Wes Clark on The Daily Show Now

[SharonAnn]

!

[DemCam]

1. I,m in mountain time and

am watching Matt Damon....what zone are you in?

[Lefta Dissenter]

3. on now central time (eom)

[NashVegas]

2. Please continue here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=881894

[tinrobot]

4. He's very relaxed and sounding good...

...but he needs to unbutton that top button on his jacket!

[Clark Can WIN]

9. I'll bet when they come back

his suit is straight.

[Lefta Dissenter]

10. you were right! :) (eom)

[kanrok]

5. Likable guy, no?

n/t

[Clark Can WIN]

7. Very likeable and natural

and suprisingly funny :-)

[Cooley Hurd]

12. Politics made him lose his voice - the Army never did...

Man, he's really connecting w/ Jon. Really coming across to the audience. Great job, Wes! :thumbsup:

[Myra]

24. Thank you alg0912

:grouphug:

[Jack_Dawson]

57. LOL - great graphic

[kanrok]

6. John looks smitten

[slinkerwink]

8. too much military euphemisms

[Clark Can WIN]

11. What a suprise from you slink

usually you are so unpredictable :eyes:

[Cooley Hurd]

13. C'mon Slink - he's doing very well!

Jon: Any states you'd get rid of?

Wes: Yes, the state of apathy!

Great line, don't you think?

ABB!

[slinkerwink]

that's true

and I liked his story about the little boy. That's why I think Clark should be VP or Secretary General.

[slinkerwink]

15. that's true

and I liked his story about the little boy. That's why I think Clark should be VP or Secretary General.

[Myra]

26. Yeah! A man who spent 34 years in the military should use cooking jargon

to make his points! Good catch.

:evilgrin:

[Jack_Dawson]

58. LOL - good one My

[WillyBrandt]

14. Pretty nice job

Not the best I've seen him, but nontheless quite good. The second half was very good, where he got to speak at some length and wasn't thrown into sound-byte-give-and-take territory.

(Too bad he's a PNAC stooge who has mentioned, in passing, the HOMESTEAD ACT!)

[frustrated_lefty]

16. From a Deanie, he came across well

He was personable, addressed his strengths, and was generally a good guest. He didn't address my personal concerns in terms of a career military man...but he wasn't asked to, and that's cool. He presented himself well, and was less starchy than might be expected from a man who has spent his adult life in the military.

[ExDeaniacForClark]

40. 1st time?

was it your first time seeing him? i'm glad it was a good first impression.

www.ex-deaniacsforclark.com

[glarius]

17. As an outsider (Canadian) I say THIS MAN IS GREAT!

The more I see him, the more I like him....He is so appealing...doesn't talk like a politician and I like what he says about wanting to mend fences with all your former allies that Bush has alienated....He shows compassion and intelligence....

[Myra]

29. Thank you glarius (I didn't know you were Canadian).

I'd really like to hear more input from non-'Merkans
about the Dem candidates. Some smart person (not me)
did a little poll a few days back asking our Canadian
pals who they liked.

Kucinich came out well. I don't recall who else.
But I'm very glad you see good qualities in General Clark.

[glarius]

35. I like the way he finishes what he wants to say and doesn't allow the

talking heads who interview him on TV to take him off topic or talk over the top of him....He politely, but firmly insists on making his point even when it is evident they are trying to drown him out!...He seems to me (not that I'm any expert) like someone who will appeal to Democrats and disenchanted (with Bush) Republicans....Very electable!...

[morgan2]

46. he doesnt talk like a politician

he talks like some bossy ceo. He seems like he is very used to getting his way. I don't see him being any good at working with other people.

