Clark was all over the place on TV the last few days...what-cha think?

[LuLu550]

I'm still not prepared to back a candidate. Falling into the "anybody but Bush" I want us to field the stongest candidate we can; who can appeal to the middle and Republicans who are disenchanted with the Shrub.
I thought Clark sounded pretty good each time I've seen him...what are anyone else's thoughts?

[Gloria]

1. My feelings about Clark have surged, although I'm still in "wait mode"

I like the fact that he can be direct, even angry, yet still convey dignity and authority. And, at the same time, he does have a very sincere, almost sweet side. He also has incredible depth.

I love the guy's brains and his tone. He can smile as he swings the hammer. This "likeability" factor is definitely an asset because we all know how "likeable" Bush is (LOL, but that's what they tell us!)


Given the chance, I think this guy from Arkansas could outshine the other guy from Arkansas who became President once upon a time....

Confession: I have taped a few of Clark's recent appearances...Funny, about 10 years ago I started taping Clinton's activities when he ran....by election time I had about 10 tapes full of interviews, speeches, and sax playing.....Maybe TAPING is an omen....

[burythehatchet]

4. let us know if we can send you

blank tapes

[Nlighten1]

2. I have narrowed the field to Dean and Clark

I don't care which because I think both of them can beat Bush in a fair election.

[Lisa0825]

3. To be honest, my initial trust of Clark was based on....

1st, my trust and respect for a friend who is a big supporter. She and I generally agree on most things political, so I was ready to believe in him right away, just knowing how highly she thought of him. I was already a Dean supporter at that point, but gave a lot of attention to reading about Clark too.

I was dismayed at some of the reports in the mainstream press about him (the stuff everyone heard about his voting and support of Bush), and did wonder if I could still consider him my #2 for a while. But due to the responses I have gotten from supporters rebutting my concerns, and his performances I have recently seen, I am feeling more confident about him.

I think he is looking good in interviews, though I still have concerns about the campaign itself, I would most enthusiastically support Dean, then Clark, but the truth is, I am most DEFINITELY ABB, and that includes what little cash I have to give, and any footwork I can do.

[carpediem]

5. I have been impressed with Clark

since the first time I heard him. He speaks his mind and from his heart. I find I believe him when he speaks - as opposed to * who I just see as a liar.

Clark has the ability to pull the swing/independent voter in and maybe even some Reagan Democrats back. I think the base will vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is because of the last election and especially because of the let down of the last three years.

I come from a very conservative family. mom,dad, stepdad, all my in-laws, only my sister and her husband and myself and my husband are liberals. (i actually think my mom is a closet liberal- how else did her only 2 children become diehard democrats?) I think the only candidate I could even have a rational political discussion with them about in '04 is Clark.

I thought the last few appearances by Clark show him hitting his stride. He is recovering from stumbling out of the gate(a little), which every other candidate did too, just not so noticeably because of the timing. He is adapting quickly to the campaign trail. I know the military is political, but not anything near what he will have to endure this next year. I also think he is very capable of taking on * and rove. He approaches everything like a chess game or golf game. You have to learn from your mistakes and move forward to win.

He also has shown that he is prepared for what seems to be an unusually brutal press corps. They either ignore him or try to make him stumble into repetitive traps. In both cases, he appears to come out on top. They tried to ignore him, and he keeps finding ways to get his message out (primarily because of broad based support) and when they try to come after him, he calmly takes their questions apart and answers in a way that is forceful and believable ( because he tells the truth) And he is willing to take on the press when they try to twist his words (ie the fox interview)

Just so noone thinks I am delusionally attracted to Clark as a candidate, I do think he has some faults. I wish he wasn't quite so long winded in his answers. He needs to get to the point more quickly. And I think dropping out of the Iowa caucuses was a mistake because he had a chance at some union endorsements.

However, I think he is smart enough to overcome these problems, and I think he is probably a couple moves ahead on the chess board. I just sincerely hope he is the democratic candidate against * because Clark will make mincemeat of him in the general.

(I will happily vote for whomever gets the democratic nomination come 2004. If the Democrats don't win this next election, I will be stockpiling survival gear and most likely be moving my family out of this country, that is how important I think the next election is.)

[MasonJar]

6. Clark literally cried

Clark literally cried when he was talking to Dan Rather about the babies that he saw that were dying or wounded in Bosnia. The man is truly compassionate...not the Bush type. He is a great man. I am leaning more toward Clark every day.

[RandomUser]

11. That impressed me a lot

None of the other candidates have been that sincere, sincere literally to the point of tears because it meant so much and the issue was one of life and death.

I agree Clark has stumbled out of the gate, but his learning curve is impressive, and I think he'll be able to overcome his late start. I've had my doubts about Clark at various points, too. I don't agree with him on everything, and I agree more with him than with the other candidates. But that interview cinched it for me. No other candidate has been that honest. No other candidate has looked at the camera on national television, with tears in his eyes over the deaths of others and made me proud to be an American again. Win or lose, I know I'm supporting the right guy. This is the man I want in the WH, even if his electability is zilch. I want a president who will have tears in his eyes when he thinks of suffering in the world, and have the determination, intelligence, and proven skills to effect change.

[tjdee]

7. The way he called Bush an alcoholic today was masterful.

I'm not a Clark supporter (eh, sometimes), and some of the things coming from his campaign irritate me, but Clark himself I really enjoy.

The way he talked about Bush's alcohol problem and marital issues today--that is some kind of clever fella at work. Whenever I see Clark in action, it is rarely disappointing. During the debates I'm never impressed with him, and I think it's because there are too many of them up there. Also, he needs to work on that.

However, he is imminently qualified for the job, and he has a great deal of finesse.

I would sleep VERY soundly with him as a nominee and as a president.

[Renew Deal]

10. Clark is great one on one.

They gotta find a way to break him out in the debates. I think that 2-3 guys will be missing tomorrow. Hopefully that helps.

[Deb]

8. Clark is looking better to me

My priorities for choosing a candidate are changing with the deteriorating situation in Iraq and the most humane exist strategy will probably get my vote. I never expected to give Clark a second look.

This morning we watched a rerun of Clark on cspan. My Conservative Hubby(he didn't vote for bush)pointed to the set and said, "You're looking at our next President." I spit my coffee across the table and reminded him that Clark is a Dem. He said, "I don't care, that man should be President." So yes, I can tell you first hand that he does appeal to other voters.

[Maddy McCall]

9. He's my candidate...

He will present the most formidible opposition to Bush. He will attract disaffected Republicans in DROVES.


He is the only candidate who can do that--I almost would "bet the farm" that he will be the Dem candidate to face Bush.