my take on Clark's strategy

[FDRLincoln]

Here's what I think is happening with Clark.

The guy is a general. He thinks in strategic, operational terms.

He's obviously been running a campaign for the last few months. It's all there...the "draft" movement, the sudden spate of media appearances, leaks about "cranking it up," tonights video, etc. This is all part of a well-laid, operational campaign plan.

The question is, what is he campaigning for?

There are two possibilities.

1) he's running for President.
2) he's trying to generate buzz for the book that's supposed to come out this fall.

If it's 1), then I have to be impressed by the way he's played this.
If it's 2), then I'd be very disappointed. But if it is 2, and he's just trying to sell books, then I probably wouldn't want him as president anyway.

My GUT feeling is that it is 1, and that he is running, and he's got this well planned. It fits the established facts very well. But it's also possible that I'm just being too hopeful.

[diplomats]

1. I'm almost positive he's running

now that a poll or two has Bush under 50 percent it's the perfect time for him to jump in. As I said in another thread, he's waiting until after Sept. 15.

[Doctor_J]

3. Good thinking

you may be left, dip. Smirk is going to try to get some political capital out of the 2nd anniversary of LIHOP. Maybe Wes is waiting for that to die down before beginning the campaign.

Shrewd, for him and for you.

[cally]

2. I think he wants air time for his views

I don't think he is trying to play us. I think he is horrified about the direction our country is taking. He honestly considered running for office, and has very recently decided not to run. I think he is using the buzz to get on the talk shows and promote his anti-* message. He has garnered attention for his views.

[carpetbagger]

4. Methinks he's running.

I think it was Kerry's timing of his announcement, and the need to do a last-minute financial feasibility check, that led to the delay in an original early September announcement.

He's waiting until the 19th to avoid an announcement timed to September 11th. If you're more cynical, it's also to avoid Tom Harkin's BBQ, which he didn't make reservations for. He'll be in Iowa on the 19th, giving a major address.

This is what he said to the meetup tonight:

http://www.draftclark2004.com/news_detail.asp?nid=138

[ShaneGR]

12. Well, that doesn't sound like he's planning on not running

I like the tone of that little correspondence.

[Kahuna]

15. So right. Kerry's announcement went right up against...

the timeframe Clark had set for his own announcement. Kerry's announcement usurped Clark's announcement. No way could Clark announce within a two weeks sphere of Kerry's announcement.

[Donna Zen]

5. Not the book tour

His last book sold very well without the draftclark movement.

Why next week if the message is "no"? But the video sure was strange. Anyway is the message is no, then I've had my last Pristina Airport argument (that's the good news) The bad news: the best shot we have of unseating the junta would be sitting it out.

He's speaking in TN on 9/13.

[Clark Can WIN]

6. Not for freakin books

NO WAY. This is a person of much greater character and integrity than that. Period. Think about what this man has gone through, you really think he's on a freakin book tour? No.

[peabody71]

7. My gut says he's working toward a VP spot.

Then he would be a accomplished politician when it is his turn.

[union_maid]

8. I think he's looking pretty accomplished now

He does better on TV than any of them. I don't think that will change if he enters the campaign for real. I'm kind of holding my breath until he declares, but I do understand that it can't be before the 15th.

[Lindsey]

9. I also think (maybe I'm just hoping)

that he's going for VP with (once again I'm hoping) Dean. I think the best ticket to beat *: Dean/Clark.

[Avalux]

10. NO

Clark does not want the VP spot; I heard him say it on a radio show this morning. It's not a consideration for him. If he runs, if he's a part of the big show, it'll be for the whole enchilada.

[ShaneGR]

11. If he hasn't announced a decision by the end of this month I will not,,,,

be pleased. Enough already, just tell everyone what you're doing. In or out damnit.

[Mz Pip]

13. How many people will

be sooooooo pissed off if after all of this it just turns out it was some promo for his book?

All of the appearances he has made over the past few weeks have not even mentioned his book. I've been following Clark closely and didn't even know he had written another book. I don't think this is a PR move for his book.

His interview on NPR today gave a preview of his stand on many other issues other than Iraq. Why even bother if he's not going to run?

"It's the Democracy, stupid." This will be the theme of Clark's campaign if he runs.

MzPip
:dem:

[MrPrax]

14. America is At War

so they need a General...
His 'focus' seems perfectly sincere...
America in the 50s needed Eisenhower and and he won!
And the fact Eisenhower railed against the military-industrial state (after he left office to warn people about the Demo-commie threat), Clark puts forth policy positions arguing against the latest examples of American 'adventurism' is a good fit...
Go Reactionary Candidates Go

[Democat]

16. The Democratic Party needs some good strategy to beat Bush

Hopefully Clark can deliver a real fighting strategy against Bush, unlike the pathetic disaster our party mismanaged in the 2002 election.

[ewagner]

17. Some observations

First, I think Clark will run.

He's a good General and he wouldn't start a major operation (campaign) without knowing all the logistical support is in place.
If it isn't (money, staff, support etc) he won't run.

Also, as a good General, neither he nor his troops would go into battle without adequate training for the mission at hand. That's what all these TV appearances are about. Training exercises for the real battle.