The albatross around Clark's neck: Ladies and Gents, Bill Clinton

[Scott Lee]

So, if the "big su-prize" that Clark is hinting at is a Clinton endorsement (silly us, Clinton said he won't endorse anyone before the primaries....?) or at the very least, a buddy buddy "this is mah boy" photo op, of what real value is it to Wesley Clark?

According to some, not much. To others, it could down right hurt him.

________________________________________________________________

CLINTON’S MUG SHOT WON’T HELP CLARK AT ALL
By J. Grant Swank, Jr.
Dec 31, 2003, 12:30

Was it several years ago that we read about Al Gore coming across for Howard Dean? My, how time does fly — quickly — when you’re having holiday.

<snip>

There are those who claim the Democrats just love Clinton. Well, not all do — that is, the thinking ones with morals don’t cling to his ankles. And for those, a Clinton / Clark clutch just won’t do anything worthy for the ballot box come November.

Furthermore, for those astute in historical data, the Clinton / Clark duo doesn’t ring true. Clinton, Democratic President. Clark, registered Republican until recently, that is, when he entered the Democratic presidential run in September.

Liz Sidoti, AP writer, quotes Stephanie Cutter, Kerry spokeswomen: "’He shouldn't be able to wipe away that record with one photo op of him (Clark) and Clinton.’"

<snip>

full article here -> http://michnews.com/artman/publish/article_2149.shtml

________________________________________________________________

Smile, Wesley Clark. You're on Downward Spiral Camera.

[poopyjr]

1. Yes, the most successful president since FDR won't help Clark <sarcasm>

[lancdem]

11. Guess what

the guy who wrote the column is no Dem - he's a Bush supporter. Check out his other articles.

[poopyjr]

16. Not surprised

The poster who started this thread likes to do everything he can to smear Clark. Including using rightwing articles.

[Dookus]

2. So you're saying...

your candidate would turn down a Clinton endorsement? HA!

[Tummler]

3. "Clark, registered Republican until recently"

There goes your source's credibility.

[lurk_no_more]

37. deleted

[CMT]

4. I have to disagree

We had alot of people who support other candidates suddenly dump on Al Gore when he endorsed Howard Dean. It was stunning. A Clinton endorsement of Clark would be very, very big for Clark. I say this as a Dean supporter.

I honestly don't believe that Clinton is going to make an endorsement of anyone before the primary situation is more clear--or he will wait until the nominee is clear. I could be wrong.

[Scott Lee]

5. You make good points. The article was saying that this wont be

universal among democrats, and I tend to agree.

[H2O Man]

7. What has you convinced....

... that the upcoming policy statement is going to be a Bill Clinton endorsement?

[lancdem]

8. Scott, you do know the guy you quoted is a Bush supporter, don't you?

Check out his articles linked on the right. He doesn't like Dean any more than he likes Clark or Clinton. The "thinking person person with morals" line made me wonder, then I saw the other articles.

[Scott Lee]

44. So was the writer for Sierra Times that I quoted - your point?

[lancdem]

10. He's not going to endorse Clark

I'm with you.

[TorchTheWitch]

6. this is just flamebait anyway

There were several threads about the "big surpise" next week but the endorsement of anyone as the "big surprise" was ruled out because the campaign said that it had to do with an "idea". An idea can't be an endorsement.

[Cocoa]

9. tell me about Mr. Swank

I've never heard of him, but my guess is he'll turn out to be one of the most insane obsessive Clinton haters out there.

[lancdem]

13. Cocoa

if you look at his other articles on the site, you'll see he supports Bush. Big surprise! Some of his statements make no sense, like saying a Clinton endorsement would push Clark to the left. Huh?

[Cocoa]

20. OMFG

that site is hilarious, I've bookmarked it. Look at the "hot topics", Rush Limbaugh followed by Jesus.

Scott Lee, what are you doing? Are you deliberately trying to make Dean supporters look insane?

:crazy:

[Demobrat]

12. If Clark's "electability" is based on the idea

that he can attract Republicans, I would say that with a Clinton endorsement that idea goes right out the window. Republicans hate Clinton. Other than that a Clinton endorsement would be huge for him, certainly.

[poopyjr]

14. Would you vote for Clark if he were the nominee?

[Demobrat]

42. At this point

I can't honestly say.

[lancdem]

17. Moderate Repukes don't hate Clinton

Conservative Repukes do. But I don't think it's going to happen.

[askew]

21. That is a huge point.

If Republicans think that Clark is closely tied with Clinton, they are going to less likely to crossover to vote Democratic. I think their hatred of Clinton would trump their hatred of Bush*'s policies anyday.

[lancdem]

26. Most moderate Repukes don't hate Clinton

Conservative Repukes wouldn't vote for Clark, or Dean, anyway. BTW, I think Mr. Swank is engaging in some wishful thinking.

[Cocoa]

29. Bob Dole gets along great with Clinton

They were on C-span yesterday really looking like they had great respect and fondness for each other. Same with their wives, who were also there.

It really blew a huge hole in the Clinton-hating thing. I hope a lot of people saw it.

[lancdem]

31. Yes, they do

But then Dole isn't a wingnut, which helps. :)

[JNelson6563]

36. Dole is no neo-con

Even Clinton noted the difference yesterday on C-Span. I was fortunate enough to catch that as well. It was a good catch, glad I saw it.

The thing is, corrupt as he is/was Dole is still one of those near extinct Real Republicans.

Do you think there could ever be such a relationship between Gingrich and Clinton?

Julie

[Demobrat]

43. Dole and Clinton work together on charitable events.

They put together a fantastic bipartisan scholarship fund for 9/11 victims. They don't really agree on much else, however and even tried a shortlived cable TV show where they would present opposing viewpoints. If I recall, it ran about 5 episodes.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

15. I never really liked Bill Clinton

His inauguration speech gave me some hope, but after his horrible handling of the Haitian coup, I never really like the guy, and after he totally screwed us on NAFTA and GATT I've never forgiven him. Total DINO.

Then again, now I miss the Clinton era, at least I made some money...

[lancdem]

23. Then again, now I miss the Clinton era, at least I made some money...

LOL

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

41. oh yes, Bush has made me appreciate Clinton

more than I ever thought possible!

[oasis]

18. Some view Bill as an albatross, to others he's a flower lei. Aloha

[Clark4VotingRights]

19. Good try Scott. If only Clinton hadn't won the presidency twice, and

Easily would have won a third.
If only...
They your statement might sound slightly less surreal.

Smile, Scott. You're on a denial spiral.

[Scott Lee]

45. Hey, I like the Big Dawg! The point was that there are alot who don't

And that could blowback on a Clinton buddy up to Clark.

Don't hate me for revealing these possibilities - address them instead.

[davsand]

22. Like ANY endorsement it is a mixed bag.

Bottom line is, I think the people it would repulse are probably not voters who would support Clark (or any other Dem) anyhow.

As far as how it'd play in the Primary, I see it as a mixed bag like ANY endorsement. Clinton was elected twice to the WH--that IS a big deal in spite of how anybody may view his personal life. Some of the Conservative Dems dislike him, as do some of the liberal Dems--so I see it as a plus, but not as big as a family member speaking out in support, or a neighbor, or even a member of the local community.

I don't look for Clinton to endorse anybody in the Primary anyhow. He'll endorse for the General--as any Dem should--but I look for him to stick to his earlier statement that he's not planning to endorse. Frankly, I was surprised to see Clark using Clinton's photo in one of his ads. I think that does speak well of the relationship they have with each other.

Laura

[Terwilliger]

24. I was just thinking about that!

siad to myself, shit, maybe Clinton WON'T endorse Clark...he doesn't need the negative feedback from that endorsement!"

[Maddy McCall]

25. Quoting a REPUBLICAN to harm a Democratic candidate is despicable n/t

[lancdem]

30. Yeah, I though the guy was a Dem

until I read the rest of his site. :puke:

[Tom Rinaldo]

27. Warning:. I am not being sarcastic:

Just wanted to say that while I see that you are still working overtime to convince people that Clark has significant liabilities, and that Dean is a much better and wiser choice for the Democrats to nominate in 2004, that you have lowered somewhat the temperature of your Clark critical threads. We don't have to agree, and we don't. But I recognize that you have stepped back from total warfare, and I appreciate it.

[Rowdyboy]

28. For a REAL laugh, check out J Gordon Swank's other writings...

This "journalist" hates Clinton and Democrats...Loves God and GWB (but then I repeat myself).

View some of his other writings (especially the one about GWB putting God in Christmas for the troops)

http://michnews.com/artman/publish/cat_index_8.shtml

Why continue to print this right wing garbage? We're gonna check your sources EVERY TIME. You can't get away with smearing Democrats with the words of the Bushistas!

But you can SURE try, can't you.

Good to see where you form your opinions...

[HereSince1628]

34. Good call on checking sources...we need more of it everywhere

I say that while Clark isn't my first choice.

And I certainly would be one of those democrats who was disappointed in Clinton. I certainly see him as a mortal, but I'd vote for him in an instant if it was against Bush.

[Zomby Woof]

32. I am bookmarking this

Just for laughs in case Clinton endorses Dean.

[curse10]

33. LoL

good idea!

[in_cog_ni_to]

35. Yes, it's a threat, isn't it?

IMCPO Gore fucked up BIG TIME by not using Clinton in his 2000 presidential campaign. Clinton STILL polls better than the shrub. He could STILL beat the mindless wonder...handsdown!


the thinking ones with morals don’t cling to his ankles

That is a ridiculous statement. Clinton's personal life should never have been an 8 year $50 million RW smear campaign. Bill Clinton was a GREAT president and I am THRILLED that Wes Clark is his candidate of choice.

READ IT AND WEEP.
Clinton Policies

Tried to get Universal Health Care
National Health Care Costs rising at 10% per annum. Cut to 3%
Deficit Reduction Package
Crime Bill
100,000 cops on street—crime down down down
Welfare Reform-- Mend do not end. GOP helped bit time
80% increase in child welfare payments
Job Growth-Record 236,000 per month. (Reagan/Bush 167,000)
Largest percentage of Americans working in history
Largest Home Ownership in history
Record number of small business formations
Tax Cut for 15 million working families
Family and Medical Leave Act
Defense Reinvest and Conversion—Bush enjoying weapons created by Clinton
Direct loan programs for students
Guts to put promises in a book "Putting People First"-58 promises in book. Took action on 56 in first two years.
Second best record in history for getting legislation through Congress in first to years. LBJ number one.
Reinvented Government—cut payroll
Fewest number of civilians on federal payroll in 36 years
Attacked cop killing nasty rifle association.
Attacked the cancer inducing tobacco industry
Promoted a global effort to ban abusive forms of child labor
Loan 12.8 Billion to Mexico. Made 800 Million profit. Kept Mexico afloat.
Wash. Post kept list of campaign promises. 162. Took action on 96% in first two years.
Took on prejudice toward other Americans in military
Took on his own Southern Baptist Church
Hard smart work in Middle East and Bosnia-Kosovo
Honored with all of the following:
Dove of Peace Award
Rabin-Peres Peace Award
Gandhi Peace Award
Order of Good Hope Award
Nominated for Nobel Peace Award
Northern Ireland Peace Agreement
Lifeaholics of America Award for Quarter Century "Working for a Life Not Just A Living".
First President to visit Northern Ireland
Cleanup of Toxic sites. Record
Increasing weekly earnings
Shoo Shoo Saddam get away from Kuwait
Stopping Haitians from drowning enroute to freedom
First to visit South Africa
First to make a determined effort to help the African continent come together and grow together
Taxing top 1.2% of very wealthy to get Zoom Zoom Boom economy
Stopping Republicans in the House from raiding Medicare of 181 Billion
Stopping Republicans raid on Medicaid
Stopping Republicans raid on education
Stopping Republicans attack on environment
Largest increase in Education funding since GI Bill
Increased funding for Head Start
Nafta.. A success until the Peso went south
Submitting 8 budgets close to rate of inflation
Brady Bill
Gaat
Assault Weapons Ban
Telling Japan "You take our auto parts or we will apply tariffs on you
California Desert Protection
Forest Management Plan for Northwest
Restoration of Florida Everglades
Preservation of land in Utah
Major increase in funding for homeless
Motor Voter Act
Lobbying Reform Effort. Handshake with Newt who reneged
Pressure to get Campaign Finance Reform.
National Export Strategy. Unbelievable success.
Over 250 Trade pacts
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Pact
Summit of Americas
Super 301
Chemical Weapons Ban Treaty.
Bottom Up Review of Military
Agreement with Cuba to stop flow of immigrants to USA.
Ameri-Corps
Reduced Nuclear Threat Around the World
Community Banking Act
FEMA used as an active participant and a leader in disaster relief
Tax on well off social security beneficiaries
100,000 new teachers effort
5,000 new classroom effort
50% of classes thru K-12 on internet
Fourth Graders improvement on world tests
Lifetime Learning Opportunity Program
Controls on Spending and Borrowing
Pension Protection Act of 1994
Record high consumer confidence
Very, very, very low Misery Index
National Agenda on Racial Prejudices
First to get African-American unemployment under 10%
Balanced Budget
Record Corporate profits
Record Bank profits
Record Savings and Loan profits
Never whining despite non-sop smears and attacks
Not having a Mean Bone in his body per Historian David Maraniss
Not knowing how to hate
Classing others as "opponents" not "enemies"
Inviting your attackers to the White House functions
Inviting your defeated opponent Bob Dole to visit troops at Christmas
A national attack on hate crimes
Fighting to protect "legal" immigrants from Republicans in the House.
Fighting hard for Fast Track legislation
Kennedy and Kassenbaum Portability of Insurance
Lowest interest rates in 30 years
Allowing millions of homeowners to refinance home loans at lower (much) rates
Lowest unemployment in 25 years
Lowest inflation in 25 years
Lowest welfare rolls in 27 years
Lowest crime Rates in 25 years
First balanced budget sent to Congress in 29 years
Protecting worker pensions (repeat?)
Opposed ban on "Late Term Abortions"
A stock market which passed a 1,000 mark six times
Greatest growth in federal revenues in history
Played Saxophone and Smoked Peace Pipe, instead of beating War Drums like____.
One of History's all time workers for Peace
President in a year when Fortune Magazine classified it as "Greatest Economy in the History of the world"
Popularity jump in the midst of a scandal.
President with highest peacetime popularity in Asia, Africa, Russia and Europe.
Highest popularity of any president at end of fifth year in office
One of the most highly regarded First Lady in History.
One of the most highly regarded Vice-President in History

[JNelson6563]

38. Why would anyone weep on DU

at a list of positives about President Clinton?

That list does not change the fact that an ongoing PR campaign against the Clintons, since before 1992, has done a good job of teaching a great many Americans to truly hate them.

With that said, I am not certain how such an endorsement at this time would play out. I'd take it if I were a nominee and it were offered but I have my doubts it will be offered at this time. I believe Pres. Clinton when he says he will wait until after the primaries. I also believe Sen. Clinton when she says NO she's not running for '04.

Julie

[in_cog_ni_to]

40. I didn't say he was endorsing right now.

I was responding to the original post TITLE. You know, "Clinton being an albatross around Clark's neck?" He's NOT. Anyone who is voting for Bush is not anyone who would have voted for Clinton in the first place. There's very few Clinton supporters who would think him an albatross around Clark's neck. A GREAT many Americans hate Clinton? I don't think so. The last poll I saw with Clinton against Bush (a few months ago), Clinton won by a huge margin.

I am of the thought that his personal life should have been left as personal and I think most of his supporters feel the same way..now and then, back in 1992. He was a great president.


He's NOT endorsing Clark now and I never said he was.

"Why would anyone weep on DU"

at a list of positives about President Clinton?

Give it time...we have plenty of Clinton haters on DU. I've posted that list many times and they always show up. :(

[lurk_no_more]

39. The albatross around Clark's neck

Yes poor Wesley, what's a poor guy to do, much better to have an also ran around your neck than a two time winner.

I feel his pain.


” JAFO”

[Moderator]

46. Locking.....

5. If you post an article or other published content which is from a conservative source or which expresses a traditionally conservative viewpoint, you must state your opinion about the piece and/or the issues it raises.



DU Moderator