MORE ESSENCE OF WES CLARK

[xkenx]

--I was a Kerry supporter prior to Clark's entry into the '04 race, for all the usual reasons--Vietnam vet, good Progressive, lots of exprerience, etc. I felt he was doing well in early debates, but my wife said "Not so fast; Kerry sounds like he's lecturing, talking over people's heads, just not connecting with people." Once we started to notice Wes Clark, it turned to "OH MY GOD! THIS MAN HAS IT" (the indefinable "IT" that you know when you see it). The absolute clincher was Clark's first town hall meeting in Heniker, NH right after the first debate that he was in. That meeting was shown only on CSPAN, and it is since gone from the archives. The man was amazing, a political neophyte handling and connecting with the crowd like Bill Clinton. Answering any and all questions with sincerity, knowledge, compassion. I'll never forget a very hostile question from a woman, now retired from the military, who said that she was a victim of abuse in the military and nothing ever happened to the perpetrator, and what would he, General Clark, do about that? The woman was so upset and hostile, she was shaking. Instead of being defensive or blowing her off, he looked her in the eye and apologized for the military for what happened to her. He asked her if she used the chain of command for redress. She said "yes, but," and Clark said "Didn't work, did it?" "No." Clark went on to explain how they worked very hard in his commands for equality of opportunity, equal treatment, no abuse, etc., but understood that there were still problems, and that, as president, he would work hard with the military to correct the deficiencies. He also volunteered to speak privately with the woman after the meeting to learn more about her situation so that he could help. The woman melted before our eyes! I found out afterwards that Clark met privately with her for 20 min. after the town hall and that her complaint was serious--she had been raped. Instances such as this have convinced me that Wes Clark only needs sufficient exposure to have the following to be elected President. Once people get to know this man's intelligence, character, compassion, integrity, and depth of real world experience, they become dedicated Clarkies.

[WCGreen]

1. I was a big Clark fan right from the start.....

2003...

But, and this may sound trite....

His performance on the Daily show told me he wasn't quite ready to beat Kerry and his train of supporters....

I think he would hav beaten Bush, quite handily....

[Nimrod2005]

2. He was my man all along, still is.

[AllyCat]

3. Wes is my man for 2008 and beyond

He has found common ground with my Green/progressive leanings and my husband's conservative (the REAL kind of conservative) Republican leanings. We both worked on his campaign and are watching him every time he's on the air to see how he is growing as a statesman and leader (not that he wasn't already).

He can answer questions from a crowd with no forewarning of what will be asked. He makes cogent arguments when he answers. He talks about what WE need to do as citizens.

He's out supporting Dem candidates for 2005-2008. I don't feel like he's BSing me when he talks.

[Gloria]

4. Now more than ever a Clarkie

eom

[ArkDem]

5. He sure is one vote gettin' son of a gun!

[drummo]

53. Sure. He was that in 2004, too.

[Tommy_J]

6. Still hoping for a Clark/Edwards ticket

But the other way around would suit me fine too.

[ksclematis]

52. I don't think so.....

Wes Clark has it all.....Edwards is a 'has been'.....

[dae]

7. He was my pick from the beginning, and still is. eom

[Totally Committed]

8. I remember that Town Hall meeting, and that incident very well...

That woman was in tears as he talked to her, and I also heard he had met with her privately later. I was already a Clarkie at that point, but the compassion he showed that woman, for the very reasons you stated, has made me stick with him like glue. What I saw that day at that Town Hall Meeting was a glimpse of greatness. A confirmation to me that he would be an historic President if we could only get the Democratic Party and its voters to nominate, then elect him. I still believe that to this day. I'll probably die believing it.

TC

[xkenx]

9. Wasn't That Town Hall Meeting Amazing?

Not since Bobby Kennedy have I been so inspired by a public figure.
With luck, maybe enough others seeing the national treasure we have will help make Wes Clark POTUS.

[Totally Committed]

11. It was like watching Bobby Kennedy channeling Clinton's empathy...

He won me forever that day.

TC

[faithfulcitizen]

58. me too, and I balled while watching it. It was so moving.

[Totally Committed]

59. You meant "bawled", I think??? ....

or maybe you don't! Jeez, if not, more power to ya!

TC

[Adelante]

10. Yes!!

A thousand times, yes.

