I'm a Clark Supporter, But Now I Love John Kerry, Too

[DoveTurnedHawk]

Kerry brushed off reporters’ questions about possible attacks on his closest rival.

"I think the world of Wesley. He’s a very good guy, and I know him and like him. I’m not going to be critical of Wes Clark," Kerry said.

http://www.politicsnh.com/archives/pindell/2003/december/1_7Kerry.shtml

DTH

[wyldwolf]

1. Kerry used to be my #1... now is #2...

... but in my opinion he would make the best President of the nine.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

83. Many feel he would make the best President

but are afraid he will somehow blow it or is not electable (Mass. liberal schtick). They want to support him but are reluctant.
I think Kerry's being one of the most seasoned and oldest of the candidates and his solid record should dispell such myths. I have utmost confidence in him.

Kerry can and will deliver.

[Bread and Circus]

2. Yay! Now that's class.

I would love a Clark/Kerry ticket.

It's kind of funny but I have come full circle on Kerry and Gephardt.
For being the "establishment" candidates they actually have
some real liberal plans.

Kudos to Kerry. Man, that gives me a great feeling.

[Kahuna]

69. Kerry/Clark would be a kick ass ticket for sure.

:hi: :yourock:

[bicentennial_baby]

3. Wow...Thank You Senator Kerry!

He's my Senator, and I truly appreciate his classy reply. :bounce:

[maddezmom]

4. know what you mean.

John Kerry has class and he's my #2.

[Lefta Dissenter]

5. Thanks for posting that, DTH

I do think that Kerry would be a good President for us.

OK, I'm not leaving Clark, but Kerry is #2 or #3 for me. At least he's someone I'd be very proud to vote for, unlike two other Dem candidates, who would make me need a barf bag.

[adadem]

65. I get your drift

and I'm with you 100%. Though Kerry's my 1 and Clark my 2.

[RafterMan]

6. Yeah!

Go Kerry! I like these declared truces -- everything works so much better with them in place.

This could have been a nice, clean fight if the two hatchet men hadn't been running. Oh well.

[mb7588a]

53. i agree

These two have a great relationship it seems. The exchange of chicken wings and zero bars was priceless.

[BobbyJay]

7. American heroes don't diss each other.

Both would be great American leaders.





www.clark04.com

[incapsulated]

8. I was for Kerry

Before Clark announced. I've always liked him. I think this campaign run (in addition to his illness) has put a lot of strain on him though.

He is still my number two and I would be happy to back him any day.

[quinnox]

9. I have long suspected Kerry and Clark have a mutual respect thing going

Both war hero's and former military men.

[blm]

10. I told ya', DTH. Clark was one of the few who backed Kerry up

when he was advocating for gays to be allowed to serve openly in the military. They certainly weren't doing it for political gain because it was SO unpopular, especially back then. They were doing it because they knew it was the RIGHT thing to do.

Kerry had to appreciate what Clark did.

[OKNancy]

15. You know what I think blm

Kerry is one classy guy.

[MuseRider]

29. I need to chime in on

that sentiment. He has always been a classy guy. He would make a fine president.

[Kahuna]

72. Kerry and Clark supporters also have a good relationship..

with each other. :pals:

[blm]

84. We both have good bullshit detectors?

heheh....

;)

[moz4prez]

11. Kerry/Clark or Clark/Kerry

Who wouldn't be elated to work for either ticket?

I hope Clark doesn't allow himself to be marginalized by the Dean campaign like Kerry was. "Corrupt Washington insider" my foot.

Time will tell, I guess.

[Kahuna]

73. Agreed. I would much prefer Kerry at the top of the ticket..

with Clark at bottom, than any other candidate. However, I think that because Clark is more "likeable" and "charasmatic" Clark would be best at the top of the ticket.

[cally]

12. I've always respected Kerry

He has fought for progressive causes so many times. He was my first choice until I switched to Clark (with a detour to Dean and Edwards) Kerry is a good person.

[xultar]

13. Hey I love Kerry also! He's AWESOME! n/t

[jpgpenn]

14. Kerry always was a GOOD MAN!

Still high on my list for pres!

