If Clark doesn't run, who should I support in the primary?

[Clark2008]

As I look over the field, my choices are becoming increasingly small. Should my preferred candidate not run, I literally will have to go back to the drawing board and I can't seem to discern who would fit some of the criteria I have:

1. No DLCer. I had to support Harold Ford Jr. in Tennessee because, when all was said and done, he was STILL a much better candidate than Bob Corker, but I don't have to do that on a national level.
2. Did not support the war or, in the least, changed their position well before it became politically popular (meaning, they changed their hearts for the right reasons and not their minds for elect-ability reasons).
3. Has a snowball's chance in hell of winning a national general election (meaning they might flip a few reddish/purple states, which we'll need in order to win).

No small list, I'm sure, but, gee, there doesn't seem to be a whole heckuva lot of choices out there for someone like me who requires these things.

Now, if Clark DOES decide to run, my dilemma will be solved, but, in the event that doesn't occur, I'm honestly at a loss here. Do I have to just write-in a candidate when November 2008 comes around? :shrug:

[wakeme2008]

1. Sorry Gore tops Clark in my list but he is second...

and I have a problem putting anybody in third... :shrug:

[LaPera]

2. You mean a 18 month's from now?

[Clark2008]

5. My primary is only 12 months from now.

And Clark may still run, but I'm trying to decide on some No. 2s and 3s in case he doesn't.

And, to the other poster above you: I'm a Tennessee girl. I LOVE Gore. He's my No. 2 in the hopeful pile, but he may not run either. :(

[Ignacio Upton]

14. If he runs, he shouldn't wait until September again

While announcing late in 2003 helped boost his stature in the short term, it cost him time and money that could have been used to campaign in Iowa (but in fairness, IA was written off for Dean at the time) and head to New Hampshire and South Carolina. Having less time also caused him to have some fumbles initially in campaign management (ie. the MSM quoted him as saying "Mary, help!" when he was confronted about something...and he also misquoted as saying that he would have voted for the IWR if he was in Congress.)

[patricia92243]

3. I know a lot of people around here like Kucinich (sp). How about him ?

[skipos]

20. I think s/he is looking for someone who actually is trying to be president

and has a chance of winning the G.E.
Kuc ain't it.

[Ignacio Upton]

4. I supported Clark in 2004

And I'm leaning towards supporting him again if he runs (although I was in the Mark Warner camp until he announced that he wouldn't run.) Right now, I'm also looking at Edwards, Obama, and Richardson. Honestly, I'm not solidly committed to a single candidate right now. I just know that I definitely WON'T be voting for Hillary, Biden, Kucinich, Dodd, Vilsack, or Gravel (although out of that bunch, I like Gravel the most...but he's too much of a fringe candidate, and he's too old.)

[Clark2008]

8. Edwards and Richardson were/are DLC.

Not so sure about Richardson's support for the war, but Edwards was so behind it, he co-sponsored the bill.

Now you see what I mean about the slim pickin's.

[Ignacio Upton]

18. Like I said, I haven't been too enthusiastic since Warner chose not to run

I like Gore, but I honestly don't think he'll run. Clark is an interesting candidate, but I don't think that he's as strong a candidate in appearance as he was in '04 (being co-opted by Obama and Edwards on the war, and he doesn't have much support beyond the blogosphere.) Also, if he gets nominated, look for a swiftboating from the right that will make him out to be the next Curtis LeMay or Admiral Stockdale.

[skipos]

21. And Gore and Kerry were DLC too. nt

[Clark2008]

25. See my No. 24

I don't think Gore's current positions meet the current position of the DLC as it stands today. It was a far different organization 10 years ago.

[janx]

33. You might want to research Richardson some more. n/t

[janx]

6. A respectful caution about DLC involvement:

Many politicians have been involved with the DLC at one time or another. There are aspects of the DLC which exist now that did not necessarily exist earlier, and there are also degrees to which any candidate participated (or didn't participate) in any nefarious DLC activity.

Gore himself was DLC at one point; so were many.

