Why are the Clarkies so quiet? SPEAK UP!!!

[zcflint09]

After scanning some back logs and some current threads; I've come to this conclusion. A very large part of DU strongly supports a Presidential run by Wesley Clark, but I don't see the press that this guy is getting compared with people like Gore or Feingold or Kerry.

To go on the record, Wes Clark would be an excellent Presdential canidate. He came into the game too late last time but I think he learned from that experince and since he lost in the primary race I don't think he'll get branded as "old news". He constantly campaigns for Democrats in local and statewide races. His social views and positions are progressive and liberal--pro gun control, gay rights and pro-choice. He has a HUGE military background but his positions on Iraq and other world issues are coherant and comprehensive. He doesn't come from the Senate or House--which makes it hard for some GOP'er to pull out some BS stat about voting so many times to raise taxes.

He wouldn't bring the "old news" idea of Gore or Kerry 08 and has an advantage in international diplomacy that many Democrats and Republicans CANNOT bring to the table. While I think Gore would be a great canidate, his 2000 run will work against him in some bit, no matter what you would like to say. The average American will most likely remember Gore as "the guy who lost in 2000", especally since the huge controversey regarding the 2000 election.

Wes is likeable, charming, versed in international policy and diplomacy. He's also progressive on social and security issues but has the military experince to back up his beliefs. He's very electable. He's pretty much announced his intentions on running for the nomination--provided the support is there. Clark supporters need to get the word out--he's still not incredibly well known, despite his amazing record. If we don't nominate Clark in 08 I think Democrats are missing a big chance to have one of the most dynamic canidates for the Presidency they've had in quite a while.

SO SPEAK UP!!

[acmavm]

1. 2008 is a long way off. Right now I'm more worried about November.

[zcflint09]

3. We can do both at once

Clark's lack of press affected him the last time--after November we'll have less than a year until canidates start officially declaring that they are running--it's vital that while we work for November elections that we work for 2008 as well, especally supporters of a guy who is less visible like Clark.

[elfin]

2. Agree - still a clarkie here

Miss seeing him on TV - is that because he has a contract with FOX and I refuse to watch it? Or is that because he has no money or visible organization like Edwards. My dream ticket would be Gore/Clark.

[Sparkly]

5. You can always read his transcripts or view his appearances online

at www.securingamerica.com. He's not on other cable networks right now, because that's part of his contract with Fox.

Is Edwards on TV frequently? I haven't seen him.

[Sparkly]

4. The General is focused on November...

Clarkies here still point out his appearances and remarks from time to time, but like him, I think we're more concerned about the here and now than 2008.

(Also, we're so often accused of "swarming" or "hero-worship" or "gushing," and re-confront certain old smears continually, it gets tiring. So that's another reason to tread lightly and spare the energy until it really matters.)

[Totally Committed]

6. Doing more listening than talking these days...

Trying to get through '06, and see where we stand in the aftermath. Then, on to '08.

Sadly, money and influence talks so I feel that our nominee has already been "chosen" by Party "leaders", the media, and most unfortunately, by the other side anyway. I feel it's close to a "done deal". But, after the '06 elections, there'll be time to talk.

TC

[MoonRiver]

7. I still love the General. But I would like him to send out a few signals

that he's running. I know it's early, but for a grassroots movement to take off he has to give us a little hint.

P.S. I also support Gore and Feingold, but of the two only Feingold has given a thumbs up, sort of, regarding 2008.

[zcflint09]

9. Take a look at this link from Kos

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/4/16/23109/8313

They live blogged a Clark speech and pretty much got confirmation that Wes will be running in 08--I think his posturing, along with making himself more visible, is also a sign of this. Or let's pray, anyway.

[MoonRiver]

10. I sure hope he runs.

O8)

[CarolNYC]

11. 2008

Wes has said that those running for 2008 already (and they don't have to have announced they're running, they are just focused on their 2008 bids...and you can figure out who some of them are easy enough) are doing a disservice to the country.

I saw him at an event this past Tuesday and he is grimly worried about the damage to our Constitution and our government as we know it with this bunch in charge. He believes this (2006) is THE most important election we'll face and if we don't take at least one house of Congress now, well, it's not a good scenario.

He's a patriot...He's thinking country first. Once 2006 is taken care of, hopefully with a good outcome, he'll start thinking about 2008. Others, apparently, not so much. ;(

[zcflint09]

13. Wes has more or less announced his plans...

They're veiled, but they're there. There's nothing wrong with announcing your intentions to run or speculating about a 2008 presidential bid right now--it doesn't have to take the focus off of the mid-term elections. I think it's silly that people say we can't chat or be vocal about who we support for a 2008 Presidential run even though mid-terms are coming up--especally in a guy like Clark's situation. He needs more publicity I think in order to get into prime position to be elected. Regardless of the outcome of mid-terms, we will need a Dem in the White House in 08--so while the focus is on mid-terms--the Presidential election is right in the rear view mirror and closing fast. If we do gain a majority in at least one of the houses of congress then we'll need a Presidential victory to close the deal--if we don't, then we'll need one desperatley in 2008.

And I don't think there's anything wrong with a little rallying. I don't see it just totally taking my focus off mid-term elections.

[Schema Thing]

8. I'm joining Clark in focusing on getting Dems elected in 2006

Good to have you here supporting Clark, zcflint09

[zcflint09]

12. I agree this is the way to go.

But like I said, it would be nice to get started earlier for Wes, just because of his late start in 04. With that being said, after November we need to go all out from 06 to 08. and helping for this November is right--Michigan is having a tough time with the Bush clone DeVos--but we're canvassing weekly for Jenny in battleground areas.

[sam sarrha]

14. if someone shouts about injustice and the media doesn't publish it did

the person who shouted really make a sound..

[Doctor_J]

15. Is he running for something this year?

If not, why should we be speaking up for him instead of people who ARE running for office?

[gulliver]

18. Clark is helping Dems in 2006

Support Clark as a great spokesman for our slate this year. The guy travels all over the country helping Dems. He is on TV all the time.

Here he is on McCaskill in my state of MO.

http://securingamerica.com/mccaskill

He came to MO to help her raise money. As a McCaskill contributor, I was invited, but I didn't go.

[gulliver]

16. Contribute to WesPAC

That will help Clark help Dems (no one is more effective, IMO) and looks good for his presidential prospects. I contributed last month. There is no Dem candidate even close to Clark. He is everything you said in your post... a great man. I tell my son he should be like Clark.

Patience, courage, intelligence, leadership skills, a kind heart, ... Clark's got it all. Then add to that his unique (I mean unique) ability to unite us with the moderates on the other side. We would be a United States again under Clark. We would be secure again.

The guy was first in his class at West Point, wounded as an officer in Vietnam. He is sage like the Tao Te Ching, unflinching but patient when speaking to the poor lost souls in Fox News "truth hell." Every word Clark speaks is medicine. There is no one even close to him.

[mcscajun]

17. Like the General, many of us are focused for now on This November.

What he's doing out there now is building alliances, speaking out, supporting other Democrats. All of this will be important for his own run. Come the day after this Election Day, the volume gets turned way UP! Two years is enough for one Presidential Election cycle.

[DanCa]

19. Wes can fix the mess

Name me another candidate the can bury both Mccain or Rudy?

[JNelson6563]

20. Come out more often

there has been no shortage of posts promoting Clark on DU. It's been going on all along. There are DUers who post about nothing else here.

And as for your "old news" dis of Kerry and Gore, at least both have actually been elected to something, Gore's even been elected Prez.

Yeah, winning is old news alright, been so long since we've won.....

:eyes: