Clark hits McCain — and hits all the right notes

[DogPoundPup]

From http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/15866.html
Posted June 13th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Wesley Clark spoke with the Huffington Post this week, and was unrelenting in his criticism of John McCain. “I know he’s trying to get traction by seeking to play to what he thinks is his strong suit of national security,” Clark said. “The truth is that, in national security terms, he’s largely untested and untried. He’s never been responsible for policy formulation. He’s never had leadership in a crisis, or in anything larger than his own element on an aircraft carrier or his own congressional staff. It’s not clear that this is going to be the strong suit that he thinks it is.”

Clark went on to dismiss McCain’s worldview on national security altogether. “McCain’s weakness is that he’s always been for the use of force, force and more force. In my experience, the only time to use force is as a last resort. … When he talks about throwing Russia out of the G8 and makes ditties about bombing Iran, he betrays a disrespect for the office of the presidency.”

This morning, Clark appeared on MSNBC, where he was challenged to defend his rather scathing assessment. I thought he did extremely well. See Video and read more @ http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/15866.html

[grantcart]

1. thanks and this quote says it all

the use of force, force and more force. In my experience, the only time to use force is as a last resort. … When he talks about throwing Russia out of the G8 and makes ditties about bombing Iran, he betrays a disrespect for the office of the presidency.”

[The Wielding Truth]

2. Is this the general in consideration for VP?

[Diamonique]

3. I think Clark is one of several military men on the VP list.

I luvs me some Wes Clark!

[Tom Rinaldo]

7. Yes. There are others also

but Wes Clark is the only one of them who has lived inside of the pressure cooker of national electoral politics constantly for 5 years now. I used to say in early 2004 that although Wes Clark spoke four languages, he was still a novice in speaking "Soundbite". He isn't any longer. It is a huge transition in style from working under civilian command inside the military to being an outspoken public advocate of political positions on a national stage. Wes Clark has already navigated that transition. He ran an extended Presidential campaign of his own and then became a top surrogate for John Kerry. Clark campaigned his heart out all over the nation for Democrats ranging from Jon Tester in Montana to Ned Lamont in Connecticut in 2006, and he just went through the ropes again on Clinton's campaign.

Wes Clark has had his own Political Action Committee for four years. He was a founder and guiding light behind VoteVets.org and all of their amazing media work. He has done extensive political commentary from the left for both FOX and MSNBC and he now knows how to duel with any talking head effectively. Clark attended both YearlyKos Conventions. He has live blogged on the internet with netroots activists for years. Clark is primed for the political battle and he knows how to position his own efforts in support of another candidate effectively without stepping on or undercutting his candidate's message.

Plus Clark is an economist and environmentalist and constitutional scholar.

[shireen]

4. brilliant!

he handled it very well!

Clark Rocks! He'd be an awesome VP!

:yourock:

[calimary]

5. I LOVE Wesley Clark.

He could certainly add heft to the Obama ticket. Especially in foreign policy/national security matters.

[Captain Hilts]

6. That's why Clark's STILL my fave for Prez. nt

[Raine]

8. Being a Clarkie

I think he would make a GREAT Veep! :bounce:

[PretzelWarrior]

9. Clark already sounding like perfect attack dog VP

that is what you need when campaigning for president. A credible guy with a couple of gray hairs who's not afraid to drop the hammer on an opponent while you, the candidate, stay above the fray. I like it.

[politicasista]

10. Exactly

He was great as a surrogate for Kerry. He should have been the VP pick in 04 because he would have tied Darth Cheney into a pretzel in that debate.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

11. I think this interview may have been his audition

And I think he did a great job.

[Tatiana]

12. Wes gets an A+ from me in this potential VP audition.

National security cred? Check.

Executive/managerial experience? Check.

Constitutional scholar? Check.

Rhodes Scholar? Check.

Background in economics, experience in policy formulation, intelligence, and bravery...

And, oh yeah, he's got his own Vietnam COMMAND experience as he was shot four times by a Viet Cong soldier with an AK-47 and still managed to shout orders to his men, who counterattacked and defeated the Viet Cong force. He was awarded a silver star for his actions.

[Hoof Hearted]

13. I had a mental image of him actually "hitting" McCain.

Not that he would ever do that, and not that I would advocate anything of the sort.

Just sayin' - it wouldn't really go well for McCain in that particular scenario.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

14. He not only has military experience but he did a lot of diplomatic work - He's respected world-wide.

n/t