Daily Democrat: A positive discussion about Wesley Clark

[Skinner]

In an effort to provide for some enlightening discussion, rather than partisan flaming, the administrators have decided to post regular threads about the candidates for the Democratic nomination which are reserved for positive discussion only. These threads will be called the "Daily Democrat".

Currently, we intend to post two Daily Democrat discussion threads per day. If a particular thread becomes too long, then the moderators will open additional threads as necessary. These discussion threads will be allowed to stay open until the next two Daily Democrat threads are opened at some point the following day.

THE RULES

The rules for these Daily Democrat candidate threads are as follows. (For the purposes of these rules, the candidate who is the subject of the thread is referred to as the "Daily Democrat".)

1. You are welcome to post anything positive about the Daily Democrat. You can explain why you support that person. You can dispel myths about that candidate. You can discuss that person's positions on various issues. Whatever.

2. You are allowed to favorably compare the Daily Democrat to other candidates, provided that you are not unnecessarily inflammatory or antagonistic to the other candidates.

3. You may not post attacks of any kind against the Daily Democrat. Furthermore, you cannot post criticism and try to pass it off as a compliment ("I enthusiastically support candidate X because he ruined his state's economy!")

4. You may not discuss the supporters of any candidate (that goes for the the Daily Democrat, or any other candidate).

5. Undecided voters are encouraged to ask questions about the Daily Democrat in order to better inform their choice. Note that criticism disguised as a question will not be allowed.

6. You may not start another discussion thread for the purposes of responding to comments made in the "Daily Democrat" thread. Sorry -- you just have to suck it up and let the positive discussion continue uninterrupted.

7. I will not babysit the Daily Democrat thread, because I believe it will not be necessary. It is the responsibility of every member to know and follow the rules. Deliberate disruption of the Daily Democrat thread, or efforts by opponents to influence the Daily Democrat thread, will result in the banning of the individual(s) responsible.

8. I reserve the right to change the rules as necessary to make this work.

TIMING

We will discuss two Daily Democrats per day, and cycle through the list of presidential candidates in modified alphabetical order.

12/04 - Wesley Clark ...... and ... Dennis Kucinich
12/05 - Howard Dean ....... and ... Joe Lieberman
12/06 - John Edwards ...... and ... Carol Moseley Braun
12/07 - Dick Gephardt ..... and ... Al Sharpton
12/08 - John Kerry ........ and ... Wesley Clark
12/09 - Dennis Kucinich ... and ... Howard Dean
12/10 - Joe Lieberman ..... and ... John Edwards
12/11 - Carol Moseley Braun and ... Dick Gephardt
12/12 - Al Sharpton ....... and ... John Kerry
12/13 - Wesley Clark ...... and ... Dennis Kucinich
12/14 - Etc...

LET'S GET STARTED

Here's your chance for some positive discussion of Wesley Clark! Who wants to start it off?

[ajacobson]

1. I'm first?

It's an honor.

[Bucky]

2. Oh Wesley you so fine you so fine you blow my mind, Oh Wesley

nm

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. LOL!

Now, how the hell am I suppose to top THAT?! :)

[Gringo]

24. There's a guy/ga/(?) on Yahoo! who posts almost daily that:

"Wesley Clark is a Sexy Beast" or something to that effect. You kinda reminded me of that.... LOL

[TheDonkey]

56. There is a lot to like on his issues

Surfing his website and reading up the issues he is quite liberal for a new demorcat.

I'm very excited about how he briefly touched on energy and energy independence for America.

Clark can easily destroy bush in the general election and that's why he ties for first. We need a strong democrat in office to clean up the mess dumbass er' i mean bush has made.

Plus he's not bad on the eyes.

[curse10]

4. I like Wes Clark

He'd make a fine president and I would gladly vote for him if he won the nomination.

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. He's going to be

one of the BEST Presidents we've ever had!

[Tom Rinaldo]

6. I guess we have to warm up to this DD idea

but it's a good one, I hope the Daily Democrat thread works out. So often we are only moved to wrote when someone says something we disagree with strongly. All positive, all the time. What a concept. I'll write something after I finish my coffee.

[phillybri]

7. Great man with a great vision....

:kick:

[Lefta Dissenter]

8. I am SO looking forward to Hardball tonight

to watch Clark turn Tweety into a big bowlful of quivering Yellow Jello

[grannylib]

12. Me too! I have not looked forward to a Monday in a long time *lol*

I believe Clark is one Democratic candidate with the balls to stand up to anyone: Tweety, Shrub, Osama (who?)
I hope hope hope he gets in some good info on Shrub's military record; Tweety seems obsessed with everyone else's...
He is an intelligent guy, no doubt about that...

edited for spelling...yikes...I really can spell, I just can't type!

[bicentennial_baby]

13. Me too!

I think he'll do great tonight! He's also going to be on Crossfire tommorrow, I just heard on CNN.

[Cheswick2.0]

9. I agree with him on education

I may disagree with him on some things. However he seems like the real deal, a genuine "what you see is what you get" kind of guy. That is a very important trait for a presidential candidate.

[Maeve]

10. Okay Clark supporters--what are the top two positions you support?

Give me something substantial to go on here, besides "He's great!"

I'm still just looking--give me a reason to buy.

[Cheswick2.0]

11. the idea of these threads

is for you to post something positive, not post questions suggesting a lack of substance on the part of his supporters. I know that is not what you meant, but it is how your post comes off.

Want to try again while you can edit this post? Get your google going and see what you can contribute.

[Maeve]

15. To quote Skinner

5. Undecided voters are encouraged to ask questions about the Daily Democrat in order to better inform their choice. Note that criticism disguised as a question will not be allowed.

I'm truly undecided--and I really want to see something of substance. Otherwise these threads will be useless to me, and I suspect to others. (and yeah, I intend to ask the same on the other threads)

[xultar]

36. What would you like to know? I'd love to try to answer or find the answer

to any questions you might have.

Pleas PM me or post. I'll do my best..

Turra

[Maeve]

44. All I want right now is a couple of your top reasons for supporting him

To return to my shopping metaphor--give me a couple reasons to buy. I've gotten several from others--what do you think are his top selling points?

(not meaning to denigrate by the metaphor--just looking for info in "consumer" terms)

[KittyWampus]

57. Clark Mentioned Cutting Pentagon Budget

and also returning buffalo to the Great Plains.

[Scoopie]

71. Where did you get that great

post card at the bottom of your post?
That is breath-taking!

[LTR]

78. Had to dig a little

Try this link:

http://www.clark04.com/downloads/cards/

They have .pdf downloads to send to your family and friends (and favorite Republicans).


I like this one. Nice and simple.



This one is great!





And the one I added to my sig.

[Tom Rinaldo]

63. Reasons and positions are related but different

Your first question specifically asked for two positions Clark has that lead me to support him, and I gave a reply to that. It was a fair question. However my REASONs for supporting Clark go well beyond positions he has taken. For me a Candidate's current specific postions represent the first cut in the eliminations round. For example, I could not support a Democrat who was not Pro Choice. I could not actively support a Democrat who does not have a well articulated record of strong opposition to Bush's foreign policy etc. etc.

While I made note of a few specific Clark positions I particularly like in my earlier post, they are not why I am so strongly backing Clark. I've read lots of his positions, Clark is great on the Environment and Affirmative Action for instance, butyou know, talk is cheap. I don't mean that only about Clark, I mean that about every political candidate. Even if one were to take any candidate's current positions as gospel truth, what will happen to those positions once legislation is drafted and submitted to Congress and amendments start flying and vote trading begins? Everything changes some, usually for the worse, sometimes for the better. I loved Carter, but he got poor marks for getting his policies passed by a Democratic Congress. The platform differences betwen the Republican and Democratic Parties are dramatic, but those seperating most of the Democratic Candidates for the most part fall within the margin of polling error so to speak.

Here are my big three concerns, not necessarily in this order. One; which candidate matches up strongest against Bush in the race for President, who can take Bush out so to speak (actually this is my top priority)? Two; who has the proven personal abilities, character, and leadership capacity to find and implement soutions both for the problems currently facing our nation, and for those that might as yet be unforseen? Which candidate will best be able to transform the poisonous national political climate and reverse the ugly polarization that is tearing this country asunder, who can speak to all Americans and forge a positive consencus for our future? For each of these three questions my answer is Wesley Clark.

