It's official, Michael Moore is endorsing Clark

[For PaisAn]

Wednesday, January 14th, 2004
I’ll Be Voting For Wesley Clark / Good-Bye Mr. Bush — by Michael Moore

Many of you have written to me in the past months asking, "Who are you going to vote for this year?"

I have decided to cast my vote in the primary for Wesley Clark. That's right, a peacenik is voting for a general. What a country!

I believe that Wesley Clark will end this war. He will make the rich pay their fair share of taxes. He will stand up for the rights of women, African Americans, and the working people of this country.

And he will cream George W. Bush.

...snip...

I strongly urge you to vote for Wes Clark. Let's join together to ensure that we are putting forth our BEST chance to defeat Bush on the November ballot. It is, at this point, for the sake of the world, a moral imperative.

Yours,
Michael Moore

...read entire message from Michael here:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php

[Davis_X_Machina]

1. No suprise...

Moore couldn't very well endorse a politician, since part of his bag is that politicians are incompetent and irrelevant at best, corrupt and venal at worst.

That left Sharpton & Clark.

Some choice.

[For PaisAn]

10. Just curious

Did you read his entire message first before you made your comments? Whether you agree with his choice or not, he makes an extremely strong case for voting for Clark. Do you have an open mind? Do you want to send Bush packing? I certainly hoped people would read something before making assumptions and negative remarks.

[funky_bug]

2. Can't say I didn't see it coming

What with his glowing letter back in the draftwes days.

Glad to have him aboard.

As was posted on another thread... Michael bashing in...

5...4...3...2...

edited because the first bash of the countdown occured before I finished counting down..."figures"

[WillyBrandt]

6. You mean "Michael bashing in... T minus 1"

Look at the post above yours

[Diego360]

51. Michael Moore BLOWS

...a gigantic hole in the myth that Clark is a crypto-republican. Thanks, dude.:party: :party: :kick:

[windansea]

93. nice one!!

:party:

[jmaier]

3. I'm thrilled

at a personal level though I understand endorsements don't mean very much electorally. It was Moore at the Academy Awards that sort of shamed me into becoming more of an activist in this election.

I'm very pleased. :-)

[WillyBrandt]

4. BOOOYAAAKASHA!

Yes! What an excellent piece!

[windansea]

5. Dude...where's my General?

heh heh

[funky_bug]

7. Feeling Punked, windansea?

Ya ever get the feeling the Iowa debates were an MTV episode? I kept expecting Kutcher any moment.

[windansea]

19. we'll bag ashton and demi next!!

and then warren beatty

[funky_bug]

23. Ashton already bagging Demi

I'm still waiting on the big dog.

[Maddy McCall]

36. The big dog is coming on board...

His senior staff has already come on board.

[funky_bug]

41. Not holding my breath...

Just panting in anticipation.

[Maddy McCall]

45. LOL!

Me too.

[zulchzulu]

8. Congrats to Clark......I think....

He did already endorse him earlier, but...hey...

[Crunchy Frog]

55. Actually, he urged him to run

earlier, but held off on actually giving him his endorsement, until now.

[BootinUp]

9. Wow nice statement

He has a way of stating the obvious. :)

[For PaisAn]

17. Yes

he does have a beautiful way of stating the obvious. Anyone who wants Bush gone in '04 and reads Moore's message would have to give Clark very serious consideration, even people who presently support other candidates.

[Clark4VotingRights]

52. Dude, what a country!

Woo hoo!

:bounce:

[Lisa0825]

11. Congratulations!

A while back, some fellow Houston Deanies and I were tossing around "fantasy endorsements," and one mentioned Moore. I have to admit, I wasn't sure I wanted it, because as much as i LOVE his work, he's so polarizing. But I do think that this endorsement is something that political junkies like us at DU can appreciate the significance of. I'm sure I would have loved it if we'd gotten it too!LOL! When speculating, it's easy to argue both sides, but I would have been giddy to have him on my side... and eventually, we'll ALL be on the same side, so I consider this good news either way! Congrats on signing the dude!:-)

[WillyBrandt]

14. Thank you so much, Lisa

[Melodybe]

63. Same here, Congrats to Clark

I'm a Deanie but I respect Moore for being the only guy out there doing what he is doing. It is a good endorsement and we would have loved to have it. I can't wait until Farenheit 9/11! I hope it sticks to 'um.

