Senator Durbin favors Wes Clark for vp

[JI7]

my favorite vp choice is Edwards but i would be happy with Clark also. i know many of you feel he is being ignored so i thought the clark supporters would enjoy reading about this. while durbin has good things to say about many, it does seem he favors wes clark. also, durbin was picked by Kerry to head a top position at the dnc along with stephanie tubbs jones so you know durbin's opinion will mean something to kerry.

<Sen. Dick Durbin isn't flatly denying he'd run for vice president if Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry asked, but neither does he seem to be holding his breath waiting.

Instead, Durbin is touting four former Kerry primary foes for the No. 2 slot on the Democratic ticket, especially retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark of Arkansas.

"I think what's happened over the last month or two may be a strong argument for Clark," said Durbin, a Springfield Democrat. "I think there's a genuine concern about how we're going to get out of this Iraqi situation and how we're going to deal with the war on terrorism."

Durbin recently mentioned Clark to Kerry's vice presidential search coordinator, Jim Johnson, a Washington, D.C., businessman and former aide to Vice President Walter Mondale.

The veteran lawmaker also talked about Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, who he said could hit the ground running and help Kerry in border states like Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia; Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, who could help in Midwestern states like Ohio and Iowa; and Sen. Bob Graham of Florida, the state that ended up deciding the 2000 election.>

http://www.dailyherald.com/kane/main_story.asp?intID=38...

[AnnitaR]

1. I have the utmost respect for Sen. Durbin.

I wish I was lucky enough to have him as my Senator. Istead I get those assholes Frist and Alexander!

My first choice for VP is Clark but Durbin would do a damn fine job himself!

[Scoopie]

43. Another Tennessean for Wes!

Just wanted to say "Howdy" from the land of orange and white.

[oasis]

2. I respect Durbin's judgement. Go Wes.

[Padraig18]

3. Slightly misleading subject line: He does not 'FAVOR' Wes Clark for VP

This subject line just jumped out at me, because I heard Sen. Durbin speak on this very subject this past Saturday; Sen. Durbing does NOT 'favor' Gen. Clark over Edwards, Gephardt, etc. . Sen. Durbin's position, which is alo my own, is that Gen. Clark would bring/reinforce certain strengths to our ticket, as would Sen. Edwards or Rep. Gephardt.

Once again, Sen. Durbing does not 'favor' Gen. Clark over anyone else as Kerry's VP.

[Padraig18]

4. Kick

[MessiahRp]

42. Actually I think Durbin does favor Clark.

Padraig,

I got this from the article so it's a fair assessment when you go by the text of the article...

"Durbin is touting four former Kerry primary foes for the No. 2 slot on the Democratic ticket, especially retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark of Arkansas."

That to me says he favors Clark.

I don't see the issue here.

Rp

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. That's my Senator!

He's so smart, isn't he? I would have to agree with his favorite choice for VP. Go Wes!

[Padraig18]

7. Clark is *NOT* his 'favorite' choice.

The article does NOT say any such thing.

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. He's come VERY close

doesn't he?

"I think what's happened over the last month or two may be a strong argument for Clark," said Durbin, a Springfield Democrat. "I think there's a genuine concern about how we're going to get out of this Iraqi situation and how we're going to deal with the war on terrorism."

Sounds like he favors Clark to me.

[Padraig18]

9. I heard the man speak about this very subject on Saturday.

He doesn't 'come close'. He points out a strength that Clark has. He ALSO points out the strengths that Edwards and Gephardt have.

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. But an interview on Saturday

is not the same as this article. In THIS article he said there is a strong argument to be made for Clark to be VP.

[Padraig18]

13. Oh, good lord!

Of course there is a strong argument to be made for Clark! I agree with that statement, and have made the case myself. That is NOT the same as saying he 'favors' Clark over anyone else, however, nor does he himself say that in the article!

[in_cog_ni_to]

19. Semantics.

You interpret the meaning of the phrase differently than does the original poster. I think the original poster is a little more fair in his/her assessment than an Edwards supporter who is upset that Durbin favors Clark.

[Padraig18]

20. First things first: I'm not 'an Edwards supporter'.

The article itself doesn't say what the subject line says it says, and no in-context quote from it will prove that it does.



PS--- See avatar.

[in_cog_ni_to]

25. I like Howard Dean.

You aren't supporting Edwards for VP? I thought he was your second choice after Dean dropped out of the race? Weren't you supporting Edwards when he was running?
Don't you support Edwards in all of the VP polls???

[AP]

21. But Durbin doesn't favor Clark. He touted Clark, along with others.

[Padraig18]

22. Thank you.

[AP]

23. "Durbin offers his ideas on Kerry running mate" is headline of article.

In the article he offers ideas about three people: Clark, Edwards and himself, and they're all positive.

He pretty much says the same thing about Clark and Edwards that I and everyone else here says, no matter which is your favorite.

If this is the most favorable coment that can be found for Clark, then we're not much farther along in this debate than we were yesterday or a week agao.

[Padraig18]

24. Give AP a cigar!

You nailed it!

[Adelante]

11. How many times are you going to say it, Padraig?

Good Lord, calm yourself.

[Padraig18]

14. I'm gonna say it as many times as needs be, until people 'get it'.

The article does NOT say what the subject line of the post SAYS it says.

[Adelante]

15. You're a mod, lock it

YOU have the power

[Padraig18]

16. Conflict of interest, IMO.

I couldn't be impartial, so I'm not touching it.

