General Wesley Clark as SOS 2012 under Obama?!

[vaberella]

The thought crossed my mind when I saw this news coverage on CNN (as per elleng's recommendation): http://securingamerica.com/node/3404

I think HRC is doing a great job and I so don't want her to leave. But it looks like she made the decision to leave. Would most of you welcome Gen. Clark as SOS under Obama in 2012?

Just wanted your thoughts on it. A slight diversion from the main topic at hand. Although the video does pertain directly to the topic of Libya and the US' actions there.

[KittyWampus]

1. He'd do a good job. Wonder if he'd ever get asked. Saw him on CNN today

while working out. He was doing commentary on Libya.

[elleng]

4. As to whether he'd get asked,

I've had concerns about Obama's thoughts/feelings about Wes for a long time; don't know why he's appeared somewhat negative, as POTUS is surely smart enough to recognize Wes' HUGE value.

[elleng]

2. THANKS SO MUCH for this, vaberella!

Been hoping Wes would get SoD after Gates, but I'll surely 'settle' for SoS!

[vaberella]

6. De nada. I've been wanting Wes in the Adminstration in any way I could get him.

I rooted for him as Veep or SOS or SOD---so if HRC doesn't want the job he'd be great.

[Lefta Dissenter]

3. considering my former username was

VoteClarkInWI, I guess I'd say that yes, I think he'd make a great SOS. Despite the military background, he is a strong proponent of diplomacy before military action. He is thoughtful and compassionate.

Besides, I have his autograph on that swimsuit picture! :loveya:

[elleng]

5. Hey, VoteClark, HI!

You have his auto on THAT picture? I just have it on his book! :loveya:

[Lefta Dissenter]

8. yup...

:evilgrin:

[vaberella]

7. Hilarious! ^_^ I think he'd be good too and he's always traveling and on top of current affairs.

I think he has the resume needed to do a great job. I hope he gets it. And he knows how to talk to the media effectively without dithering or coming across flip-floppy as I've seen Dean come across.

[elleng]

9. Was FIRST attracted to Wes from tv appearance during gulf war (I think),

he's a great teacher/explainer,strategist, tactician, AND diplomat.

[jenmito]

10. YES! I remember hoping he would run for president in '08 early on (and

I wanted him to be president in '04 but it seemed the media shut him out of all coverage). I even remember an Obama volunteer calling me in '07 and when he asked me who I was supporting, I told him Wes Clark if he would run. He asked me if Obama had a chance of being my 2nd choice, and I said yes. He ended up not running and I was turned off when he supported Hillary in '08, but now I like him again when I see him commentating on TV. A search of my posts would show many Wes Clark posts. So yes-Clark for SoS!

[elleng]

12. Yes, jenmito, the media did shut him out.

I wasn't enthusiastic about his support for Hillary either, but Clintons at least pretended to 'like' him and they had been friends in Arkansas, so I excused it.

[jenmito]

16. Same here...

I understood it, but didn't like it.

[northoftheborder]

11. I greatly admire Gen. Wesley Clark

In fact, I adore him! He's a remarkable man, likable personality, terrifically smart, accomplished, diplomatic, experienced militarily, wise, kind and handsome! However, this wonderful person was thrown under the bus a long time ago, and it does not appear that he is on the inside of anything going on in Washington; no roles as adviser anywhere in the administration even. He would be an accomplished SOD, SOS, but Obama would never ask him to do anything. I'll eat 10 paper plates if that ever happens.

You see, Gen. Clark supported Hillary Clinton early on for President, and even though he went on to campaign for Obama, it was obvious that Obama never considered him for anything. Clark would have made a wonderful President, in fact he ran in 2004, but he just didn't have the money, name recognition, or machine to go very far. He has much to contribute to this country.

[elleng]

13. Thanks, north.

Wes did not support Hillary early on, I think; only after she 'soaked up' his numerous $ supporters; that's how I read it, anyway.

Same concern as you about Obama asking him, and damned if I understand that one. ;-(

[CTyankee]

18. As you know, I like him. But he was lacking on the issue of women's reproductive rights

during his primary campaign in 2004. It's not that he was unsympathetic, it was just that he didn't have staff that helped him. I love him but I would like to see another woman as Sec. of State who is just as dedicated to women's rights as HRC has been. Perhaps Susan Rice. I don't know. Wes Clark wouldn't be bad, of course, but I don't know if he would feel as strongly on women's issues as Hillary and Susan...and it is clear that in this day and age we need strong support of women in so many countries...