[MoonRiver]

16. Good for Kerry.

It's so sad he didn't listen to the voices of reason and vote AGAINST IWR. If he had, I believe we'd be looking at a Kerry/Clark candidacy. Now I feel that Clark as presidential candidate will be even more effective, but that was my dream long before the invasion of Iraq.

[Sean Reynolds]

17. Yet he'll continue to attack Dean at every chance.

Not much class if ya' ask me. I think Kerry just wants to be Clark's VP.

[LuminousX]

22. In all fairness, Kerry doesn't think much of Dean

[Jerseycoa]

31. Come on

Dean trashed Kerry for a year. Kerry owes Dean zilch in respect or consideration.

[adadem]

66. You're 110%

correct on "Kerry owes Dean zilch in respect or consideration." Dean set the tone of this campaign with his attacks. Now he can't stand to reap what he has sown. I pray Kerry, Clark and the others keep exposing all the govenors weaknesses, flops, mistruths...all of it.

[isbister]

35. Re: Yet he'll continue to attack Dean at every chance

That's because Dean is a misleader.

[Turkw]

40. Didn't Dean attack him first? Clark has not attacked anyone

And anyway this question was about Clark not Dean

[Clark Can WIN]

18. I also think the WORLD of John Kerry

And would be proud to call him President.

[Printer70]

19. This Political Acumen is Why Kerry is in the Basement

Once a front-runner, now a footnote.

[Printer70]

64. Hold up- Kerry SLAMS Clark (WashPost)

Kerry flew from Iowa to Manchester on Tuesday night and was up early Wednesday with an anti-Clark message. "Unlike some other candidates, I have 35 years' experience fighting for the Democratic values of the party," he said, "never having voted for Richard Nixon or Ronald Reagan or others. I've been a Democrat all my life."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63270-2004Jan7.html

[Kahuna]

75. But, he's not lying about Clark. There's the difference...

We (Clark supporters) can take the truth. It's the lies we detest.

[blm]

80. Differentiating without lying is fair and within bounds.

Noone mindas that and is to be expected in a contest.

We're not thinskinned politicos. We only want Dems to be HONEST in their criticisms of each other.

[maddezmom]

77. not a SLAM

a statement of who is he and what he's being doing the last 35 yrs.

[blm]

87. His political acumen and REAL record of accomplishment makes him the BEST

candidate for the general election.

You think Dean is going to argue with Bush about BCCI and 9-11 when that BCCI trial in England heats up?

[Imalittleteapot]

20. Kerry was my candidate from the beginning, then Dean

but I've thrown my support into the Clark camp because I think he can beat Bush. Kerry would make a fine POTUS, moderate in some ways - a little liberal edgy in other ways. This ABB thing has me feeling a little uncomfortable. For example, Kucinich is a Dem of the purest form and would have been my very first choice, but there is no way he can beat GW, unless, as he says, we vote for him. :shrug:

[tishaLA]

21. I know it's fashionable in some circles to denigrate Kerry

but not in mine. I think he is an honorable man who has made some very difficult choices in his legislative career. I may not agree with all of them, but I admire him very deeply and I wish him, and his campaign, the best of luck.

[Kathleen04]

23. That's..

a great compliment. :)

Kudos to Kerry, he's a good man.

[killbotfactory]

24. His civility will last about as long as it takes Clark

To overtake him in the polls.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

25. You Might Want to Try Reading the Article

The question was asked in direct relation to Clark's overtaking Kerry in the NH polls.

Do keep trying, though!

DTH

[killbotfactory]

44. It's not a significant overtaking, yet...

And Kerry is focusing on IOWA so he can beat Gephardt and get a bounce for NH.

[incapsulated]

26. That's politics

I've liked Kerry since way before this particular race.

But how he would react remains to be seen. This isn't Kerry/Dean we're talking about, and I have a strong suspicion that if Clark overtakes him, he will throw his support behind Clark if he drops out.

[DancingBear]

27. Thank you to a fine man

who has proven time and agan that integrity still means something.
I would be proud to support Kerry if the stars align for him, and wish him continued good fortune for as long as he graces the political stage.

[necso]

28. I am a Clark supporter, but think Kerry is a good man.

Kerry is courageous, thoughtful and intelligent.

