Clark Supporters. . . weigh in please.

[floridaguy]

Is it me, or does it look like General Clark is getting snubbed by the party at the convention. Am I missing something? Like the Dean supporters, I give Wes Clark all the credit for my enthusiasm. Also, I want to thank the Dean supporters for his enthusiasm and what they accomplished. Had Clark not entered the race, I wouldn't have believed there was any chance in beating Bush. Now of course, we know there is and it's the ticket of Kerry/Edwards.

Since one of the main criticisms of the Dems is that they're not tough enough militarily, wouldn't it have made sense to have a four-star general, medal of freedom winner, and former NATO commander, say that this is the guy for the job?

This election is far too important for me to actually let this bother me, but it smells of party politics, and I was hoping we were getting away from or above that.

Now, if I've totally missed something here, let me know. Otherwise, I'm eager to hear comments from other Clark supporters. Aside from reading the comments, this will be all the energy I will give to this prior to November 3rd.

[annxburns]

1. No, I don't think he is being snubbed ..

... he will be onstage tonight and speaking tomorrow. I just don't think they have gotten to him yet. They are building to highlight service and security and he will be a big part of that.

[cheezus]

2. man, what is it with you Clark people?

[goju]

7. I think its a legitimate question

I liked Clark alot too. I cant say I was fully behind him but I think the movement grew because of him. He deserves to be highlighted and the swing voters need to be reminded of who is on our team.

Hope he continues to provide the picture of strength the party needs this week. Id like to see him get a cabinet post next year. Sec of Defense sounds perfect!

[cheezus]

8. just noting that the Clarkies on DU seem more fanatical than most

[sadiesworld]

10. Tripe.

[goju]

19. Pardon my ignorance then, Im new

B-)

I just hope we can, bring it together in november.

[sadiesworld]

9. What is it with you people who hate Clark?

[Justice]

3. Clark Quite Visible

Part of significant rally/luncheon on Monday with James Carville and Max Cleland for veterans. Very well attended, lots of energy

Part of Panel today at Suffolk Law School on security issues.

Speaking tomorrow night at the Convention.

I saw him yesterday at a book signing. I told him how pleased we (his supporters) were that he was speaking tomorrow night, and he beamed and said he was thrilled to be participating. I talked to him about being there in NH when he first came to the state last August and he literally said, oh gosh, it was so genuine.

On edit, he is also on Larry King tonight or tomorrow.

[kaitykaity]

13. I didn't know he was speaking tomorrow.

Thanks for the heads-up.

:thumbsup:

[laruemtt]

4. i don't know the reason(s)

for his not speaking at the convention. he was and still is my first choice. it seemed so painfully obvious to me. but he's not our candidate for better or worse, and i'm fully prepared to stand behind kerry/edwards. i'm letting it go. i barely have the energy left to listen to one minute of our media anymore to let in any other negative thoughts, especially being so energized by this convention and how many talented amazing dems we do have.

[JI7]

5. he is speaking primetime on the day Kerry speaks

[lukasahero]

6. It's still the media

I don't think he's getting the brush off by the convention. He's speaking Thursday when the theme will be "Stronger at Home, Respected in the World". Who better to address and represent THAT theme?

To note, I was watching PBS last night and they showed a clip about the Sen. Byrd assembly yesterday where Teddy and the General spoke. The segment went on for several minutes and the General wasn't included in a single image or mentioned in a single sentence. The media continues to ignore him. I think he scares them.

[in_cog_ni_to]

11. No, I don't think he's being snubbed.

I can't wait to hear him speak tomorrow night. Have you seen the "Veterans for Kerry" video Will Pitt posted on Truthout?

http://www.truthout.org/dnc04.shtml

Go Wes! :bounce:

[H2O Man]

12. I am a "Clark" supporter....

who made contributions to his primary campaign, and continue to support WesPAC. I am confident that he is playing EXACTLY the role that he wants to play. Also, I was impressed by the message of the keynote speech, when Barack Obama warned against attempts to divide the party. Clark definitely agrees with that!

[redstateblues]

34. Clark made me believe we could win

[LeinesRed]

14. I think he has been quite visible.

He is addressing the convention as well!

[Toucano]

15. I'm happy with his role.

I am also looking forward to his speech.

[lumpy]

16. Clark has played a very important

role for the Democratic party. He is a man to be admired and valued and will show that he is not petty about not making the candidate pick. Expect a great speech during the convention. Clark relates well with Kerry and most likely Kerry will take advantage of his experience and expertise to invite him to accept an influential position in the new administration.

