And It's Got To Be... Gen. Wesley Clark

[book_worm]

1. Officially, Obama says the main criteria for his vice presidential pick are that the person must have integrity, independence, vision, a useful "knowledge base," and the ability to help him govern. Clark meets all of these criteria.

2.Unofficially, Obama knows that if he does not pick Hillary as his VP, he will need a "friend of Hillary" whom Hillary's supporters can rally behind. Clark meets that criterion.

3. Obama knows that he's weakest among middle-aged educated women, so he needs a VP candidate who can appeal to them. Clark meets that criterion.

4. Obama needs a white male who appeals to voters in the southeast and southwest, the voters that may resist electing a black man. Clark meets that criterion.

5. Obama needs somebody who appeals to independents, moderates and even crossover conservatives nationwide. Clark meets that criterion.

6. Obama needs somebody older than himself because his base of voters in their 20s and 30s is not enough for victory. Clark meets that criterion.

7. Obama needs somebody with military credentials that match or exceed the military credentials of John McCain. Clark meets that criterion.

8. Obama needs somebody with impressive experience in foreign policy and dangerous international conflicts. Clark meets that criterion.

9. Obama needs somebody trusted by intelligence agencies and yet who has openly opposed the use of torture in the war on terrorism. Clark meets both criteria.

10. Obama needs somebody whom voters see as capable of being the president and commander in chief (just in case). Clark meets that criterion.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judah-freed/and-its-got-to-be-gen-wes_b_116812.html

[tekisui]

1. I think so too.

Obama/Clark '08!

[FrenchieCat]

2. I love Wes Clark, but

Obama doesn't need a Veep offering those 10 things to get elected.....

In fact, I dare say, he doesn't need any of them.

He needs a ticket that compliments him, not qualifies him.

[panader0]

3. Frenchie, I hope you are right.

But at this point, I'll take whoever helps him win. Clark, Richardson, even Hillary (did I say that?), Biden..........

[tekisui]

4. Compliments and hits hard.

Clark fits the bill.

[texastoast]

9. Wes does complement him

And we can never have too many votes.

[DJ13]

5. Agree, but Clark isnt the kind of attack dog the too nice Obama needs as VP

Unless the party sends out surrogates who are capable of being the attack dogs Obama needs to counter the GOP slime machine Obama needs to pick one as his VP choice.

So far our party hasnt, which is disappointing.

I read Schumer criticizing Obama that he needs to respond to McCain, but I dont see Schumer going out and responding to McCain directly.

That either needs to change, or Obama needs someone capable of hitting back as his VP choice.

[Danieljay]

13. don't count on Hillary as a surrogate, shes still throwing bones to her supporters regarding the

convention.

[wmbrew0206]

43. I think the Clintons are selfish enough to want Obama to lose so Clinton can run again in 2012.

[Clark2008]

18. You obviously know nothing of General Smackdown

(A name, yours truly, coined early in his campaign when he popped David Asman upside the head).

[bowens43]

6. I really don't see what people see in this guy.

To me he looks like an opportunist who spent his entire adult life seeking military solutions to political problems. I don't see anything that qualifies him for the position.

[CitizenPatriot]

12. what?

Clark is known for his use of diplomacy. he has said over and over to have strength but use force last. He is a STRATEGIST, not to be confused with a playground bully who just got a bunch of weapons for toys. cough bush cough mccain cough.

snip

Respected for his military expertise, keen intellect, and diplomatic skill, General Wesley Clark has distinguished himself as a soldier, scholar, and statesman. Graduating from West Point at the head of his class, he set a standard of excellence that has been his lifelong benchmark, whether serving in Vietnam; as a key negotiator of the Dayton Peace Accords; or as head of the U.S. European Command. As Supreme Allied Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, he led the 19-member alliance to a historic victory in Kosovo in NATO's longest and most difficult military campaign. For his outstanding leadership and dedicated service, General Clark has earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.

cut

Wes Clark's Presidential Medal of freedom
snip


The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to people who have made especially meritorious contributions to U.S. national security, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The medal may be bestowed on citizens of other nations and may be awarded posthumously.

Wes Clark richly deserves the Medal of Freedom , not just for the outstanding job he did leading NATO in its first and only conflict, but for a lifetime of distinguished service in the United States Army and for the Department of Defense. He brings energy and imagination to foreign and security policy and will continue to serve his country with distinction. All of his new colleagues at CSIS celebrate his well-deserved honor,� said CSIS president and CEO John Hamre.

Clark, Supreme Allied Commander Europe from July 10, 1997, until May 3, 2000, joined CSIS August 1 as a distinguished senior adviser. He will work across the full range of the Center�s programs, concentrating particularly on international security. Clark was in overall command of NATO�s military forces in Europe and led approximately 75,000 troops from 37 NATO and other nations participating in ongoing operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. He also helped to negotiate the Dayton Peace Accords. In 1999, Clark commanded Operation Allied Force, the alliance's military response to the Kosovo crisis.

