The OTHER reason I hope General Clark runs for president

[Sparkly]

The idea of General Clark entering the race is sometimes met with 'reasons' why he couldn't win the nomination. Arguments go back and forth about his campaign in 2003/2004, his experience, his polish as a non-politician, etc.

Let's get past that, and say for the sake of argument (and only for the sake of argument) that he can't win the nomination. Let's suppose for a moment that he IS such a "terrible campaigner," and Democrats don't like "military men," and he lacks "executive experience," etc. etc., and so he won't win the nomination even if he runs. That would mean that if you have a different preferred candidate, he's no threat to him/her.

So why not support him in running? Here's one reason I think you should...

Even if he doesn't win the nomination, I hope he runs to raise the debate about foreign policy in general, and Iraq in particular. His depth and breadth of experience and insight about global politics, military strategy, international relations, diplomacy with friends AND foes would be a great contribution in our decisions about a potential Democratic Commander in Chief. I want him to run, in part, so that he can question, challenge, inform, and stimulate the thinking of both the other candidates AND the electorate.

I also think he's amazingly brilliant on a broad range of issues, not only these. But these are the areas where his unique abilities are most striking in comparison with all others suggested as candidates. I think his voice would add a lot to the race overall.

Your thoughts?

[JDPriestly]

1. Agreed. And other candidates will bring expertise in other areas.

The more qualified contenders that run, the more valuable the debate for the country.

[Sparkly]

2. Yup - for the country and for the party. nt

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. He would have the most experience

in foreign affairs, I think, and may be the only person who can figure a way out of the Iraq mess. Whether he does this as President or as a cabinet official, I think he needs to be in Washington making policy. If he is in the race, it will make the other candidates seriously look at their ideas for the Middle East and come up with plans. Personally, right now I favor another person who has declared his candidacy, but I have no objection to Clark entering the race-I see it only as a plus. The only down side would be if whoever is the nominee decides not to listen to Clark's advice.

[Doctor_J]

4. Clark-Obama 2008

Both seem to be bulletproof, though the MSM has some heavy artillery to fire at any Dem. Both are brilliant, erudite, witty, telegenic, and popular.

I would like to have Wes run and use the phrases "chickenhawk" and "armchair warrior" over and over again.

My only worry is that somewhere in the deep dark past he tossed an n-bomb or hit on a cute 1st lieutenant.

[hijinx87]

5. not that I agree with the argument, but

I believe the line of reasoning goes like this; "if too many
STRONG anti-war candidates enter the race, it will split the
"properly" anti-war vote into so many pieces, that a someone
that is weak on the war (usually meaning hillary) could win
the nomination".

[BOSSHOG]

6. I think the only way he can't win the nomination

is if he does not run. And four star generals have more "executive experience" then most governors. To be a four star general is to be a politician. And I look forward to the day when some right wing maggot crawls from the slime in an attempt to swiftboat the general. And we can see what happens when a Pres and a VP get into office who have zero clue about the military; just that it and its personnel are toys to be played with in war rooms. I'll vote for whomever the dems nominate but if someone has objections to General Clark, I ask them to take a moment and compare him to bush.

[Sparkly]

7. Yup.

I hope he runs AND wins!! But even for those who think he can't win, there's ample reason to hope he runs.

[Clarkie1]

8. Agreed, but who has ever said Clark "lacks executive experience?"

He was Supreme allied Commander of NATO, and has had broad leadership/executive experience in civilian endevours as well.

[Sparkly]

9. I know that, and you know that...

... but it's been said, along with the other falsehoods I mentioned.