What do Wes Clark and Ralph Nader have in common?

[Paragon]

Just trying to peek into Michael Moore's head. I voted for Nader (calm down, in Ohio), and I don't really see too many similarities between the two.

Is it their "outsider" status? Is he mistrustful (and rightfully so) of so-called career politicians?

I (of all people) would appreciate serious answers on this one -- please don't go all Eminem/ad hominem on me on why I like Dean. I do like Michael Moore very much (paid to hear him speak at Xavier University, was in Michigan when Roger & Me broke and have seen everything he's done since) and would appreciate some insight into his endorsement. Thanks.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

1. Not much in common.

Moore simply matured. He went from an idealist, voting his conscience, to doing what is most important right now: getting Bush out. He feels Clark is the one to do that. That's all there is to it, there's nothing else to analyze.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

14. neither have held public office

?

[mmonk]

2. Yes

pretty much part of it. And fervently against bush.

[R3dD0g]

3. You paid to see Michael Moore?

Why would you do such a thing?

And why would Moore allow such a thing to happen?

I can see where a person would pay to see Welch ex of GE or Trump. But, Michael Moore? That's like ... I can't think of any analogy.

I'm dumbfounded.

[Paragon]

5. It was free to XU students

If you wanted to see his speech at the Cintas center, you paid a nominal $5 or $10 bucks.

My sister works for the University, so technically, I didn't pay to go. We both needed tickets, however, for admission.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

18. I'd rather see Moore than Trump or Welch

Why the hell would I want to see rich welfare queens talk about their egos anyway? At least Moore in funny.

Of course, Republicans would love to see Trump or Welch. So his divorce was pretty ugly huh? :eyes:

[CivilRightsNow]

4. Nothing.

Moore has just been sucked in.

It's the NRA/ Middle american... flynt, michigan roots.

I woulda expected more from him.. but he's no Jim Hightower.

[bicentennial_baby]

6. Go here:

This is a link to the Michael Moore interview with Amy Goodman @ Democracy Now where he gives a lengthy explanation of why he's supporting Clark:

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/01/23/1622230

[Paragon]

8. Thanks

I caught part of that on TV -- one of the local cable access channels plays & replays Democracy Now each day -- but now I can see the whole thing.

:yourock:

[bicentennial_baby]

9. No problem...Good Luck in NH

Go Dean Team!

Go Clark!

the others can kiss my ass!

[funky_bug]

7. Ideologically

probably very little. I can say a big difference is that Wes didn't throw a temper tantrum and start his own party, thereby handing the office to Bush the Lesser.

I believe Clark's appeal to Moore was stated in his letters, but to sum it up, Moore believes the Nader thing was a fiasco, but he also doesn't have a lot of faith in the standard career politician. With Clark, we get a refreshing break from you usual politico, and yet a man with intellegence and passion for democratic ideals.

[dae]

10. Moore was in awe of Clark after a CNN reporter interviewed him then

turned to Clark to make fun of Moore. Clark immediately spoke up for Moore's right to say what ever he felt. I sincerely believe Mr. Moore started looking seriously at Gen. Clark at that time and liked what he saw.

[Tom Rinaldo]

11. Clark really got Moore's attention when he defended Moore on the air.

They didn't know each other, Clark was doing his CNN military analyst gig and the war had started, and Moore had recently gotten booed at the Academy Awards ceremony for his Anti War speech. Aaran Brown finished an interview with Moore, then asked Clark what he thought about him and his statements, and Clark said he had no problem with it. It was important for Americans to actively debate issues as important as this, (or something close to that).

Moore was impressed that Clark, a General, had that immediate reaction, and he decided to look into him. Moore spent a lot of time doing just that, they met more than once to talk I gather. The rest is history, and Moore told you why he's backing Clark in his letter. I think he means it. Once you suspend cynical disbelief, Clark really is a remarkable person. He says what he believes. I suspect Moore likes that about Clark also.

[Paragon]

13. I missed that, that's interesting

If I were more of a cynic, that would sound a bit like a quid pro quo.

I don't believe that -- but to the uninitiated (say, Peter Jennings), that might be a point of attack.

[TexasSissy]

12. He met Clark in person and discussed issues, & assessed electability.

It's as simple as that. You'll see.

[Victor Wong]

15. Both are better candidates than Dean.

[Paragon]

16. Thanks.

Try reading the first post on a thread before posting to it.

[Terwilliger]

17. I dont have a clue

Moore's endorsement of Clark is problematic at best.

[Skwmom]

19. I think they are a lot alike.

They both have a core sense of decency and care very deeply about doing the right thing and helping others.

I've been an ardent Nader supporter and love Wes Clark. General Clark is the real deal. It saddens me deeply that the Repubs have tried to smear such a good man and many of the Democrats have jumped on board.