[girl gone mad]

12. I signed the draft Clark petition then and I still support him now.

I've always seen Clark as a very liberal candidate who is able to support his beliefs with logic, honesty and passion. I've told my husband many times that I will stand by Clark in 08 because so often he is the only Democrat I see out supporting progressive figures. He said nice things about Michael Moore when almost every other Democrat was running as fast as they could from him. He's stood up for Cindy Sheehan. He's never one to shy away from a fight for fear of bad publicity.

I disagree with him on certain issues, but I think he has true leadership qualities and an open mind.

[democrank]

13. Clark was my choice in `04

and I hope I get a chance to support him again.

[xkenx]

35. I Don't Think a Draft is Necessary.

Clark's signals are that he is running!

[Clark2008]

14. Did y'all get his latest email regarding Ed Schultz

being booted from Armed Services Radio?

Last year, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced a resolution that was unanimously passed by the Senate, urging Secretary Rumsfeld and Armed Forces Radio to ensure more political balance in programming.

It looked like progress was being made when the Pentagon agreed to air the first hour of Ed Schultz's daily radio show live on Armed Forces Radio every day. Then, only hours before the first show would have been broadcast, the Pentagon suddenly reversed the decision and refused to air Ed's program.

We must let our voices be heard and exercise leadership to help ensure that the spirit of Senator Harkin's resolution -- and the spirit of fairness -- are at play on taxpayer financed programming.

Send an email to your Members of Congress now -- urge the Pentagon to enforce fair play on Armed Forces Radio by honoring their promise to broadcast Ed Schultz's radio show!

And then join us on the WesPAC blog to talk about this important issue.

http://securingamerica.com/node/287

[merci_me]

15. He's what a real leader is.

I've watched that portion of the Town Hall meeting several times, mainly because of something I saw. Each time General Clark was asked a question, he focused intently on the questioner. However, after he spoked with the retired military officer, as he was listening to the next questioner, he wasn't as focused. You could tell, he still hadn't let go of the last exchange and his eyes looked a bit glassy.

As I saw General Clark on later occasions, I came to realize, his eyes do well-up when he is very personally moved. For instance, once when he was talking about being in Viet Nam and not seeing his son until he was several months old, when he talked about visiting a VA hospital and seeing a young man, injured in Iraq, who was son of one of the men who had served under him. He has a quick and easy smile, an nice twinkle in his eyes, but his eyes also are a true window to his soul.

[Thirtieschild]

16. Clark has it all

I'm 70 years old, have voted in every election since 1956, and have never felt as strongly about a candidate as I do about Clark. He was amazing in those town hall meetings shown on c-span, the way he connected with the people, the way he answered questions - I learned so much from him. I hope that he'll run again, and that this time around more people will get to know him.

[haypops]

20. Almost 60

And Clark has effected me more than any other politician in my life.

[truebrit71]

17. Wesley Clark has inspired me like no other political candidate ever has.

A true man of vision, leadership abilities and an uncanny knack to be able to talk to people at exactly their level..

Supported him in 2004, and will proudly and vociferously do so again in 2008.

[MrSlayer]

28. Me too. I never contributed or got involved at all before Wes.

He is just frigging awesome. He's so good that both my Republican father and brother would have voted Kerry had the General been picked for VP. I know many others felt the same way. What a wasted opportunity. Hopefully we can get him in '08.

[xkenx]

31. By being what he is,

Wes Clark has brought out a dedication in us that we didn't know we had.

[FrenchieCat]

18. If it wasn't for Wes Clark....

My ass would be watching HG TV as we speak!

[phylla]

21. I am right there with you FrenchieCat

Drafted CLARK 04, Support Clark and WesPAC today, and I will support President Clark 08 and every year thereafter.

[ewagner]

19. I have a

Clark 08 button that I proudly wear.

From the campaign last year.

[skipos]

22. But he voted for Reagan!

Why would we want a candidate like Clark who can connect with Democrats as well as independents and disenchanted Republicans? Dems should continue to nominate New England senators (preferably millionaires who windsurf), THOSE are the kind of Democrats that really connect with people in those pesky swing states! Not some southern General. :sarcasm:

[mcscajun]

23. I got involved with Clark early on -- the Draft Clark movement was

what got me back into politics big time. Got me giving money and signing stuff again, paying attention and trying to make a difference. I hadn't been that energized since the McGovern campaign way back when.