[5thGenDemocrat]

47. LBJ was very used to getting his way, too

And he was only the most effective (and most liberal) Democratic President this country ever had. I include FDR on that list.
For example, in just his first two years in office, Johnson gave us:
*The Civil Rights Act of 1965
*Medicare
*Federal Aid to Cities
*Head Start
I could go on and on. Additionally, whereas LBJ got us into a bloody, ugly, unfathomable, soul-sucking foreign war, I have all the faith in the world that Wesley Clark can get us out of one.
Perhaps you'd prefer that Dopey the Chimp gets another four years to see if his human management skills improve any.
My suspicion, however, is that anyone who rises to the level of full general in the United States Army (as Wesley Clark did), with the political and diplomatic requirements attendant to the rank, is exceptionally able at "working with other people."
John
It's kind of required. The Senate doesn't give you the rank, otherwise. But I'm sure you already know that.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

61. As opposed to Bush, the most arrogant, smug, incoherent..

..leader in the free world?
You really think you can complain about Clark when you have an arrogant prick running your country? As if.

[Lefta Dissenter]

18. Awesome job

I really do LIKE him!! He seems to be able to fit in in any type of environment, with every type of person.

Loved his closing line about getting rid of the State of Apathy. He sure can think on his feet. What would bush have answered to that? He probably would have named "Wisconsin," or some other state that voted against him! :)

[gulliver]

19. Good job I think, but how did it play to the younger crowd?

I think the appearance should help him. Clark came off as kind of square, but affable and caring. I have no idea how it came across to the under-40's though.

Clark told a couple of somber stories that aren't the usual TDS fare. But I think people heard what he was saying.

[milkyway]

20. Dean's my guy, but I like Clark a lot also...

I don't understand the antagonism a lot of Dean people have for Clark. If Dean wasn't in the race, I think the majority would be supporting Clark. It may seem strange to say about a military general, but to me, he is a genuinely caring guy who in almost a naive way believes all that apple pie stuff, and thinks the power of government should be proactive in making people's lives better.

[Jerseycoa]

22. That's what it is

Exactly.

[WillyBrandt]

25. Thank you -- this is just right

I think that Dean, too, would be an excellent President, and is doing amazing things for the party. I have deep misgivings about the electoral math for him, and if he is the nominee I hope to be proven wrong.

Nonetheless, I think they are a perfect matchup. They share many strengths and views, and complement each other perfectly.

I think the Clark/Dean ticket would be unstoppable, and would open up a Dean win in 2012, with a transformed, and UNIFIED Democratic party emerging in the interim.

[tinrobot]

30. Totally agree...

The guy talks like a real person, not a politician. He seems very warm, but he's got that underlying toughness of a military guy, which gives him a great air of authority. He would toast Bush in a debate.

Still like Dean, but I'd enthusiastically vote for Wes as well. I'd love to see them on the same ticket, just hope the two don't split the vote in the primaries.

[Myra]

31. Thanks milkyway. And Dean's on my top three list.

Very likely the Deanies and Clarkies are so intense because
they are behind the two probable powerhouse candidates, directly
competing (again, no one's voted...).
I suppose it's good that each one evokes such passion.

But after the Dem convention, we're all gonna be focused
on bringing down Bush. And before then I hope we're all
focused on bringing down Diebold and their partners in crime.

[roguevalley]

33. Good post, myra. I agree.

[ExDeaniacForClark]

38. i switched, and...

you make a good point. check out www.ex-deaniacsforclark.com if you'd like to see more of what clark has to offer current dean supporters.

[Maccagirl]

21. He inspires confidence in me

He and Kerry would make an incredible team (and I'm no anti-Dean). I liked his honest answer about military bureaucracy. When he first got in I wasn't sure he could handle the cesspool that politics has become (and maybe always was), but I really believe he can withstand everything Bush/Rove throws at him. I'm so glad he's a Dem.

[Donna Zen]

27. A gift

The Democratic party has been given a rare gift; but will they send it back in exchange for the "blue-light special."

A liberal general who just happens to be brilliant and loves the very thought of democracy. It's not the apple pie, it's the democracy.