I'll post this for now sot that I can read what others have been writing. Maybe I'll add to my reasons for thinking Clark is the best choice regarding my three biggest concerns, but I know others here are speaking to that also. I just wanted to make the point that I do like Clark on the issues, I really do, but policy nuances are not driving my choice. When I think about the future of this country, and the forces that are at work to consolidate elitist control through the skillful manipulation of passions and symbols, I see Clark an the antidote who can literally save our Democracy.

[Maeve]

66. You are right, I did shift questions somewhat

And thank you for posting thoughtful answers to both.

Carter may well be the best ex-president we've ever had, but came across weak as a president; I appreciate the perceived strength in Clark. I also agree very strongly that the poisonous political climate needs to be changed.

[HoosierClarkie]

77. Your third reason is my first.

"Which candidate will best be able to transform the poisonous national political climate and reverse the ugly polarization that is tearing this country asunder, who can speak to all Americans and forge a positive consencus for our future?"

This is most crucial for our country right now. Never have we been so divided and I am all for blaming the party involved. I am mainly concerned with holding them accountable while holding our country together.

http://clark04.com/story/39/

[Scoopie]

70. Two reasons to buy

One of my favorites is his proposal to give BUSINESSES tax incentives to create new jobs within the United States instead of giving wealthy INDIVDUALS tax breaks. We all know that even the most wealthy individuals use their tax cuts on themselves (just like the rest of us do), which might create a few more yacht salesman jobs, but does precious little to create long-term, good-paying and secure positions. By giving BUSINESSES the dough, the money gets put back into the economy directly.
My second favorite of his plans is his outlook on the world's view of the United States. The only way to stop terrorism is to cut it off at it's root: and that means IMPROVING our relationships with leaders and countries throughout the world so that they can help us fight the ORGANIZATIONS who support terrorism and these ORGANIZATIONS are in many countries, but aren't, necessarily products of the state body.
If we bully people, as Shrub has doen, we only create more hatred and terrorism.
Clark has international support: many people in Europe love him. He's a hero. Yes, he, along with an international community, would go after Osama bin Laden, because he needs to be held accountable for Sept. 11, but Clark, a military strategist, would get us out of Iraq quickly and gracefully so that we could focus, once again, on al-Qaeda, the organzation - not some soverign state.
Those are my two top reasons for supporting him; however, I also like his healthcare plan and his educational plans. You can read more about those at his site, if you want: www.clark04.com

[LeahMira]

90. Interesting...

One of my favorites is his proposal to give BUSINESSES tax incentives to create new jobs within the United States instead of giving wealthy INDIVDUALS tax breaks.

That sounds like a wonderful plan. Is this going to be a tax break after the jobs are created? Is the tax incentive going to be in proportion to the kinds of jobs created, i.e. minimum wage and/or part-time jobs get less in incentives while better paying jobs get more?

My second favorite of his plans is his outlook on the world's view of the United States. The only way to stop terrorism is to cut it off at it's root: and that means IMPROVING our relationships with leaders and countries throughout the world so that they can help us fight the ORGANIZATIONS who support terrorism and these ORGANIZATIONS are in many countries, but aren't, necessarily products of the state body.

That sounds partly good, but I also think that terrorism is bred in frustration. Would he be willing to permit an Islamic fundamentalist nation to exist if the people want that, and even if that nation is hostile to the values of the U.S. (willing to let others live and let live, but just doesn't want western influence present there at all)?

[LeahMira]

83. Thank you, Maeve.

I'm truly undecided--and I really want to see something of substance.

Me, also.

[Lefta Dissenter]

16. OUCH!

I'm pretty sure (without re-reading Skinner's thread-starter) that this is the place to ask questions, as long as they don't have a negative undertone or implication to them. I didn't read that post as anything other than just wanting some information.

[Gringo]

22. It does imply that Clarkies' support of Clark is superficial

in nature and not based on the issues. Again, I'm a longtime Deanie, and I think it's a bit of a backhanded question. Asking for Clark positions on specific issues would be a better than just asking in general "What's so great about Clark?" That could turn into a major dissertation!

[xultar]

40. OK, what specific issues and his positions would you like to discuss?

[Gringo]

46. I'm not the one asking questions: Maeve is.

I have a pretty good idea of where Clark stands...

[Gringo]

19. Maybe not everybody reads the original post to see what "Daily Democrat"

is about. They should. I'm a Deanie, but I can don't find it hard to keep comments about General Clark positive. Everyone gets a day to cheerlead their guy/gal. Dwight Eisenhower had no political experience, either, and he turned out to be a fine president (by far the best Republican I know of), so there's no need to be confrontational.

Besides, the same question could be phrased in a positive way:

"I'm still undecided. Could you guys enlighten me on why Clark is the best candidate to represent my interests?"

Then you could even elaborate, so the Clark supporters could narrow down the response:

"I'm a senior living on a fixed income, and was an AFL-CIO member for 32 years, so Social security and labor issues are of prime impostance to me"

See? It's easy. You ask the same question without being unnecessarily confrontational.

[RichardRay]

25. Things I like about Clark....

I think he could be one of the best presidents this country has had in recent times in the area of foreign policy: maintaining relations with allies and creating new working relationships with other countries. His experience on the world stage has been limited to acting in his capacity as a general, but the roles be played in that capacity went well beyond purely military concerns.

My old mother was very active in politics. She taught me to judge elected officials by the quality of their staff personnel. If I can get along with staff I can get along with the person the staff works for. Clark's domestic policy experience is limited (like almost none) but his stated ideals are reasonably congruent with my own and I can easily support them. One of the most important abilities of a president (or a senator or congressperson or any other leader) is the ability to attract and utilize a good staff. There's far too much to know for one person to keep it all in focus all the time. Everything I've read indicates that Clark is exceptional at attracting and working with staff and I believe that will make up for his lack of hands on domestic experience.

Base on what I've read about Clark, my guess is that he's a bear to work for. You'd best be on time with your results, they'd best be complete and accurate. Even if you believe you've got it right you'd better be prepared to have angles you hadn't thought of brought into question. I like that in a leader.

[Justice]

28. Hard Working

that's right, what did he say in Florida - if you elect me I won't be chopping cedar for a month in August - I will be doing what you elected me to do.

Also, his staff from Kosovo speaks of his dedication and hard work - the fact that he didn't sleep more than a few hours each night, and only after he knew all the pilots had returned safely. When he criticizes Bush for not going to funerals and not comforting the families - he is not posturing, it is really digust for Bush and heartbreak for the families

[DemExpat]

18. I firmly believe that the direction of world politics will

change dramatically with Clark as President. His international experience and desire for finding solutions for problems taking all sides into account are what impress me most about him. He would keep America's interests up front, but without the "our way or the highway" attitude....trying to keep everybody's deepest concerns acknowledged while looking for solutions.

This would also have great effect on economic matters as well.

No, he won't solve all problems, but my faith that he would do great things is strong.

:kick:

DemEx

[hilzoy]

23. OK:

(1) "The United States needs a cabinet-level or subcabinet-level agency that is charged with developing plans, programs, and personnel structures to assist in the areas of political and economic development abroad. Call it the Department of International Development. Focusing our humanitarian and developmental efforts through a single, responsible department will help us bring the same kind of sustained attention to alleviating deprivation, misery, ethnic conflict, and poverty that we have brought to the problem of warfare. These efforts will reduce the anger and alienation that gives rise to terrorism, and win us more friends and partners around the world. It will be far easier to gain international support for our concerns when other countries see us helping them on theirs." ( http://clark04.com/issues/10pledges/ )

(2) "The statements and actions of a Clark Administration will restore America's moral authority. " ( http://clark04.com/issues/10pledges/ ) Clark believes: (a) that it is in America's national interest to have moral authority, and the trust of other nations; (b) that the only lasting way to get these is to earn them, by actually doing the right thing and being trustworthy partners; and therefore (c) that in general there is no conflict between doing what's in our national interest and doing good, if one takes a long-term view; and this is not because it's right to pursue our interests, but because it's in our interests to do what's right. And this is a serious, well-thought-out view, which he has the credibility to advance in ways that can't be readily dismissed.