[Clark4VotingRights]

121. Thanks Lisa0825. Thanks Melodybe.

Dean's received a couple of endorsements I would have loved
to have as well (Conyers and CMB for example).

[windansea]

12. hey is this a tit for tat thread for my CMB endorses Dean post??

locking

[Maddy McCall]

24. No, all candidates are garnering new endorsements everyday...

and there have only been 15 threads asking Clark supporters, "Where is the official proof."

Well, here it is.

[For PaisAn]

25. joking, right?

I don't play tit for tat. Just excited about an endorsement I was hoping for. Mike's message is quite convincing and explains why and how Clark appeals to the broadest range of voters. That's what will be needed to get rid of Bush which should be # 1 priority for all Americans.

[windansea]

38. just kidding

I poosted the CMB thread cuz I am a nice guy!!

and then this one came up...just reminded me of last night

I am a member of Clark's army!!

[For PaisAn]

43. I wasn't on last night,

glad I should be thankful of that. Glad to hear you support Clark too.

[windansea]

61. it was a flame fest in slow motion

I posted a thread about Dean's needing to call his lawyer in the midst of a DOS attack on the site (I think) and it was bizarre...you had to wait 4-5 minutes to reply...it got pretty ugly

[funky_bug]

64. by the way

windansea... that WAS a great post! Sorry I couldn't (*^^$* reply.

[windansea]

104. I just posted the article and title

I was chewing on my keyboard cuz you had to wait so long to post

[Clark4VotingRights]

37. Hey, they're both great endorsements. CMB and Moore, two

of the best!
Congrats all around.

[windansea]

50. CMB is a good one for Dean

but MM is marvelous...a great endorsement for Clark...tough to label him a repub with this one...

[Clark4VotingRights]

84. "tough to label him a repub" You're right...

Can't much have a more progressive pedigree than MM.

I've had to explain to so many people (who don't know
the candidates well) why I/a big mouth progressive, back
Clark (they understand why I back Kucinich :)).

This will make it easier.
Make more people look at Clark's platform and background
and character, and see a surprisingly progressive man.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

13. So leftist Moore endorses Clark on the same day that..

..Dean flat-out calls Clark "a Republican"?
Is something wrong with this picture?

[windansea]

15. the irony

politics baby!!

[jmaier]

16. Yep.

Gov Dean's perception. :-)

[BootinUp]

18. what do you think is wrong

with it. Don't be a friedy cat :)

[maxanne]

49. Michael Moore

is NOT a Democrat. He's a wild card, and free to endorse whomever he chooses. Last time he endorsed a Green. This time he's endorsing a Republican. Who knows what he'll do in 2008. :shrug:

[funky_bug]

53. Nice try

Spun well... but unraveling fast. The old republican blather is so tired.

[maxanne]

68. better toughen up

those thin skins aren't going to serve so well when the stuff really hits the fan.

[funky_bug]

70. Far from thin skinned

But the freeper thing is so yesterday. Clark has taken some heat, and he's doing fine. I am SO not in the business of having to defend him.

[maxanne]

73. calling me a freeper?

Hmm...you're the first in the three years I've been posting here. :eyes:

[funky_bug]

78. Hell no

I did not call you a freeper. I was responding to your post about Moore "backing a republican." My reference was in regards to that tired ol' line the Clark bashers keep tossing out.

[For PaisAn]

59. Really now,

did you even read Moore's message, or do you know it all already?

[funky_bug]

60. Clark can read

It's not the fault of others if they can't. That's what we get for unfunded mandates like No Child Left Unfunded... um, I mean BEHIND.

On on off-note... baby bush gave some coinage to education today in the state of FL. What up with that? Oooo... I know, he's secretly a DEMOCRAT. Welcome to bizarro world.

[For PaisAn]

66. You're funny

Thanks for the laughs! It does seem like bizarro world. Clark is the one. The one to unite this country and kick Bush's ass out of the WH.