[Myra]

32. Beautifully said DZ.

The Democratic party has been given a rare gift.
My gawd that man *is* brilliant.

[roguevalley]

34. I agree DZ. the last time I felt like this John Kennedy was president.

It was politics of the possible, America as opportunity for all.

[Donna Zen]

37. Yep! Me too.

No Daily Show here, so I really appreciate your descriptions.

I've carried a certain cynicism about our country for a long time. Clark has seen what we've all seen, and yet, he wants us to believe in the dream. Why? Because if we don't, we will lose it.

He has often said in interviews: There have been democracies before ours. Where are they?

And he is right. We are endanger of losing the whole thing. I think he is the only candidate who clearly understands what this time is about.

OT: I just finished editing a paper with my daughter. She has to turn it in tomorrow and although I often go over her papers using email, I decided to do this one over the phone. The paper is a final for her "media" class and she chose to write about the coverage of 911. So thanks to DUers and Unanswered Questions. The paper is great, and my daughter said she is so much smarter now. We are stumping for Clark between Christmas and New Years; bonding.

[ExDeaniacForClark]

45. wow, i've never heard him say that

he's got such a tremendous grasp on world history and our significance at this very moment in time. it's breathtaking at times. i'm going to write more letters to NH now.

[Schmendrick54]

23. I'm another Deaniac who thought Clark was great.

I loved the subtle digs about the flight suit. I am so glad he is on our side. I hope he is on the ticket one way or the other. (Pres or VP).

[ExDeaniacForClark]

42. glad to hear it

if you'd like, check out my new site: www.ex-deaniacsforclark.com

[quaker bill]

28. Great performance by Wes

Very relaxed, but on the ball. I thought he handled it perfectly.

FYI, Dean supporter here.

[ExDeaniacForClark]

43. how many comments do we need to make to be able to post?

thanks for the kind words on clark.

www.ex-deaniacsforclark.com

[RetroLounge]

36. He did a great job.

Relaxed, friendly, funny, smart.

What's not to like?

[K8-EEE]

39. Just Saw This...

I think he's very nice and likeable, but as a VIP, IMO. He was long on empathy on questions like the schools and stuff but he hasn't really had the time to get specific enough about domestic things. He seems like a very nice man.

One little tiny picky thing, I didn't like the way he was sitting in the chair.

Did y'all know that his mom and Mary Steenburgen's mom both worked together at the same bank in AK? That's interesting!

I wouldn't have any prob supporting Gen Clark for Pres but prefer him as the VIP to Kerry or Dean. BTW I loved the clip of Kerry saying re: GWBs Iraq Contract mess: It VERGED on the STUPID! The way he said it, it sounded like he meant: OMG he is so fucking stupid. Which we all know is what he REALLY THOUGHT! THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT!

[Kool Kitty]

44. His mom and Mary Steenburgen's mom worked

together? Mary Steenburgen held a fundraiser for him about two months ago.

[oasis]

41. He is so easy going. great story teller.

[Myra]

48. Finally got to see it on the w coast. Now that everyone's asleep. :)

My gawd General Clark has every kind of intelligence.
Grasp of issues, wit, fast comebacks.
Jon Stewart is one of the fastest wits in the west
(along with Conan O'Brian); but Clark never faltered.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

49. I thought he seemed a little different tonight.

His voice was pretty bad.
He didn't look as good as he usually does, ie. he was a little lower than usual on the "Presidential" appearance/aura scale, which he usually scores extremely high on. Otherwise, good stuff. I hope the kiddies take his suggestions and visit clark04.com!

[0rganism]

50. As usual, Jon Stewart solidified his guest & brought out the "real person"

I've been back-and-forthing for a while about Candidate Clark, trying to separate exactly what it is about him that's appealing from that which is a turn-off in a concise way. Tonight, thanks to Jon's typically brilliant interviewing, it hit me.