[democratreformed]

17. So far, I have been pleasantly surprised.

In the few speeches I have been able to watch, I have heard many of the things that Clark first brought to the forefront being repeated. Also, I got to see him on "Hardball" and he was excellent. I have read that he has other appearances lined up but I have (or will) missed those. I may have to fight my husband, but I WILL watch him speak at the convention tomorrow night. Contrary to feeling he is being snubbed, I feel like he has helped to shape some of the issues.

[KittyWampus]

33. Agreed, Speaking About VALUES- Clark Got There First

that was his revised stump speech.

Democrats believe in helping families raise kids, afford health care, get and keep jobs etc.

[Renew Deal]

18. He is speaking tomorrow.

I don't know what you're talking about.

[floridaguy]

20. Where is schedule showing that Clark is speaking and what time is he on?

I looked for it earlier, and I did not see his name on the lists. Since I wasn't positive, I asked in the original post "Am I missing something? It's nice to see this apparent oversight has gotten the juices flowing again. Ironically, I just posted something elsewhere about remembering the mudslinging most of us were guilty of during the primary, and how we all have really seemed to bring it together for the bigger cause. Don't you feel it? :grouphug:
I have worked tirelessly since last Summer to beat George Bush. The catalyst for this effort was Wes Clark, so I will be eternally grateful to him and passionate in supporting him. Before Clark got in the race, I didn't believe the Democrats had a real contender. I'm glad to say I was wrong. I am truly excited to hear I was wrong also about Clark speaking and being snubbed. After we elect Kerry/Edwards it would be great to discuss from an academic standpoint why some of us really liked a candidate, or why we might have really disliked another. But like I said. AFTER we Elect Kerry & Edwards!

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. Here ya go...Thursday's list

but they don't give times. The evening session begins at 6:00 or 7:00 P.M. Eastern time. So, it looks like Wes will be on pretty early in the evening tomorrow.

Thursday, July 29
Stronger at Home, Respected in the World

Madeline Albright, Former Secretary of State
Joe Biden, U.S. Senator from Delaware
Wesley Clark, Four Star General, 2004 Presidential Candidate
Max Cleland, Former U.S. Senator from Georgia
James Clyburn, U.S. Representative from South Carolina
Alexandra Kerry, Daughter of John Kerry
John Kerry, 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee
Vanessa Kerry, Daughter of John Kerry
Joe Lieberman, U.S. Senator from Connecticut, 2004 Presidential
Candidate
Ed Markey, U.S. Representative from Massachusetts
Juanita Millender-McDonald, U.S. Representative from California
Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. Representative from the District of Columbia
Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Representative from California, Democratic Leader
Jim Rassman, Green Beret rescued by John Kerry in Vietnam
Louise Slaughter, U.S. Representative from New York
(joined by Congressional Women)
John Sweeney, President of AFL-CIO
Mark Warner, Governor of Virginia

[lukasahero]

23. List is alphabetical

This isn't the order of appearances and I wouldn't assume he'd go on early.

[in_cog_ni_to]

29. Oh, I didn't realize it was alphabetical.

Why the hell would they do that instead of the order they speak? Stoooopid. Anyway, Thanks for pointing that out. I could have missed him and THAT would have sent me into a real tizzy!

[floridaguy]

27. Thanks

Looking forward to it.

[lukasahero]

22. Link here

http://www.dems2004.org/site/pp.asp?c=luI2LaPYG&b=130848

He's speaking on Thursday but they haven't put up the times yet. (I think they're only putting them up on the actual day.)

[jayfish]

24. Self-Delete -NT-

Jay

[Sparkly]

25. In addition to Thursday, he's spoken at other convention events

He spoke at the veterans' event with Carville and Cleland, and today he was among the twelve generals and admirals who endorsed Kerry. There was a quote for each of them, although I am not sure if it was from an event where they spoke.

Anyway, I think it's recognized that he's important to the party and to the convention, embodying much of what the message is about (the theme stronger at home, respected in the world).

Can't wait to hear him Thursday!

[jayfish]

26. Nope -NT-

Jay

[Ravenseye]

28. He's around...

saw him on some news shows speaking well for Kerry. He's doing his part. There are alot of people that need to be on stage, and though I supported Clark, I don't think it's a problem. I'd rather give Obama time than Clark. Give it to people who need the exposure. He's doing well in a support role.

Future Secretary of Defense?

[in_cog_ni_to]

30. Future Secretary of Defense? Nope.

He can't be SOD. You have to be out of the military for 10 years...he hasn't been out of the military long enough. Secretary of State?

[Ravenseye]

31. nah, not State

I think we're seeing Generals as Secretaries of State is not necessary a good thing.

How bout Homeland Security?

[RichardRay]

32. National Security Advisor

It'd be nice to have some integrity and experience in that position.