[maxanne]

71. I heard

Michael Moore speak in September. He was endorsing Clark then. He had a great deal to say about the General, and the other candidates. I'm a MM fan, PaisAn - I've read all his books, and enjoy him immensely. I happen to think he's wrong about the General - but I respect his right to choose. It's a great endorsement for the Clark camp.

[For PaisAn]

83. But

I just want to know if you read today's message from Moore that I posted the link to? I don't think you would have made some of the comments you did if you had read it. So, did you?

[Clark4VotingRights]

101. Guess what maxanne, I'm no longer a Dem after how they've rolled over

I'm an independant, after being a Dem my whole life.
When I fill out polls, like yesterday's Zogby for example,
I fill in the "Independent" box.

But I'm voting for a Dem in 2004: Wesley Clark!

Thank you for underscoring the crossover appeal of Clark.
That's exactly what we're counting on.

[Crunchy Frog]

107. I'm very close to where you are

I voted Nader in 2000 because I just couldn't stomach the Gore/Lieberman ticket (no flames please, it was in a safe state). Over the past 3 years I have come this close to switching my party affiliation to independent. As far as I'm concerned, the Dems have one last chance to get it right. If they blow things again, I'm going to go mainly Green except when I absolutely have to vote Dem.

(I will be voting Dem in this election as long as it's not Lieberman).

[kayleybeth]

20. Oh this is way too cool!

"I believe that Wesley Clark will end this war. He will make the rich pay their fair share of taxes. He will stand up for the rights of women, African Americans, and the working people of this country."

This is awesome! Best Selling LIBERAL author/filmmaker Michael Moore endorses my candidate for president! GO WES GO!!!!!

[John_H]

21. "...And he will cream George W. Bush"

Moore gets it. Do you?

[Maddy McCall]

22. We knew it was coming...

C'mon...where are the congratulations? ;-)

Great news for the Clark campaign. Moore is an icon.

[maxanne]

26. great news

for the General! I'd be much happier to have MM on my side than Madonna, that's for sure.

I'm surprised ya'll aren't a lot more excited by this. Where are the high fives and party hats?

Or is MM a little to controversial for some of the Clark supporters?

:shrug:

[WillyBrandt]

27. MM is beloved by Clark supporters

Just like many of us Clark supporters love Kucinich.

Madonna and Michael Moore. If we had James Brown, I'd be in ecstacy.

[maxanne]

29. that may be true for you

Willy. I suspect it's not true for all.

[WillyBrandt]

33. Why do you suspect that?

Most Clark supporters on DU are left wing. Most I know are left wing, who wish to simply move the center to the left.

I mean, it's a big tent, so you'll find some who do not, but to just assert it is weird innuendo.

[maxanne]

39. sorry dude

some of the Clark supporters at DU are left wing. A great many are not, imo. They lean more toward the right. That's my opinon - for what it's worth - and believe me, I know how much it's worth to Clark supporters.

Nada.

[Maddy McCall]

44. You're wrong on that...

Clark has already come out supporting women's right to control their own fertility, in totality, and stated that the law has no place in the matter.

That is just one issue, but it is a HUGE issue to people who lean right, and as far as I know it hasn't cost him any support on DU, and I see more and more people everyday coming into the Clark campaign.

I am as liberal as one can be. I support Clark.

The point, however, is that Clark has appeal for all segments of America, and that is why he CAN be elected next November.

[maxanne]

47. I don't know

what women's fertility has to do with Michael Moore, but since you brought it up - I am thrilled that Clark had such a change of heart about women's reproductive rights. After all, he voted for Reagan and Bush - who were both against my right to choose. I'm glad the General has changed his mind.

[WillyBrandt]

56. What does this have to do with Moore's endorsement?

Did you come onto this thread to bash Clark, to dispute the worth of Moore endorsement, to claim that Clark supporters on DU are rightwing, all of the above, or what?

You're just slinging crap around. It's unbecoming.