(3) "As President, I will pursue a far-reaching, strategic energy plan to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels, including our dependence on foreign oil; cut greenhouse gas emissions; and maintain economic growth. I will:

Promote the use of fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and minivans by --

Strengthen automotive fuel efficiency standards, in consultation with scientists, environmental groups, industry, and others;

Accelerating the use of hybrid vehicles through targeted tax incentives; and

Spurring research into hydrogen-powered fuel cells;

Impose a cap on carbon emissions from power plants by putting the market to work as we did in controlling acid rain -- with tough but fair limits, coupled with an emissions trading program, so that businesses will get the incentives they need to invest in emission control;

Aggressively promote the use of renewable energy like solar and wind, ensuring that we will be capable of producing 20 percent of our electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2020;

Harness the power of bioenergy, turning farm products into energy and fuel and helping American farmers profit from the fight against global warming;

Use standards, incentives, and other measures to significantly increase the energy efficiency of our power plants, our business equipment, and our home appliances;

Invest in the capture and sequestration of carbon;

Upgrade our outdated electric grid so that power can be distributed efficiently and reliably;

Help communities plan for smart growth rather than suburban sprawl; and

Lead the United States to re-engage in international global warming negotiations, recognizing that American leadership is essential and that all nations must do their part in meeting this challenge." ( http://clark04.com/issues/environment/ )

(4) "This New American Patriotism is not just about waving the flag and guarding our borders. It's about guarding what makes us distinctive as Americans - our personal liberties, our right to debate and dissent. We are not a country that manipulates facts, ignores debate, and stifles dissent. We are not a country that retaliates against people who criticize the government. We are not a country that disdains our friends and allies. We are not a country that sheds blood before every other option has been exhausted. And we can't have a government that stands for any of these things.

And that's why I'm running for President - to return America to the core ideals of our democracy: personal liberty; service to country; respect for others; the right to criticize and correct the government - in time of war, especially. Debate, dialogue, discussion, disagreement, dissent - that's not wrong - that's not unpatriotic, that's one of the highest forms of patriotism and love of country, and we need to say it." ( http://clark04.com/speeches/003/ )

[Justice]

26. Right To Dissent and Our Future

-- Clark's very eloquent, very strong position on our right to speak out and dissent. He says the right to dissent is the essence of this country, what has made us strong. His closing remarks at the Exeter town meeting really said it best -- he said that the republicans were going to use patriotism, the flag and national security to crush the (Big D) Democratic party - and (little d) democratic spirit. And he was running because we cannot let that happen. He is very credible on this issue for lots of reason, including the fact that he was willing to give some of Bush's team a chance, and the fact that he has demonstrated (Koscov) he is willing to work around the usual channels to be sure the truth is heard and evaluated and acted upon in the right manner, even at the expense of his own job. His background gives him the gravitis to speak to this issue in a way that others can't - because of the force of the administration and because of the media. He has been and will be taken seriously on these
issues.

-- Clark's vision of our future - that our best days lie in front of us, not behind us. Clark is very supportive of public school education, of teachers and of encouraging and funding new technologies. He wants to see our children have every opportunity to succeed, he wants people to have good jobs in innovative fields that pay premium dollars. He is very credible on this issue IMO because he came from humble roots after his father died, he worked hard and was very fortunate. But he still knows what it is like to struggle financially - and have to repair your car yourself because you can't afford to have someone do it. He can identify with people and people can identify with him on issues like finances, jobs and education.

I have lots more (his foreign policy experience which will help us restore our credibility and leadership role in the world etc), but these are two very important reasons why I support Wesley Clark.

[Maeve]

29. Thank you! That is what I'm looking for

What makes you want to support him, what he has said that speaks to you.
A struggle upward as opposed to having everything handed to him (like Fortunate Son Bush) resonates with me, too.

[Justice]

43. You are Welcome

BTW, I took your question as a genuine expression of interest.
Thanks for asking.

[robbedvoter]

30. 1. On terrorism: deal with cells not states - no war needed

2. On education: no school left behind - empower teachers, competition between schools - stupid GOP ideological hang up

[Lefta Dissenter]

35. OK, so I support almost all of his views,

but a couple of things that I think set him apart from some of the others:

1- I agree with his plan to un-do the tax cuts for those earning over $200,000. I also agree with leaving the middle- and lower-income tax cuts in place.

2- I think he has the absolute best chance to get us out of Iraq alive, leaving Iraq alive, as well. He doesn't want to just go flatten the place, and he isn't willing to just cut and run. He believes in diplomacy above all else. He DOES have the respect of world leaders to be able to go to the UN and get them involved so this US occupation can end.

There's so much more... but you asked for two, and those are the first ones that came to mind. PLEASE go to http://clark04.com/issues/ and read his position statements. Read, in particular, his 10 points paper, enumerating his guidelines for use of force. I was very interested in this, because I am surprised to see myself in such full support of a military man, but once I learned about him, I understand that he believes with all of his heart that force is an absolute last resort.

A lot of why I support Wes Clark is that I feel that he is a man of vision, honor and integrity. He will give an honest answer to your question, even if he knows it might not be a popular answer. He won't wait until he tests the waters first, as one very popular candidate did in the Rock the Vote debate when asked about having smoked pot.

He absolutely isn't afraid to admit when he's been wrong, and is able to offer a straight-out apology if he has hurt someone. An honest to god "I'm SORRY," rather than some waffle-crap so-called apology so common among politicians, like "I'm sorry if you interpreted that in a way that hurt your feelings." He is compassionate, unafraid to show his emotions, and brilliant.

He is a great speaker, THINKS about what he is saying, can think on his feet, and my only regret about the debates when he has the nomination will be that I will want him to be able to debate both bush AND cheney, but that wouldn't leave anyone for his VP to go up against... He won't be intimidated by anyone (that debating in school paid off), watch the Faux interview, if you haven't. Watch Hardball tonight. Listen to some of the things he has said about bush - no pussyfooting around there!

HE CAN BEAT bush

OK, by the time I'm done typing this, 99 other people will have chimed in, so I guess I'll just post it!

[Maeve]

42. I asked for two reasons to get to the heart of support

I really want to know what motivates supporters at this point--honesty and integrity seem key to many Clark supporters so far (and yeah, I think that is a key issue in defeating Bush!)

Thinking on his feet is also a great plus.

[xultar]

49. I support these two and a bunch more...

I also liked the fact that Wesley Clark wanted to send troops to Rowanda! We send troops to help people all the time but never to help Africans. over 100,000 people were hacked to death and 100,000+ more were displaced and driven from their homes.

Racial profiling. I strongly condemn the unjustified use of race in making routine law enforcement decisions like traffic stops. I would support federal legislation to try to help end racial profiling, and to provide support and training for police departments that tackle the issue. And I would reinstate various programs that President Clinton put in place, to provide more opportunity for young people from minority communities to become police officers in the first place. Most of our police officers - from every racial background - are heroes who do a great job each day. And better-integrated police departments would help even more.

I support this because I am a black female, I'm sick of people calling the cops on my dad or my brother when they come into their neighborhood. My father has worked his way up to sr. VP of a very large company he owns a large home, and no matter where he is people think because he is a black man he's there to rob or steal and that he has no right to be there.

Affirmative action. Throughout my career, I have seen the meaning, consequence, and importance of affirmative action firsthand. I was proud to join a group of retired military officers who filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of affirmative action at the University of Michigan. I think such policies are necessary to facilitate diversity within, and thus the legitimacy of, the nation's leadership. And the Supreme Court agreed on the importance of diversity, relying on the successes of the military model. America cannot be a great nation without the leadership of our very best - of all races, from all parts of the country. Affirmative action ensures that future leaders who might otherwise never get a chance are brought to the forefront. As a result, Americans - all Americans - benefit.

I support his Affirmative Action stance because we need one. Companies who aren't forced to have diverse organizations won't. Comapnies who aren't forced to look at their hiring and promotion policies won't. So no matter how hard we work we'll never get ahead. Then people say that we are lazy and ignorant and that brings us down.

