Reply #47: The problem I have with Clark is that he is not a proven campaigner [View All]

[Larkspur]

He could hurt Lieberman, Kerry, Edwards, and Gephardt, but he could also screw up big time and hurt himself. He has never campaigned before and he is entering the Presidential race late when many political operatives are already committed to other campaigns. Clark is way behind in both fundraising and organization. Against Dean's juggernaut campaign, Clark's campaign won't have a chance. He will have an easier time picking off Graham, Kucinich, Edwards, and Lieberman. Braun will not pick up much steam from her NOW endorsement and will continue to be marginalized in the media. Gephardt has strong labor ties that will keep him in the race to Iowa. Kerry will still be formidable, but will have a harder time justifying his vote for the Iraq War resolution, and he will be more frustrated that Dean and Clark will be getting more of the media attention.

Clark has no elected political office experience, so his domestic policy side would be very weak. In this regard, he is the opposite of Dean, who is considered weak on defense. Also how would he handle the growing deficit, create jobs, and pacify Iraq? Dean has a solid history of governing in a similar situation in Vermont. Dean was able to guide a state from fiscal crisis to health and achieve social justice goals. Clark doesn't have that kind of history.

And while foreign policy is important for a president, most of our presidents have had to learn it on the job or during the campaign. That is what aides or experts are for. Dean has talked with Clark already about foreign policy stuff as well as with other experts. He has definitely made big improvements in that field. So I don't see Clark hurting Dean's campaign much, but Clark will give credence to Dean's anti-Iraq War stand and Dean will look brave in hindsight by newcomers to the Dem Primary race for taking that stand.