[elleng]

20. Don't think so, Yank!

http://www.lifenews.com/2004/01/05/nat-263/

[CTyankee]

36. Oh, he's fine on the overall pro choice issue. No problem with that.

But getting beyond that and to some other issues, such as availability of the Morning After pills and insurance coverage for contraceptives were a little too in depth, at the time I saw him speak about this back in 04. But I was working for Planned Parenthood at the time so my perspective may be a little harsh on Wes.

As I said, I love him and think the world of him...

[CTyankee]

25. Oh, he was good on the facts. He just was unsure with his footing on the subject.

It's hard to blame him. But on this issue, Hillary really had it down. She was really much more eloquent. I really find it hard to be mean to Clark and as I said I supported him initially in the 2004 campaign but I found his answer to a question on reproductive rights during the campaign to be OK but not really well versed. OTOH, I love Wes Clark and would like to see him succeed in any way possible! He's a great guy!

[Change Happens]

14. Yes, of course...I am so glad he is on CNN again!

[elleng]

15. More on Wes./CNN today:

Wes was on "The Situation Room" on CNN at about 5:30 p.m. EDT with Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer mentioned that the other countries in the area were "missing in action," in that while they approved the UN resolution taking action against Gadhafi, they have yet to provide military support. Blitzer asked Wes if he was disappointed at their inaction. Wes replied that he was very disappointed, but not surprised. He said that the leaders there were in a tight spot and cant be seen by their citizens as attacking other Arabs. He added that Gadhafi has "a long reach" and could retaliate against any regime that supports the opposition.

He's supposed to be on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" show later this evening.

[jenmito]

17. He was on MSNBC today, too. He really gets around! n/t

[elleng]

19. Really, on MSNBC? He's got an 'exclusive' w CNN for 31 days, I think.

[jenmito]

29. I'm 90% sure of it, but I DID switch to CNN once in a while. n/t

[hollowdweller]

21. I don't think he's hawkish enough for the Obama admin.

[FrenchieCat]

23. That's not correct.

Wes Clark is no wimp....
and I believe that he supports the current UN intervention.
So there's that.

[elleng]

27. Hi, Frenchie! Fancy meeting you here!

:hi:
:hug: :thumbsup:

[FrenchieCat]

30. Hey there!

:hi:

[jenmito]

28. I knew I'd find you here sooner or later!

You were for Clark BIG TIME the same time I was. :)

[FrenchieCat]

31. Yep.....

And here at DU, it was difficult defending him.
He was called so many names, it ain't even funny.
Guess we did a pretty good setting the record straight, hey? :)

[jenmito]

34. Yup...

those were good times. They still ARE! :)

[krabigirl]

42. I agree, he isn't.

[pacalo]

22. You betcha I would!

[Keith Bee]

24. Hey, he could steer Pentagon contracts to his corporate employers!

Unrec

[elleng]

26. Your ignorance is showing.,

:thumbsdown:

[FrenchieCat]

32. You want to name these corporate employers.

We'd like to see the names.

Thanks! :eyes:

[elleng]

33. ...

:thumbsup:

[davidpdx]

35. Gates will be leaving as well, so Sec of Defense would be a good possiblity

as well...

[vaberella]

37. Man Gates is gone too?! Shit. Well then...Clark would be good there. I'm up for any option. n/t

[davidpdx]

40. I'm pretty sure you'll see a bunch of turn over after Obama's first term

Four years in a cabinet position is a lot of stress. My understanding is that when a president is reelected, generally they ask for the resignation of all cabinet positions and then may keep some of those people. The reason being is it is easier to pick and chose who to let go if it appears they left on their own will.

[PatGund]

38. I would LOVE to see Wes Clark in the current administration....

But there's one big negative against him.

Namely many of the people left over at the WesPAC forums. During the 2008 primaries, many of the people at CCN did a fantastic job at driving off any Clarkie who was also an Obama supporter. And even after Sen. Clinton conceded and both her and Wes Clark endorsed Obama, it continued to be a VERY hostile environment for anyone who dared speak in favour of Obama. (I got my start in "birther debunking" dealing with the lies about Obama at CCN)

And now? There's a few die-hards left, but I suspect many of the serious bashers have gone tea-party or worse and refuse to have anything to do with the Democratic party. There's still a "meh" attitude on Obama and a couple people waste no chances to bash him any chance they get.

To be fair, General Clark NEVER endorsed the views of the Obama-bashers at CCN. And spoke about the need to rally behind Obama. But the constant Obama-bashing at CCN has got to have hurt his chances for a role in this administration.

[elleng]

39. No tea partiers among that group, I promise you,

tho some hard feelings about bad treatment perceived by Clarkies.

I don't think such had anything to do with Obama's treatment of Wes, but if it did I'd be VERY disappointed in this administration. PrezO much too smart to permit that to happen, imo.

[Ramsey]

41. I'd like Wes Clark for President in 2012