[Maeve]

53. Nice post!

This is what he says that matters to you--and race is a very important part of America that is buried too often. Again, this is something I could get behind a candidate on.

[xultar]

59. One other thing...and you're gonna think it is weird...

Right after 9/11 I bought a little heart American flag pin to wear. I wanted to show support for my country after 9/11. I happened to be dating a Muslim Moroccan man at the time. We talked quite a bit about what was going on and how he was feeling.

After a while GWB and his gang started to turn patriotism into something dirty and disgusting. Our patriotism turned into hate towards people of other nationalities, religions, and colours. After that I was embarrassed to wear my American Flag pin. I even bought 2 little American themed out fits for my Chihuahua and I was embarrassed for him to wear his lil USA stuff.

I like the fact that Clark wants to take the flag back from GWB and give it back everyone. Clark makes me feel better about the USA. He makes me want to support my country because he is very inclusive of Arab-Americans and Muslims. He is bringing back what the flag stood for and something I can be proud of again.

I know it sounds Hokey and Corny but it is true. I hated the way GWB and ASScroft made the either you are with us or against us bullshit. The way they locked up innocent people for months without representation, the way they encouraged us to SPY on each other. That isn't what America is about and Clark stands for changing that.

[Maeve]

61. Actually, I don't think it's weird

One of my first impulses on 9/11 was to fly the flag. it stayed up (with a light on it) until the official end of the mourning period.

It won't fly again until Dubya is gone.

[xultar]

62. Amen Gurrrlllll! n/t

[Tom Rinaldo]

50. A few things really

For one thing, the obvious thing, Clark has specific plans for dealing with Iraq. Notice no one was even raising a potential role for NATO before Clark, and now it is getting thrown around frequently. Clark also is pushing a transfer of early sovereignty for Iraq through locac councils sending delegates upwards to a national level. He talks about changing the specific nature of U.S. forces stationed in Iraq, and the thing is, he actually knows what he is talking about. But what is more important than the ideas is the leadership, and here is why. There is never a shortage of good ideas. A candidate, or a President, doesn't have to think them up all by their lonesome. They can expropriate them from somewhere else and call them their own; think Bush and the Department of Homeland Security. Internationally, in Europe and specifically within NATO, Clark has the established contacts, good will, and experience to translate good ideas into viable solutions. After what Clark did for Europe as NATO Commander, compared to what Bush did to Europe as President, Clark can deliver international support that Bush certainly can't. Clark stuck his head out for European security, and for the importance of International institutions and alliances, Clark has the chips to cash in and the earned good will to ensure payment.other Democratic candidates will.

I like that Clark immediately keyed in on the need for strengthened Preventitive Care as central to any Health Care Innitiatve. That shows vision, and he wrote it into the central details of his plan (all of his specific positions are available at his web site www.clark04.com). Clark is also pushing hard for reversing the funding cuts that have crippled Federal regulatory agencies, he wants to bring staffing levels back up at OSHA for example. Much of what Bush has done to roll back environmental, labor, and consumer protections has been stealth; cutting the enforcement budgets is not as obvious as gutting the rules (though Bush does both). I really like Clark's stand on Native American issures. In a nutshell he says the United States has to obey the law. The United States Constitution grants Native Aerican Nations Sovereingty, our dealings with Native Americans must be consistent with the provisions of our own Constitution.

Probably the most striking concept for policies I have seen from any of the candidates is Clark's Turnaround Plan for America in which he lays out highly specific economic and related measurements through which Americans can hold him directly accountable over the course of a 4 year Clark Administration. You can check them out on his web site. Again, this is a leadership concept, taken from his military training and experience. In the military "spin" can only go so far in undoing losses suffered on the field. Responsible military leaders have to assess progress or lack of it objectively, and that is how Clark intends to lead as President.

I strongly back Clark on many issues, but I can say the same about other Candidates also, because Clark is a progressive Democrat on social issues. I believe however that he is better able than any of the other Democrats to advocate our social agendas. Clark breaks through conditioned reflex politics when he speaks about Gay and Lesbia Rights. He is not just preaching to the committed, he is preaching most passionately to those who have held back according Gays and Lesbians equal rights. The same is true about the role of dissent in America's political life. I saw him absolutely demolish General Haig's "protesters give aid and comfort to the enemy" position on a Scarborough Country broadcast. Among the things Clark said by the way was "What if a war goes on for an indetermninate period, should we cancel elections?"

[returnable]

54. Bingo

I've been seeing Clark's NATO option co-opted again and again in recent weeks (without credit, of course), most recently by Hillary Clinton yesterday on "Meet the Press." Before Clark detailed his plan, the most common refrain was some variation of "US out, UN in." Clark was the first candidate to recognize that it wasn't that simple.

Even David Corn wrote in The Nation a few weeks back that Clark had the most complete plan for post-war Iraq.

[annec]

98. My thoughts quickly...

If I had to give two reasons, the first would be he has given me the strength to feel patriotic and strong in my convictions. He has helped me realize that party does not matter, it's the issues and the beliefs you hold that do. I actually like the fact that he has felt strong enough to be an independent and not only vote party lines. (I may not have voted the same way as he did, but we are all individuals.) Given this, I belive it shows he can unite this country and not divide us.

Second, I like his policy on the environment. www.enviros4clark.com has a lot to read for those that are interested. This is a quote from their website... "For instance, Wesley Clark has said that '100 years out, the only things we leave behind that will matter are the environment and constitutional legitimacy.' Clark opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the grounds that "the gains in terms of US energy independence are relatively marginal" He recognizes the global impact that humans are having on the environment, saying that 'all you have to do is fly along the Andes and look at the disappearing glaciers down there and you recognize that there is something called global warming and it's just getting started as China and India modernize.'" He also has experience in the alternative energy market.

Anyway, I could go on, but I can't do it now. My children are getting up from their naps and the younger one is sick and cranky... I wonder if that is GWB's problem!

[Gringo]

14. I like Wesley Clark well enough

I'm a Dean supporter, but will vote for general Clark should he get the nomination. Many people at my Dean meetup have said as much. This thread is a nice way to boost the candidates. I really don't understand why there is so much vitriol between the supporters of the various candidates. They are all fine people, and any one of them would be a vast improvement on Pretzeldent Bush.

[Walt Starr]

17. Wesley Clark demonstrates the best qualities of leadership

He was my number one for a bit and could easily get me back again!

[DemExpat]

20. Yeah, his leadership qualities are superb IMO.

DemEx

[moz4prez]

21. don't we know it

:eyes:

[xultar]

37. What is it that made you change from Wesley Clark to another candidate?

I'd love to discuss that with you today.
T

[Walt Starr]

47. The Kerry statement

Made me change mymind. Going after the Fraud in chief fires me up. Clark does it well, so he could win me back easily.

:evilgrin:

[robbedvoter]

27. Here's one relevant story:

SPACE-SAVER
by Michael Crowley
Candidate: Wesley Clark
Category: General Likeability
Grade: A
It's been said that Clark is insufferably arrogant, a man happiest in front of the mirror. So you might think that his lengthy new autobiography, Winning Modern Wars, would take the time to detail one of the most bravely heroic moments of his life.
The episode in question was detailed in a profile of Clark in today's Boston Globe. The Globe's Michael Kranish recounts how Clark responded in 1995 when a French armored personnel carrier, part of a convoy Clark was riding in to Sarajevo, plunged off a mountain road. "Suddenly, shooting broke out, followed by explosions," Kranish writes. "The noise may have been Serbian gunners, or the munitions in the French vehicle, or both." Clark, then a senior general, didn't flinch. "Clark found a rope, tied it around a tree, and rappelled to the burning vehicle," Kranish continues. "'Bring a fire extinguisher!' Clark yelled, according to <richard>Holbrooke's account, but none could be found."
Clark couldn't save any lives--he returned from the ravine to report that the casualties below were "the worst thing you've ever seen." But the point here is not so much Clark's bravery. It's how he treats the incident in his book. As Kranish puts it: "It was one of the most extraordinary, difficult, and dangerous days of Clark's life. Yet in his 479-page autobiography, Clark devotes less than one paragraph to it. In an interview ... Clark explained that Holbrooke had described the event already, and that he had some space constraints in his autobiography."
Clark is both heroic and unassuming (as opposed to cowardly braggard W).
Some here objected to his not fighting for public testimony in Hague. Answer: because it would be self serving. When it comes to others, Clark does put his career on the line:
http://Blog.forclark.com/story/2003/11/28/81836/095
as he did on the behalf od the Rwandans, Kosovo Albanians. He was successful the second time around and managed to save the lives of 3 times more people than live in Vermont.