Just because someone has to make painful choices and compromises to work within the system does not necessarily make him or her a lessor person.

I was very unhappy with Diane Feinstein for voting for the medicare bill and let her office know about it. They sent me back a well reasoned response stating in part that it was important to get something on the books and how the wheels were already in motion to overturn (supersede) the bad parts of the bill. Thrilled I am not, but this is a legitimate position and she maintains my support.

Working within the system is not always a bad thing and in most times is the only way to make changes. Labeling all federal incumbents as "Washington insiders", opposed to the good of the American people stinks of Newt the Brute and his fellow troglodytes (no insult intended to "cavers"). Their goal was never to improve our admittedly flawed system of compromise and cooperation but to replace it with a far worse one of uncompromising, extremist plutocracy. (Sadly, they have in large part succeeded.)

I would be happy to see Kerry as president... however that isn't happening. But whatever happens in the fall, Kerry and other Democratic Faithful will be there (as needs be) to pick up the pieces. Let's at least give the man his due.

[Jerseycoa]

30. Oh, the big lug

He's so kind. :)

[w4rma]

32. I was wondering if Kerry was acting as Clark's serrogate attack dog.

Pretty sneaky. He attacks Dean and Clark's hands are not as dirty.

[WillyBrandt]

33. You were wondering that--did you wonder some proof too?

Or just toss a little slime into the ring?

[Clark4Prez]

34. Facts, we don't need no stinkin' facts

Why this is DU, where you can have a "smoking gun" with no gun, although somebody might have been smoking something.

[Lefta Dissenter]

37. Yeah, that's why he mortgaged his house

so Clark could win. Duh, don't know why I didn't see that... :shrug:

[Turkw]

39. I'm sure that's why Kerry entered the race, more than a year before Clark

Probably why he became a Senator as well. :eyes:

[Jerseycoa]

50. Good one

:7

[blm]

81. Well. Clark will benefit from Kerry taking most of the Dean attacks early

and Clark will benefit from Kerry attacking Dean for his lies and inconsistencies.

Very good situation for Clark to be in, but, I don't doubt that both Kerry and Clark are well aware of this dynamic.

[JI7]

36. i have always loved john kerry

and love him more everyday.

[Furity]

46. Great pic

[Leilani]

What a Class Act

I would proudly vote for this man.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

38. I've thought Kerry would be a great President for a decade but

if it's not him, I hope it's Clark.

[uslibertarian]

41. Madonna Endorses Clark - Not Kerry

There are a few good things to say about Wesley Clark but I found a web site that has an interesting way of portraying Clark’s character with Madonna’s endorsement of Clark as a backdrop in a manner that is as factious as any imaginable.

Warning, this site has pictures of Madonna not entirely covered.

Is it a good thing that Madonna only endorsed Clark and not Clark and Kerry?

http://webpages.charter.net/houtsandcrouch/madonnaclark.htm

[TahitiNut]

48. Interesting site you link to ...

"We are not minorities, single mothers, convicted criminals, or illegal aliens. We are hardworking family oriented law abiding American veterans and subsequently there are no grants available for our kind."
http://webpages.charter.net/houtsandcrouch/college.htm

While clearly in dire need of education, I seriously doubt any contribution to their college fund would be money well-spent. Now, if they were interested in trying again at high school, I might be persuaded. (Even though I'm fairly sure Bob Jones U. would be glad to have their "kind.")

Is this the kind of site you feel is most persuasive?

[Name removed]

49. Deleted message

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

[ResistTheCoup]

42. What a class act!!

Kerry is my number two choice. A Clark/Kerry ticket would be fantastic. Both combat veterans, one from the south, one from the northeast. Nothing but positives!

[mzmolly]

43. He *knows* him. He criticized him recently on *party loyalty*

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3130138/

I guess he's gotten to know the General in the past couple months? :shrug:

"But Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry used his speech to the party gathering to bash the general for having voted for Richard Nixon in 1972 and Ronald Reagan in 1984 and to question Clark’s commitment to Democratic beliefs.