Clark graduated first in his 1966 class at the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds a master�s degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes scholar.

Among his military decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (five awards), Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), Silver Star, Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and the Army Commendation Medal (two awards). In addition, Clark received more than 20 major military awards from foreign governments, including honorary knighthoods from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as well as the title of Commander of the Legion of Honor from France.

cut


http://www.medaloffreedom.com/WesleyClark.htm

[wmbrew0206]

44. That is all great, but it doesn't change the fact Clark was "retired" by SecDef Cohen

I want to be clear on this because I have gotten into it with other DUers on Clark, I think Wes Clark is a super smart man who had a great career in the Army.

However, the way his career ended puts him out of contention for the VP pick. If he was announced as Obama's VP, ten minutes later the Rethugs and the MSM, would be talking about how Clark was fired from EUCOM, dragging up Hugh Shelton's quote about him, and saying that it showed Obama and his team's inexperience in picking "damaged goods" like Clark.

There are other retired generals who bring all the same things to the ticket that Clark would that don't bring the baggage. Tony Zinni is a good example of one.

[qwlauren35]

38. I think you overlook the obvious.

Having a former general on the ticket gives it balance, because Obama has no military experience.

What qualified Gerald Ford? (Yes, I know he wasn't elected.) What qualified Dan Quayle?

I won't pretend that the reasons aren't cosmetic. They are. Very much so. But it's nothing new. Again, remember Dan Quayle.

Let me give you a bunch over very bad reasons. He's VERY attractive and he's a Southern white male with an Anglo-Saxon name.

The politically correct reasons are that he's ex-military, not connected to Capitol Hill - he can't be called an insider by any stretch, and he has consistently argued against the War in Iraq.

Clinton has already told us that no one comes into the presidency
"already qualified".

Once again... I want to win the election. If that means that we need a fluffy VP who balances the ticket, then let's get one.

[texastoast]

7. I'm good with that

He's a good guy.

[Mass]

8. I wonder who Freed is, but he is basically saying Obama cannot win.

If Clark is selected, I hope that it is because he brings something to the ticket and not because some insiders will have convinced Obama that he cannot win because he is too young and inexperienced.

[Riddler]

10. Agree on all points, plus, and this is big for me, Clark didn't wilt and apologize

for saying something that was true just because the right-wing noise machine whined about it and demanded it, unlike every other damn gutless Democrat.

[Motown_Johnny]

11. Economic Credentials?

I like the guy, but placed him 3rd in my list of top 4 (from the other thread)

[Spazito]

17. He has the Economic credentials as well...

Clark studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar from 1966 to 1968, receiving a Masters Degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.

snip

From 1971 to 1974, Captain Clark served as an Instructor and Assistant Professor of Social Science at West Point, teaching, among other subjects, political philosophy.

Captain Clark attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas from 1974 to 1975 where he was awarded a Masters of Military Art and Science.

The following year, Major Clark worked as a White House Fellow, serving as Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

His stellar work led James T. Lynn in the Office of Management and Budget to state, "Major Clark is the most able White House Fellow I have known during my seven years in Washington. He brought to his work a brilliant mind and rare common sense. He has initiative, style, imagination, moral courage, and integrity each in extraordinary degree. He has a rare sensitivity to others and a remarkable ability to motivate and lead them. He is totally dedicated to public service as a military officer."

http://www.clark04.com/records/

[Motown_Johnny]

32. I stand corrected.. didn't know that... impressive. He is still my 3rd choice but I do like him more

[Sinistrous]

14. Gen. Clark is absolutely the best choice for VP.

His main negative is that he cannot speak "sound-bite-ese". He has a bad habit of formulating coherent, but complex, solutions to complex problems.

[bigwillq]

15. I am leaning towards Clark right now.

He will be a terrific asset to the ticket, and he fits my criteria of not being an incumbent Senator or Congress person.

[mtf80123]

16. I agree too...

We cannot afford to lose ANY sitting Senate Dems for a VP slot.

My "wish list":

Wesley Clark - Retired General
Mark Warner - Former Governor of Virginia
Federico Pena - Former Mayor of Denver
Bill Richards - Governor of New Mexico

Though I love Claire McCaskill, we cannot affor to lose her what-so-ever!

Congress Woman Rosa DeLauro ranks high on my list as well. But it is to my understanding she does not support impeachment of the current administration.

[Fly by night]

19. And it should be ... Governor Bill Richardson.

His multi-layered experience trumps all other candidates.

His Hispanic heritage is a plus in at least five states.

He has actually run (and won) elections, something Clark has never done.

His history as a peace-maker (rather than a war-monger) is a definite breath of fresh air after eight years of Darth Cheney.

There's more (much more) but that's enough for me.