[Maeve]

32. Hands-on, take charge, but humble perspective

Good story. Thank you

[kentuck]

31. Clark is one smart mofo !

:) He's an inspiring leader, in my opinion.

[FDRrocks]

33. He gives Karl Rove nightmares.

[Auntie Bush]

45. He's a dream candidate

Clark and Dean! The dream team! That would make a good slogan!

The whole world needs Clark just at this time in our history.
He offers the Democrats an excellent opportunity to beat Bush and the war on terror. No one else can do this! Let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. Vote Clark!

[Name removed]

85. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[xultar]

34. Why I support Wesley K. Clark

After the 2000 elections I really HATED America. Even though I didn't like Al Gore I knew he'd make a better President than George W. Bush. With that said, I lost all hope in this country and the Democratic Party. I thought that Democrats had lost their minds. I felt that we were doing the same things that Black Americans do to each other, tear each other apart. I couldn't understand why the majority of Americans who are Democrats couldn't get off their fat asses and vote. I couldn't understand how Gore lost his home state that is why I don't really blame Florida. We shouldn't have needed them if Gore had won TN. What had Gore done that was SOOO wrong that he lost his home state?

I prayed that Gore wouldn't run in 2004. Honestly, I didn't care who ran cuz I knew there would be no hope. I knew the Democrats were losers. I knew we could never win because we didn't have any good candidates and we didn't have a strategy to win. Further more we couldn't get our shit together.

One day I was talkin to my pops. I asked him whom he thought the Democrats would run against GWB. My dad said, "I like that Wesley Clark guy." I said,"Oh, you mean that Guy on CNN?" and that was it. I liked what he said about what GWB. He took GWB to the mat on the war. He was hard on him and everything Wesley Clark said came to pass. From then on...I was a Wesley K. Clark supporter.

Watching Clark on CNN was inspiring. I was excited because he looked like a President. He sounded like a President. He was clear, concise, and hard hitting. Clark, wasn't however, bitter and angry. He was just the kind of person that could squeak past and gain the support of a broad spectrum of people which translates to votes.

Wesley Clark was the first candidate I ever donated money to in my long years. Wesley made me thing that we have a chance of beating GWB at his own game. Wesley Clark gives me HOPE! That is worth more than anything right now.

I will admit I get a little down because I think that Dean will win instead of Clark. That isn't a bad thing because Dean is a great guy, I don't however, feel that Dean can win against GWB. There is so much ammo to use against him that makes him a fragile candidate.

As I've grown older I've become a little more realistic in my political views. Owning a home, a car, furniture, and grass will change you from an idealistic kid to an adult over night. I know in the real world candidates can't say things in black and white. As much as we'd love them to say something and mean it they can't because things change. They can't give hard and fast answers because we don't forgive mistakes. Clark, however, has a vision that is close to mine. That vision is where we are headed; the path to get there branches in to many different routes. I do believe however that Clark will get us there. That is the point.

So to all of you that say that Clark is vague, he is, but be realistic and read all of your chosen candidates’ information. They are vague as well. They have to be. It is the GOAL not the steps that make us winners.

Clark is a winner.

When I saw his eyes during his speech in Florida I saw tears. Clark loves this country. He makes me want to love it again. Clark is angry, though you'll only see it in his eyes. Clark has a quiet determined anger that I have. I don't yell and scream to get my message across because I've learned over the years that people don't listen when you yell. The listen when you speak. Clark speaks to me and a lot of others. Most of Clarks supporters are quiet, like the General, we have a quiet determination and a quiet anger. That is why I think a lot of you think there was an influx of Clark supporters to DU. They probably lurk and just vote in the straw polls.

Clark brings out the best in me and in all of the people who support him. When people get to know him as I have, they love him and support him. I care about Clark so much part of me doesn't want him to run because I don't think the country actually deserves him. Especially from what I see around DU sometimes. He saw fit to drag his wife into this mess because we asked him. I will do all I can to support him.

Thanks General Wesley K Clark for giving me and America hope!

[Auntie Bush]

55. xultar! I couldn't have said it better myself...literally!

You take the words out of my mouth and heart...only you express them better. So glad to have someone like you on this site. Thanks!

[Jerseycoa]

99. Terrific post; terrific line

"Clark loves this country. He makes me want to love it again."




:hug:

[Justice]

103. Another Line I heard from the Draft Clark movement

"Clark is the president I was promised as a kid"

[RedEarth]

111. Excellent post!!!!!!!!

Hopefully, those Duers that are sitting on the fence will read your post. I too have many of they same feeling you do about Clark. I had the opportunity to see him in OKC and came away very impressed. I truly think if Clark wins the nomination the Dems will have a great chance to beat bush. If Dean is nominated, I don't think we will take over the White House.

My main objective is to replace bush, and Clark is the man to do it.

[grannylib]

38. I like his experience and his balance...he is military but not a 100% hawk

He believes in the power of diplomacy; he would not rush to war as a first option. He could, however, lead effectively if it came to military conflict.
I am impressed with his having maintained what seems to be a happy marriage over many years; that's tough to do, particularly I think in the military. I think that says something positive about his ability to relate.

[John_H]

39. He takes away bush's only issue

which means that he--and maube Kerry--are the only two sure thing winners in the race.

[Rowdyboy]

41. Maeve, here are my two reasons (first 2 that came to mind)

1) Character: He does not allow himself to be bullied, either by the press or the Republicans. He stays on the offensive and will not allow Bushco to dominate the agenda. Also, he has consistently refused to join in the atrack dog tactics used by the other candidates (other than the jibe about Dean skiing that a reporter set him up for). I don't want an attack dog presidential candidate-that position is reserved for the VP. The presidential candidate should exude hope and look to the future and, to my eye, Clark does just that.

2) Respect: Wes Clark is highly respected in Europe and throughout the world. The next president will have an enormous job in restoring the world's confidence that America is back on track. The damage Bush has done to our nation's reputation is enormous. We're scorned in the UN and have alienated even some of our closest allies. General Clark could go a long way towards restoring our reputation.

[Maeve]

48. Several of you seem to be saying that Clark is a mensch

A good, honest man of integrity, giving respect and deserving respect. I agree we need that in a presidental candidate and a president.

[Jerseycoa]

101. a mensch

Precisely.

By the way, Maeve, you are doing a great job as impromptu emcee. Thanks for this. Clark supporters know with a fine degree of certitude that he is the man. We sometimes forget others don't know what's in our hearts and minds.

[Toronto Ron]

51. He is the exact opposite of shrub

In no order of importance, Clark:

1) Will restore alliances wrecked by shrub
2) Has a very liberal domestic agenda (maybe not quite Kucinich, but as liberal as Dean)
3) Will be fiscally responsible
4) Is an intellectual, e.g. values science & the fine arts
5) Means what he says

That useless piece of garbage "shrub" is the negation of all the above, the worst president* of all time. Wes Clark has the potential to be one of the best.

[xultar]

52. How many people have read Al Franken's book...What did you think

of the Chapters where he talked about Wesley Clark?

[Auntie Bush]

58. Al's book

I bought the book...but haven't read it yet. Too much time spent on the internet reading all things Clark. But I'll get right too it and let you know.

[xultar]

60. I was so sick, disgusted, and FURIOUS about GWB and what

they did about terrorism after reading Al's book. Clark had a plan and they brushed it aside. They GWB and Condi could have saved thousands of lives if they had implemented Clark's plan that he wrote for the Clinton Admin.

But, GWB and the gang wanted to play politicts...and they lost.