[Name removed]

65. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[funky_bug]

72. That is so crap!

A quote from your post:

"Michael Moore is NOT a Democrat. He's a wild card, and free to endorse whomever he chooses. Last time he endorsed a Green. This time he's endorsing a Republican. Who knows what he'll do in 2008"

and further down (IN ANOTHER POST) you said:

"I'd be much happier to have MM on my side than Madonna, that's for sure. I'm surprised ya'll aren't a lot more excited by this. Where are the high fives and party hats? Or is MM a little to controversial for some of the Clark supporters?"


Who is slinging what? Talk about hypocrasy!

Edited for the thin skinned.

[maxanne]

80. you're quoting

from two different posts, and attempting to lump them together to suit your purposes.

And it's hypocrisy.

[funky_bug]

82. Retraction

Okay - so I edited my message.

And you're right... I quoted from TWO of your passive-aggressive flame posts.

Thanks for coming on DU to congratulate.

[WillyBrandt]

Yes, it is hypocrisy

And I'm too old for this nonsense. Good bye.

[WillyBrandt]

75. No -- you did not come to congratulate. You got called out.

And that's that. Don't play victim.

[Name removed]

79. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

86. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[funky_bug]

92. The hell?

1. What long time poster are you referring to?

2. I did NOT call you a freeper. Jesus! Can you read? You called Clark a republican and I responded that that freeper thing is old news.

3. Never friggin'mind! Ya wanna bash, go for it. You can bash to the wind. I've wasted enough with you.

Cry me a river, will ya?

[WillyBrandt]

96. That ignore button is so tempting. And so many good books to read...

Just saying...

[funky_bug]

100. LOL

I know - but my ignore list is getting so big, I'm afraid I'll have nothing left to read on DU.

[Cheswick2.0]

67. women control their own fertility?

I think that is nature. Do you mean women can control thier own reproduction?

[funky_bug]

81. Um yeah

It's called contraception... shots, pills... common sense...reproductive responsibility... all hell... go to the PP sight.

[Maddy McCall]

103. As a well-read historian whose MA was in women's history...

I am right. That is a term that demographers and historians alike use.

Before you try to engage me in a debate over a petty thing like this, it would help if you did a little research...or at least possess a little knowledge on the issue.

Why don't you go google "control their own fertility" and see if you are right???

Now, any other petty comments you care to make?

[funky_bug]

106. Ooo girl!

You've been taking notes from General Smackdown!

Nice response!

[Jerseycoa]

94. You are very wrong

Very, very wrong. But you have closed your mind and there's nothing to be done about it.

[Maddy McCall]

40. No, it's not true. It's an earl April Fool's joke from Moore.

So why your suspicious. The man has said himself that he supports Clark. Why would you not take Moore for his own word?

[kayleybeth]

30. Rock the vote!

Madonna will bring in MTV voters! Michael Moore will snag Greens and hard lefties. GO WES GO!!!!

[funky_bug]

32. You got it

The kids and the greens.

[funky_bug]

31. Not to controversial for me

I loved his awards speech... he speaks his mind and that's cool with me.

I think the absence of party hats is based on the fact for us Clark supporters, this is no big surprise.

Plus there was that whole "co-signer" Sharpton sting... lol

[For PaisAn]

42. Moore's message is what's exciting.

Frankly, I think endorsements only go so far in affecting people's votes. Moore's endorsements may draw some left leaning voters who were doubtful of Clark's liberalness and may concern some more moderate voters. All in all it's Michael's message that drives home the point that Clark has the best chance to beat Bush. I believe that's what we all want and is our top priority and his is a must read message for those who agree.

[AnnitaR]

28. Great message from Moore!

I applaud his sincerity and passion!

This is going to be one exciting election!

[Doomsayer13]

34. I'm still waiting

I'm still waiting for accusations that Moore is a reactionary, Republican whore infiltrator, DINO, sell out.

[jfxgillis]

90. No, but he was a very stupid ...

... self-indulgent fat slob when he went for Nader in 2000.

This endorsement of Clark only signifies that now Moore is an OVER-COMPENSATING very stupid self-indulgent fat slob.

Has nothing to do with being lefty/lib or a DINO or anything. It's a character flaw quite evenly distributed across the spectrum.

[For PaisAn]

98. Thanks for contributing

to the process with your obnoxious, worthless comments.

[jfxgillis]

119. Thank you, too!!

And Michael Moore is STILL an overcompensating very stupid self-indulgent fat slob.

