eBay Founder Bids on Clark (Endorsement)

[democratreformed]

From www.clark04.com:

Pierre Omidyar is the founder of eBay, an online person-to-person auction site. He's also a Clark supporter. He agreed to be interviewed about his views on Clark and the election by the Clark campaign website.

You can read his personal blog at: http://www.ginx.com/~pierre/

Q: What about Wes Clark initially impressed you?

A: I met General Clark at a conference in 2000 and was immediately impressed with his presence. He was intelligent, thoughtful, and articulate on a wide range of key issues. At the same time, he was warm, open, and very approachable -- not what I expected from a four-star general. His staff officers joining him at the conference seemed to have enormous and genuine respect for him. They made a point of telling me he was unique among generals.

Q: How did you get involved with the campaign?

A: From what I saw, the current Administration's policies in fighting the war on terror seemed to unnecessarily compromise values that are core to our country's foundation. Transparency, respect for the individual, separation of powers, and even due process under the law, were being put aside in the interests of national security. More significantly, I became concerned that there was little public debate about these compromises.

With the lack of public debate, and steady popularity of the President, I felt we wouldn't have a chance to change administrations in 2004. But when General Clark announced his candidacy, for the first time, I felt we had a chance to pose a serious challenge to President Bush. I was energized.

In one of his first speeches as a candidate, Clark talked about the need for real patriotism: putting our country first, and demanding more of our leaders. Taking personal responsibility for the kind of country we want to be. Holding our leaders accountable as stewards of those values: transparency, respect for the individual, liberty, service to country.

More here: http://www.clark04.com/story/90/