[Spazito]

64. Wesley Clark is the whole package, imo

He has the expertise and experience in foreign affairs above all other candidates. He has a global view which is needed to move the United States beyond unilateralist, narrow views espoused by the Bush cabal. The expression "all politics is local" is true but one needs to expand that to say "politics is both local and global".

He has the educational background on economic issues, given his degree in economics and having taught on the subject as well, I believe. He has shown that he has an inate understanding that the future well-being of the United States means participating on a more global level.

Bush has antagonized the world and the damage done is extensive. It will take someone skilled at negotiating with countries and who has a history of being an honest broker. Wesley Clark has that alone. All the other candidates would have to "establish their credentials" first before even being able to credibly repair the damage done.

[Gringo]

65. Hey Skinner, the "Daily Dem" threads should be pegged to top of the page

They could concievable drop off & disappear, missing the point ot the exercise.

I like the idea, though.

[IndianaGreen]

67. I had a lot of concerns about Wes Clark when he first entered the race

Over time I have warmed up to him. Clark has answered all of the doubts and questions I once had. I think he is a formidable candidate with great credentials, not just in terms of his military career, but in his international savvy.

Wes Clark is not another Eisenhower, he is far better than that. I think Clark is a modern version of General George C. Marshall, who served faithfully under Presidents Roosevelt and Truman.

Do a Google on Marshall, and you can see some parallels to Clark.

Wes Clark is an excellent candidate for the Democratic nomination, and if he wins it, he will give fits to our "action figure" resident in the White House.

[tokenlib]

69. Glad you gave him a chance...

A lot of progressives and liberals write him off because they simply do not like the military. Yet, who better to finally be able to address our nations messed up priorities on defense than a general. And the more one learns about Clark's domestic positions--they discover he is quite progressive. To the left of Dean I have no doubt.

[_NorCal_D_]

74. Indeed.

This article describes my sentiments quite well:

A warrior for peace
Why Wesley Clark could be an Eisenhower for our time.
http://oklahomansforclark.com/Eisenhower.htm

[ResistTheCoup]

68. He's positive, he's sincere, he's the real deal

For the first time in three years I've felt hope again for our country and democracy.

Here are my positives:

What has General Clark got?

He's got the resume.
He's got the character.
He's got the temperament.
He's got the smarts.
He's got the compassion.
He's got the personality.
He's got the charisma.
He's got the knowledge.
He's got the foreign policy experience.
He's got the intelligence.
He's got the fortitude.
He's got the patience.
He's got the sterling military career.
He's got the leadership abilities.
He's got the courage.
He's got the patriotism.

But most of all, he's got what it takes to win and turn this country around and return our hope and pride in America.

[PatrioticOhioLiberal]

79. Warning in advance..this is long

A fellow bloger posted this thought the other night,"America has become a place where men who keep their word and love their country are seen as being LESS than those who break PLEDGES, and hide their actions. How sad."

How did this happen? When did we forget Who and What we, as Americans, are?

There was a time in this country that we had no qualms about putting faith in our leaders...I remember those times.

The Cold War raged and we had a "Police Action" going in Korea, yet Eisenhower was in command and we TRUSTED him to keep us safe. We felt safe in our neighborhoods (where we actually knew our neighbors). A Halloween bag filled with homemade treats didn't ring alarm bells and result in an overflowing trash can. We were PROUD to be Americans because we had saved the world (with the help of our allies) from Hitler and the threat from Japan. But we also had McCarthy...and a small bite was taken out of our confidence, our TRUST in our fellow citizens.

The Cold War raged but we had Kennedy. A man with a VISION for our tomorrows, a man with wit, intelligence, confidence and strength. A man who stood up to the Soviet Union and backed them down. And we were PROUD to be Americans because we were going to put men on the moon one day. We were the innovators; the movers and shakers of the world and NOTHING could stop us. We also had bomb shelters in case the "Big one" should come. And then we had a man with a gun on the 3rd floor of a Dallas building. And we wanted to ask him WHY? But before we could do so, before our very eyes there was another man with a gun...and we suspected a conspiracy. And our MISTRUST grew.

The Cold War raged, but we had Johnson, who promised equality and hope for the poor with social programs designed to give a hand up to those in need. NO CHILD would go hungry in our great nation. And we were PROUD that we could do that. But at the same time the body count in Vietnam kept growing and young people took to the streets begging for peace...and it didn't come...and they lost FAITH in our government. Our TRUST shrank a little more.

And then we got Nixon...and the nightly news became a kaleidoscope of broken and bloodied bodies that we had never before been subjected to, and now we had COLOR that reinforced the horrendous reality of our losses. We got oil embargoes, wage and price freezes, layoffs, inflation, Agent Orange and secret bombing raids and atrocities that we could have never imagined. And then we got Watergate. And we weren't so TRUSTING any more...and our PRIDE was diminished a little. But we still KNEW we could make it better.

We found Carter...an honest man...a great man...a gentle man and told ourselves this is the kind of president we need to erase the ugly smear of the Nixon years of duplicity. We said to ourselves, "We've made it better." We didn't notice the insidious rise of the "religious right" who felt justified in their anger at him, a "fellow Christian" for not pushing the Christian agenda that they advocated. And we had hostages held in Iran and razorblades in apples and poison in our kids Halloween candy. And we weren't so sure our leaders could protect us any more. And we hedged our TRUST a little more...just in case.

We put that hedged trust in a Democrat turned Republican in the Reagan years. Kidded ourselves about electing an actor for president but our hostages came home, the Berlin Wall came down and the Soviet Empire crumbled. And then we discovered that actors are consummate liars and not all military men are noble or patriots as we watched Iran-Contra unfold. We began to understand the politics of hate and bigotry of the "religious right" but failed to believe it would ever really take hold. After all, ours is a country that welcomes diversity. The economy floundered, the deficit grew and companies bought up other companies and laid off workers and raked in profits. And we tucked our TRUST of the politicians in our back pocket because we still hoped we could pull it out and smooth out the folds...surely the time would come...

Fast forward...that TRUST is no longer in the pockets...it's buried at the bottom of the junk drawer in the kitchen. You know, the one with the 10 year old rubber bands, nibbled pencil stub, the corkscrew we can never find when we need it, and all the bent nails and rusty screws we kept "just in case".

The majority of Americans (including myself) no longer believe they can TRUST any politician...and our current Pretender in Chief has done nothing to disavow them of their belief, but has rather intensified it.

Is it true, as my friend posted, "America has become a place where men who keep their word and love their country are seen as being LESS than those who break PLEDGES, and hide their actions"?

Or is it more likely that after so many years of lies, deceit, and the "win at any cost" attitude that we have seen demonstrated by our politicians that we have forgotten that men who keep their word and love their country still exist?

I'm here to tell the American public, pull that TRUST out of that drawer. Dust it off, smooth it out...Don't just tuck it in your pocket...WAVE IT LIKE A BANNER!

In this world that seems so out of kilter and warped beyond repair, there is a man of INTEGRITY, INTELLIGENCE & COMPASSION...a man who WILL KEEP HIS PLEDGE TO PROTECT & SERVE this great nation. There is a man who HAS THE VISION OF OLD who can once again make us PROUD to say, "I'M AMERICAN!"

THERE IS A MAN WE CAN TRUST! AND THAT MAN IS WESLEY CLARK!

[chiburb]

88. Wow! Can't wait to see your 3rd post!

Welcome to DU...

[newyawker99]

92. Hi pam k78!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Clemo]

128. Why Clark?

I'm starving for a president that's not just smart but highly intelligent. Someone with common sense intelligence as well.

Clark is way ahead of you in the conversation and is always striving for perfection. That can be annoying to some but exactly what we need in the Oval Office. Someone that's actually curious to learn more. I think his agenda is to help our people and nation whether it be economically or security wise.

There will continue to be a dark cloud over us until Bush is out and we have a real leader in that chair. The main goal being to get Bush out of the chair and a Dem in the chair, Clark can beat him. The Reps can't use the card carrying liberal as unpatriotic against him. There's no real dirt. All the others will become mincemeat.

[DemCam]

72. The man we need now

He reads.

He can think.

He sees the big picture and the long view.

He backs his words with actions.

His commitment to the nation first is unquestionable.

His work ethic is surpassed only by his empathy for others.