It seems that "DLC" (given the organization that it is today) is often cited to demean or discard certain candidates that some supporters are against. It's convenient, but it's also basically dishonest if not viewed in context.

[Clark2008]

24. Understood.

However, I don't think Gore's current positions would fit in well with the DLC's current positions.

When the DLC was founded - at Gore's urging, I might add - it was more for moderate Democrats. It's since become more about winning corporate support and less about being a middle-of-the-road (or Southern and mid-Western) Democrat.

When I say I don't want a "DLC"er, it's short code to mean that I don't want a corporate lackey.

Thanks for letting me explain futher.

[phillysuse]

7. We were just discussing this very subject

My choice, as a Clark supporter, would be Richardson of
the choices of Hillary, Obama or Edwards.

At least he has foreign policy and international experience which
is not true for any of the other three.

I guess Biden would have to be my second choice, after Richardson.

However, Wes is still #1.

Run Wes Run!

[Clark2008]

10. Biden...

I at least respect him in a lot of ways (more for personal reasons than because of anything as of late).

[Ignacio Upton]

15. Biden sucks in so many ways

His voting record is corporatist, in that he votes for legislation such as the Bankruptcy Bill (for example, Kos calls him "D-MBNA")

[Clark2008]

26. This is true and why I said "of late."

He did something wonderful for a group I was reporting on back in the 1990s and I've respected him for that since; however, his current positions leave a lot to be desired.

I do think he has more FP experience than a lot of others running, though. That's important to me (and one of the reasons I'm a Clarkie).

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. I'm going to wait awhile, see what develops.

I really hope Clark runs; if he doesn't I'll just wait until everybody has declared, listen to them and decide, and also take into consideration who Clark supports or doesn't support. No DLCers, please: I don't care for Hillary or Vilsack, and Biden is smart but too much of a corporatist. Maybe Richardson would be OK in light of his experience with the U.N.; Gore would be great if he runs, though it sounds like he won't; maybe even Edwards, since he's been pretty good on poverty issues and has repudiated his IRW vote. Kerry ran a disappointing campaign last time, and I don't think his chances are very good this time. Kucinich has no chance at all. Obama is impressive for a new guy but I'd rather see him in the #2 position. Guess I'll just have to wait and see for now.

[Pithy Cherub]

29. oops

sorry ocelot, it was in the wrong spot

[mitchtv]

11. try not deciding for a bit

It is already sickening here with the '08 positioning. Let these guys work a little for your vote.

[harveyc]

12. Clark looks like a good VP candidate, who wants him as VP would be good. n/t

[Clark2008]

38. I doubt he'll be the VP. It would be an incredible waste

of his talents.

If he's not the president, he should be the Secretary of State (he can't be Defense Secretary because he hasn't been out of the military for 10 years).

[AtomicKitten]

13. I believe Gore (if he runs) and Obama

have an opening for your support .... :)

Ps: Any news?

[Clark2008]

39. News ?

On Clark's running (no, I haven't heard - I'm just preparing here) or on the sex of Baby B (will find out Thursday, providing he/she cooperates). :hi:

And you KNOW I'd love it if Gore ran. :)

[AtomicKitten]

47. the baby, of course

((tapping my foot impatiently waiting for the test results ...))

Fiona has a nice ring to it. Just sayin'

[Crunchy Frog]

61. Hope you don't mind my saying

that I hope it's a girl. Of course, I'm sure another boy would be nice too. :)

[PresidentObama]

16. Clark2008, do you like Obama?

He's an impressive candidate.

I'd suggest Kerry, because he's my candidate. But I don't like pushing him on people.

I will say I want Clark to run. He'd add to the impressive crowd :patriot:

[Clark2008]

27. I would have voted for Kerry in the primaries had Clark not

jumped in.

I do worry about the "New England liberal" label with him (as I did back in 2002) and I'm married to a New England liberal. :)

[wisteria]

17. Kerry! n/t

[Totallybushed]

19. Let's hope

that Clark runs. He it THE man. IMO.

But, if not, not Gore. He had his chance. So did Kerry, so not him. I'm not real warm and fuzzy about Hillary, but I suspect that that is the way I will go.