Clark is like that extremely clever guy who shows up at a job interview for an experienced position, yet has little or no directly-applicable experience. He gives me the impression that he's quite smart enough to figure it out if given the chance, and makes the case that some of what he's accomplished could be considered comparable, but it still doesn't add up to what the other job applicants are touting in terms of job experience. The other candidates are established players bucking for a promotion, while Clark is looking to get into the company. He talks great, handles the questions, but I can't stop wondering if he's on the level.

Clark doesn't come across like a politician, because until recently, he wasn't one. Not that he's a total outsider, or lacks the capacity to do the job, but he's really new to the "game". Sometimes he seems naive, but it's not because he's stupid, his act just lacks polish. And some of us might even welcome it -- certainly he has no shortage of support.

Someone earlier in the thread points out that he's a rare gift to the Democrats, a liberal four-star general running for president might just be rarer than the proverbial 12-assed monkey. But I've grown accustomed to thinking that "if it looks too good to be true, it's probably a scam." Is it unwarranted skepticism that prevents me from giving Candidate Clark my full support? Maybe I just need to see more of him. I hear he raised a million bucks at a fundraiser this week, so maybe he'll do a little advertising.

[ajacobson]

51. Fair enough

I appreciate your comments. There are a lot of resources on the Clark website, including videos of speeches, etc that hopefully would fill in some of the gaps for you.

[0rganism]

59. I'm reading his website now, thanks for the reminder

Democratic voters would be foolish not to take a long look at what Clark can do as the nominee.

[sendero]

52. interesting...

... I don't know, but I tend to trust my instincts on people, and without being too immodest, it usually woks out for me :)

I'm 'formally' a Dean man, but Clark is only a tiny bit behind him as the favorite.

I think Clark is honest, sincere, the real deal. I've never been much of a fan of the military, but in his words I see none of the stereotype I have to admit I had.

Give me Dean or Clark, Clark or Dean, or preferably both, and I'm all but certain we'll have the white house.

[thinkahead]

53. I have to agree

I too like Clark. However, John made it clear to me that Clark is trying to follow the "I feel your pain" model so adeptly - and sincerely - used by Bill Clinton. Unfortunately, I just don't feel like he is very good at pulling it off. There is something there that makes me feel like Clark is a little too smart, like he's trying to pull one over on you even though he doesn't have to. And thats what bugs me that I figured out tonight. John did a good job of making that clear (he's so good).

To me Clark seemed over-demonstrative, political - and he reaffirmed my unhappiness about his being unable to ever answer a question directly - something most politicians do, but Clark really seems to excel at.

He still has time to prove himself to me, but contrary to most people on this thread, I thought Clark was very weak tonight - and I thought John Stewart felt the same way.

[0rganism]

56. Yep, that's the feeling, alright

He's a very capable and intelligent person trying too damn hard to appear like someone he isn't, when he could probably do just fine being himself. It's like a car salesman switching to a hard sell, when you're just about ready to buy the car on its own merits -- somehow it just makes me have second thoughts.

Rather than imitating Clinton's visible empathy, perhaps he'd be better off playing it straight like Eisenhower? Appeal to the national need for strong principled leadership which builds rather than shatters international support, state unequivocally that he's able to handle the job (which I have little doubt he is), and go forward from there. He has a solid vision, he knows he can get it done from the top down, so why does he come off like he's trying to smooth over something?

IMHO, it's just inexperience showing. Politics is about knowing how to say just the right things at the right time to win people over, and he has some catch-up to do in that department. He can do it, if he really wants the job. More than any other candidate, I think he's capable of accomplishing just about anything.

[RedEarth]

54. What station is the "Daily Show" on

Needless to say I missed this show, however I would like to watch it in the future. Thanks......

[SaintLouisBlues]

55. Comedy Central

On cable or dish.

[JasonFromWaltham]

60. Rebroadcast a 7PM EST today

The show is rebroadcast at 7PM the following day, so take a gander tonight if you are home by then.