My thoughts on Wes Clark's Clinton endorsement

[CarolNYC]

Not that anyone cares what I think but me but I thought I’d weigh in anyway.

I must admit I was stunned to read of the endorsement. First and foremost, it meant the dream of him running again was gone. I know a lot of people here thought us Clarkies who still thought a run was possible were nuts but the dream of a Clark candidacy was hard to let go and, as long as he hadn’t said no....Well, now he was definitively saying no.

I suppose I maybe should have expected the Clinton endorsement but I didn't and I certainly didn’t expect an endorsement so early....So I was reeling a bit yesterday...and I’m still not quite sure what to think today.

One thing I do believe is that he’s doing this because he feels it is best for this country. He’s always put the good of the country before his own personal ambitions. It seems that some have a real problem with comprehending that this could be true. I suppose that is because it is a quality quite rare in the political world. Maybe it is why Wes is viewed as less than a stellar politician by so many...that and the fact that he tends to say what he means and mean what he says.

I know he’s not perfect and I don’t always agree with him but I do always trust him. I believe he truly wanted to run. I believe he would have run if there was any way he could see to do it and be successful. Unfortunately, he could not. And he is a pragmatist...an idealistic one to be sure, but he’s more concerned with making things happen than with taking a stand that will accomplish nothing more than making one feel self-righteous or whatever. It’s why he was able to go on Fox News, I think....because he thought he could make a difference by speaking to the Fox audience, even if some couldn’t bring themselves to understand that. He’s always said it’s not about getting credit for your ideas but about having your ideas adopted.

With all of that in mind, I trust that he made this decision to back Hillary because he felt, by doing this, he could best help the country. I know the some will see this thing as a validation of their belief that Clark was somehow in some kind of a conspiracy with the Clintons in the last election and has been ever since. Nothing would sway those who believe that anyway, I think. But I don’t believe that theory for a minute.

And I don’t think that Wes has been offered VP or any position in a Clinton Administration and I don’t believe he is angling for one with this endorsement....That may make me a cultist or naive or stupid or whatever to some. So be it. It is what I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt.

He live blogged on CCN this afternoon and, I thought, had some interesting responses.

I liked that he started by acknowledging that some Clarkies would not be willing to support Hillary now and that we all have to make our own decisions...

I know many of you are disappointed I am not running – and I understand that. I know many of you aren't willing to throw your full support behind Hillary yet – and I understand that too. I know that each of you have to make your own decisions about who to support in the primary, though I hope many of you will join me in supporting Hillary by the time all is said and done.

He responded to a question as to why he endorsed so early with this:

As for when, well, I don't like where we are in Iraq, or the effect we've had thus far on the debate, so I am hoping that at this moment we can achieve greater resonance if I endorse her.

and this:

This is the time to make a difference, by adding another voice out there in the race. I hope I can help make a difference. Waiting would just accomplish less, in terms of shaping the public dialogue, as well as getting the person whom I believe is unquestionably the right pick, into office.

To this question:

My question is "Will Hillary pay attention to your counsel better than she did in 2002 when you testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee?" I hope so.

he answered:

Look, as for paying attention, people have to make their own decisions. There's no guarantee that she will....but she is a good listener, and that's the most you can hope for.

And then there was this piece....

As for my role and voice, just stick with me...we're going to do what we can to help, and that's what's important. This isn't personal for me, it's about the country. I am not looking for a position, I am looking to help the country, and we're in the process of doing that, you and I and all the others on this net. We'll reach out, help influence opinion, swing the doubters, and build the foundation for success in government, and a restoration of America's legitimacy and goodness in the world. Wes

And this, which touched so many:

Phil, dreams don't have to end. When I set out from Arkansas to West Point in June of 1962, i had a dream about a journey, a journey of service. That's what life is - it isn't a destination, but it's what you do along the way. You wrote a beautiful letter for me in December...letters like that were one of the reasons I could think about running every day. But don't let the dream of a better America die. That dream isn't about a person, it's about all of us, what we do with our lives, how we affect others around us, how much we give, how much we share. And we can still have the dream of a great America, noble in spirit, true to her values, a beacon of hope, an inspiration for billions, the centerpiece of a new epoch for mankind. Yes, that dream is still there for us...we just have to work for it....it is bigger than any one person, and longer than any lifetime. And it isn't exclusive. Any of us can participate and share that joy.

I personally, though, kind of liked this response when someone asked him if he wanted anyone to bring Cheetos to any of the book signing events this week:

Cheetoes
Submitted by Wes Clark on September 16, 2007 - 3:09pm.
Believe it or not, I am eating them now.

:)

First, I suppose I’ll have to come to terms with the fact that he’s not running this time around. That may take some time. Then I’ll move on to the Hillary thing.

I will see him twice this week, first at a speaking event tomorrow night and then again at a reading/Q&A/signing event for his new book. I will listen to him closely, as always.

[elizm]

1. I'm being lazy here but...can you say why?

Can you tell me his reasons for endorsing Hillary? I know I could and should look it up for myself...but for the specifics of why he thinks she is the best candidate...can you give a brief synopsis? Thanks...

[CarolNYC]

14. I think....

that he thinks she is the most experienced and best equipped to handle a foreign policy crisis from day one should something arise. He knows the whole world is a mess right now and whoever walks into that Oval Office in January '08 is going to face a bunch of crap and a lot of it will be dealing with the rest of the world. I think he feels that the other candidates don't have the experience that Hillary does.

He worked with her when Bill was in office. He said she was in the Balkans, involved in Kosovo. He said she's seen what goes on. He says he's talked to her and she's in agreeement with him on the need for diplomacy and the need for a strategy that brings in the other nations in Iraq, etc, etc. I imagine he knows more about her feelings on these things than I've heard her say....or at least she's telling him what he wants to hear. Whatever she's told him, it's satisified him that, of the choices we've got now, she's the bst bet.

If I have time later, I'll try to find you some quotes on what he's said but that's the impression I get. I hope that helps.

[flpoljunkie]

24. Important to note Hillary Clinton was one of Wes Clark's campaign Co-Chairs when he ran in 2004

[CarolNYC]

26. She was?

Where'd you hear that? I don't remember that being the case.

[flpoljunkie]

30. I read it online Saturday from one of the political blogs.

[IA_Seth]

32. I don't believe that it's true..

I don't believe Clinton held any official position in Clark's campaign, I don't believe there was even an endorsement.

[flpoljunkie]

33. You may well be right. Am not.backing.hillary no matter who endorses her.

[CarolNYC]

34. the lie of the co-chairmanship

As I said in the other thread where you make this co-chairmanship claim, I don't know where you saw it on Saturday but I think I know where it may have originated...Apparently, the day before his announcement that he was running, Fox News was spreading around some shit that she, his campaign co-chair, would be at his side when he made the announcement. Well, she wasn't at his side and she wasn't his campaign co-chair but you can continue to spread the Fox News shit around all of the Clark threads today if you wish to, I guess...Just be aware of what you are doing.

[flpoljunkie]

36. Am not a Fox News fan. I read it online. If he's willing to endorse her now, it doesn't reflect

well on Hillary that she did not endorse her long time friend, fellow Arkansan, and architect of the Kosovo victory as Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

[CarolNYC]

37. Well, in spite of all of the crap that gets thrown around...

about the Clintons getting Clark in the race the last time and how close they were and all, neither Bill nor Hillary lifted much of a finger for him once he entered.

It is to Clark's credit, I think, that he doesn't worry about things like that when it comes to him doing what he thinks is best for the country.

Good to know you're not a Fox News fan....Interesting how wherever you read that was willing to run with some Fox rumor that didn't pan out rather than the truth...Par for the course, I guess.

Peace.

[flpoljunkie]

38. I read it on a political blog, not a conservative blog, but don't rememember where, as I read a lot.

And--don't insult me, and then say "peace." I am a very progressive Democrat who is not.backing.hillary!

[CarolNYC]

47. I never said or suggested it was a conservative blog...

You think only conservative bloggers don't do their homework? Obviously that's not the case....This, I thought, was an interesting illustration of that.

Not sure where you see an insult. None was meant...

But, if "peace" offends you, then I'll sign off with....

War.

[flpoljunkie]

57. But you did insultingly suggest my source was Fox News. Your "peace" signoff is rather disingenuous.

[CarolNYC]

58. Not at all...

I said that the source of the info on that blog you read was Fox News...and that that was the original source. Who knows how many hands or ears it passed through before it got to that blog? I never meant to suggest you got the info from Fox News rather than some political blog (non-conservative) on the net. I just wanted you to be aware of the source of the info because I didn't think that you had been when you originally posted.

I sincerely meant the 'peace' sign off becuase I thought you'd innocently posted the info and maybe I initially reacted too strongly.

I know I cannot make you believe I was sincere in that sentiment but I do hope you'll at least try to see that I might be on the level here. If not, then, well, I tried.

[Adelante]

41. She wasn't

The two national co-chairs that I remember are Andrew Young and Charlie Rangel. I would definitely remember Hillary Clinton having fuck all to do with Clark's campaign.

[Texas_Kat]

42. Clak 04 organization including naational chairs

http://www.gwu.edu/%7Eaction/2004/clark/clarkorg.html

HC isn't on it, anywhere. Infact, I recall a WaPo article where they talked about HC specifically (much less Bill) NOT endorsing WKC.

[ralphmich3]

46. BTW it's not HC but HRC......

let's be proper in how we address the great Ms. Clinton. Isn't it Hillary Rodham Clinton? or as Limbaugh will say Hillary Rodham Rodham Clinton..... or perhaps Hillary Rodham Rodham Clinton Clinton....

[BootinUp]

48. You know Limbaugh's routine?

imagine that.

[ralphmich3]

59. Hillary Rodham Rodham swift-boated

If you haven't noticed Limbaugh is broadcast nationally 3 hours a day, every day. His program can be heard almost everywhere in America on AM radio.

Rush a huge stack of stuff on HRC - and Hillary has said a lot of dumb things

[Texas_Kat]

49. I wouldn't know

but then, I don't make it a practice to listen to Rush "he-wished-he-coulda-been-a-real-boy" Limbaugh.

[ralphmich3]

43. Old Clintonites coming back home

Yeah Wes is still part of the Clinton machine...

[Tom Rinaldo]

44. You are accepting a lie as truth. There is no excuse for that...

...when the truth is here on this thread to read. FOX can be very creative with false facts.

[Adelante]

45. Bullshit

Welcome to DU :hi:

[Sparkly]

50. Why let facts interfere with your beliefs?

Welcome to DU. :eyes:

[ralphmich3]

60. Facts: Hillary supported Bush's illegal war

That disqualifies her from being president, IMHO. Now it is time to defend your beliefs about Hillary with the tried and true "talking points" about her Iraq war vote....

Molly Ivins: Not. Supporting. Hillary. (how soon we forget)

[Adelante]

63. What makes you think Sparkly is supporting Hillary

or her IWR vote? I don't know if she is, but you're making an assumption based on nothing Sparkly has said.

[democratsin08]

55. this is BIG!!

i think this endorsement will make hillary solidify her lead.

[ralphmich3]

62. Let's Crown Hillary BEFORE a single primary!!!

Why waste time in voting in a presidential primary?? let the dirty money and the endorsements do all the talking. The Dem "elites" know exactly what they are doing.

[mitchtv]

Clinton-Clark in '08

kinda takes the sting off things, doesn't it?

[CarolNYC]

16. Hey, if I knew she'd give him a prominent position....

somewhere in her Administration and really listen to him, that would help a lot. I'd accept VP easier this time around than last. Last time after he dropped out I really didn't want him as VP...I'm not so against it this time for some reason.

[illinoisprogressive]

2. I do care what you have to say. it's important for us to care.

I think mostly you are disappointed he is not running. the thing now is to decide whether Hillary is a candidate you can back. Look at her senate record and do some research. do not just go where someone tells you. if you decide you like what she is offering, go for it.
I know I felt a bit let down a year ago when I figured out Gore would not be running. You just feel at loose ends.
things will sort themselves out in time. don't rush it and take your time researching the candidates

[CarolNYC]

13. Thanks, ip

:)

[Gloria]

3. Frankly, I thought he owed it to his supporters to first tell them he wasn't

running after months of equivocating...before endorsing anyone. That was a bad lapse on his part.

[merci_me]

6. I AGREE

After months and months of hearing him say "I haven't said I'm not running." I think he owed it to so many of us who have been with him from the "draft days" to have send out an e-mail saying "I'm now saying I'm not running", though in our hearts we already knew. But to hear it as an endorsement of Hillary was just thoughtless, something I never thought of in the same sentence as "Wes Clark"

It wasn't just the expected sting to the heart, of knowing it was truly not going to happen, it was the shocking sting to the face, which felt like a slap.

[windbreeze]

9. I have been with General Clark since March of 2003, wanting him to

run, praying he would run...hoping against hope that he would run again...but...do I feel that he OWED me anything, including any explanation of his actions...NOPE...sure didn't...why??? because I was behind him by CHOICE, MY choice, not his...not because he or anyone else held a gun to my head..In fact...he DID tell me...he sent me an email, saying he had decided to endorse Hillary..that's kinda the story in a nutshell, isn't it? Nothing else needed to be said...

Am I sick at heart because he won't be running...damn straight I am...but...HE had prerequisites that had to be met...and they weren't...what those were, unfortunately, none of us know...and I am extremely saddened that they weren't...how do I feel about his endorsement...well...now that one has me stumped...but as with Kerry, he told us, he understood if we did NOT follow...that everyone would not feel the same as he did...now IF she picks him as VP...that would certainly make things a little better for some...but do I think he did it for that reason...NO...and if everyone will remember...even though he beat his brains out for Kerry...it did not end up with a VP slot for him..I don't believe he does these kinds of things with repayment in mind..but I am sure we all feel, that she could do far worse than Clark for VP...(in fact, I thought he was the one that didn't want to be anyone's VP..so I don't look for that to happen either)....

I wonder if any of us, really understand the toll that running for prez., takes on these people and their families...and how since it's become about who can raise the most money, that fact truly and effectively eliminates some of the best possible contenders...There is much more to be considered by any candidate, than what each of his/her millions of supporters might want as individuals...wb

[CarolNYC]

19. amen, windbreeze....

You said it better than I did.....That man changed his whole life and put his family through the ringer to run the last time...because we asked him to. How can I ask for more than that?

And, yes, it's really unfortunate that the process tends to eliminate the best leaders rather than move them forward. :(

[Texas_Kat]

10. There's really no good way to kill a dream

For some, it hurts to hear it all at once... for others, it hurts to stretch it out.

I don't have to tell you, it's never about his personal political future as much as it is about the future of the country. He truly believes that Clarkies feel that way too. (Okay, maybe we confuse him a little at times)

Today he responded to one CCNer:

As for my role and voice, just stick with me...we're going to do what we can to help, and that's what's important. This isn't personal for me, it's about the country. I am not looking for a position, I am looking to help the country, and we're in the process of doing that, you and I and all the others on this net. We'll reach out, help influence opinion, swing the doubters, and build the foundation for success in government, and a restoration of America's legitimacy and goodness in the world. Wes

I was okay with that.... but this one stopped my heart .....

Phil, dreams don't have to end. When I set out from Arkansas to West Point in June of 1962, I had a dream about a journey, a journey of service. That's what life is - it isn't a destination, but it's what you do along the way. You wrote a beautiful letter for me in December...letters like that were one of the reasons I could think about running every day. But don't let the dream of a better America die. That dream isn't about a person, it's about all of us, what we do with our lives, how we affect others around us, how much we give, how much we share. And we can still have the dream of a great America, noble in spirit, true to her values, a beacon of hope, an inspiration for billions, the centerpiece of a new epoch for mankind. Yes, that dream is still there for us...we just have to work for it....it is bigger than any one person, and longer than any lifetime. And it isn't exclusive. Any of us can participate and share that joy.

[Maribelle]

15. "don't let the dream of a better America die"

I can only hope these words of Clark resonate throughout America where Bush has killed so many dreams. In the nooks and crannies of America so many have lost hope of getting ahead, and simply go about their daily lives just trying to get by.

A thick haze of republican corruption hovers. In the air above them, on ground below them, in the seas surrounding this once beautiful country, in her schools, hospitals, on the tribes’ reservations, in the banks, throughout the military, even on her roads and bridges, the republican chokehold of greed and lust for power has contaminated everything.

[CarolNYC]

21. "He truly believes that Clarkies feel that way too."

This is so true....as is the statement about us confusing him. He thinks we are better than we are at times, I think. I know that my motives aren't as altruistic as his....He keeps telling us that this is not about him (and he's said it numerous times before) but for me a lot of it is about him....I just have to learn to follow his example better.

[CarolNYC]

18. I really don't think it would have been any easier for me....

had I found out he wasn't running beforehand. At least this way, I had so many things to think about I never really did lapse into the kind of depression I did when he dropped out in '03. Maybe that's coming.....

[windbreeze]

31. Oh, yeah....

I bawled for a solid week...my family thought I had lost it...I figured we had, that they didn't understand exactly what we had lost...because we had let the brightest, most gifted, full of integrity man, who should have been Pres..slip through our hands...We knew he could and would be great....WE so wanted this...so here we are again...and now...here come the tears, again...I guess what I need to realize, is, that it isn't about what we want for him and for us...it's about what he wants for him and for the country...maybe that will help me get through this..(but once again...he did NOT owe me anything) but I doubt, I have ever wanted anything quite so bad as I wanted to call him Mr.PRESIDENT...MY president...wb

[Auntie Bush]

51. Damn you!

You got me crying again.

[windbreeze]

52. and all I can say....

is, I am so sorry...I know you wanted the same...and I truly do know how you feel..wb

[CarolNYC]

17. Personally, I don't feel he owes me anything....

other than the so much that he's given already. The guy gives and gives and gives. As he keeps saying, it's not just about one person. For the rest of us, it was a lot about making him President but for him it's always been about making a difference.

[Sparkly]

4. Thanks for posting your thoughts, Carol.

I share a lot of your feelings, as well as your opinions about The General.

[southerncrone]

5. Well, there's the Arkansas connection, but I think most importantly

Hillary is thinking of Wes as VP because many men think a woman isn't strong enough or mentally astute in military thinking to be commander-in-chief. With Wes on the ticket, that tends to eliminate that objection. Wes is definitely a sharp military man, & I think a lot of men see him as a man's man.

Just my thoughts on it.

[Cameron27]

7. Thanks Carol,

"dreams" ... so beautiful :cry:

I don't want to talk about this yet, but I will say that I respect his decision, and it doesn't change how I feel about him. Not even a little.

[oasis]

8. Wes knows best. He is now free to campaign for Hill until the sun sets on 2008.(eom)

[Donna Zen]

11. Carol, of course we care

I too am sorry that we will never know the greatest of a Clark presidency; however, I don't think I'm alone is watching the calendar fly by and knowing that there would not be a Clark08. And there were other clear indicators too that I call "the dog that didn't bark." As for endorsing Clinton, well, they knew each other before Wes knew Bill. Of course being from Arkansas where any other endorsement would have cost them friends, had its own added pressure. I'm not shocked or awed by any of this.

Will I support Hillary Clinton? Not on a bet.

I have long ago sorted through my options regarding these inevitable outcomes. Thus, I have chosen my own path...follow your bliss dontchaknow.

I would also caution anyone thinking that 1) Clinton will listen to Clark or 2) that the Clintons would find room in Washington for the General, needs to clear their thinking. I would think that while he would like to have some influence on her, he also has a good grip on thzg campaign's faith in polls and focus groups. If what he has to say doesn't fit their talking points then it is so much pfffft! That doesn't make the General bad since he's trying. As far as a place in the big bad political machine, General has lots of jobs now that permit him to put his skills to the test without watching for the knife in the back.

One note: there was a blip in the business and financial pages. The writer was reporting about a contract that the General had recently signed. The curious part for the writer was that it was only signed on July 26, 2007 while Clark had been Chairman of the company for over a year. It was a delightful contract, and one that he deserves. Good for him. However, a possible interpretation was the most obvious one: he was actively trying to find a way to run until the time ran out.

I may find his choice of a candidate absolutely disgusting, but I've never known him to lie.

[Totally Committed]

20. "I may find his choice of a candidate absolutely disgusting, but I've never known him to lie."

Perfect, and well-said. I've tried to say just that since the moment I heard, and have been unable to find the words.

Thank you for writing them for both of us.

TC

[CarolNYC]

23. Thanks Donna....

I agree with you here....I've never known him to lie either.

And I'm not counting on anything for Wes from her camp. I doubt he is either. He's seen enough shit in the political world to know he can't count on anything like that. But then I don't think he's in it for what he can get out of it.

As for her listening to him, who knows. He did acknowledge yesterday that he can't make her pay attention but says she is a good listener....Whether she will take anything he says into account, well, we'll see. Can't blame him for trying to shape the debate though anyway he can.

[ChiciB1]

28. I Totally Agree With What You Have To Say... I'm Not Supporting

Hillary myself, but feel Clark is no back-stabber and really believes in the Clintons.

I don't myself, but it's his decision. I make a point that perhaps he might be chosen as VP, but maybe that's just NOT his cup of tea! I never thought his heart was in it the last time around, but I do like him and wish him well.

Even so, I once thought Hillary was the only person to support, I've LONG since abandoned that!!!!

[Apollo11]

12. I can understand Clark's reasoning

I am also still coming to terms with Clark's decision. But I think I understand it.

Right up until a couple of weeks ago, Wes Clark was saying openly and publicly that he had the personal ambition to run for President and he was thinking about it every day.

In September he did an interview on the Charlie Rose show where he explained very clearly that he would only enter the race if he could see that the conditions were right. In other words - only if he could see a genuine chance of first - catching up with the candidates who already announced, and second - going on to win the Democratic nomination.

Hillary, Obama and Edwards all have their campaigns up and running, and have been actively campaigning since the start of this year. I think Wes Clark was being realistic to conclude that it is now too late for him to jump in and catch up. Clinton and Obama in particular have been raising a lot of money.

I think Wes Clark is smart enough to see that Hillary, Obama and Edwards are so far ahead of the others that it is now almost impossible to conceive of circumstances that would lead to one of the second-tier candidates breaking through and going on to win the nomination.

Wes Clark has a history of working with the Clintons. I guess they go back a long way. Plus there is the Little Rock connection. Hillary is leading in the national polls. Crucially, she has also been leading in some recent polls in Iowa as well as New Hampshire.

I guess Wes Clark has taken a look at Obama and Edwards and reached the conclusion: neither of these guys really has the breadth and level of experience that makes them stand out as being a better choice than Hillary Clinton in 2008 (but I'm not saying I agree with this view).

Obama and Edwards are both fighting for the ABC (Anybody But Clinton) vote - and unless one of them shuts-down their campaign before the Iowa caucuses - they will split the not-Hillary vote (I don't think it's fair to call it the anti-Hillary vote). Not forgetting Kucinich's supporters.

I think Wes Clark has reached the conclusion that it is now most likely that Hillary will be the Democratic nominee. Therefore he can make a positive contribution to strengthening her candidacy.

Hillary is not just running against Obama, Edwards and the rest of the Democratic field. As front runner, she has to simultaneously run against Giuliani, Thompson, Romney and McCain.

Wes Clark obviously wants the turf the Republicans out of the Whitehouse and out of the Federal Government. He thinks the best way of achieving this goal is to get behind Hillary and support her campaign. Not just as a cheerleader - but contributing his talents and ideas and insight.

By endorsing Hillary now, instead of waiting another month or two, Wes Clark stakes a strong claim to play a key role in the next Clinton Administration - if this is what the future holds.

My guess is that Hillary Clinton will have Wes Clark high on her shortlist for running mate. Even if Clark doesn't get the VP slot, he would make a great Sec. of State or Sec. of Defense.

CLINTON-CLARK 2008

Just writing it down, makes me feel somehow warmer to the thought of Hillary being the nominee.

[Tellurian]

22. I agree with all you've stated..

and I believe Wes Clark's endorsement adds credence to Hillary's message of her intent on ending the War and bringing our troops home. The Clinton campaign has obviously laid out their plan of ending the War to Gen Clark and he enthusiastically wants to play an integral role in making their plan a reality. Kudos to General Clark for seeing the big picture. Thankful for his talents and wealth of experience he brings to the Clinton table.

[CarolNYC]

25. Thanks for your thoughts on this Apollo11

I agree with a lot of what you say here...Not so sure that a VP or SOS position is in the cards...but it would be nice IF she wins the nomination.

I do believe, first and foremost, Wes thinks we've got to sweep the Republicans out of there or we're really in trouble. Whatever I think of some of the Democratic candidates, there is nothing that scares me more than the thought of Giuliani anywhere near the White House. As a New Yorker, trust me, THAT would not be pretty. I fear it would make the Bush years look like the good old days.

Wes always is steps ahead of most others (and definitely ahead of me) and he always sees the big picture. He's doing this now because he thinks it's the right thing to do, not just now, but for the near and and far future, I'm sure.

I've loved your enthusiastic support for Clark and Gore both...and I wonder if this isn't another signal that Gore will not run. I think that Wes would find him capable of dealing with crises in the White House quite well....but then, maybe it means nothing in that regard also....

[Apollo11]

29. I guess age comes into it as well

Clark looks at Obama and Edwards and he sees a couple of young guys. In fact they both sometimes come across as younger than they actually are!

I guess Clark finds it difficult to imagine Obama or Edwards in the position of POTUS.

I am still in my thirties, so I find it easier to imagine John Edwards as President.

Obama is more of a stretch. Maybe in 2016, after he has gained more experience.

PS - I saw somewhere that Wes Clark will be a guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart sometime this week. Not sure which night though.

[CarolNYC]

35. I think he's looking at experience too..

And he just feels that Hillary's got more when it comes to dealing with other nations than the other two do. He saw how involved she was in the foreign policy crises that he was a part of so I guess he knows a bit more about it than I. Obama and Edwards, whatever their good points, really don't have a lot of real experience in that realm. It's one thing to go and visit other countries and speak to their dignitaries or leaders or whatever or to speak at international conferences and another thing altogether to deal with heads of state from other countries in time of crisis.

As for the Daily Show, thanks for that. Wes is going to be on a bucch of shows promoting his new book....Daily Show on Wednesday, Colbert on Oct 10th, Real Time on Oct 26th....plus a bunch of radio interviews and book signings. The most complete list, I think, can be found at fourstardemocrats.com, here: http://www.fourstardemocrats.com/timetolead.htm

Of course, things keep getting added and not all appearances will have to do with the book tour. Just today, apparently I missed him a couple of times on MSNBC, on the Stephanie Miller Show, on Ed Shultz, on the Leonard Lopate radio show here in NY, on some Colorado Morning radio show and he's scheduled to be on the Michael Medved radio show at 5PM today, as well as Alan Clomes radio show tonight...and O'Lielly tonight, which he's going to have to run over to after he's done speaking in midtown Manhattan at 7:30PM tonight....unless the O'Lielly thing is taped earlier, I guess. Busy guy.

I hope files of everything I'm missing today show up online somewhere soon....

[Texas_Kat]

53. Schultz, Lopate, Medved (ASS), Colmes, Miller, O'Leilly

Should appear (a couple are already posted).

Something weird about that Colorado interview... all the links on the site led to classic rock music.

More will probably trickle out over the next 24 hours. I'll bet the transcribers's fingers are numb (and more coming tomorrow!)

[BootinUp]

54. Medved (ASS), is that a credential of some kind? lol.

[Texas_Kat]

61. Yes. "uncapitalized ass" is for run of the mill asses

All caps? That's a special sort/

[CarolNYC]

56. Thanks Kat....

I really wanted to hear the Lopate show...I like his show a lot. I was able to get the Colmes interview because Wes was on in the first hour and you can get podcasts of his first hour....but the rest I could not listen to while at work....I'm looking forward to hearing them. Wes was wonderful at the Oxonian Society last night...and that was after a really really full day for him. He's a gem.

[Texas_Kat]

64. They've got the Lopate interview up

.... But no transcript yet....

http://securingamerica.com/node/2690

[calteacherguy]

39. delete. nt

[ChiciB1]

27. The Clintons & Clark Have Always Been Close & I Never Thought He

was going to run. If she's nominated she may pick him as VP in the end. I also don't think Gore will run either as much as I respect and support him too!

[calteacherguy]

40. The Great Hope.

One of those was a response to my statement about my greatest hope being he would have as strong an influence as possible on the the direction of policy. I believe the endorsement will give him a stronger influence, and that's what's important. It's about the best policy direction for America, not individuals.

Hillary in all likelihood is going to be the nominee, and Clark has made the best strategic decision possible to enable him to have a greater influence policy. Smart move for America.