Clark: "There are two grades we can get on Iraq: an F or a D+"...

[wtmusic]

Wes spoke at a breakfast reception this morning to benefit Russ Warner, who is running for David Dreier's seat in CA's 26th district. His was the most persuasive argument I've heard for staying in Iraq on a limited basis, saying that there are no good choices at this point, but withdrawing immediately would be a fiasco. Wes believes we need to bring "all of our diplomacy" to bear not only inside Iraq but outside; not only with our friends in the region but with our enemies.

I've come down pretty hard on Wes in the past but he was very impressive in person. He'll be far more polished as a candidate in '08 than he was last time around.



Wes with Russ and his family. Russ's son Greg (in back) served in the Army in Iraq and is now at West Point.

[laruemtt]

1. mmm, he's still looking fine...... n/t

[goclark]

2. In person he is so impressive

BRIGHT, compassionate,comfortable in his own skin and A LEADER.

That's why goclark wants to say,"Go Clark '08."

[FrenchieCat]

3. Hey....I saw him yesterday, at a breakfast in Oakland....supporting

Steve Filson...who's running in a primary, to go on to contest incumbent Rep. Pombo(R) in Ca's 11th District (Tracy).

Actually, Wes' agenda of Demands for a different Iraq approach from our government is the United Democratic National Security plan which came out in early April but was overshadowed by John Kerry's plan (which actually is the same plan....with Kerry's added Caveat that the Government be pressured to form a new Government by May 15th or we threaten to pull out then--But since it looks like a new government will be formed; the Kerry deadline becomes moot....and his plan then is more or less identical to the United Dem plan of redeploying troups by end of 2006).

As well, Iran is gonna do us some damage in Iraq.....based on how we are totally screwing up any hopes for diplomatic talks for peaceful compromises with the Iranian government, due to both side doing their saber rattling.

You are right that his argument does make sense....but I've noticed that his best optimistic grade for Iraq has dropped from a C- to a D+.....so, this means that the window for salvage is closing...which makes sense, because unless there is an amemdment to the Iraqi Constitution that centralizes the oil revenues.....Civil War will be at an "all get out" (literaly) shortly, regardless of whatever "New Government" they form.

I found Wes to be seriously concerned in the importance in Dems winning back at least, if not both, houses in 2006. He understands what a difference this would make in what Democrats "request" versus what Democrats can demand.

He is also of the mind that there should definitly be investigations into several areas of this administration...something that can only be "done" if Dems are controlling the agenda of at least one house.

And yes....I agree that he is very captivating and doing well on the stump. And he does have that "glow" that one can find at times in certain individuals of stature.

[Donna Zen]

4. D+....oh that's not good.

A month ago Wes said that there was still a C- available. So after spending the past two weeks in the middle east, we've been downgraded.

(bush is the dumbest asshole in the known universe....short outburst rant.)

Thanks for posting. You know what I think...Wes has been absolutely correct about the "far-horizon" of what would happen in Iraq and all of the actions and reactions around the world. It is smart to listen to what he has to say.

[wtmusic]

6. Anyone who's taken three bullets

knows a helluva lot more about war than W will ever know.

[FrenchieCat]

7. Make that four

Bullets....that is!

[NI4NI]

5. The F stands for Fatal Mistake

The D+ stands for Dead plus more to Die.

[3waygeek]

8. Of course Clark's right...

those are the only honest grades * ever got.