KERRY TOLD the meeting of the Democratic National Committee, “I’m running for president so I can stand up and fight for Democratic values.” He added, “This is not a commitment that I’ve made in the last few weeks. This is not a commitment that I’ve made in the last year or that I stumbled across in the course of this campaign. This has been a cause with me for a lifetime."

Edited to add:

"Alluding to his opposition to the Vietnam War in the 1970s — and to Clark’s admission that he’d voted for Nixon in 1972 — Kerry said, "I’m proud of having stood against Richard Nixon, not with him.

Kerry also said, "I’m proud that I stood against Ronald Reagan and not with him when his intelligence agencies were abusing the Constitution."

OUCH!

[JI7]

47. he has known clark for years

and that was from a speech he gave differentiating himself from other candidates including clark who had just got into the race. he was playing up his own record there, and it was all true. but he has known clark for years and has always liked him.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

56. "What Have You Done for Me Lately"

The good comments now are more important than the borderline comments earlier, especially as Clark is gaining so much momentum.

Unlike, say, Dean, who has always been snide towards Clark, except for the period of time before Clark entered, and maybe a couple of days afterward.

DTH

[uslibertarian]

45. Madonna Endorses Clark, Not Kerry - Good or Bad?

There are a few good things to say about Wesley Clark but I found a web site that has an interesting way of portraying Clark’s character with Madonna’s endorsement of Clark as a backdrop in a manner that is as factious as any imaginable.

Is it a good thing that Madonna only endorsed Clark and not Clark and Kerry?

http://webpages.charter.net/houtsandcrouch/madonnaclark.htm

Warning, this site has pictures of Madonna not entirely covered.



.

[oasis]

57. What a tramp that Madonna was. I'm glad she has sought redemption.

I wonder if her venture into politics is part of that process.

[dreissig]

51. Kerry Voted for the War

Kerry voted for the war at a time when we desperately sought leadership from high-ranking Democrats. He let us down, big time. He was more worried about what Republicans thought of him than what Democrats thought of him. Well now, John Kerry, you've got your Republican support, and good luck with it. I'm voting for a Democrat.

[IndianaGreen]

52. How could you support such a mass of confusion as Kerry?

Clark is head and shoulders above Kerry. In addition to that Clark offers something that Kerry severely lacks: clarity!

[DoveTurnedHawk]

55. IG, I'm a Man Looking for Water in the Desert

Complimentary words from any candidate towards Clark these days are so very rare, and even more welcome.

Is it simplistic? Yes. But it's also quite human, IMO.

DTH

[JI7]

58. wes clark said he "LOVES" john kerry

wes clark himself has said he "loves" john kerry. used that exact word "love". also interesting is kerry is quoted in here as saying he thinks the world of clark. the general himself has said the same thing about john kerry.

[rogerhall]

61. Kerry does suck at the 'sound bite' ...

but I'm okay with that in a policy maker. Say .. Senator, VP, Secretary, whatever. He has talent.

[imhotep]

54. Kerry must want to lose

if he really said he wouldn't be critical of Clark.

[Renew Deal]

70. Or

he doesn't want someone else to win. Remember, Clark has been good to Kerry and vice-versa. Sometimes these candidates see their fate.

[RafterMan]

59. I tried to thank him...

...but the Kerry blog was not allowing anonymous posters.

Could someone carry the overwhelmingly positive response from us Clark fans back to his blog for us? Here was what I tried to post as a response:

"Big thanks to Kerry for his statement:

"I think the world of Wesley. He's a very good guy, and I know him and like him. I'm not going to be critical of Wes Clark."

If it wasn't for a certain doctor labelling his opponents a bunch of sell-out Republicrat cockroach appeasers and a certain senator from CT persuing a Democratic scorched-earth policy, think of what a great, uplifting exciting campaign this could be.

I think Kerry is an excellent man, with many great, innovative proposals. Should Kerry win the nomination, I will eagerly and whole-heartedly support his drive for the presidency.

Again, my deepest gratitude to Senator Kerry for taking the high road.

--Clarkie "

Even just posting a link to this thread on DU would be good -- I really want to let the Kerry campaign know how greatly appreciated this is.

Thanks.

[JI7]

63. that's because

when the blog first opened up there was a lot of trash posted from non kerry supporters trashing kerry. it was too much that it required a change in rules and they brought in registration. i'm actually not registered there, but i think i will later and if someone else has not, i will post what you wrote.

