What If Clark Does Poorly In Debates?

[otohara]

I watched his speech last week, and I'm sorry - but for all the hoopla and build up, it's wasn't a very inspiring speech, and just a tad short on details.

Is everyone rushing to Clark because he supposedly is
the "only one" who can beat Bush, because we've been told so by the anti-liberal pundits.

[ComerPerro]

1. Didn't you get the memo?

He is God.

[meegbear]

2. Damn right!!!

Now assume the position.

[TennesseeWalker]

3. I'll be surprised if he does poorly in the debates.

He seems to be very introspective and measured. For the first time (since 2000 and my man AL)I'm excited by a Democrat candidate. I really like everyone running (even Holy Joe) better than Bush, and I was an ABB guy leaning Dean. For me, Clark is the man, even though it's really early.

[mlawson]

4. The media whores will hand the debates to Dumbo,

regardless of how he does, or how the Dem does. The trick will be, that our guy does so well, that the public won't buy the media spin.

I haven't seen Clark speak at length yet, so I have no comment on him.

[unfrigginreal]

5. Have no fear...just like they told us that Bush was a moderate in 2000...

they'll tell us that Clark demolished the others in the debate.

[zeemike]

15. you are right

No matter how bad he does I predict they will spin it as good

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

6. Let's hope our most electable candidate does well

Dean supporters have convinced me that Kucinich is unelectable, so we need someone more mainstream than Kucinich - so Clark's it, obviously.

[Dookus]

7. If he does poorly...

he'll lose support.

The same is true of Dean, Kucinich, Kerry, Moseley-Braun, Graham, Edwards, Lieberman, Gephardt and Sharpton.

[quam]

8. what time and what channel is the debate?

Looked at on google, nothing obvious.
thanks

[tjdee]

12. CNBC....Thursday??

It's on CNBC, I believe...I want to say....Thursday?? at 4pmET.

Um. I think.

[Uzybone]

14. 9/25/03 @ 4pm ET

New York, NY, September 18, 2003 – Westwood One (NYSE:WON) is proud to announce exclusive live radio coverage, on NBC News Radio and CNBC Business Radio, of the "CNBC/Wall Street Journal Democratic Candidate Presidential Debate" at 4:00 pm ET on Thursday, September 25, 2003 from Pace University in New York City. This is the first Democratic Debate to feature 10 Presidential candidates with the announcement by General Wesley Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander, that he is running for the Democratic nomination for president. The debate will be available for rebroadcast at 6:00 pm ET and 9:00 pm ET.

[Cappurr]

9. If he does poorly in the debates....

He will be a poor candidate and will not win the nomination. He certaily won't win my vote. But I've watched him on TV and I think he is pretty good. We'll have to wait and see.

[tjdee]

10. You're right about the speech, but he's good answering questions.

In fact, I noticed what you did during his speech and he really does need some help in that area (tweaking, mostly, maybe writing). That's where he has to work.

But he's very good at short interviews and Q&A. On all the talking head shows, he's done well--and basically that's what he'll get at the debates.

[Brian Sweat]

11. If Clark does poorly in the debates

it may have a negative effect on his campaign.

[rucky]

13. At This Stage...

there's no room for error. That goes for ALL the candidates.

[davidinalameda]

22. this stage?

the primaries aren't until next year

many people can't even name one of the Democratic candidates for president

only us hardcore politicos are paying attention right now, and the media

[DoveTurnedHawk]

16. "What If"

Why don't we wait and see? It's only three days.

If Clark sucks in the debate, we can revisit at that time.

All this before-the-fact hand wringing does us no good.

DTH

[jlucu]

17. debator

I believe I read in an MSNBC article that Clark was a top-notch debator during his West Point stint - in fact that was considered not quite "manly" enough by some of his detractors....

[gully]

18. I was also quite 'unspired' after all the hype...

I don't think he's gonna be the unbeatable guy many think he is?!
But, I refrain from a decision on him at this point.

[RamboLiberal]

19. He was debating champion at West Point I believe

And he does a great job on TV IMHO, I think he'll do great. Just have to watch out for the gothcha's the media whores like to spring on Dems.

Funny how they ignored this with Chimpy!

[Bertrand]

20. I agree that his entry speech wasnt great

but if anyone can find his one at the University of Iowa a few days ago, i think alot of people here will be impressed with his skills as an orator.

[otohara]

21. Good To Hear

It just seems to me that Clark was pushed into running by DLC'ers w/ promises of big bucks, big names. Reminds me of the guy who is at the helm now and how he got there.

I just don't get the feeling he really wants this gig. Is he answering the calls from folks like Hill/Bill - Mr. DLC From and others to serve his country?