I Met Wesley Clark Today, Ask Me Anything

[Justice]

I was among the crowd in Dover New Hampshire today for Wes Clark's talk to a very enthusiastic crowd from all NE states, NY and NJ (Wes thanked people from these states, there might have been others).

He spoke off the cuff, and was quite good, very powerful, lots of energy. He was as solid as he had been the night before at the town meeting - but in addition spoke of the veterans, asked us to thank the veterans.

The Draft Clark movement was there - one comment made by the head of Draft Clark (told to her by another member) sums it up -- "He {Clark) is the president I was promised as a child..."

When I thanked him for running, he shook my hand firmly and said, thank you for allowing me the opportunity - all the time looking at me in the eye.

A memorable day.

I will add that my parents and some of my siblings live in the NH and are actively working for Democrats. My dad is for Kerry, my brother for Dean, my sister for Edwards. My mom was uncommitted and was very impressed with Clark. Except for my brother, the rest of us were not active (volunteers, contributors) democrats until the 2000 election. We have not gotten over it - and are putting our anger to work. Don't forget that DUers. The involvement and participation in Democratic campaign is vital. Thanks to all who participate.

----------
Oh, and there were 2 Bush supporters with signs. I went up to one and told him that because of us (Democrats) he was able to stand there and speak in opposition to Clark -- but that his party would have put him down the block so he couldn't be heard..... He did not know what to say.

[eileen_d]

1. Thanks for the report

I love the part where you dazzle the 2 Bush supporters with truth.

[Cocoa]

2. did he make you all do push-ups?

just kidding.

Did he say anything more about Rush Limbaugh? His comments on Rush and on the FCC impressed me.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. push ups -lol

-:)

[graham67]

3. Please settle this dispute....

what color are his eyes? }(

[otohara]

6. I Was Wondering Also

sometimes blue, but on that scary cover of Newsweek, they look light green.

[Justice]

12. Eye Color

I have to say I was so focused on talking with him, and realizing that he has a very firm handshake that I couldn't confirm precisely blue or green - but think blue.

But I'll let you know for sure when the picture I had taken of me and the General comes out tomorrow!

[DemExpat]

4. What an active Dem family, Justice!

Very heartwarming to hear of that, and of your personal meeting with Clark.
Thanks!
And keep up the good work....
:kick:

DemEx

[jbfam4]

5. welcome, justice

Thanks for sharing........wish we all could have been with you.

The truth to those pubs with signs was priceless.

[bicentennial_baby]

7. Me too!

I was there as well, and also got to shake his hand! I thought it was a fun speech, and the crowd was really enthusiastic.

[Julien Sorel]

8. LOL

Oh, and there were 2 Bush supporters with signs. I went up to one and told him that because of us (Democrats) he was able to stand there and speak in opposition to Clark -- but that his party would have put him down the block so he couldn't be heard..... He did not know what to say.

Were you able to keep a straight face?

[spooky3]

14. gutsy and great, because it was true--nothing they COULD say! Thanks.

[jonnyblitz]

9. I appreciate you sharing your experience at the rally. thanks for posting

I enjoy these threads the most, people sharing their experiences at rallies they attend. :hi:

[Cappurr]

10. I have one question....

Does he have "it". The "it" factor. Like Clinton. Like JFK. We need that "it" factor to beat this SOB.

[Justice]

17. Wes Has It

He spoke easily and freely, in clear phrases, with passion and conviction. He speaks warmly, with strength and ease. At one point he said, I am not a politican....uh, okay, yes, I am a politican...people laughed. He said 16 months until we go into the white house (big applause), 14 months until we win the election. He forgot to ask people to contribute - and said sheepishly with a smile after the final applause "Send money"

He said this is not about me - it is about us. All that has happened between 2000-2004 - we need to hold people accountable - but I want to make this about our future. He wants to lay out a vision of our future - not just bash bush. This is what I really liked and wanted to hear.

One reason my mom is uncommitted is that she doesn't see "it" in other candidates. She said she saw "it" in Clark. She told the local paper interviewing her that Clark would get her vote (there is no way to prove to you how tough my mom is/how strong a democrat she is - I was surprised).

He thanked the draft clark people by name and very easily.

He took time with everyone who spoke with him, as the crowd followed him from the town hall to the draft clark office.