[tpub]

67. I posted the link on the Kerry blog--n/t

[rogerhall]

60. I've always liked Kerry. He's the candidate that compares with Clark on

integrity, intelligence, and temperment. (IMHO)

I am hoping for a Clark candidacy, and I would be excited about either Kerry or Edwards as a VP.

We have some good Dems, folks, and even our bad Dems didn't lie about WMD!

[catforclark2004]

62. I like Kerry....

But support Clark because he's got a better chance against Bush. This is due to his Southern roots, his real life experience as CIC, his charismatic good looks and easy manner, his bipartisan non politico approach, his less than preachy speech style and clarity, his intellect and the fact was able to stay "afloat" even when the media ignored him. Kerry is a great established Democrat. Clark is a star.

[Kahuna]

68. Alright Kerry!

He's my number two now.

[Forkboy]

71. More Kerry BS

Kerry flew from Iowa to Manchester on Tuesday night and was up early Wednesday with an anti-Clark message. "Unlike some other candidates, I have 35 years' experience fighting for the Democratic values of the party," he said, "never having voted for Richard Nixon or Ronald Reagan or others. I've been a Democrat all my life."

Sorry DTH,may want to wait on that love :)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63270-2004Jan7.html

edit to add link

[blm]

78. Fair play. Kerry is emphasizing HIS 35 yrs. opposing Republican presidents

He's not accusing Clark of being a Republican NOW like Dean did.

Longetivity of opposition is the theme. We all know Dean rarely opposed the GOP in Vermont as governor, and he never stood up against Reagan and Bush's illegal wars even when asked about it last year.

[Forkboy]

79. ok...if you say so

looks pretty blatantly hypocritical to me.I expected you'd see it differently.

[Bread and Circus]

85. It's funny, I noticed that as well Forkboy but as long as they

remain honest about each other and do not intend
to mislead, then I am ok w/ a little sparring.

As far as I know, Kerry never called Clark a "Republican",
that would be flat out deception.

I think Kerry is trying to sell himself on the "points of
difference" which is ok.

For me, I could care less that Clark voted for Reagan. I
think Clark is a REAL AMERICAN HERO.

[Forkboy]

89. Him voting for Reagan or Nixon doesn't bother me

His very recent praising of Bush,Inc does though.With him being such an unknown in the political arena statements like those are hard to look past for me.

I'm not enamored with Clark,but I dont think he's Satan either like some would have us believe.All the candidates are a mixed bag for me.Kucinich is probably the closest to my own beliefs.

[Bread and Circus]

92. I would love it if Kucinich took on Energy reform as his big issue...

to me, that's the root of a lot of our problems.

1.) Whoring ourselves out to Saudi Arabia
2.) Oil barrons running our government by proxy
3.) Pollution
4.) Energy is the fundamental source of ALL wealth

I could go on...

[Killarney]

74. That's class. That will win him respect from people.

It could help his own campaign and it would definitely work in both candidate's favors if they combine on a ticket.

God, I can't even think about a Clark/Kerry ticket... that's just too good for words.

I'm very proud of Kerry for that! :)
Kerry is a class-act.

[Forkboy]

76. Not a class act

see my post above.He's being two-faced...again.

[JNelson6563]

82. You must love Dean then too!

I notice the Kerry quote is much like the Dean quote in your sig line! :toast:

Julie

[DoveTurnedHawk]

90. The Dean Quote Is Ancient History

Kerry's was yesterday.

What have you done for me lately, Howard Dean? Oh yeah, you're having your campaign staff dog Clark events, passing out trash, in an utterly classless and crass move.

DTH

[blm]

91. They dogged Kerry calling him Bushlite.

The quote in your original post is from Dec. Kerry and Clark may tweak each other now and then but, I know neither would go out of bounds or deliberately lie about the other.

[Jack_Dawson]

86. Very stand-up of Kerry

Nice work, Senator.

[curse10]

88. Good for Kerry

I'm glad there are some attempts to keep this campaign clean. And I agree with him- if Kerry drops before Clark I'm probably throwing my support behind him.