[Adelante]

17. Oh, you're touching it in your way

If you call this impartial, then we have different senses of the word. I've never seen a mod do this before. But carry on! An entertaining display, in any case.

[Padraig18]

18. I didn't resign my posting privileges.

I stll have every right to participate as a poster.

[cosmokramer]

36. Wrong!

"especially" retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark of Arkansas...

Guess you missed that "especially" part.

[Padraig18]

37. Didn't miss a thing, actually.

In fact, I actually heard him speak on this very subject just this past Saturday.He doesn't 'favor' Clark, although he likes him, Edwards and Gephardt.

[cosmokramer]

40. whatever...

...there is no amount of reason or statements in the world that justify your blatant disregard of fact.

[AP]

6. s. tubbs jones got a gig at DNC via Kerry? That explains something

that was confusing for me. Apparently, in OH, she and Edwards got along really well and there was a feeling that she was going to endorse him, and, if not, she at least wouldn't endorse anyone. Apparently when she endorsed Kerry it was a dagger through Edwards's heart. The only consolation for him was that the endorsement was so lukewarm Kerry couldn't use it for a soundbite. So, this was the deal she got?

[Adelante]

12. Thanks for thinking of us, JI7

Very nice of you

[JI7]

26. the reason i used the word "favor" was because,

<Instead, Durbin is touting four former Kerry primary foes for the No. 2 slot on the Democratic ticket, especially retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark of Arkansas.>

in that line it said "especially" in regards to wes clark. and seems to focus on clark in a separate way from the other candidates . but i guess i could be wrong in durbin actually favoring clark among othes, but from reading the article that is the impression i got. it's just my opinion.

[Padraig18]

27. OK. Here's what he said about Clark Saturday, which may give context.

He specifically mentioned Clark then, too, and in doing so said (not an exact quote, but an accurate paraphrase) "... and another outstanding individual that you may not know very well is retired Gen. Wesley Clark...." . I think he 'especially' mentioned him then, too, but not because he 'favors' him over anyone else, but to let voters who don't know much about him who know Clark is and why he would be a good VP nominee.

Does that dovetail/square with his statement in the article?

[Padraig18]

28. And for the record...

I think Clark would make an outstanding VP, and have never posted anything to the contrary.

[JI7]

29. yes that makes sense

i was just looking at the article and from it the author makes it appear durbin was "especially" in favor of clark over the others and mentioned him to jim johnson.

and since the positives regarding the other candidates was all bunched into one area it seemed like those were just things he decided to add in but that he was still in favor of clark over them. but would be happy and sees good things with all of those choices as vp.

again, it was just my opinion and what i got from reading it. i also got the idea that he(durbin) would easily accept the vp offer if kerry made it to him even though he said he would have to think about it. but while durbin would make an incredible vp(and pres) he comes from a state that is considered pretty safe democratic now making it less likely he would be picked.

[Padraig18]

30. The 'Daily Herald' is a Republican rag, any way. *grin*

The word here in IL is that yes, Dick would accept the VP nod, if offered, but that Sen. Kerry actually favors him as our party's next leader in the Senate, and will use his influence to see that that happens.

[in_cog_ni_to]

32. Wouldn't Durbin be a fantastic Senate leader?

He does a terrific job now, he would be even better LEADING the Dems. I could live with him as VP too!

[Padraig18]

34. Durbin despises the neo-cons!

They've targeted him on a few occasions (remember the alleged Intelligence Committee 'leak' the WH tried to pin on Durbin), and he absolutely loathes this administration and everyone who thinks like they do. Durbin also:

a.) has impeccable liberal credentials;
b.) opposed the Iraq debacle from the start;
c.) is a brilliant orator;
d.) is 'squeaky clean';
e.) will have 4 more years in this term, and his seat is 'safe';
f.) is absolutely fearless when it comes to fighting Repukes.

Those are just a very few of the reasons why i think he would ROCK as our leader in the Senate! Wouldn't it be nice to have a REAL liberal with a spine leading our party in the Senate, for a change?

[in_cog_ni_to]

38. Wouldn't it be nice to have a REAL liberal with a spine leading our party

Daschle wore out his welcome a loooong time ago. Durbin is PERFECT to lead the Senate. I heard a report on C-SPAN from Roll Call?? I think...the guy said the Democrats have a VERY good chance of taking back both the House AND Senate in Nov.! <sigh> If ONLY! That's why we have to work our behinds off for Obama....we NEED him to replace Fitzgerld! Could you imagine? We take back the WH, the House and Senate????? OMG. I would be in heaven.

[Padraig18]

39. I would be in ecstasy!

Dick is a GOOD guy!

[Auntie Bush]

41. The neocons will be in the toilet and I will be pulling the chain.

[JI7]

33. i would LOVE that

durbin has an ability to appear moderate while being tough in defending liberal issues. i love ted kennedy and many other liberals, but the fact is one can easily tell he is a liberal and people dimiss him as such. but durbin doesn't come across that way so he could appeal to a wider group of people and do better in getting outside support for democratic/liberal issues.

[Padraig18]

35. Yes!

Durbin has that ability to speak to non-liberals in a way that makes them come around to his point of view. That's how he racks up such impressive vote totals here in IL.

[Auntie Bush]

31. I agree with that explanation J17. You nailed it! Thanks!

Thanks for the post...a good deed for he day..look at all happiness and pleasure you brought to all us Clarkie! Thanks again!

[MoonRiver]

44. Clark is the perfect choice. Thanks to Senator Durbin for expressing this

for Clark!