[Clark4VotingRights]

35. Woo hoo!! This is huge!

"I have decided to cast my vote in the primary for Wesley Clark. That's right, a peacenik is voting for a general. What a country!"

Two peaceniks will be voting for a general...
And many more I'll bet.

[kayleybeth]

48. Let them try to paint General Clark as a Republican now...

They will only look like clueless idiots. The voters will see them for the shameless, smearing liars that they are.

This endorsement is just so freakin' cool! THANK YOU MICHAEL MOORE!!!

WESLEY CLARK FOR PRESIDENT 2004!!!!

[funky_bug]

54. Let them try...

You gotta catch up with the thread. One poster already tried the repug thing.

So lame... so tired. Wa Wa WAAAAAAAAAAAAA ;(

[Clark4VotingRights]

87. Tough sell now... :) MM's a closet Pug! "Shame on you Mr Bush"

"Shame on you..."

[bain_sidhe]

46. WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I kind of figured he would when I heard he was going to be stumping with him... but I never DREAMED he'd make SUCH a strong statement in support of the General!

Mike, all is forgiven!

:loveya:

[kayleybeth]

57. YEAH BAYBEE

I have met Clark and spoken to him on a number of occasions, feeling him out on the issues but, more importantly, getting a sense of him as a human being. And I have to tell you I have found him to be the real deal, someone whom I'm convinced all of you would like, both as a person and as the individual leading this country. He is an honest, decent, honorable man who would be a breath of fresh air in the White House. He is clearly not a professional politician. He is clearly not from Park Avenue. And he is clearly the absolute best hope we have of defeating George W. Bush.
-Michael Moore

GO WES GO!!!

[Leilani]

58. Please Read the Message

For all of you here, who are undecided, or suspicious of Clark, please read the message.

Congrats to Wes on this wonderful endorsement.

And when I read all the nonsense posted here about Clark, well if I got fooled, so did Michael Moore.

GO WES!

[funky_bug]

62. and I seriously doubt

Michael Moore spends a lot of time lurking on DU... oh the humanity!

[Clark4VotingRights]

69. Who wants to join me in a little celebration donation??? !!!

https://secure.clark04.com/

$2 mil by Jan 27.

"Train a comin'..."

[funky_bug]

77. Right behind ya!

I gave him one this afternoon, and I'll take your challenge and give the train some more steam.

Ka-chug, Ka-chug, Ka-ching!

[kayleybeth]

85. I'm there, dude!

I just donated but an endorsement from UBER-LIBERAL author/filmmaker Michael Moore is certainly worth another $50.00 towards the good General's campaign. I encourage everyone to dig deep and do the same!

GO WES GO!!!

[Clark4VotingRights]

89. Yes! There'll be an influx now. Or to quote Michael Moore:

"In addition to voting for Wesley Clark, I will also be spending part of my Bush tax cut to help him out. You can join me, if you like, by going to his website to learn more about him, to volunteer, or to donate. To find out about when your state’s presidential primaries are, visit Vote Smart."

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php

$2 mil by Jan 27. Piece a cake Wes...

"There's a train a comin' There's a train a comin
Hear them tracks a hummin' There's a train a comin'" - Steve Earle

[funky_bug]

97. Donating to Clark's campaign

Donating to Clark's campaign - $2000
Michael Moore stating his Bush tax cuts will be spent putting Bush out of office - priceless.

Damn I love that MM.

[Clark4VotingRights]

110. Yes! Guess what I put as the recruiter email on the donation form...

[e-mail]


:) :bounce: :)

[Crunchy Frog]

74. Just read his letter

I think it's awesome! I believe this endorsement is of particularly great significance because Moore is such a well known lefty liberal, that it will do a great deal to allay some of the natural distrust that many progressives have towards a military man. He is after all one of the biggest selling authors among liberals.

Frankly, I love the guy, I have his two latest books and really enjoyed Bowling for Columbine. I have never understood the antipathy that many people here have for him.

I have been trying to send him a thank you email, but it keeps getting bounced back due to disk space being full.

