvilYeti


If BIZARRO WORLD isn't going to have a trillion dollar deficit next year, I'm moving there.


don't you mean, BIZARRO DEFICIT ?

[DavidJames]

"Wesley is just another slick politician."

I smell fear. Fear that your pretend soldier boy might get whooped by a real soldier. Fear that when Clark puts on a jump suit it will fit and not look like Halloween suit. Fear that you will lose your "Dems are weak" nonsense.

Yes, I sense fear, I like it.

ps: Clark/Powell, Powell/Clark - I could go for that.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by DavidJames
"Wesley is just another slick politician."

I smell fear. Fear that your pretend soldier boy might get whooped by a real soldier. Fear that when Clark puts on a jump suit it will fit and not look like Halloween suit. Fear that you will lose your "Dems are weak" nonsense.

Yes, I sense fear, I like it.

ps: Clark/Powell, Powell/Clark - I could go for that.
First, how do we convince Powell to abandon the extremist right wing zealots currently employing him and admit he is a Democrat?

[EvilYeti]

Originally posted by corplinx


don't you mean, BIZARRO DEFICIT ?

No, that was Clinton's last term. This year its a BIZARRO SURPLUS.

[DavidJames]

"First, how do we convince Powell to abandon the extremist right wing zealots currently employing him and admit he is a Democrat?"

Going independent or creating a third party is the only option for him. Switching to a Dem would certainly be another opportunity to point out the inherent hypocrisy in many of our Repub friends, but like true servants, they would vote the party anyway.


I would like to think Powell's desire to serve is what prompted him to join the ERWZs in the first place and not because he shares any of their views.

[VicDaring]

Originally posted by Kodiak
P.S. Those of you on the left leaning towards Clark, keep in mind he personally owns over 20 firearms, is an avid hunter, and supports the use of nuclear power!

And Dean has a perfect rating from the NRA.

This talk about a Powell/Clark (in either order) ticket is fantasy.

But Dean has been angling for a Dean/Clark ticket already. Be tough for the Neo-cons to dismiss that pair as a couple hysterical liberals.

Not that that would stop them from trying...

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by CapelDodger
Are there any obvious give-aways? I'd like to know in case I ever get one or the other pointed at me.

Yeah, one goes:

Kaapoww...


Kaapoww...


While the other goes:

dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda-dudda...

[Kodiak]

Clark considers risks of running with Dean (http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPentagon.asp?Page=\Pentagon\archive\200309\PEN 20030915a.html)

[Frank Newgent]

Originally posted by Kodiak
What would happen in a presidential race where Powell/Clark or Clark/Powell were an option??
If Wesley Clark ends up as Dean or Clinton's VP nominee, it would be smart of Bush to come clean about Cheney having died last year and bring in Powell as his VP. Did I say smart? Oh, never mind...

[Kodiak]

Originally posted by Frank Newgent

If Wesley Clark ends up as Dean or Clinton's VP nominee, it would be smart of Bush to come clean about Cheney having died last year and bring in Powell as his VP. Did I say smart? Oh, never mind...

Who the hell do they have in there now, then, some "Robo-Cheney 1.3" or maybe Will Farrell from SNL?? :eek: :eek:

[Frank Newgent]

Originally posted by Kodiak


Who the hell do they have in there now...
http://www.thewhiterabbit.com/images/boardw-humpty.jpg

[Kodiak]

Whoa!

Hold everything folks...


Court puts recall election on hold (http://www.msnbc.com/news/945950.asp?0cv=CA01)

[Malachi151]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
Dean 100%
Green party candidate 96%
Kucinich 88%
...
Wesley Clark 65%
...
Dubya 5%

I would have preferred a few more options on some of the questions.

same here

[Clancie]

Dean 100%
Kucinich 96%
Green Party 92%

Clark 56% (but I still want him)

Bush 14% (How?????)


Good site, interesting, but I wish they had more analysis of the different weight for results.

And the link to Bush on the environment--all about Candidate Bush--really really needs updating. For example, the other day, I heard Robert Kennedy Jr. say that he feels Bush has the worst environmental record of any president in his lifetime. They really should include his actions as president in the link, not just his claims as a candidate.

[Blue Monk]

Originally posted by Kodiak


Who the hell do they have in there now, then, some "Robo-Cheney 1.3" or maybe Will Farrell from SNL?? :eek: :eek:

I suspect "Robo-Cheney 1.3".

The last time he was seen in public he suddenly started flaying his arms about while shouting, "Danger Will Robinson, Danger!!"

[Theodore Kurita]

Originally posted by Clancie

Well, that's a big one in itself, isn't it. Especially when we've got an incumbent President starting wars abroad and making photo ops in a military flight suit.

Clark is more socially progressive domestically and also more critical of the war in Iraq than some of the Dems (like Lieberman).

And, let's face it. The Democratic candidates are not exactly brimming with charisma. Clark has it--and is great on television. He's obviously highly intelligent and, with the addition of the military background (and understanding of separation of church and state AP mentioned, as well as other Constitutional issues--like civil liberties) it has the makings of a fascinating debate between Clark and Bush. [/B]


Agreed...

I am for Kucinich still.

Although, I agree that Wesley has the best chance out ...

I do agree with him on many issues, and he does have a good head on his shoulders. :)

[Clancie]

I am for Kucinich still.

Although, I agree that Wesley has the best chance out ...

I do agree with him on many issues, and he does have a good head on his shoulders
Yes, Kucinich seems good to me, too, as does Dean--on issues.

However, in nearly 40 years, only three Democrats have been elected President, all three from the South. And, if you rule out Johnson for the odd circumstances of his reelection...there are only two. Until Clinton, no Democrat had been elected for two terms since FDR.

Clinton's election (finally) convinced me that no liberal Democrat will be elected President in the near future. The only ones with a chance are the ones that I personally feel are too "moderate/conservative" for my taste--but who, like Clinton, are closer to the American mainstream.

Clark is from that "middle ground" of the party and he is from the South. The military connection should help tremendously, too, at this time, and he is smart. .

Since no liberal Dem has a prayer of winning, imo, I'm pinning my hopes on Clark. I don't want to picture what this country--and the world--will be like with four more years of Bush & Co.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Gen. Clark is the first person announcing or even hinting at running for the Democratic nomination that I could vote for (and actually would feel good about doing so). President Bush lost me on a lot of issues when he was still governor here, but made impossible for me to ever vote for him with the manufactured Iraq war.

I have a feeling that Clark, as a man who's a** was on the line, wouldn't be as fast to commit troops as a Chicken (like Clintion) or Chickenhawk (like Bush).

[Rayn]

Originally posted by Kodiak


What would happen in a presidential race where Powell/Clark or Clark/Powell were an option??

That would be one heck of an option. I'd definitely vote for them, Colin Powell is a man that has my respect, and with Clark, he'd have a solid following, plus the whole centrist/military theme. Hopefully, they'd appoint some worthy cabinet members.

Also, I agree it should be Powell for Pres., Clark for VP.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I'm liking this guy the more and more that I think about it. I'd rather have a liberal hawk who understands what war is all about than a socially conservative warhawk who persues $87billion vendettas.

[Clancie]

He's scheduled to announce tomorrow in Arkansas, 1 p.m. EST.
:jedi: