Reply #14: I don't harbor any conspiracy [View All]

[dave29]

theories about Clark - or give them much credence. My problem is that he is a bit of an unknown quantity who doesn't help himself with his coyness. He is very charming, witty and clearly a great man, however, he can also talk around an answer for a real long time without ever getting to the point. His lack of political background is not an asset - and is requiring him, in my opinion, to rely too heavily on his allies and advisors to get him to the nomination.

It's one of the main reasons I prefer Dean - who also has superb centrist credentials. There is no question what you are getting with Dean - he'll tell you straight up - whether you like it or not. I see Dean as more politically shrewd - and he also seems more authoritative than Clark (despite Clark's military background). Dean also has been more bold, and more of a risk-taker. Watching Clark meander his way towards jumping into the race was almost unbearable. Topping that, his voting history and recent advocacy of the current Administration, while not wrong to do, still makes some Democrats uncomfortable, and there's not much that can be done about that.

I see in Clark an remarkable and courageous military man who can serve our party very well - but I don't think the Presidency is the right place for him right off the bat.