I am personally ecstatic over this endorsement! :party: :toast: :bounce:

[meow mix]

76. moore is better

he make for some good media =)

[Tom Rinaldo]

88. It's a great statement Michael made

And Yes, I am thrilled that Moore has come out so strongly for Clark. I have incredible respect for Moore, even if he did screw up with his Green fling, but he admitted it. That didn't work, and he knows we can not afford to let Bush and Company sink even deeper roots into the White House. Clark is the man for the job, and Moore knows it.

There is a lot of poetic justice in this also. The General covered Mike's back against the right after the Oscar flap, and now Michael is returning the favor while Dean Lieberman and Kerry are trying to peg Clark as a Republican. I am not worried about Moore's endorsement hurting Clark with moderates and swing voters. Not in the slightest. It is huge for Clark right now, as his campaign starts to gear up for the contests in New York and California where solid Liberal credentials are essential for victory. Moore will be out there campaigning for Clark. It's big.

What not enough Democrats have truly seen yet is how much Teflon coating Clark's military career has given him with moderate voters. Clark can take stands twice as Progressive as Dean and still be accepted by those voters as a moderate. People like Madonna and Moore can endorse Clark and most middle of the road Americans will just chalk it up as a pragmatic compromise they made because they hate Bush so much that they will back whoever it takes to beat him. It's exactly what some (by no means all) Dean, Kucinich and Kerry supporters assume about the progressives here who are strongly behind Clark.

It's no compromise to me. I am a life long Progressive who is thrilled by the prospect of a Clark Presidency. I don't mistake Clark for a strong leftist. I see Clark as talented, dedicated, honest, and caring. I see him as someone who most Americans will respect and listen to while he explains to them why Gays and Lesbians can not be discriminated against in America, and why it is obscene to give huge tax cuts to the rich while working class families are in danger of losing their homes.

Clark answered my last concerns about him two months ago. He began running an increasingly skillful campaign to the point where I would now say that it is verges on brilliant. Clark is ready for Bush. I think Moore summed it all up perfectly with this:

"You don't get handed a gift like this very often. I hope the liberal/left is wise enough to accept it."

[For PaisAn]

95. Well put Tom

I most certainly could note have stated it better than your post. It is a gift and I too hope the liberal/left are wise enough to accept it.

[WillyBrandt]

99. Beautifully put--I read your message first

And then I looked to see who wrote it. And I should have expected it was you. Well done.

[kayleybeth]

102. Tom Rinaldo thank you SO much for that post

That sums it up perfectly for me.

GO WES GO!!!

[windansea]

109. well done!!

nice post Tom

[Crunchy Frog]

111. As usual Tom

you put my own thoughts into words far more eloquently than I could ever dream of.

[Jerseycoa]

91. What a wonderful statement

Moore speaks for all of us.

:bounce:

[Hoppin_Mad]

105. Congrats to The General and his supporters - Prepare well to defend

this endorsement.

Those in the middle and on the right will be working overtime to use this against you.

[kayleybeth]

108. Bring it on!!!! The good General is rested and ready...

GO WES GO!!!

[George_Bonanza]

112. Great gain for the ABB crowd

I hope they follow Moore's example in that the greatest deed to your conscience is to purge the nation of the element that most pains it.

[Maddy McCall]

113. Well said.

I concur completely.

[VolcanoJen]

114. Fantastic news!!!!!

One of my heroes is supporting one of my heroes.

Last time I felt this good, it was last night, watching Tim Reynolds play guitar with Dave Matthews and Trey Anastasio. Tim sporting another of his famous homemade Kucinch shirts, of course.

It's another great day to be a Democrat,
Jennifer

[w13rd0]

115. Congratulations on the Moore endorsement...

...n/t

[Clark4VotingRights]

120. Thanks so much w13rd0

And congrats on CMB. We both got a great one today.

[Name removed]

116. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pocoloco]

117. alright!!

[pocoloco]

118. alright!!!

http://www.grovestreet.com/servlet/View?pid=343362&cd=156

[FrenchieCat]

122. Mike and I

Have so much in common....we're both Greens gone Dem for Clark.....hey ya!

[Bread and Circus]

123. Cool, I am excited....at least he didn't just whet his finger like Gore...