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incapsulated Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:32 PM
Original message
Wes Clark's Speech To Supporters In DC
This is a transcript from a Clark supporter who was there (taped):

Clark:

"It's great to see everybody, I'm really sorry,... but I got laryngitis, but I want to thank Howard Park and all who contriubuted to the campaign. I loved every minute of it!..

First, your voices,....indiviudual voices,....never underestimate the power of the email or a letter to the editor! Never be discouraged, because eventually they'll all read it. It makes a difference!,... so continue to have a voice.

So, where are we in the country right now,....

In Iraq, they're going to have an elections that in all probability will only deepen the conflict,...(yet) we have an administration that persists on blaming the military,...

We have to support the military,... they're doing a great job!

(Instead) this is due to the specific policies of this administration for refusing to talk to the Syrians and the Iranians, ...refusing to engage in diplomacy in the region, ...and refusing to a policy platform to engage the Sunni muslims.

This has been a faliure, NOT of the military, but of the vision of the leadership! We must remember to always hold them accountable! (clapping) ...and NOT the military. There are more problems that exist from ((((international.. inaudible))) security risks that will be like a roller coaster ride in the coming months... and at home.

Second, Where are we (economically)? The truth is that the job creation machine is still sputtering ...

See, today on Hardball, CM asked, "Does the Democratic Party need to move to the right or should it move more to the left? "

It's the wrong question!! The Democratic Party is not about where it is on the spectrum,.. it's has to have real answers based on "Convictions" and "Values"...

We have to,...(Clark then pauses as he struggles to speak).. "this is so fustrating" .. (followed by cheers to support and encourage him on)...

We don't have an answer, ....we know that free trade is a good concept, ....but it's not so good when you have China taking ALL our manufacturing output, we know we have to protect some American manufacturing base,..it's good fiscal policy,...it makes sense!

We know education is important, but we don't know how to fix public education from "no child left behind"...

We know the medical system needs fixing,..

WE know what Americans thirst for - is their identification with their own values,
WE believe in the values of spirit, ...
WE believe taking care of people, ...
WE believe in helping them be all that they can be, ...
WE believe in lifting people up and inspiring them to do more, ...
WE believe in not discriminating!

We don't write people off! ...
We don't diss people off! ...
We don't put people down ...

WE Lift Them Up!

There are no greater values, but somehow that message has to resonate with the American people

We got to come together around simple clear cut answers on issues Americans are worried about. ...Jobs, ...Health, ...Security, ...Immigration, ...and we got to show our values!

Do you know what CM said was most important thing Bush said in the elections, "You know where I stand",...but CM asked me, "but do you know where Democrats stand?"

Of course CM, wants me to say "No",...

Truth is, we've been branded by the Republicans. They think we stand for ..."higher taxes," ..."more federal control", ..."more litigation", ....

What we got to do is start "branding" like the Republicans!

We (Dems) stand for what's important!

Now, in addition to getting our message right, we've got to get our message machine right,.. ..

So I encourage you to think about (pauses, then emphasizes deliberately)...

..The Way That Ideas Are Expressed!

----------------------------

(For example),...now, at the start of this campaign, somebody said, "don't use the term "partial birth abortion",..because that feeds into the Republican mindset,...in fact 'tax relief' supports the Republicans.

What we've ought to talk about is, for example, that, "God loves a cheerful giver", ..that's what my minister says every week in church. We've got to do our share!

We've got to stop the name calling in politics,... Now Tucker Carlson on CNN as you've heard has moved away from Crossfire,..(grins and laughter, while someone made farting sounds, sound effects only) now that's an impotant trend-setting step, but...

Now we want to support Air America,.. and we've got to tell our journalists to use the "F" word A-LOTl more often, ... "F Word?", my friend asks,..

I said,.."FACTS!!" (laughter)

You're all wonderful,..I really appreciate seeing you, ..it was great seeing you all, and I'm sorry my about my voice ...

---------------------------------

Clark then took off his political hat, then talked about his family at this point, he joikingly boasted that grandparent brag about their grandchildren,.. and he did, ie) moderately humble about Wes III, of course.

Clark also spoke about getting his business interests in focus, keeping WesPAC alive...

----------------------------------

In closing, Clark adds;

It's not the politics, it's policy, ...It's whats good for America! It's what, we, as American represent!

It's not "Who",...It's "What" and "Why', those are the key pronouns.

What we want to do is help shape that policy ...

As for the Clark's, who knows,...like I said, ...

I haven't ruled anything out!
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DaveinMD Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:33 PM
Response to Original message
1. I was there
the energy in the room was amazing. I was shocked by how crowded it was.
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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:38 PM
Response to Reply #1
2. Wow
You're so lucky :)
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DaveinMD Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 10:59 PM
Response to Reply #2
17. I look forward to it
I think he's running again.
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Leilani Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 01:09 AM
Response to Reply #17
23. That's great to hear
I'm so hoping he will run again.

He gives me hope.
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Sparkly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:44 PM
Response to Reply #1
4. I wanted to be there
but I'm sick! :cry:

It's so great to read the reports though, and having a handmade transcript like this is wonderful.

One of these days Husb and I will meet up with you at a Clark event, Dave!
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necso Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:42 PM
Response to Original message
3. Nice speech.
You should put a copy in the Wesley Clark Supporters Group. -- It will have a longer shelf-life there.
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incapsulated Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 06:36 PM
Response to Reply #3
9. I have
Not everyone goes there, though. It has a place here, too.

