Reply #36: Clark has a Southern, home team advantage - no doubt

[SayitAintSo]

The unique history of the South create an advantage for a 'home boy' unlike any other region. It has to do with family, roots, cultural issues, history - the good bad and the ugly, etc... In the South, relationships matter a lot, values, your 'people'. Clark's roots combined with his military background, something that is highly valued in the South give him an extraordinary edge, I believe.

The South per capita has more folks in the military than any other region. That's a fact. Even if you are not from a military family, the military theme is part of the southern culture. It's an emotional issue for Southerners. This may be due to a combination of the vestiges of the Civil War and the sub-textual notion that the South is seen to be used as cannon fodder for the military.

Clark's lack of an accent ? No issue - that's not all that uncommon here any more. I've lived in Columbia SC for 35 years, before that Atlanta GA. I have no accent - been told I sound like I'm from the mid west. Also, the fact that Clark has traveled and lived outside of the South - again a non issue. That's the military. It's understood.

While Clark's southern roots don't guarantee him anything, That coupled with his military background, his accomplishments, also being considered a "non politician" / outsider can easily be parlayed into an uncommon advantage here in the South, if he plays it right. However, Southerners aren't stupid and won't' take kindly to being pandered to by any candidate.

My 2 cents...