I read about the man, listened to him, watched him connect with people at rallies and luncheons covered on C-Span, and this was my guy, period. It was his influence that got me to get up out of my chair and get involved on the local level, and to run for office. Still keeping my fingers crossed for November 8th. :)

I would have supported him as our Presidential candidate in '04, and I'm ready to do it again in '08. We need this man as our next President.

[robbedvoter]

24. He the man!

Remember how he blew the wistle on Rummy pushing for Iraq right after 911? And how Rove&co attacked him? It sounds poingnant in light of Plamegate.
Always in the relevant circumstances, always on the right side.

[geniph]

25. I'm still sick that he wasn't the VP choice

There is NO doubt in my mind that, had Clark been on the ticket - whether it was Kerry/Clark or Clark/Kerry - we wouldn't be dealing with this disaster of the 2nd-Term-of-the-Worst-pResident-Ever right now.

[CJCRANE]

36. Yes

He could've been Kerry's attack dog to hit back at the Swifties, they couldn't have touched his military credentials or his hard-fought for opinion about dissent being patriotic (also leaving Kerry to stay above the fray looking presidential).

He also would've been a much better counterweight to Cheney.

[MsKandice01]

26. I've been a Clark fan from the very beginning

n/t

[OnionPatch]

27. Yep, I saw the "it" that he has too

but my moment of realization was when he was on the Bill Maher Show. He talked about how we need to be proud of being liberal and how this is a liberal country. I love the guy.

[Dinger]

29. Excellent Post xkenx

I to supported Kerry from the get go, but I had been watching Clark on CNN, and still have some tapes from those days (I THINK I have the NH meeting you referenced). I turned toward Wes right before he declared, and after that, it was pretty much the same as your experience. I am ready to give him my best in 2008 (He's gonna run folks), problems is, I can't wait!!

P.S. I strongly supported Kerry . I made calls, I donated several times, I did several lit drops, I atteneded campaign appearances, and posted pics here & other places, etc. In the end, he disappointed me. Would I support him again? Maybe, we'll see.

[alfredo]

30. Great post. I am a long time Clark fan.

My wife thinks he is smart, good looking, but she finds it unnerving that he never blinks.

The no blinking is a power thing. In his position it is a skill needed to get the job done.

He'd make a fine president.

[Hissyspit]

32. Another Clark fan from the start.

[howmad1]

33. Love Clark!

Now, all we have to do is convince the DCCC, DSCC, DNC and DLC, not to mention the sheeple that "he da man". Do-able but it ain't gonna be easy. I think Clark could get a head start by announcing his candidacy within the next year. Make up for the bad mistake of announcing way too late last time.

[Hissyspit]

34. I agree. nt

[SCDem]

37. Dean was my man from the beginning

And I am so happy at where Dean is currently.

For 08 I am a Clarkie

[Tesla]

38. At this point Clark is my man,

I don't see them coming out with another candidate that I trust as much.

Definitely not Hilary, I think more and more she is with them!!!!

[Tom Rinaldo]

41. Self Delete. Posted in wrong place. eom

[win_in_06]

39. Is this guy a future President or a Rock Star?

Clark would make a great President but the gushing here is embarassing. Get a hold of yourselves.

[xkenx]

40. I Think We're Entitled To Express Ourselves

over a leader who inspires us. Wes Clark is capable of inspiring enough voters in '08 to put him in as POTUS. We're especially entitled, considering the lies and slanders which sometimes appear here or emanate from the RW smear machine.

[Tom Rinaldo]

42. There's been a spate of potential candidate laudatory DU threads lately

This one for Clark is just the latest. A week ago they often were about Gore. Most regulars around here know that I think highly of Wes Clark, and I can present what I believe are strong reasons to back that opinion. I am 56, have been politically active all my adult life - usually in progressive grass roots circles, and can echo what someone else said before. Bobby Kennedy was the last National Democrat that I felt this positively about being the right person at the right time.

But I understand the fatigue about candidate boosting you are reflecting. Clark wants his supporters and all Democrats to focus on two things. 1) the 2005 and 2006 elections. Clark is working to elect Kaine Governor of Virginia in November and he is traveling around the country in support of our Party and our candidates. 2) Clark is often a lone voice urging that attention be paid immediately to the entire Mid East as a whole in our foreign policy, that our attitude towered the whole region needs a serious adjustment; a focus on Iraq is a dead end without regional cooperation and diplomacy and a strategy to confront the ideology of jihadist Islam using other than military tools with broad based international cooperation.

I have lots of deeply thought through positive reasons I can share about why I respect Wesley Clark, but I'll wait to do that personally . But I do urge people to visit his web site from time to time to engage in issues based discussions. Clark is urging all of us to do more of that.
http://www.securingamerica.com/

[FrenchieCat]

43. I don't know if you have been keeping up with the "gushing" for

Other Democrats?

Gore's has had little to say, but somehow, numerous threads of his virtues get little criticism! Why is that?

Edwards' who pounded a nail in jeans gets a 240+ comment thread....

Kucinich for VP is OK.....no problem!

So I'm calling for equitable treatment for Wes Clark! Why he gets descriminated against, I really don't know...but it needs to stop!

Considering the terrorists Bullshit threats pushed by the media everyday....we need threads about Wes Clark more than any of the others, cause he's the only one that would shut that shit up!

RECENT MEANINGLESS AND UNSUBSTANSIVE GORE/EDWARDS/KUCINICH THREADS:

John Edwards for President!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2164062&mesg_id=2164062

Edwards Pushes Anti-Poverty Effort
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2171307&mesg_id=2171307

In all this talk about '08 candidates, why so little mention of Edwards?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2152973

Dennis Kucinich for Vice President!!http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2170640

Re: Gore 08 - "He wants to be begged to run."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2159588

Sorry everyone Al Gore isn't gonna run in '08
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5046107


Al Gore .. "absolutely no plans ..no expectations
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5052394


U.S. News: Don't Count Al Gore Out
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5057522


Bush draws flacks from Al Gore- "Op-Ed"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5053016


Give 'em hell Al!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5045643




Who ran a better campaign: Gore or Kerry?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2158288


US News & World Report 2008 Dem primary poll - - please vote
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2157248


Alert: Gore did not rule out a 2008 run!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2153239


Dick Morris on FOX now: No one can challenge Hillary for nomination.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2149198

Huffington Post -- 2008: Will Al Gore Be the Anti-Hillary?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2152933

US News & World Report 10/13: "Don't Count Al Gore Out"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2156489

Gore
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2154305


U.S. News & World Report online 2008 Dem primary poll - - please vote!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5061057

[xkenx]

44. AMEN

[win_in_06]

46. Like I said, he would make a fine President, but posting pics of him

without his shirt on and swooning is a little off the mark, IMO.

[FrenchieCat]

47. Did you catch the one of John Edwards in his Jeans?

What you said could be said for any other Democrat....and that's the part you forgot to...oops, address in this response post.

What's fair is fair, and fairness is not what your remark suggests.

See this comment for illustration of my point, please.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2171307&mesg_id=2171321

[win_in_06]

48. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Doesn't matter which candidate.

[FrenchieCat]

49. But this thread wasn't about Edwards in Jeans,

It was about Wes Clark making people enthusiastic about politics.

I didn't see your comment in that thread objecting to anything. :shrug:

Is there a reason for that ommission considering your comment in this thread?

[win_in_06]

50. Apparently I missed that thread. I must have not logged in to DU that day

It happens.

[adigal]

51. He is intelligent, an ex-General, very, very handsome

and is very savvy, appearing on FoxNews, always cool, calm, collected, insightful and polite, letting all of the fundies/wingnuts get used to him, see that he is a smart, reasonable guy.

I truly, truly hope the Democrats don't wipe him out in the primary, because I canNOT think of one republican who can beat him - even McCain. McCain voted for this debacle of a war, and it will be negative for him one way or another by then.

[drummo]

54. Clark said he probably would have voted for the IWR. Then he

changed his story and said I would have voted no on the resolution.

Flip-flop

[Texas_Kat]

55. No he did not.

Not a single credible media source continues to report that right wing talking point.

[xkenx]

57. UNTRUE

Testimony by Clark to Congress during the runup to the war, in which he urged diplomacy. Neocon Richard Perle, who testified at the same time, essentially accused Clark of being weak in not wanting to attack Iraq.

STATEMENT OF
GENERAL (RETIRED) WESLEY K. CLARK
U.S. ARMY
BEFORE THE
HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2002

Mr. Chairman, Representative Skelton, Distinguished Members of this Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. This is a Committee that has been strongly supportive of the men and women in uniform, and I want to thank you personally for the assistance and support that you gave me, and have given so many others.