He is courageous and unafraid of daunting tasks.

He is the only candidate who can stop the RNC's insidious
attack on the Democrat's patriotism and reclaim our flag
for all Americans...not just the right-wing.

He has Democratic values that reflect American values.

He is a warrior, not in a militaristic way, but in a heroic way:
honor, accountability, country.

He will admit his mistakes and correct them.

He's handsome as hell.

He can laugh at the foibles of mankind and himself.

And he can say "It's wrong." with more moral authority
than anyone I have heard...maybe in my life.


This is my short list.

[LTR]

73. Much has been made about Col. Hackworth's "perfumed prince" comments

See what he thinks now:

http://www.veteransforclark2004.us/page4.html#Reporting%20for%20Duty%20-%20Wesley%20Clark%20By%20David%20H.%20Hackworth%209-28-03

http://www.sftt.org/cgi-bin/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=Hacks%20Target.db&command=viewone&op=t&id=35&rnd=925.4224667755894

Reporting for Duty - Wesley Clark
By David H. Hackworth
9-28-03

...Since Clark tossed his steel pot into the inferno, I've been constantly asked, "Hack, what do you think of the general?"

...after spending three hours interviewing the man for Maxim's November issue, I'm impressed. He is insightful, he has his act together, he understands what makes national security tick - and he thinks on his feet somewhere around Mach 3...

...Clark was so brilliant, he was whisked off to Oxford as a Rhodes scholar and didn't get his boots into the Vietnam mud until well after his 1966 West Point class came close to achieving the academy record for the most Purple Hearts in any one war. When he finally got there, he took over a 1st Infantry Division rifle company and was badly wounded...

...I asked Clark why he didn't turn in his bloody soldier suit for Armani and the big civvy dough that was definitely his for the asking.

His response: "I wanted to serve my country."

He says he now wants to lead America out of the darkness, shorten what promises to be the longest and nastiest war in our history and restore our eroding prestige around the world.
For sure, he'll be strong on defense. But with his high moral standards and because he knows where and how the game's played, there will probably be zero tolerance for either Pentagon porking or two-bit shenanigans.

...I took a swing at Clark during the Kosovo campaign when I thought he screwed up the operation, and I called him a "Perfumed Prince." Only years later did I discover from his book and other research that I was wrong - the blame should have been worn by British timidity and William Cohen, U.S. SecDef at the time.

(more)

[meow mix]

75. SupA L33T B00sHSQuooSHr

I LOVE IM!
Clark radiates a special kind of Wisdom and Humilty (Maturity)
i trust him the most.

i also like his anti-bush "turnaround plan" very much.

thank you for existing, mister clark. plz beat bush.

[robbedvoter]

76. from the GQ magazine article - not on line

"He's not big enough to be a general, He stands about five ten but looks shorter because he's so thightly muscled. A coiled force rather than some big beefy four-star guy. He moves with an athlete's grace, the body always centered, the step light. His hands are graceful also, almost delicate. his voice has that command force but is low-key and congenial. The smile flashes so often you want to swat it at times, but still, the general manages to put people at ease."

But here's the ending paragraph: "They will continue to spin columns asking, does he have what it takes, can he beat President Bush, is he nothing but a resume? Some claim he's just a stalking horse for the Clintons. Some say he's just running to be vice-president. Some say he's a nobody general who will fade once the real Democrats get a good look at him.

Maybe, but I'll tell you what I think. He's running for president, and he is not used to losing. And if he gets the nomination, he'll go up and down this country and beat on President Bush like a drum. He'll do 2,000 yards of swimming every morning; he'll rappel down any cliff he needs to; he will shake off any small-arms fire as if it were a swarm of gnats. And he'll get better at the game each and every day. He hates to lose. And he doesn't run from fights. And even if he's never played the game, he's never a beginner at anything.
Dismissed."

[robbedvoter]

80. Here's when I first cheered for Clark (Bill Maher show - Sept 4)

Maher: I want to read you a quote,
because Howard Dean said "...In Vermont, you know, politics is much
farther to the left. A Vermont centrist is an American liberal right
now." And then his campaign manager came out and said "That's not an
admission he's a liberal!" Which, quite frankly pissed me off. Somehow
they hijacked that word. And you're a Democrat, you said that last week.
Clark: Absolutely. (audience applause)
Maher: OK. I'm just wondering, of all the people who have the
credentials to say "liberal" is not a bad word, I'm wondering if I could
get you to say that.
Clark: Well, I'll say it right now.
Maher: Good for you!
Clark: We live in a liberal democracy. That's what we created in this
country. It's in our constitution! We should be very clear on this...
this country was founded on the principles of the enlightenment. It was
the idea that people could talk, have reasonable dialogue and discuss
the issues. It wasn't founded on the idea that someone would get struck
by a divine inspiration and know everything, right from wrong. People
who founded this country had religion, they had strong beliefs, but they
believed in reason, and dialogue, and civil discourse. We can't lose
that in this country. We've got to get it back."

[BootinUp]

91. Can I have an Amen?

Amen!


Yea I watched this video and many others from the summer, they were all on a website before he officially announced the campaign.

I watched a couple of them and already kinda new that this guy could get my vote. I spent a couple hours watching all of them approx 10 or so. This was like sept 15 or 16. Then as soon as he announced his candidacy I sent in my first contribution.

[robbedvoter]

81. A man for all reasons- entry by someone who worked for Clark at NATO

http://cris.forclark.com/bestof/for/2003/11/18/185117/66/g84FiM8hwoI/displaystory//Blog/

[robbedvoter]

82. Fiore cartoon on opposition to war LAST YEAR features Clark

http://www.markfiore.com/animation/dissent.html

[Tom Rinaldo]

84. A Democrats Mastercard

Respect for the rights of Gays and Lesbians: 7 million votes.

Strong bascking for Affirmative Action: 8 million votes.

Rolling back Bush's tax cut for the Rich: 9 million votes.

Credibility on National Security: Priceless.

[DemCam]

86. Anyone who wants to see him

in action...US4Clark has done a wonderful archive of mediaclips that show most of the television responses Clark has made...plus some audio clips. A great resource to those who genuinely haven't seen him much yet.

http://www.us4clark.com/mediaclips.html#rev

[robbedvoter]

87. Also, on Hardball tonight

In spite of Chris's confessed bias - ABC's THE NOTE picked it up:

"Just making sure that everyone heard Imus this morning say that it sounds like Chris Matthews has gone to work for the Dean campaign -- or perhaps he was just reflecting perfectly the CW view of the Gang of 500."  Dead on plus he hates Clark because of the Clnton connection. "
I am confident that Wesley Smackdown Clark will come up roses.
****

[bicentennial_baby]

89. And Crossfire tommorrow!

Tucker and Paul were on CNN This Morning and said he'd be on.

[Renew Deal]

93. That ones big.

He can slap the chump Tucker around.

[rasputin1952]

94. I've posted about Wes several times...

the usual: brains, balance, integrity, a gift for bring people together, etc.

He's my choice. He'll beat bush so badly in the first 5 minutes of a debate, heads all over Freeperville would explode! That in itself gets my vote!!!!

:kick:

[ExDeaniacForClark]

95. What DOESN'T Clark have?

he's smart, he's talented, he's a proven leader and a good speaker, the ladies love him...

and he's the only one who can beat dean in the primary and the only democrat who can beat bush in the general('s) election.

[slinkerwink]

96. welcome to DU

I'll leave my response to that last line in another thread where it belongs. But always glad to have another DUer on board!

[slinkerwink]

97. I think he's really handsome and looks like a movie star

and I like the fact that he knows so much about foreign policy. I'd like to have him as Secretary General in the White House! :-)

[PatGund]

100. So far, I like what I've seen

Liked Clark and his message enough that I donate $25 to his campaign each payday. (Wish it could be more, but it's expensive to raise children in Southern California.)

While I admit the "Babyon 5" fan in me does get a bit twichy hearing "President Clark", (smile), so far he's given me something none of the rest has - hope. Hope that the long national nightmare of Bush's selection may be over. And, as a moderate and centrist myself, he appeals to me on that level as well. And I'd love to see him debate AWOL or any of the other NeoCon or Freeper chickenhawks.

