Clark addresses gender gap

[BeyondGeography]

Seeking women's votes, Clark changes his style

New York Times
January 9, 2004
By Edward Wyatt

CONCORD, N.H. - Gen. Wesley K. Clark has begun to show a softer side.

Gone are his navy blue suit, red tie and loafers, replaced by argyle sweaters, corduroys and duck boots.

At many campaign events recently, a woman has accompanied the retired military man to introduce him. Earlier this week it was Sherron Watkins, the Enron whistle-blower who endorsed him here at a center for the elderly.

The Clark presidential campaign is also running a commercial featuring a female soldier who reported to him. And it is even sending out fund-raising letters from Madonna announcing that she supports General Clark, "not only as a celebrity but as an American citizen and a mother."

The efforts are aimed at a potential vulnerability for the general. Even as he is rising in national and New Hampshire polls, his advisers say that women are significantly trailing men in support for the four-star general and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.

"There is a gender gap," said Geoffrey Garin, who heads the campaign's polling operation, though he did not give out numbers.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/09/politics/campaigns/09CLAR.html?hp

[Jack_Dawson]

1. All the women I know have a crush on Clark

So...not sure what "women" he's not reaching. But hell if sweaters do the trick, knock yourself out General.

[spooky3]

10. Can I throw out just one woman's speculation?

Speaking ONLY for myself...but maybe it's something others feel and if so he can use this info if he ever tunes in to DU :-)?

I will support Gen. Clark whole-heartedly if he is the nominee or VP nominee.

But, here's why I am not as comfortable with him as I am with at least 2 of the other candidates--here I am trying to emphasize possible gender related reasons, to address the "gap" question:

1. I'm a professional woman who's spent her whole career in male dominated jobs and work environments. I have learned that one generalization (not always true, but often true) is that men whose wives are professionals currently or at some significant point in their careers are more likely to in their heart of hearts accept women as equals on the job and supportive of women's rights in general, than do men whose wives are at home or in part time or traditionally female jobs. There is nothing wrong with any of these lifestyles. However, whereas in the 50s it was perfectly fine in many circles to express your sexism, racism, homophobia, etc., now it is not, yet many people harbor these beliefs and act accordingly sometimes while they really believe they "get it." So people like me don't trust people who say all the right things as much as we trust people who live it every day, though there are obviously exceptions.

2. I believe strongly that having elective service, even if just a little, is a very desirable qualification for the job of president. Aside from the obvious risk reduction this suggests, there is a gender factor. Women are constantly being rejected for jobs because they lack the specified qualifications or are told this, so they simply expect that everyone be judged by the same standard. We want the rules set out, then everyone has to follow them. There are many examples you can point to of men who become CEOs even though they never went to college, or made a zillion career changes but are not questioned as to whether they have enough experience that is *relevant* to the job du jour. But people doing the hiring in general will not make take the same chances on women who lack all the "credentials". I particularly resent the GWBs of the world who have never been held to such standards while women with far more ability are told they need to go earn yet another degree or get this or that experience. I do not in any way want to say Gen. Clark is like GWB in this regard; they don't belong in the same UNIVERSE. However, GWB is a clear and extreme example, to make my point--that I'm more comfortable with someone who has some elective official experience because working where you must get cooperation is completely different from commanding, as just one example. There is also no voting record to evaluate.

3. I believe strongly that people have the right to evolve substantially over time and I respect people who do so. Otherwise I wouldn't like Arianna Huffington so much, as an example. But it is so hard to know whether the person has really made the evolution since there are many pretenders out there. And if I don't have a chance to get to know the person personally, it's harder to judge this. Maybe women are more nervous about this than men are when it comes to Democratic politics. We wish we knew we were getting someone who really stood up for the Democ. values and are very nervous about having to take a chance on someone who may not do so or is still sorting it out. Will he betray us or be a champion?


Once again I am just trying to throw out ideas and NOT trying to speak for others nor to diss the General.

ps on edit, I think he's gorgeous too.

[BeyondGeography]

12. Great comments

Very sincere.

As a Clark supporter with an admitted agenda to get as many Democrats as possible to support him, all the evidence suggests that Clark is a committed egalitarian. He just received the endorsement of Marion Frances Berry, head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. The female officer referenced in the article appears in American Son; her remarks about Clark are very persuasive, if you get the chance:

http://www.clark04.com/americanson/

[spooky3]

13. Thanks, this is helpful, and I am keeping an eye on the Gen.!

and an open brain.

[maxanne]

2. argyle

Gone are his navy blue suit, red tie and loafers, replaced by argyle sweaters, corduroys and duck boots.

He's making a huge fashion faux pas. Only weenies wear argyle sweaters. Call in the Fab 5, quick!!

[BeyondGeography]

4. Queer eye for the General guy

Nothing personal. I'm just thinking, you know, new show opportunity.

[maxanne]

5. LOL

BeyondGeography!!

[RafterMan]

8. Heh

Somebody on the Clark blog actually filled out the "Queer Eye" questionaire on Clark's behalf a few months ago.

It's a shame they didn't get back to him, since that would have made a *spectacular* show.

[jumptheshadow]

15. However, the turtlenecks are cool

They're a good look on him.

[JVS]

3. He's reinventing himself!

[FrenchieCat]

6. Maybe....

since he's never ran before, he gets to invent himself the first time around. Since he's only been out of the army for a few short years....he gets to now pick out his wardrobe......cool!

Plus I guess wearing suits in sub degree weather in NH can get a little chilly.

I don't care what he wears....once those women see him....that will be it!....cause he has the Q.

[BeyondGeography]

7. My wife adores him

Which makes for a tranquil household chez BeyondGeography.

[RafterMan]

9. Frenchie

Off topic, but what's that article you posted from the war where "Democratic insiders" found Clark's CNN anaylysis far too negative, and said it ruined his chances to fundraise for any candidate other than Dean?

EDIT:

Nevermind.

Got it off the thread I was looking for. Thanks!

[maxanne]

11. if he were smart

and NH savvy - he'd be wearing fleece.

Argyle is so...elderly retiree playing golf.

[Moderator]

14. Beyond Geography

Per DU copyright rules
please post only four
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Thank you

DU Moderator