However, it's a long time till I have to pull the lever, so let's see who else emerges. We could get a real winner.

Oh, yeah, Obama. I just don't really know enough about him yet. Is America ready for a black President? I don't know. Will his Muslim background hurt his candidacy? I don't know. Does he have sufficient experience? I rather doubt it, but I'm not adamant on that point. However, will his perceived lack of experience hurt his candidacy? Again, I don't know.

So. Naturally I will support whoever the Party finally selects. Even Lieberman. A bad Democrat still beats a good Republican. It won't come to that, though. Lieberman has less chance of sinning the Democratic primaries than McCain does the Republican ones.

That being said, I would like for a candidate to be selected that can win. So I'm sitting back to see. In the mean time -- GO CLARK

[Clark2008]

23. I love Gore, but it may have to be Obama, if neither Gore nor

Clark runs.

The sad thing is, I don't think Obama has much of a chance in my state - certainly not the change Clark or Gore would.

[Crunchy Frog]

22. Al Gore is my second choice after Clark.

However, it's not looking real promising for a run from him. At this point, of all the announced candidates, the only one who looks remotely attractive to me is Obama. I don't know whether or not you consider him electable, but he did very uniquivocally oppose the Iraq invasion, which demonstrates a level of judgement about international affairs that surpasses that of many of the more "experienced" candidates.

Last time around I ended up supporting Kucinich, though it was only symbolic, as Kerry already had the nomination wrapped up. It may end up being the same situation again in '08.

[Dinger]

32. Al Gore Is Second Place With Me Too

I really hope he runs.

[tishaLA]

28. If Clark doesn't run, I'll support Obama

I still hope Clark runs though. It's an embarrassment of riches, to be truthful.

[Pithy Cherub]

30. Clark always, then Gore or Obama

A president with Courage and Good judgment and the ability uphold the Constitution under great duress are my low bar hurdle for consideration. Kucinich makes the cut because he is consistent.

That odious IWR vote is a total vote dealbreaker for me as an aye vopte confirms a capacity for excreable judgment, absent leadership and MIA courage or the let their courage be a POW of the republicans. Those who voted for it are 0 for 3 on the most critical competencies needed to be President of the United States. It was also unconstitutional and they publicy broke their vows to uphold and defend the Constitution so they are truly off my radar of possibilities. Recanting does not show an action that helps to mitigate the damage done. It is the Least that one could do in showing a level of abject apology and they need to spend the remainder of their lives not being rewarded for a mistake that cost so many lives, limbs blood and treasure.

[MissWaverly]

31. I like Clark too, but maybe????

Brian Schweitzer???

HELENA) – Governor Brian Schweitzer's $100 million homeowner tax rebate plan passed the Senate Tax committee today by a vote of 6-5. The plan (SB 139, Senator Harrington D-Butte) is part of the governors "Square Deal with Montanans."

The proposal would return $100 million to taxpayers, or about $400 per Montana primary residence. The Governor's proposal gives all the money to homeowners who have seen their share of the tax burden raise substantially over the last decade, not to big corporations or out-of-state residents.

http://governor.mt.gov/news/pr.asp?ID=410

I will probably get flamed here bigtime but it seems to me that most of the people who
have won the presidency in recent memory have been former governors: Let's see, Bush, Clinton, Reagan, Carter. The only exceptions seem to be those that were vp's first, Nixon and Bush, Sr. The exception is a General like Eisenhower, Clark has good credentials,

[Crunchy Frog]

34. I could possibly see myself going for Schweitzer.

Has there been any indication that he's considering running?

[MissWaverly]

44. no, do you think we could get together a draft forum at DU

the democrats have not had much success in the last series
of elections, vote rigging aside, I think Clark, Gore and
Schweitzer are the best picks.

[Crunchy Frog]

52. There is a Brian Schweitzer forum here on DU.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=361

It hasn't been very active, though. I suppose we could all go down there and make some noise.

