Joe Conanson: Clark prepares for new combat

[CatWoman]

For a man disparaged by Republicans as a "weak" candidate, Wesley Clark provoked hysteria on the right when he finally announced that he would run for President. Conspiracy theories cropped up like noxious weeds, along with gutter attacks on this decorated general’s personality, integrity and even his sanity.

While conservatives often proclaim their reverence for the nation’s uniform, the right’s respect for veterans who have devoted life and career to country now seems rather selective. They didn’t hesitate for one moment to denigrate a man who gave 34 years to the United States Army, simply for daring to declare himself a Democrat and a candidate for the Presidency.

In media across the spectrum, Mr. Clark was simultaneously portrayed as a sap for the nefarious Clintons and a schemer of overweening ambition. He was painted as both a patsy for war criminals and a hothead who almost started a war with the Russians. He has been bushwhacked with exaggeration in every publication from The Nation to the American Spectator to The New York Times.

http://www2.observer.com/observer/pages/conason.asp

[GainesT1958]

1. These media whores know no bounds...

An article in this week's Time sated at one point that associates of Clark felt that he was "Perot-like" in that he could at times be "well, odd". The press handmaids of the right want badly to scare off any qualified candidate by heaping on the personal attacks--as they heaped them on Al Gore. But it won't work...especially not in the case of Gen Clark!

B-)

[RedSox02]

2. I like what I see with Clark

I do also like Kerry though I think his campaign has been terrible, and I tip my hat to Dean for his honesty and his ability to say the things that need to be said. I am still on the fence as far as who I'd vote for. However, Clark seems to be a very good candidate who at the very least make Bush and the GOP very uncomfortable. Imagine Bush having to campaign against a four star general?

[fizzana]

3. I'd pay money to see a debate between Clark & Bush*

n/t

[Dr Fate]

4. This is why we DUers need to take ALL anti DEM media with grains of salt

...I'll take it a step further- if the media prints a negative artiicle about DEMS- Perhaps we should assume it's "suspect" or even FALSE until we can discern otherwise.

Many DUers see a negative article about DEMS, br it Dean, Clark,Kerry- and then with unatural GLEE- proceed to repeat-repeat-repaet the accusations- forgetting that they are quoting the same media that lied about WMDs, etc...

All I am saying is THINK before you side with the Bush-Media rahter than giving the candidate the benifit of the doubt.