In October 1994, Saddam Hussein moved several Republican Guards divisions back into the attack positions just north of the Kuwaiti border, the same attack positions that had been occupied just prior to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. It was a foolish and to our minds unexpected and threatening move. We quickly deployed additional military forces to the region, preparing to enter a full-fledged battle against Iraq to defend Kuwait, and we also went to the United Nations. After a few tense days Saddam backed off, the divisions were removed, and we acted through the United Nations to further tighten the no-fly zone and regulate Iraqi troop movements.

But it was a signal warning about Saddam Hussein: he is not only malevolent and violent, but also unpredictable. He retains his chemical and biological warfare capabilities and is actively pursuing nuclear capabilities. Were he to acquire such capabilities, we and our friends in the region would face greatly increased risks. Saddam might use such weapons as a deterrent while launching attacks against Israel or his neighbors, he might threaten American forces in the region, he might strike directly against Israel, or Israel, weighing the possibilities of nuclear blackmail or aggression, might feel compelled to strike Iraq first.

Saddam has been pursuing nuclear weapons for over twenty years. According to all estimates made available he does not now have these weapons. The best public assessment is that if he were to acquire fissionable material he might field some type of weapon within two years. If he has to enrich the uranium ore itself, then a period of perhaps five years might be required. But what makes the situation relatively more dangerous today is that the UN weapons inspectors, who provided some assistance in impeding his development programs, have been absent from Iraq for over four years. And the sanctions regime, designed to restrict his access to weapons materials and the resources needed to procure them, has continuously eroded. At some point, it may become possible for Saddam to acquire the fissionable materials or uranium ore that he needs. And therefore, Iraq is not a problem that can be indefinitely postponed.

In addition, Saddam Hussein’s current retention of chemical and biological weapons and their respective delivery systems violates the UN resolutions themselves, which carry the weight of international law.

Our President has emphasized the urgency of eliminating these weapons and weapons programs. I strongly support his efforts to encourage the United Nations to act on this problem. And in taking this to the United Nations, the President’s clear determination to act if the United Nations can’t provides strong leverage undergirding further diplomatic efforts.

But the problem of Iraq is only an element of the broader security challenges facing our country. We have an unfinished, world-wide war against Al Qaeda, a war that has to be won in conjunction with friends and allies, and that ultimately be won by persuasion as much as by force, when we turn off the Al Qaeda recruiting machine. Some three thousand deaths on September 11th testify to the real danger from Al Qaeda, and as all acknowledge, Al Qaeda has not yet been defeated. Thus far, substantial evidence has not been made available to link Saddam’s regime to the Al Qaeda network. And while such linkages may emerge, winning the war against Al Qaeda may well require different actions than ending the weapons programs in Iraq.

The critical issue facing the Unites States now is how to force action against Saddam Hussein and his weapons programs without detracting from our focus on Al Qaeda or efforts to deal with other immediate, mid and long-term security problems. In this regard, I would offer the following considerations:

- The United States diplomacy in the United Nations will be further strengthened if the Congress can adopt a resolution expressing US determination to act if the United Nations will not. The use of force must remain a US option under active consideration. The resolution need not at this point authorize the use of force, but simply agree on the intent to authorize the use of force, if other measures fail. The more focused the resolution on Iraq and the problem of weapons of mass destruction, the greater its utility in the United Nations. The more nearly unanimous the resolution, the greater its impact in the diplomatic efforts underway.

- The President and his national security team must deploy imagination, leverage, and patience in crafting UN engagement. In the near term, time is on our side, and we should endeavor to use the UN if at all possible. This may require a period of time for inspections or even the development of a more intrusive inspection program, if necessary backed by force. This is foremost an effort to gain world-wide legitimacy for US concerns and possible later action, but it may also impede Saddam’s weapons programs and further constrain his freedom of action. Yes, there is a risk that inspections would fail to provide the evidence of his weapons programs, but the difficulties of dealing with this outcome are more than offset by opportunity to gain allies and support in the campaign against Saddam.

If efforts to resolve the problem by using the United Nations fail, either initially or ultimately, the US should form the broadest possible coalition, including its NATO allies and the North Atlantic Council if possible, to bring force to bear.