[Crunchy Frog]

62. Also, Skipo seems to have a link to a draft Schweitzer petition in his sig.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3067760&mesg_id=3067811

[Clark2008]

36. That's a possibility.

Do you think he'll run?

P.S. I like a lot of Dems who aren't running - or haven't announced thus far. My problem is that the people I genuinely like, the media doesn't care for (and I WAS media for 12 years. LOL!)

[MissWaverly]

45. well, I can tell you this

I think that the American people are tired of the Beltway
politics, I do not think they will elect a senator, we
want a clean slate in 08.

[Adelante]

41. Is he running, MissWaverly?

I like him a whole lot. I have trouble picturing him in DC, but I do like him.

[MissWaverly]

43. No, but I think he is electable

[cyclezealot]

35. I am proud to associate with the Michael Moore wing of the party

My more likely choices. 1. Kucinich. 2. Clark or Edwards.

[Labors of Hercules]

37. I'm not going to answer this, nope, not in any way whatsoever...

[capi888]

40. Oh Yee, of Little Faith....

Wes will know when to announce...why would he do it now with all the Hillary, Obama, Richardson coming out. I sure haven't heard much about Edwards, Biden, or a matter of fact Obama since Hillary announced.
Wes Clark is a strategist, he knows when the time is right. ALSO..he is working with the those who decide the policies on the ME that are in Congress. COUNTRY BEFORE POLITICS.!!! Thats what this guy is all about..
THE Middle East IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE!! He is doing all he can to prevent that.

[Clark2008]

42. Capi888 - I have the utmost faith in Clark!

I'm just being a girlish Boy Scout. Always be prepared.

:hi:

[cyclezealot]

50. Bush has made such a mess of the world

Clark might be the best strategist to cool things down? Diplomacy and Reconcilation for a change. Googling about Clark. Seems I recall he had some affiliation with Free Trade advocacy organizations. How is he about WTO issues.?

[generaldemocrat]

56. Don't know where he stands on trade, but he's a big supporter of unions....

his dad was involved in the unions.

[cyclezealot]

58. I hope Clark is ok with trade.

unions can't be effective if the jobs are overseas.

[Joe Chi Minh]

46. Th neocons don't have another Trojan horse in the Democratic Party -

- apart from the Neocons' Liebling in the Senate - so that question's a really knotty one.

[Auntie Bush]

48. Are you crazy?

Clark a trojan horse?????????!!!!!!!!!!! :shrug:

[Crunchy Frog]

53. I think there's a trojan horse around here

but Clark's not it. ;)

I've got somebody new for my ignore list. :) Really, it's best not to indulge them.

[Name removed]

55. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[election_2004]

49. You might want to consider Richardson

He and Clark are the two who I'm looking at right now.

[NV1962]

51. At the very least, your "problem" is solved by November 2008!

I can understand uncertainty during the primaries - but when November 2008 comes around I would like to think that you'd have come to appreciate the Dem ticket enough to vote for it. No?

Let me put it this way: I don't see Lieberman on the Democratic ticket... I can't think of any other who'd surpass the stinky threshold so as to not vote for him / her.

So... Do you really think that there'll be an utterly un-Democratic boob on the Democratic ticket? Oh ye of little faith! :D

By November 2008 latest I think your problem will be resolved, so that you can vote, if not for Wes Clark, at least for another Democrat.

[generaldemocrat]

54. Gore or Richardson......nt

[AX10]

57. That's my question also.

I will have to think about it. I am willing to consider Hillary should Clark and/or Gore not run. Or else, I could abstain or write someone in. Come the GE, I will fully support the nominee.

[Geek_Girl]

59. Edwards he has the best shot at winning

or Gore but I doubt that he will run.

[high density]

60. At this point I think my second choice behind Clark is Obama...

But to be honest that's only because I don't really know anything about him yet! I already know that I don't like Hillary, Biden, Richardson, and Edwards. If Clark doesn't run I hope we'll get some more choices because so far we've got quite a few idiots who have stumbled into the ring. I like Kucinich's message but he has no chance in the general election.

[Steely_Dan]

63. John Edwards