Why Does This Country Need Wesley Clark As President?

[Dinger]

I'll start:


1. His compassion
2. His military experience. . . Strange how people who have been in battle are anti-war . . .
3. His humble beginnings
4. His diplomatic experience (Dayton Peac Accords, etc.)
5. His leadership experience
6. etc., etc., etc. . . .

Please add your own reasons. Thank you:)


:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Thirtieschild]

1. His intelligence, his vision,

[elleng]

48. Hey Diso,

good go see you!!!

[BOSSHOG]

2. Thanks very much and a great list

I would add THOSE FOUR BIG OLD HONKING STARS. Ya got all the flag waving chickenhawk trash in this country who say they support the military. Well, it don't get any more military then GENERAL CLARK.

I might add his ADMINISTRATIVE experience. As a four star he had a greater responsibility (money, manpower, plans, supply, etc) then damn near everyone of our State Governors.

[loudsue]

27. Those are great points, too, Boss.

He knows everything someone NEEDS to know to become the best president we've ever had, and indeed I believe he would be just that.

:kick::kick::kick:

[FrenchieCat]

3. His honesty and

capability to put country over self and party......even when it means less popularity for himself.

[CarolNYC]

10. country over self and party...

Yep, that's a big one and all too rare, or valued, in today's political world.

Having spent practically his whole life in public service, he's a true public servant. It'd be great to have a President who considered it the obligation of the Presidency to serve the people, not the other way around.

[shireen]

4. he would make a wonderful president for so many reasons ...

but how does he compete with the big money draws, Clinton and Obama?

Charlie Rangel, Clark's primary congressional advocate in 2004, has endorsed Clinton.
Other important democratic leaders have made endorsements too, like Mikulski (Clinton), Conyers (Obama), etc..

My biggest fear is this scenario:

- Hillary gets the Dem nomination

- McCain gets the Repub nomination

- Chuck Hagel runs as an independent.
He seems to be a moderate, independent, and outspoken Republican who would appeal to a lot of people in both parties. He could suck a lot of votes from McCain and Clinton, maybe even win the presidency.

If Wes Clark were the Dem nominee, McCain and Hagel don't stand a chance.

I think Wes is weighing all these kinds of scenarios into his decision to run or not. Right now, the biggest obstacle he has is raising money.

[TwilightGardener]

7. I think Wes could beat both McCain and Hagel, but I just think he's too late

to get in the game--you are right about the money. He has neither Clinton's Machine nor Obama's rock-star freshness behind him to raise money and organize. I don't see it happening.

[indepat]

5. Clark is head and shoulders above all announced candidates of both parties: if not elected to

national office but the Dems win, his appointment as Secretary of Defense should mean the clean up of the mess in the Pentagon, the waste and corruption by the barrel therein, and the clean out in high ranks of the military of those who have served their Fuhrer-like CinC rather than their country and thereby failed to uphold their oaths of office.

[Clark2008]

14. He cannot be secretary of defense.

One MUST be out of active-duty service for 10 years to be Def. Sec. Clark, by 2008, will have only been retired eight years.

He could secretary of state, though.

[indepat]

21. Thanks for the heads-up: President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is our only viable

answer.

[Doubtful Optimist]

44. Oh Pshaw.

Those are just silly rules. Those aren't meant to be taken seriously.
















:sarcasm:

[Clark2008]

52. After all of Bushies "signing statements," you may actually be correct.

Sad, isn't it?

[Greyhound]

6. He can win.

Just not the primaries.

[Clark2008]

15. Sucks, don't it?

I like your guy, too, btw.

[Greyhound]

20. This insane catch-22 that we are, and have been, faced with for 40 years

is maddening. Wes can win the general walking away but has almost no chance whatsoever in the primaries. It still is not too late for him but the clock is ticking, plus I just don't see how he is going to get around the power brokers, especially in light of the fucked up super-duper primary in February.

I would love to see him adopt much of D.K.'s platform, specifically his domestic platforms and the accompanying proposals on health care, military spending, and trade. They could only be implemented if he uses Raygun's play book and bypass the congress entirely and take his cases directly to the people.

[Clark2008]

53. His platform is surprisingly like DK's in a lot of ways: he's for a

single-payer national health plan, he believes in cutting military spending (he was the only candidate in 2004 to mention the military industrial complex, for example) and he's a fair trade advocate.

