Wes Clark has compromised his integrity for HRC.

[denem]

I remember like yesterday Wes slamming Bush for using 'fear as a political weapon' in his response to the State of the Union address 2004.

Today he stands behind Hillary, a dutiful soldier, participating in the sharpest fear campaign since LBJ.

I remember the Deaniacs dismissing as a Clinton stooge. I never gave them the time of day. In 2008 I am beyond confused.

I am sorry WesDem, CrunchyFrog, I can't believe in him any more. At the end of the. a compromise pays off.

Edit. I have substituted 'compromise' for 'mortgage'. That word was too strong. What I am saying here is Wes is just another politician, and I expected so much more from the man I believed in, who stood against genocide, without compromise.

[LeftCoast]

1. I just don't understand the need for people to demonize

I really really don't get it.

[Franks Wild Years]

2. But it's not.

It's truth. I have less respect for Clark than I do for George W. Bush at this stage. Much less.

[denem]

5. I am not demonizing. I am sad beyond measure.

Another loss of innocence I suppose. They are all politicaians, including ofcourse Obama.

[cali]

6. I don't see the OP demonizing

Seems more like an expression of disappointment. Having said that, I don't see how anyone can deny that Clinton is running a sharply negative campaign. I don't think that makes her evil or a traitor or any of that nonsense, but it's absurd not to acknowledge that that's the shape of her campaign at this point.

[denem]

8. And Wes said he would never countenance that.

WesDem no doubt will put me one ignore. The conversations we had on forclark seem so long ago now.

[LeftCoast]

11. "Wes Clark has mortgaged his integrity for HRC"

I don't see how saying someone has 'mortgaged his integrity' can be seen as anything but demonizing.

Is there something substantive there that I missed?

Additionally, though I disagree about the characterization of the Clinton campaign, it seems unfair to tar Clark with any and all 'sins' of the campaign. That's why I see this as more demonizing.

[cali]

16. It's certainly strong criticism, but it's not demonizing

and there's a difference. As for Clinton's campaign having gone negative, there's really not much disagreement about that among analysts and pundits.

[LeftCoast]

28. Well, I support Clinton. Did >I< mortgage my integrity?

Did the other DUers who support her?

It's an insult without substance and therefore a smear.

[denem]

18. It's not demonizing. It's the deepest disappointment.

A mortgage can be paid back. It's a fine line, but I don't believe he's sold out. He believes HRC would be the best president, still he is averting his eyes from the sort of fear campaign that he saidhe would never countenance.

[LeftCoast]

23. What really scares me is that I believe you guys truly don't see it.

[denem]

27. I am not demonizing a man who believes HRC will be the best president

of the USA. Perhaps compromised his integrity would have been a better phrase. If you can't remember how passionately Wes abhorred political fear campaigns, then I guess you don't see it either.

[LeftCoast]

30. When you can look at the Clinton campaign and not automatically see it in the worst possible light

it becomes easier to see what's going on.

[denem]

32. I am trying to keep an open mind.

Really. The 3am ad is a classic fear bomb.

[lapfog_1]

19. You don't get that we REJECT the politics of fear and smear...

really? And ALL that participate in it. Be they republicans or democrats.

After all of the Fear and Smear from Rove and his ilk, you don't really think that it's OK to have the "red phone rings at 3am" campaign JUST because a democrat launched it?

[LeftCoast]

22. Saying someone has mortgaged his integrity isn't a smear?

Ok.

:eyes:

[denem]

31. If compromised his integrity is more acceptable, so be it.

At the end of the day, Wes is just another politician. As are they all.

[Skittles]

20. it's a sickness, LeftCoast

it proves the crazies are not all in freeperland

[LeftCoast]

25. I wish I knew how to open some eyes around here

I'm at a loss though.

[denem]

33. So am I.

beyond confused. Reaching a conclusion.

[lapfog_1]

34. Let me remind you, gently...

3. Civility: Treat other members with respect. Do not post personal attacks against other members of this discussion forum.

[Guava Jelly]

3. Wes has been a friend of the Clintons for years.

You shouldn't hold it against him for sticking with his friends.
I love Wes and I am rooting strongly for Obama.

[denem]

7. 'Fear as a pollitcal weapon'

it was one of the most passionate statements he ever made. Yes. I think he believes that Hillary would be the best president. As for her campaign, the end justifies the means.

Where is the man who threw himself down a embankment to rescue an injured soldier? I don't know.

[Guava Jelly]

9. I think it will all be over soon.

And the average voter will forget all of this.
This is just a tense time I think.

[greguganus]

4. It's a cult! He has turned into a Hillbot!! n/t

[denem]

10. No, he's taken out a mortgage.

[LeftCoast]

13. Good thing we don't have any demonizing going on..

Because then someone might say the Obama campaign is going negative.

[bullimiami]

12. wes was always very strong in the clinton camp. ive thought from the beginning

that he would be hillarys vp choice.

[denem]

14. I agree. I am mourning.

He will stand by the Clinton camp, wherever Mark Penn leads them.

[Apollo11]

15. I can see Wes serving as Secretary of Defense

Congress can vote to waive the 10-year rule. They already did it once before.

[susankh4]

21. He'd be a good one too!

That is if he isn't too demonized by his own party before November.

[denem]

24. Wes would make an excellent Secretary of Defense.

It will take an act of Congress to amend the 10 year rule. but his understand of international military/political strategy is second to none

[lapfog_1]

26. All he needs to do is not catapult the propaganda.

He can support Hillary, endorse Hillary, say Hillary will make a fine President and would be a great Commander-in-chief.

But he doesn't have to get down in the mud with her and help her fling the poo at Obama.

Just like Colin Powell didn't HAVE to agree to become Chimpy's SecState where he was used in the most vile way to launch a war of choice against a people who were innocent.

Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas.

[denem]

29. Agreed.

[susankh4]

37. Have an example of where he did that?

Fling poo? Lay down with dogs?

WTF are we talking about here?

[denem]

40. Wes - (I would never) 'use fear as a politcal weapon'.

HRC is running a sharp fear campaign. Wes is playing along, standing beside her.

[susankh4]

41. Sad, really sad.

What you Obama folks are willing to twist to your ends.

Even to taking down Wes Clark?

Who will it be next, I wonder??

Give us a break already. The Obama fatigue is setting in.....

[denem]

42. WaPp - Playing the fear card

- 3am a classic fear attack. You are twisting like Chubby Checker.

[SKKY]

17. It's the same thing McCain did for Bush...

...

[moondust]

35. Reduced to compromised salesmen.

[denem]

38. No, he would be an excellent VP or Secretary of Defense.

But is he turning a blind eye to something he has previously condemned. He is just another politician. They all are.

[moondust]

43. Wes owes too much to the Clintons. Too bad.

They'll never let him forget how much.

[lapfog_1]

36. And I lost all remaining respect I had for McCain then too.

Not to mention Colin Powell at a later date.

[denem]

39. Bush attacked McCain personally.

If anything the Clinton's are loyal. But Wes has turned his back on principle. Just another politician.