Reply #2: Clark Supporter Answer

[StephNW4Clark]

First of all, thanks for posting such a timely and interesting question.

As a Clark supporter, I have found it somewhat surprising that he is so strongly identified as a centrist/moderate. He wrote a pro-affirmative action amicus brief to U of Michigan, is strongly for a responsible environmental policy, etc.

I think hard-core left wingers have difficulty seeing past the uniform. But I think "centrist" voters will find the military background comforting in the current time of crisis, and his liberal ideas will become secondary to them. To Democrats, I think they will see that his beliefs squarely belong in the liberal camp and a secondary consideration will be his military background.

Personally, if the current administration continues to handle things the same way for the next 18 months, I don't think Clark will need to shift the public's perception of himself or emphasize different traits. He'll just run as himself: a 4 star general with a strong belief in internationalism and a Democratic platform.

And if the race is tight - then I think Clark will concentrate more on the national security issue simply because it's the one area where people (apparently) still have some trust in the Bush administration. And I think he'll beat Bush there as well.