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Leilani Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 01:50 AM
Response to Reply #9
26. Thanks for posting this Incap
My computer's been down off & on for a week, & I missed this.
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blm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:45 PM
Response to Original message
5. I love his appearances. I think he's one of the best voices out there.
Edited on Thu Jan-13-05 05:46 PM by blm
Even with laryngitis. Every voice is needed.
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dogman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:47 PM
Response to Original message
6. It's great to have him out front as a spokesman.
He understands what it means to communicate. It seems he is having an influence along with people like Lakoff who understand how to get the message out. Teddy Kennedy on Hardball last night sounded like he was reading from Clark's campaign speeches. We need conviction and facts.
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IndianaGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 05:47 PM
Response to Original message
7. Is this going to be on C-SPAN?
Political coverage, which has never been that big, has been reduced to nill by news about the tsunami and the more important breakup between Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt.
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Sparkly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 06:13 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. No, it was transcribed from a tape
by someone who was there and recorded it.

We need more years of pundit complaints that "Nobody knows what Democrats believe!" They can't go publicizing things like this...
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Crunchy Frog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 07:53 PM
Response to Reply #7
31. This has been posted further down
but in case you didn't see it, there's a link to a tape of the event.

http://homepage.mac.com/poolec/FileSharing4.html

It's well worth the watch, even though he has lost his voice.
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 06:38 PM
Response to Original message
10. All I can say is.....
WES CLARK
"RED DOG" DEMOCRAT IN '08

Won't take any Sh*t, AND...will kick ass in Red States
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hippiechick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 06:44 PM
Response to Original message
11. Way to go, Wes !
And you know if Commander Bunnypants had so much as a tickle in his throat, he'd take a month off and go hide at the Pig Farm.


:hippie:
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HootieMcBoob Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 06:47 PM
Response to Original message
12. Ladies and Gentleman
The next President of the United States of America.
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AmerDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 06:59 PM
Response to Original message
13. I wish this was 2007 already
and Clark was on the stump giving a campaign speech. It'll be like walking through quicksand until then.
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BootinUp Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 07:06 PM
Response to Original message
14. Great stuff, he has the right ideas to take on
the republican noise machine. And a little bit of clintonesque talk there too about lifting people up. I like it. :)
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 08:20 PM
Response to Reply #14
15. on this "F" part.....
"Now we want to support Air America,.. and we've got to tell our journalists to use the "F" word A-LOTl more often, ... "F Word?", my friend asks,..

I said,.."FACTS!!" (laughter)


Almost thought he would say "FACISM"....which is probably more accurate in describing IN FACT, this administration.

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ClarkUSA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 08:42 PM
Response to Reply #15
16. What a great Democrat
"I've ruled nothing out."

Keep hope alive.
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DaveinMD Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 11:00 PM
Response to Reply #15
18. best line of the speech
Wes is such a great man. I'd walk thru a brick wall for him.
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Donna Zen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 11:32 PM
Response to Original message
19. If you would care to see the speech
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RafterMan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 11:37 PM
Response to Reply #19
20. I knew someone would post it
Thanks!
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Clarkie1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 12:10 AM
Response to Reply #19
22. Thanks so much! It's so much more meaningful when seen on video! n/t
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RetroLounge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-13-05 11:39 PM
Response to Original message
21. Nice speech from a great man.
RL
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Leilani Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 01:16 AM
Response to Original message
24. I've been so angry & depressed since the election
I vacillate between the two...

but knowing Clark is out there, & he may run again, lifts my spirits.
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RafterMan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 01:19 AM
Response to Reply #24
25. Be sure to watch the video
It's very uplifting -- the Clark combination of pragmatism and idealism.

He's playing injured, but still great.
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Leilani Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 01:52 AM
Response to Reply #25
27. Thanks, RafterMan
I will watch it...I need a Wes fix!
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 02:40 AM
Response to Reply #25
28. That was really, really good....
hoarse voice and all! He said some important things....in the most of a sincere way.

And beyond his wise words...which the transcript does not aptly capture the essense of.....he really is a sage to be closely listened to.

If the Democrats stopped fighting among themselves long enough.....we could actually get something done...in terms of "branding" Republicans, and improving our communications system...all of us in unison, starting right now.

And this man is sooooo charismatic, it's not even funny!



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RafterMan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 02:51 AM
Response to Reply #28
29. Wicked, isn't it?
Normally when I listen to a politician, even one I like, I have to go through all these translations and refactorings that by the time I decipher what he's "really" saying, my head hurts.

Not so, here. Clear, honest, fair and true. "We don't really have an answer on jobs" -- if only all politicians would stop trying to sell answers they don't believe in and reassure us that they're searching for something better.

And his talk on values was priceless -- God loves a cheerful giver...the winning line for 2004. The inauguration is really going to hurt this year.
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Crunchy Frog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Jan-14-05 04:54 PM
Response to Reply #28
30. It sounds to me as if he's
read his George Lakoff. He already always seemed to have an instinctive understanding of what Lakoff has to say, but he seemed to be spelling it out more directly here.

God, he's so great.:loveya: I think I'm going to kill myself if he doesn't run in '08.:cry:
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Celeborn Skywalker Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-19-05 03:27 AM
Response to Original message
32. I'm beginning to like Clark more and more
I'm hoping for a Clark/Feingold ticket in '08
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