Reply #63: Some conventional wisdom

[LTR]

No way he would run as a Republican. Wouldn't stand a chance. Bush is too powerful in the party. Rove would arrange to have him dumped in a lake. Plus his platform is too liberal.

Would he run as an independent? Doubtful. He seems to agree that the best shot is with either of the two main parties. And it takes a maverick type of personality to run on a third party ticket (eg., Nader, Perot, Wallace). A true outsider.

Clark seems connected with Democrats. He has campaigned for a few. he has met with Democratic officials. And the race is far from decided. This would be his best shot.

As far as being too late to the dance, I don't see that. Join now or before, and get lost in a sea of ten candidates. Join in the immediate future, and he is seen as a fresh face.

Plus, everyone now is talking ad nauseum about Schwarzenegger and the California recall (zzzzzzzzz....). If Clark joined the fray now, he'd get lost. Plus, the old saying about introducing a new product in August.

The information about where he stands is just a taste. Why give away the whole store so soon? He's giving out just enough to pique curiosity and get people talking. After all, he does consider campaigning to be an important way to get ideas out in the open, and stir up discussion. And it seems to be working so far.

I think his approach so far is ingenious. This is great strategy coming from a man known for strategic planning.