Force should not be used until the personnel and organizations to be involved in post-conflict Iraq are identified and readied to assume their responsibilities. This includes requirements for humanitarian assistance, police and judicial capabilities, emergency medical and reconstruction assistance, and preparations for a transitional governing body and eventual elections, perhaps including a new constitution. Ideally, international and multinational organizations will participate in the readying of such post-conflict operations, including the UN, NATO, and other regional and Islamic organizations.

Force should be used as the last resort; after all diplomatic means have been exhausted, unless information indicates that further delay would present an immediate risk to the assembled forces and organizations. This action should not be categorized as “preemptive.”

Once initiated, any military operation should aim for the most rapid accomplishment of its operational aims and prompt turnover to follow-on organizations and agencies.

If we proceed as outlined above, we may be able to minimize the disruption to the ongoing campaign against Al Qaeda, reduce the impact on friendly governments in the region, and even contribute to the resolution of other regional issues such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Iranian efforts to develop nuclear capabilities, and Saudi funding for terrorism. But there are no guarantees. The war is unpredictable and could be difficult and costly. And what is at risk in the aftermath is an open-ended American ground commitment in Iraq and an even deeper sense of humiliation in the Arab world, which could intensify our problems in the region and elsewhere.

I look forward to answering questions and helping the Committee assess the costs and risks of the alternatives before us.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


House Armed Services Committee
2120 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

[Tom Rinaldo]

60. "early in the summer of 2002, Wesley Clark was very strongly opposed"

This taken from an October 22, 2003 Buzzflash interview with Gene Lyons (co-author of "The Hunting of the President":

LYONS: "...I do think his concerns are honest. I think his criticisms of Bush are exactly what he believes. One reason that I think that is I have had an opportunity to talk to him in a sort of a semi-private way.

Going all the way back to the summer of 2002, I got a sense of how strong his feelings about Iraq were. Long before it was clear that the administration was really going to sell a war on Iraq, when it was just a kind of a Republican talking point, early in the summer of 2002, Wesley Clark was very strongly opposed to it. He thought it was definitely the wrong move. He conveyed that we'd be opening a Pandora's box that we might never get closed again. And he expressed that feeling to me, in a sort of quasi-public way. It was a Fourth of July party and a lot of journalists were there, and there were people listening to a small group of us talk. There wasn't an audience, there were just several people around. There was no criticism I could make that he didn't sort of see me and raise me in poker terms. Probably because he knew a lot more about it than I did. And his experience is vast, and his concerns were deep.

He was right, too. How long ago was it that you were hearing all this sweeping rhetoric from the Project for a New American Century; that we were going to essentially conquer the south of Asia, contain China, and dominate the Middle East? And the United States was going to stand astride the world like a colossus. And all of a sudden, we invade a crummy, tin-pot, little third-rate dictatorship like Iraq, and we've already got more than we can handle. It's clear we're not going to dominate the world. And the question is, how in the world do we get out of there with our skins intact? And how do we then find a foreign policy that makes more sense?"

edited to include link: http://www.buzzflash.com/interviews/03/10/int03221.html

[xkenx]

61. How Some Say

Wes Clark was a war booster is a mystery to me. I guess they just have to flame everything Clark.

[Texas_Kat]

45. Thanks to everyone who's shared their stories.

Stories of the journey to become supporters of General Clark are always fascinating.

He draws people from many political philosophies and persuasions who (most of all) want to solve problems and accomplish something. Many are first time political participants. BUT, He also persuades many others who had been idealists of another age but who had become cynical in today's environment of focus-grouped, perfectly coifed, sound-bite robo-pols.

I'd finally given up. Like Diogenes, I just wanted to find a single, honest man, but didn't have much hope that there were any left in politics. Then I met Wes Clark....

[Totally Committed]

56. He appeals across-the-board, too...

I have kids who range from Republican to Democrat to Green, and each and every one of them supported for Wes and voted for him in their Primaries. It was the first time I ever saw all of them agree about anything in my life.

TC

[Donna Zen]

62. And here's The Point:

Having grown weary of politicians as a rule, I held off on my opinion of Wes Clark for a very long time. After all, his policy positions fit, his experience fit, and his regional appeal certainly fit; but the more I learned, the more difficult it became to wrap my mind around the idea that one of America's best and brightest hadn't just run off to gobble up the millions, an option that he had worked hard to achieve. So why stay in the service to his country and bust his butt? I didn't want to be so cynical, but if I committed to one 2004's candidates, I just wanted to be sure.

