Reply #10: Clark positioned himself for defending Kerry against next attacks [View All]

[Tom Rinaldo]

We all knew (at least most of us did) that the Republicans would go after Kerry's war protesting as a wedge issue with Vets. It is their one two Viet Nam punch, cloud over Kerry's war record, then focus on how he "became disloyal" to the brave men and women still fighting in Viet Nam after he returned.

Our swift boat smear counter offensive is well underway now, most of the lies and distortions are already out there, so many Democratic spokesmen and women are positioned to refute that smear, along with some in the media. Attacks on Kerry's Viet Vets Against the War days are harder to counter with those who served and had hard feelings about protesters and the treatment they received upon returning from that war.

Clark in my opinion intentionally stressed how he disagreed with Kerry back at that time but strongly respected Kerry's moral courage in standing up for what he believed in. Clark also confirmed that there were real abuses and problems with the military in Viet Nam, which has the most credibility coming from someone like Clark who remained in the military during and after that war. Clark is the man Kerry can turn to now to speak to Vet groups if attacks on Kerry's patriotism derived from Keary's protest days become wide spread. I think that is why Clark did not present a more fiery image during this interview, he knows where the next rounds against Kerry are targeted and is planning how he can best defend Kerry in that battle.