For those of you who worry about clark taking down websites - don't be - the draft clark person said 3 of the lead people weren't there - 2 are in little rock working on the campaign and 1 is in Texas setting up the biggest baddest democratic campaign there - we are going to take on bush in texas and win his home state! The crowd loved it!

[Clark Can WIN]

20. Taking down websites?

Huh?:shrug: Whatcha mean?

[bookman]

38. Texas?

>>the draft clark person said 3 of the lead people weren't there - 2 are in little rock working on the campaign and 1 is in Texas setting up the biggest baddest democratic campaign there - we are going to take on bush in texas and win his home state! The crowd loved it!


I'm inspired! I sometimes feel in Texas we won't matter much.

[Clark Can WIN]

19. Did you see his town hall meeting in New Hamshire?

Had me at various times stomping, clapping, shouting, crying, laughing, cheering................. It very much looked like 'IT' to me.

[Mz Pip]

31. If that wasn't "IT"

I have no idea what "it" is. I watched the entire meeting. My 24 year old son wandered into the room at the beginning, sat down, watched and STAYED and then turned to me and said "Damn, he's good." If Clark can engage my apolitical son who only watches TV for sports, I think we have "it."

I think there are a lot of people out there who are like my kid - just starting to pay attention to what is happening on the politcal scene. Clark is engaging, he seems to make people want to hear more. It was interesting to hear him on the phone with one of his friends in NY today actually talking about Clark, talking about getting young people out to vote. He wasn't talking about his Fantasy Baseball team. He wasn't talking about surfing. He was talking about getting young people interested in the political process and voting for Clark.

I was astonished. For years I have been trying to get him interested in politics. Clark did it in 75 minutes.

MzPip
:dem:

[Kahuna]

36. Hell yeah! I was there. I was on a Wesley high..

for a good three hours afterwards. He's very genuine, gracious and sweet. He has "it" and some to spare. :7

[davhill]

11. The Big Question

Is he politician enough to stand up to the crap the Neo-Cons are going to throw at him and keep smiling? Ross Perot could have been a great leader but he proved to be a lousy politician. I have to be convinced Clark will not wilt under the press like Perot in 92.

[Loyal]

15. How tall is he?

n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

16. 5'9

NT

[Clark Can WIN]

26. Loyal, I love that photo

That's a keeper.

[Loyal]

33. I definitely agree.

:)

[Kahuna]

37. I'd go with 5'9" too. And he has a tiny head. LOL!

But he's very handsome in person too. :smoke:

[graham67]

18. Was...

his wife with him today?

[RandomUser]

21. Were his war injuries evident?

Kind of superfacial, but could you tell he lost a quarter of his leg muscle or the muscles in his thumb when he grasped your grip? Or has he totally compensated for it? I can't imagine the willpower it must have taken to restore himself.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

23. He Has No Limp....

I think he still has a problem with his hand...

The more ardent Clark supporters can tell you his story....

He didn't want his injuries to force him out of the military....

[bicentennial_baby]

24. Nope

He walks perfectly normally and when I shook his hand, his grip was quite firm.

[Guaranteed]

22. How was his hair?

Was it as good as Edwards'?
That's the most important characteristic for a president, IMHO.

[RandomUser]

25. I don't know about hair

But I think overcoming major injuries just to stay in the military and serve his country took real courage and willpower and says something about his character.

[Donna Zen]

27. Eyes

I'm guessing from the pictures I've seen of Clark and my own family's gene pool, hazel. My mother's eyes were hazel and very changeable, blue to a gray-green, depending on what she was wearing.

Thanks for the reports; they really are the best.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

28. Thank You!

For this inspiring story!

DTH

[MoonRiver]

29. Thanks so much for that report.

I'm wondering if you know what the temperature is regarding support for Clark in NH?

[latebloomer]

30. Sounds like he has charisma, but

What did he actually SAY???

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

32. Do an info dump here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=417805&mesg_id=417805

[UTUSN]

34. Thanks for Not Getting Over 2000 n/t

[Kahuna]

35. Hey! I was the NJ contigent who wouldn't rest until ..

he recognized us. Then he kind of dissed me and said, 'there are a "few" people from NJ.' I was like, 'what you talking 'bout General?' :grr:

:7