In the end I did and do support Wes Clark, because I've learned that he is that rare person, one who values service to others almost as a sacred trust. Reading the book, American Greats, I came across a passage by David Halberstam that further defines Wes Clark, not by name, but by a philosophy and culture that dominates West Point.

...it is these modest officers, who tend to reflect the culture of this special place, like Eisenhower; men who do not even want to run for office that badly, whom their countrymen tend to trust. And to no small degree, I credit West Point with its unique selection process and its codes for that. Over the years, I have come to know a number of distinguished generals who went here--Matt Ridgway and Hal Moore, who so brilliantly commanded the American soldiers at the Ia Drang in Vietnam in November 1965, and Bob York--as good and honorable a man as I have ever met--and I was always moved the combination of strength, honor, and humanity in all of them.

For West Point has always seemed to me to be unusually close to Main Street in middle American; it is a place without glitz that without consciously trying to do so reflects the norm, the center, and the diversity of America. Again and again it turns out good people of significant personal modesty and a powerful sense of obligation. One of my favorite West Point stories is of the gifted, talented, but relatively poor Dwight Eisenhower leaving his Mennonite home in Abilene, Kansas, his mother, Ida Stover Eisenhower, who hated the very idea of war, virtually unable to watch his departure, returning from the train station and bursting into tears. (292)

Wes Clark was offered full scholarships to Harvard and Yale, but said that his parents couldn't have afforded the uncovered expenses that would be incurred. Anyway, I think he was lured by the Point. And, reading Halberstam, I have fitted one more piece into my understanding of this amazing man.

I am not a groupie, and Clark is not a rock star. For those who wish to understand him, one must look for Plato's silver star and The Point.

[Name removed]

63. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[xkenx]

65. Please Explain That Remark

[Totally Committed]

66. You are way out of line.

WAY out of line. Clark supporter or not, I think anyone reading that would think so.

Wes Clark is a Democrat who works and supports other Democrats. He is a good, decent man who serves his country as a vocation. He doesn't deserve such a smear, no matter what you think of him politically.

TC

[xkenx]

67. That Moron

must be infamous to the moderator. Bye, bye.

[Ilsa]

64. Clarkie here. Worked on his primary campaigns from home in Texas.

Willing to do the same if his hat is in for 2008. He can count on this family.

[Nashyra]

69. Supported Wes Clark from the early days of the draft

Clark movement. I discovered him on CNN and on DU posts, I did my research and came to the conclusion as the mother of a draft age son who wants to join the military when he graduates from college that General Clark would be the man I would trust my sons life with as Commander in Chief. I volunteered in NH, coming from Nevada with my Korean War Veteran dad, my son and his roommate. I live in the most Republican county in Nevada, I took the Clark message to as many people as possible, house party, signs , monetary contributions, to the Democratic Clubs in Douglas County.

This man so inspired me to help my community, to get involved with the solution that I ran for School Board, many of my neighbors and friends new I was a Dem and of course there was at least a dozen signs around my house for other Dem candidates along side of my own. I won my race, the big reason was the coordinated help of the Democratic Community but also because of the message about Clark. There would have been a tremendous amount of support for Clark in the general election, to win I had to have at least 1/3 of registered Republicans voting for me.

Clark has asked that his supporter's concentrate on 05-06, get involved at the grassroot level, support local candidates, help turn the congress blue. He is actively supporting progressive candidates and is focusing on the common good for our country, electing Democrats to local,statewide and national office.

I will continue to support Clark by doing the work he thinks is critical for 06, and then of course I will be supporting him in 08, ok I admit all my families cars already have 08 bumperstickers and I have given away over 100 bumper stickers and pins

[MoonRiver]

68. I'm 100% behind Clark.

He's exactly what this country desperately needs.

[mamalone]

70. I agree.....

the man is amazing. Do you think he could ever win?

[xkenx]

71. Getting the nomination

will be harder than winning. Expect MSM to ignore Clark again, so there needs to be a massive grassroots effort before the primaries. If there is, Clark can be perceived as the sure thing like Dean was before he self-desructed. Once the nomination is assured, the MSM will have to cover him, and the country will know what we know.