Clark's Background Echoes That of Clinton

[Freddie Stubbs]

They are sons of Arkansas, born to doting mothers of modest means and fathers who died before either child had entered kindergarten. While the public lives of presidential candidate Wesley Clark and former President Clinton differ, their personal lives offer striking similarities.

Both carry the last names of adopted fathers, not the men who gave them life. Neither man's wife is a daughter of the South. Both were raised as Baptists and learned in adulthood about brothers they had never met.

Clinton's life story of the "boy from Hope" helped him reach the White House and stay for eight years. Now Clark is at the beginning of his own presidential quest, hoping his life story will likewise help him connect with voters.

Jay Barth, a political science professor at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., sees something else the two men share: the "combination of having some understanding of who they are and where they came from, but also that there's a lot to be learned from the rest of the world."

more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-elect/2003/nov/20/112000621.html

[Larkspur]

1. An echo is all that Clark is

Clinton was a master politician. Clark is a poor clone of Clinton.

Clark is a horrible campaigner and campaign organizer. That's why Clark is struggling in the early primary states. His national poll leads are based upon name recognition, not merit as a candidate.

[Rowdyboy]

2. Right

He's leading Lieberman who was elected vice-president in 2000, due to "name recognition". Sure. And Minority Leader Gephart, and 20 senate veteran Kerry because of "name recognition".

You guys have no shame, no shot is too cheap to take, no blow too low, in your incessant attacks on the future of the Democratic party.

[eileen_d]

3. Do you have a quota of Clark-hating posts to meet or something?

Clark is a strong candidate. Some people actually get motivated by candidates rather than campaigns.

[democratreformed]

4. Right on!

After all, the candidate is what is important - to me, at least.

[Jerseycoa]

5. Fair Statement

"Clinton was a master politician."

But you have to admit our man is learning damned fast. That's only because he is brilliant, though.

[FrenchieCat]

7. I agree

They are both Brilliant! Looking at those 2, It's great to be a Dem!

[wndycty]

6. Clark will be in Chicago on Sunday

General Wesley K. Clark will attend a fundraiser hosted by www.illinoisforclark2004.com and “C” Company’s Chicago chapter on Sunday, November 23 at 4:00 PM, at the Rock Bottom Brewery, One West Grand Ave., in Chicago. Recommended contribution to attend this event is $75.00. Please RSVP by e-mailing: [e-mail]. A copy of the invite as well as a contribution form is available at: http://www.illinoisforclark2004.com/downloads/1123rockbottom.pdf. We ask that you bring the contribution form with you. We look forward to seeing on Sunday!

[robbedvoter]

14. Here's another opinion - I like somewhat better:

"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 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."
C. Bowden

[SHRED]

8. A Clinton/Clark Question

On another forum I have a rabid right winger insisting that Clark was fired by Clinton.

I know little of their history together.
Will someone please enlighten me?

Thanks

[Punkingal]

9. Welcome to DU, SHRED....

and you could read this thread about Clark's firing.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=345602

[SHRED]

10. Thanks Punkingal

This board is full of refreshing viewpoints not readily found elsewhere.
Thanks again for the welcome! :)

[DemDogs]

11. But his understanding of Democratic issues and principles does not

[FrenchieCat]

12. says you....

which is not enough....

Please give links...

Or was that just an opinion?...which we all have...cause it's like a...well, you know what.

[sandnsea]

18. Understands them better than some

He gets that 65% of Democrats want gun safety laws. He gets that you have to believe in and advocate for Affirmative Action to make it work. He gets that you can't holler words like deregulation without explaining what you mean and how it affects the economy. He gets an awful lot about Democratic principles and I'd be proud to support him.

[diamondsoul]

13. Phhht! Clark has more integrity-

Than Clinton did. I like the man a lot more than I liked Clinton.

[robbedvoter]

15. It would be nice to come back to Rhodes scolar from Village idiot

[FrenchieCat]

16. Great Pic!.....

Now that's what I call a Real Powerhouse of men gathered together!

[Robert Murphy]

17. It would be even nicer...

...to see the General kick W.'s little chickenhawk tail right back to Texas.

General Clark, as Jerseycoa mentioned, does indeed learn fast. As a public speaker--hey, this may be shallow, but we need consider 'electability--hey could use a little more polish, but Clark is brilliant in any 'town hall' setting; he truly has the common touch. That he has shown himself capable of expressing a fairly nuanced opinion in plain terms that would fit on a bumper sticker is encouraging.

Robert