Their plans vary, of course, in the details, but they're not as far off as one would think.

[Cameron27]

8. His intelligence

experience

honesty

personal courage

integrity

sense of proportion

ability to solve problems

his true love of this country

[OHdem10]

9. Dinger , I see we are still dreaming.

Yes, Clark is the man for times. Too bad we do not match
the person with job in Government.

Clark has improved his TV Saviness--He even goes one on one
with O"Reilly every now and then. When appropriate,he can
yell as loudly as O'Reilly.

I listened to his Foreign Policy Speech sometime back and
wow.

What I appreciate is he is as concerned with Domestic Issues
and has some good ideas. Not just War and Foreign Policy.

[Dinger]

12. I Don't Consider It To Be A Dream. I Consider It A Necessity

While I agree with your post, I think Wes will still will be a major factor in the 2008 race for president.
:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[loudsue]

28. If so, I wish he'd get on with it!

He & Gore both are just laying back while so much $$ is going to the Clinton/Obama/DLC love-fest.

:kick::kick::kick:

[lyonn]

30. Dinger, it is inspiring to even hear that he could be a factor in 08!!

Our biggest problem is Iraq and our image around the world. We have no friends. Clark is smart and a smooth talker. He puts a sentence together really well!! just had to dig george a bit. I can just see him debating with the others and causing a real stir in the party. He doesn't double talk.

The other inspiring event could be Nancy Pelosi doing the right thing and start talking impeachment. What has she got to lose? She could save a nation.

[NCarolinawoman]

37. General Clark has seen the evilness of mankind, close-up, but he still believes in mankind's good.

This is what his own son, who is far more cynical, has said about his father: "He always sees the good in people".

When Wes used the words in his 2004 logo "A Higher Standard of Leadership" he honestly meant it. They were not just words a staffer made up.

General Clark is inherently a fixer of things; whether it be a broken car, a broken Army, or a broken Nation.

[FrenchieCat]

40. Well I hope you've listened to his latest speech......from yesterday, and in particular

the Q&A.

That Q&A as a whole was an exchange so rarely heard in American Politics today, that it was nearly unbelievable, and nearly brought me to tears, Honest to God! I just now finished listening to it....and I must say, I am trembling in trepidation that we would not recognize this man as a national treasure! http://www.sais-jhu.edu/media/may07/wesleyclark051607.mp3

[Cameron27]

41. I feel the same way.

It was a brilliant speech, brilliant.

[jenmarie]

47. Transcript of yesterday's speech!

Reg NYC and Melange of CCN have already transcribed the speech! It's up at Securing America!


General Wesley Clark - Legitimacy: First Task for American Security


Hosted by: Center for Politics and Foreign Relations, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), The Johns Hopkins University

May 16, 2007
transcript by Reg NYC and Melange

[elleng]

50. Great that you've posted the speech.

Note this please, and spread it around:

'When you’re running for office, you have to say what it takes to um, appeal to your base and to get yourself put into office.

I’m not standing for office. I haven’t said I won’t, but I’m not standing now.

I want the words I’m delivering to be taken seriously by somebody who’s spent his life in this field.

I want to share those experiences as I saw them, with the American public and with people all over the world.

And…and so I’m very honored by your question and it’s nice that you asked me that and of course, like anybody I’d love the opportunity to be of service at some point, but it’s really about trying to work the ideas at this stage. And it’s the way the media works – if they say you’re in it for your ambition, then what you’re saying is only what you have to say to get elected, you don’t really mean it. So I really mean this and uh, and I think if we would take heed of some of the experiences that I and other people are sharing around this country, then maybe we’d get a better policy.'

[jcrew2001]

45. His chances of winning the nom are better in 2008 than in 2004

IMO - there is no Kerry or Dean; both of whom overshadowed Clark both in govt experience and Kerry's vietnam theme.

[IA_Seth]

11. Hard to add to this...

But I'll try!

1. His understanding of International Relations, and his experience dealing with heads-of-state.
2. His Intelligence. Rhodes Scholar. First in Class at West Point. The man can talk for hours about the craziest things.
2. His Passion. He really does want to see this country change for the better.

[Clark2008]

13. Because he could garner some Swing Bubba votes in the

South and mid-West.