Dean runs a close second, and I would like to see a Clark/Dean ticket. Though a Clark/Kerry ticket would also be good, (Kerry's a tie for second with Dean for me. However, my "Deanie" friends agree - ABBA - Anyone But Bush Again.

[robbedvoter]

104. Babylon 5 fan too: think Clark Kent instead ;-)

http://gallery.clark04.com/campaign/003_G

[PatGund]

107. (Laugh)

Yeah, that's what a Deanie friend, (and fellow Babylon 5 fan) said to me as well, "Think Clark Kent". :-)

Of course, would that make the current White House occupant Lex Luthor?? (grin)

You know it's funny. All my Deanie friends are also rooting for Clark, and all my Clark friends are also rooting for Dean. This is not a bad thing, in my mind.

[newyawker99]

124. Hi PatGund!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[annec]

102. Proud to Support General Wesley Clark

(This is my blog entry from the Clark website, but thought it was an appropriate post for this forum today.)

Well, I have been a lifelong Democrat. Have voted Republican or Independent along the way, but have remained registered to the Democratic party. I grew up in an area that was predominately Democratic, therefore it was easy to be one. As I grew up and went to college, people questioned my political affiliation but no one truly cared one way or another. Then I moved away and entered the world of bigger business, now I was finding myself more in the minority. Got married to a Republican, who over time leans much more to the moderate side of the road -- I'd like to think this was my doing. Finally, we moved to a county (the area my husband grew up and his family still lives in) that is so overwhelmingly Republican that in most township and county elections, there is not even a Democrat to vote for.

I've also been a lifelong church goer. Usually my church has never been too political. I have sometimes been to churches where I have received Republican political pamphlets on the window of my car after church, but never heard ringing endorsements from the pulpit. Well, I still don't hear the ringing endorsements from the clergy, but there is an overtone in my current church community that we should support whole-heartedly President Bush and all of his current actions in Iraq.

Needless to say, my last years as a Democrat have been hard. While trying to make friends in a new community, I have tried to hide my political background/convictions. I have just avoided political discussions because my ideals where so unconceivable to the community I lived and worshiped in. The backers of the Bush Presidency were so outspoken, that I just felt the need to be quiet or suffer a painful scourging.

Well, General Clark has changed all that! He has helped me realize how proud I can be of my convictions. I am unafraid of what people think. I want to discuss my political beliefs. I wear a Clark04 button to my church -- still a little hesitant on the reaction I might get, but working on that! (Some of it may come from my feeling that church and state should be separated. Still, I don't completely feel that I shouldn't wear a political pin for that reason. Make sense???) I have bumper stickers and window decals. Even my 3-year old son is wearing a Clark button. I have never felt a need to be politically active, but now I see myself wanting to make this worthy man our President. I finally have such a spark of excitement about the leader of our country who will guide us through the most trying and difficult times. I really believe this is a candidate that can unite people in this country instead of dividing them. Thank you General Clark! Thank you for restoring my confidence in the American spirit!

[newyawker99]

125. Hi annec!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[annec]

127. Thanks

Well thank you! I have been here awhile just haven't felt the need to post until this topic came up. Usually don't have enough time after taking care of the kids and keeping up with the Clark blogs!

[buddhamama]

105. Wesley made me cry

when he was being interviewed by Dan Rather. He spoke about the Kosovo war, what he saw, and the stopping of Genocide. I took him to be sincere.

[robbedvoter]

106. He was. He risked it all fighting the Pentagon to save lives.

"A soldier's world means something"

[Crewleader]

108. Don't Forget The General Will Be On HardBall Tonight

http://www.msnbc.com/news/hardball_front.asp

[Maeve]

109. This is the sort of thread I've been waiting for

I have avoided reading ALL of the candidate threads in GD previously--what few I skimmed were too full of bashing and grousing. (I assume the candidate wars is why my initial question was met with some defensiveness; by now, I hope I've shown that it was meant honestly, no snark intended)

There have been many good reasons given for supporting Clark. Thank you for providing them!

[xultar]

110. You're welcome, I've also grown to like Kerry & Kucinich through

reading about them here @ DU. So check them out they are also great candidates.

[Rowdyboy]

114. Thank you, Maeve, for asking us

to explain our views and justify our belief in a non-inflamatory manner. Its so much better to work on our positives, than to ceaselessly try to tear each other down. The Republicans are taking notes on what we're saying about each other as we speak.

You made a great moderator! :toast:

[DeepModem Mom]

112. His three words for Bush: "heartless, reckless, and wrong"

"Three years ago, we were told we were getting a compassionate conservative. What we got instead were massive tax cuts for the rich, staggering deficits for the country, and the worst job losses since the Great Depression. That's not compassionate or conservative. It's heartless, it's reckless, and it's wrong."

Wesley K. Clark

[THE OX]

113. The Ultimate Clark E-mail Comes to DU

Greetings to the Underground,

I have designed/created an e-mail that introduces Wes Clark to people who would like to get to know more about him and how he stands on the issues. There are over 50 hyperlinks to the General's own words and policies. There is also some excellent pictures of the General and a summary of his background.

Since it's introduction last week, A Political Consideration (APC) has been forwarded to thousands of voters.

If you would like a copy of this finely crafted tool, send me an e-mail and I will add you to the list of people who receive it as it is updated with new material.

[Rowdyboy]

115. Welcome to DU, Ox

Glad to have another southern Democrat on board, especially a Clark supporter (Clarkxist? Clarkista?)

[meow mix]

116. hi the ox

ill like to see that =)

[newyawker99]

126. Hi THE OX!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[UrbScotty]

117. SACEUR, West Point valedictorian, etc.

There's so much about him!

[Merlin]

118. Now that the nominee is all but decided, I want Clark for VP!

Dean/Clark in '04

[Tom Rinaldo]

119. Ain't over

No nomination is decided without a vote being cast. It's that simple. Dean is not drawing the support of anywhere near a majority of Democrats polled nationwide. Gore will help Dean, assuming the reports are true. This will focus people on the nomination sooner rather than later. More people will tune in closer to Dean now, to see if they too want to support him like Gore did. Clark is the major alternative to Dean currently, the only other candidate with solid funding, enthusiastic grass roots support, and a non Washington insider profile. Kerry has been fading. Lieberman should fade fast after this slap. Gephardt is out of money, and Edwards never took off. Clark will also get increased attention as the designated Dean alternative. A lot depends on whether Dean weathers his increased exposure well, I suppose. Clark inspires fierce loyalty among his backers. He inspires my fierce loyalty, I will say that. We will continue to work our butts off for this man. I think the more traditional candidates will lose steam, and it wil Be Dean and Clark in the last round.

[BootinUp]

121. I'm with you

Your analysis strikes me as dead on!

[maddezmom]

120. Clark is still my #1 Choice

I'm still going to wait and see how the primaries end up before I throw in the towel. :)

[robbedvoter]

122. I guess Clark is now the insurgent candidate - with the establishment,

Media + Gop annointing the competition. Good, I like rebelling! It'll be more fun now!

[sweetheart]

123. Wesley Clark is my runoff choice #1 - i like ike

He has the best chances of winning of all the democratic candidates, though i don't necessarily agree with his centrist views, perhaps that is the price of victory.

I love dennis kucinich, and he has my heart-vote... his policy platform is my own... and i want to vote for him to send a message to the democratic establishment, that his way is the only strategic way to revive our sick sick nation.

That said, if he does not win, then i'm like a nader voter in that last election... voting idealism while the fox eats the hens.

Mr. Clark has the credentials to be non-partisan and unify the very divided country better than any other candidate. He has both the establishment credentials and the security ones to pull the levers of state effectively when he wins.

If he could somehow work out a vp candidate like mccain, he would be my dream ticket TO WIN... whereas my dream ticket for my heart's wish is kucinich/clark... but if it don't win, then i'm realpolitik.

I endorse mr. Clark, and may even, if the race is close in New York, vote for him, as i see my vote as a tactical tool to tell the party to move towards kucinich's positions, but not at the cost of missing a sure-winner at the runoff.

This thread is too big for my browser, so if you want me to read a reply, pm me....

CLARK TO WIN IN 2004!