Democrats spare Clark, go after Dean

[dArKeR]

New York — Even though they have a new rival in Wesley Clark, the Democratic presidential candidates continue to target Howard Dean.

A debate Thursday night featured the sharpest attacks yet in the Democratic campaign. Most of the fire was aimed at Mr. Dean, the former Vermont governor threatening to knock off early leaders in Iowa and New Hampshire voting in four months.

A political neophyte and former military commander, Gen. Clark debuted in the race last week at the top of the polls, but coasted through the two-hour debate at Pace University with barely a mention from his rivals. They did not challenge his newness to the party, his changing statements on the war with Iraq or his undeveloped positions on other issues.

Gen. Clark's newcomer status protected him during the debate, which focused mostly on economic issues. His rivals have not had time to probe his military and business records for vulnerabilities. From the start of the debate he acknowledged his political inexperience — “my nine days in politics,” as he put it, with a smile.

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030926.wdems0926/BNStory/International/

Whore Democratic Media

[Jennellist]

1. Surely this obvious Clinton power grab isn't so encompassing

that all the other candidates are in on this ruse to push Clark with the sole intention neutering Dean. Obviously the Clintons are behind this Clark candidacy and all. But surely the Clintons are not this all-powerful within the Democratic Party that all the other candidates are in on it. Nah. Not possible.......Is it?

[Skittles]

2. SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP

Do I sound like O'Reilly? I am sick of you and your RNC talking points. :puke:

[Ramuscule]

5. Sounds like we got us a Clintonite here

How the hell is a right wing talking point to say that Dean is getting screwed. You are either for us or against us. If you are against us, there are plenty of other rooms you should go to. Not here, though.

[Demobrat]

3. What would they attack him on?

He has no positions.

[LuminousX]

4. Clark isn't taken seriously yet

Which could be the undoing of Kerry, Gephardt, and Lieberman.

http://slate.msn.com/id/2088895/

They underestimated Dean and he shot right by them. They are underestimating Clark as well. I do believe this contest will boil down between Dean, Clark, and Kerry. All matters being equal, Kerry should take it in a cakewalk, but he has distracted himself and his nuances on the war vote still stick in some people's craw (okay, mine). In this three-way battle royale it becomes a sticky issue. No matter what happens, I'm willing to put money on Clark being on the ticket either as Pres or Vice-Pres - if he is willing to play second fiddle.