Richardson. Bueno!!

[sellitman]

30. Richardson might help us win some Western States.

That is why I like him the most.

[qwlauren35]

39. I wanted Bill for president.

But I don't think that a black/hispanic ticket is going to win the election.

I know, I know. I'm being negative. But I really don't want us to push for historical firsts over winning.

I keep getting in trouble for saying that I want to win the election, and will accept numerous compromises in order to do so.

But this is something on which I make no apologies.

[Fly by night]

41. You could also call them an "all white" ticket ...

... because between Obama and Richardson, they are one.

[Gregorian]

20. And we wouldn't lose a seat in Congress.

I'm open for any of the people who are out there. Almost. Clark is fantastic.

Speaking of Congress, I wonder who's going to fill Obama's seat.

[bonito]

21. Clark would be a definite plus imo. n/t

[TwilightGardener]

22. What's behind the thinking that Clark would appeal to Indies and conservatives?

Usually, the more the lefty blogosphere loves and worships someone (and Clark sure does have his devoted fan base, I'll give him that), the less Indies and conservatives will. Obama is a rare exception. So, any stats on Wes's Indie appeal?

[Cosmocat]

24. I LOVE General Clark ...

But, you are right that it is hopeful, but baseless, assumption that he will have the kind of appeal listed in the OP ...

I think that man is sharp as a tack, intellectually honest, sincere and with a wonderfully balanced view on pretty mucy everything ... I think he would make a DARN fine president ...

I don't think he has the general appeal that some seem to think he has here ... Outside of our political sphere, he just is not well known, and I am afraid the media has an established meme for him and will potray him in a negative light ... This meme was highlighted when they went after him with steakknives after his COMPLETELY TRUE and not in the least bit negative statement about McCain's service ...

I would love to see him on the ticket personally, but I do not think he helps BO get to 1600 Pa ...

[TwilightGardener]

26. I agree with much of your take. I think he would make a good VP, but

I think DU and other sites overestimate how much he could do for the ticket. The media didn't seem to give a shit that he was a military guy fairly and reasonably critiquing another military guy when he made his big "gaffe"--they acted as if he had very little credibility, and instantly took McDouche's side. That particular media treatment, more than anything else, showed that Wes's status as a retired general would not be much help on the ticket.

[bonito]

27. For a starter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Clark

[TwilightGardener]

28. Well..yeah, I'm familiar with his bio. But I don't see a demonstrated appeal

to Indies and conservatives from that.

[DevonRex]

23. I love Wes. Unfortunately, I also love Richardson and Schweitzer

and Biden and almost anybody else, too.

Well, no matter who it is, I'm behind the ticket all the way. But I'd love Wes, that's for sure.

[YOY]

25. You know I like Clark when he confronts the pugs on their own turf but is he DLC?

n/t

[Kaylee]

29. From your keyboard to God's ears.....

[President Decider]

31. Clark wouldn't be a bad pick .... but let's hope he improved his debate skills.

[derby378]

33. In a post-HELLER America, choosing Clark may not be such a good idea

The only "red" state west of the Mississippi that Clark might help Obama win is Oklahoma.

[southerncrone]

34. You state my ideas on Clark a bit more eloquently than I did last month,

but we agree on Obama/Clark for the same reasons. Seems like a no-brainer from where I sit!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6433867&mesg_id=6434881

[MadMaddie]

35. I think he is the best choice - always have.

[MrSlayer]

36. Exactly.

Wes Clark should be on top of the ticket but I'll take him at the bottom or any way we can get him.

[cliffordu]

37. Clark - Valedectorian at West Point

and a Rhodes scholar in Philosophy, Politics & Economics.


This guy is, even WITHOUT the real on-the-ground infantry command experience, is a perfect match for Obama -

They would be the two smartest people to grace the President/VP chairs for a long time, if ever.

It would be nice to have a couple people in office who are smarter than my brother in law.

[eshfemme]

40. I'm rooting for Clark too. Just that I don't know if the media kerfuffle

about his "bullying" McCain on his POW record will help things. But I agree, he is an awesome choice. The only thing that is missing though is whether or not Clark and Obama are known to have a rapport because I think that's the primary thing that Obama is looking for. Since he's searching for a partner he can work closely with for 4 years and not just for a cinch on victory, the search also needs to look at how their personalities match each other.

[wmbrew0206]

42. Tony Zini meets all requirements you pointed out and he was not "retired" early from his Combatant

Command, like Clark was.

[NewJeffCT]

45. I like Clark quite a bit, but

I think the mock outrage generated by the RW and the media when he said that McCain being shot down doesn't qualify him to be president makes Clark too "controversial" to pick as VP.

Clark was 100% correct when he said that, but the mock outrage generated by the RWers makes Clark a liability, IMHO.

If we had a fair & balanced media that presented what Clark said honestly, then I would say Clark might very well top my list.