I'm sorry, but a woman, a black man and a guy with a rep for heading off to beauty shops for $400 haircuts aren't going to appeal to any white males in the "Heartland." And we have to flip some of those states - have to. White males vote more than anyone in those regions.

[last_texas_dem]

60. Do you have any evidence for your contention

that Clark would be able to deliver white male "swing" voters in the south and mid-West better than any of the announced candidates would be able to? Are there any polls that support this suggestion?

[NoPasaran]

16. His army of glassy-eyed minions

Who will go to their graves unfulfilled if their rugged hero doesn't ride his steed into the Oval Office.

Seriously, folks, he's not running. Deal with it.

[Clark2008]

17. Are you telling that to the Gore folks too?

And, if there are so many, many of us who want either Clark or Gore to jump in - what, exactly, does that say about this current crop of los... um... candidates?

[Dinger]

18. Please Don't Flame This Thread

I'm Asking nicely. Thank you:)

[Texas_Kat]

19. Did I look glassy-eyed to you?

We've met, though you didn't insult me at the time.

Clark people are both idealistic and pragmatic. "Glassy-eyed"? -- never.

[NoPasaran]

26. Jeez

Lighten up

You make the hardest core Deaniacs seem jolly

[Texas_Kat]

46. If this wasn't such a deadly serious election cycle for Democrats

I could laugh it up like anyone.

You should know what kind of Democrat will help downballot Dems in Texas.

We had a viable candidate for statewide office last time (did pretty well, too) but we had a weak top-of-the ticket and no interest (read "Money") from state fundraisers.

Wanta turn Texas blue? Start hoping Clark gets into the race.

[Adelante]

25. Being rude year in year out

Pathological almost.

[Sparkly]

22. His ability to bridge divides and erase stereotypes leftover from the Vietnam war

:patriot:

It's been SO needed for so long -- for our party and our country.

That's just one reason of many!! :hi:

[Adelante]

24. Sparkly, did you listen to this?

Very good speech yesterday in DC. I was hoping you got to go.

http://www.sais-jhu.edu/media/may07/wesleyclark051607.mp3

[Sparkly]

36. Oh, I didn't know!!!

It's hard to keep up with all his appearances sometimes!

:cry:

But thanks for this!!! :hi:

[Adelante]

42. Here's something coming up just so you know

America in the World: Forging a New Vision for Foreign Policy and International Security
June 12, 2007, 8:30am – 5:30pm

Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

We are pleased to invite you to a major conference in Washington aimed at charting a new direction for America in the world. At a time when the American people are beginning the process of choosing new leaders, the conference on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, will explore how the United States can re-assert its leadership for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure world.

Sponsored by The Century Foundation and the Center for American Progress, the conference will feature speakers and panels on today's most pressing international issues of peace and security, including U.S. nuclear weapons policy, configuring America's defenses to 21st century realities, America's role in the Middle East, the global economy, and energy and the environment. Panelists will include established and emerging voices in the international policy realm, including senior policy makers.

Confirmed speakers include former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Senator Gordon Smith, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark, and former CIA Director John Deutch. We will follow up shortly with the complete program and other relevant information, leading up to June 12.

The full-day conference continues a tradition of highly successful foreign policy consultations organized jointly by the Center for American Progress and The Century Foundation in New York in 2006 and in Washington in 2003.


---
JOHN D. PODESTA, President, Center for American Progress

RICHARD C. LEONE, President, The Century Foundation
Location

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Map & Directions

Nearest Metro: Red Line to Union Station

RSVP for this Event

http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2007/06/captcf.html

[Adelante]

23. Looks like Bob Guttman was at Wes's speech yesterday

Having a former four-star general who is quite outspoken on our current conduct of the war in Iraq run as a Democratic candidate for president in the 2008 campaign appeared to make sense to people I talked with after his speech.

Criticizing what he called "an elective war" in Iraq and saying there was "no legitimacy for the war in Iraq," the former Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, also blasted the term "shock and awe" at the start of the war as "a bad phrase." Clark, who feels we have "violated almost every doctrine of Just War Doctrine" in Iraq called for "an inquiry to how we went so wrong."

Saying it is "not premature to call for a complete inquiry into the Iraq War" after "first finishing the Senate investigation about Intelligence," Clark went on to comment that President Bush talks only "about troops and tactics in Iraq and what we need to talk about are our strategies and policies."

