Clark just said he outranks Kerry! He was only a lieutenant in Vietnam..

[milkyway]

I was a general. This is what the Dem party has been reduced to--bragging rights over who had the highest military ranking.

[Doctor_J]

1. I hope he was smiling when he said that.

unless you're a freeper.

I guess the GOP big shots can brag abouit which had the most creative reason for dodging military service.

[beawr]

2. Was he smiling when he said it?

Do you think there's some humor there? Maybe?

[MIMStigator]

9. BIG SMILE. Sticking it to old man Dole

eom

[Bertrand]

3. the context of the comment being

after Dole said to Clark that he has been "demoted to a colonel" because of kerrys win, not an actual comparison between the ranks in terms of that equaling greater validity in becoming president.

[kerryistheanswer]

4. Clark attacked Dole

It was so aggressive and a total turnoff. Why can't he be diplomatic when taking criticism?

[demothinker]

13. That's right! Because the last thing we want is him fighting back

when the GOP attacks! We're looking for a candidate that will sit and smile when attacked like a stereotypical wishy-washy democrat!

Seriously, are you really criticizing Clark for having some fight in him? Sheesh, give me a break...

[KittyWampus]

15. Dole Attacked Clark. And Clark Won't Take Crap From Anyone.

Kerry will find that out shortly.

[incapsulated]

5. Dole was trying to start shit between them

and this thread is continuing that effort.

[jpgpenn]

6. He was being attacked by that reuke DOLE, state the facts in your post!

that repuke started the typical Rove bash on him and he set the record straight on the ranks. Nothing more!!

[kainah]

7. some context, please!!!

He was debating Bob Dole on Larry King and Dole said that Kerry's win had just DEMOTED Clark from General to Colonel. (i.e., politically, Kerry outranks Clark.) Clark -- who was being wonderfully feisty against Dole -- said that he was a general & Kerry was only a lieutenant. That's the truth, militarily speaking. Dole put his foot in his mouth, as has always been his wont, and Clark was fighting back.

[LZ1234]

8. Clark mentioned his rank because...

Dole made an idiot comment about Kerry being of higher authority and Clark was responding.

[BeyondGeography]

10. He only did it because Dole

called him a political colonel compared with Kerry the political General. Dole ripped Clark from the get-go and Clark fought back. Should he have just taken it from the old Pubster; is that what we should be reduced to?

[TheStateChief]

12. Yes, It Was A Stupid Comment From Dole...

but Clark did NOT take it well...He would have looked much better laughing it off and commenting on his record then getting in the muck with Dole and trying to disprove a stupid comment...

[BeyondGeography]

16. Perhaps, but Clark is human after all

and Dole was WAY out of line. He baited the General! Wouldn't even let him answer his politically-loaded questions. It was bullshit.

Anyway, that's Clark. He's not scripted or very polished. It's part of his charm, but it has its risky side. Personally, I'm glad he fought back.

[bunk76]

11. He was responding ...

to Dob Bole saying he was reduced to a colonel by Kerry,Clark just threw it back saying "im a General, he was a Lieut".Me thinks you
took it a bit out of context.

[KittyWampus]

14. Bob Dole Just Dissrespected Clark. It Is A HUGE Insult To Imply

Clark was of lesser rank.

dole probably knew that.

[JI7]

17. in military rank, he is right, he does outrank kerry

nothing wrong with this. clark should play up his assets. just as kerry has done and will.

[Renew Deal]

18. Clark misheard Dole

He didn't hear him right.

[JI7]

20. what exactly happened ?

i don't find this to be an attack if he said it about kerry since in military area, clark does outrank kerry since clark is a general.

[milkyway]

19. Sorry about my post, but I did not catch the whole discussion with Dole...

I was too busy here at DU. I'm a Dean supporter, but I will be very happy if in January, 2005 Wes Clark is inaugurated as President. But you got to admit, it's pretty strange when Dem candidates are arguing about military rank.

[Kahuna]

21. You left out the context in which he made the statement.

Wanna try again?

[goobergunch]

22. I am a citizen

Therefore, I am the equal of Clark, Kerry, and all other presidential candidates.