Clark feels that "we can't just see Iraq as a strategic blunder. It is a deep and near fatal wound to the United States that has undercut us in the Middle East and has undercut trust in our intelligence system."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-guttman/general-wesley-clark-make_b_48721.html?p=2#comments

[lyonn]

32. The guy is inspirational. How long has it been since we had a

leader that had that quality? He's a man with a plan, a good plan.

And, he could get the middle of the country vote.

[Nimrod2005]

29. I met him: His hand shake!!!

[FrenchieCat]

31. His hand shake!!!

Give me more info.

His hand shakes? like tremors?....or what? Or his hand shake is a good one? :shrug:

[elleng]

51. Frenchie, haven't you ever shaken his hand?

Warm, soft and firm. (that's his HANDSHAKE!)

[Dinger]

57. I Have, Twice, AND Here's A Story . . .

Barbara Lawton, our Lt. governor took a pic of me and Wes (who was wearing a Brett Favre jersey). He had his arm around me (I melted) and I had mine around him, BUT his head was cut off, and my dumb-ass mug was on. No, I ain't showin' it here, BUT, here's another pic from that day:


My brother & Wes, in Colorado Springs last July:

[Czolgosz]

33. The country needs Gen. Clark because we MUST address the critical shortage of white male candidates!

I love the General; he has been kicking ass raising money for good Democrats across the USA, but we already have a good field of candidates.

If Clark had jumped into the race a couple of months ago, I think he'd be in the "top tier" now but that ship has sailed and we have a great crew on board.

[FrenchieCat]

34. I agree that we need more than one white southern male to choose from....

I hate the only one winning via default, and I hate that the only white southern guy has national security inexperience issues.

So, I think Clark in the race, will allow Edwards to win on his own merit rather than the demographics he represents....and splitting the white southern vote will actually allow a more level playing field for Hillary, Obama and Richardson; and that's how it should be.

[Clark2008]

55. See - a lot of us don't think we have a great crew.

I, for one, live far outside the blue bubble, and I simply don't see the swing-vote Bubba next door voting for a woman, a black man or a guy who gets $400 haircuts (and this is how they see the candidates. I, personally, know their issues, but I read. I don't just watch the "news" on the telly).

The reason Clinton won (and the reason Gore got the popular vote) was because these white males in the Heartland (the swing-Bubbas) crossed over in enough numbers to vote for them. These same guys wouldn't vote for a Kerry or a HR Clinton or an Obama or an Edwards. They don't "see" themselves in these people.

And, while I agree with your point about white male candidates, theoretically, I also live in the real world - and this real world has gone very far backward regarding race and gender issues since the Shrubbies got back into power.

The crew is OK, but they just lack that little "oomph" that will push them over the top. Take my word for it, if Fred Thompson jumps in, we're screwed unless we put up someone who can garner some of that swing Bubba vote.

[TacticalPeek]

35. The most progressive domestic and foreign policy proposals of any electable candidate IMO.

:patriot:

[Schema Thing]

38. Because Giuliani is a dem killer?

[derby378]

56. Surely you jest about Giuliani...

The man's all flash and no substance, and his managerial style won't play well in Texas.

Oh, wait. Bush did the same thing, and he stole the election. How foolish of me.

[calteacherguy]

39. He cares more about the country than political aspirations. nt

[Adelante]

43. Thinking it over, I have to say

My confidence in him that he will not pander, not to me, not to you, not to anyone. I don't agree with Wes on every single issue, although I do on most, but I am always sure I get the truth from him. No small thing, a president you know is not going to lie to you.

[Canuckistanian]

49. His understanding of International realities

That speech he gave shows he "gets it".

That kind of attitude will go far in the international community.

And it will be needed in '08.

[Bonobo]

54. His honor and nobility.

[dsa]

58. doesn't he work for fox news?

isn't that reason enough to not vote for him?

[FrenchieCat]

59. well for the stoopids who think that Fox news is the only problem

with have with the media. :eyes:

[shireen]

61. OK, then, let's brainstorm ...

how do we make Clark a viable 2008 candidate given current conditions? His biggest obstacle is money. It's unfair but that's how the system is set up against non-panderers.