Did anyone see Wes Clark on "Hardball?"

[Leilani]

He was terrific....a straight shooter!

Said Gonzalez was unacceptable as Attorney General because of the torture memos.

Said he'd testify against him if asked.

Said our military MUST operate by the Geneva Conventions.

Also said he wasn't ruling out another run for Prez!

GO WES!

[TacticalPeek]

1. I caught the last two sentences, which was enough to make me ask:

WHY ISN'T WESLEY CLARK PRESIDENT!!!!!!!

What fools Americans have become to raise up the Prancing Coward!

[Leilani]

4. So true!

What a lost opportunity!

[karlrschneider]

20. I imagine you know my own very red state, OK was the only one he won

the primary in...and what's more I believe in my heart he could have beaten the Chimp here. Many Okies are...what is it?...bipolar?, schizo?, conflicted?, insane? We're mostly registered Dems and have a Dem governerator and most of the state leg, but vote for the wingnuts for national office. It's beyond weird...:eyes:

[Leilani]

46. I truly believe he could have taken a couple of red states.

Arkansas & West Virginia would have been competitive, I think. They too vote for "certain kind of Dems."

[Pepperbelly]

50. no offense, Karl, but ...

your Senate delegation may be the worst I have ever seen or heard of. Except maybe the last delegation, the one before Coburn.

[faithfulcitizen]

61. great, as always! psst...he's running :)

[gcole]

2. Wes in rare form!

Kicked major ass tonight!

[Leilani]

5. He always does!

Notice how he gives "non-political" answers?

Like "yes" & "no" ?

[dogman]

3. He also warned about B$$$co going after Syria and Iran.

Said they are not working diplomatically and this bothers him.

[Leilani]

6. Exactly!

He warned about Iraq & now he's warning about future military adventures.

Is anybody listening?

[indie_voter]

7. I missed it. :(

I am happy to hear he isn't ruling out another run for President.

[Leilani]

9. There will be a rerun if you want to catch it

later tonight.

[Pirate Smile]

8. He needs to stay out in front as one of the spokesmen for the Democrats.

[Leilani]

10. Yes, he does!

He brings so much integrity & honesty to the debate, along with an amazing mind.

[Andromeda]

11. I watched most of it and Wes was impressive,

as usual.

He has a command of the facts which makes him a credible force for the Repukes to deal with, particularly with military matters.

[Berserker]

13. Wes was and still is

my pick for President. I hope he does run in 2008. Somehow I can't imagine him conceding just hours after the election like the man I voted for.

[Palacsinta]

12. Be still my heart.........

You always remember your first love (Dem. primaries, ie)

[xultar]

18. HE was the FIRST candidate I ever donated time and $$$ to!

:loveya:

[cidliz2004]

62. Me too!

He was the 1st and the last candidate to actually get me to go to their appearances 2 different times as well as donating to his campaign.

I was sick for months after he was not longer in the race.

[FrenchieCat]

14. Boy.....

That was sooooooo Goooooood! :smoke:

And just to think....he can only get betta'!

Don't think that Georgie or Jebbie or catkiller ride horses....

[Crunchy Frog]

27. Georgie is scared of horses.

I wonder what that would do to his "cowboy" image if it ever got out. Probably nothing. He could eat a baby on live TV and his supporters would still think he's the second coming.

[FrenchieCat]

39. Hahahaha.....

Georgie probably scared that he might get kicked in the head by a horse...and then his head would swell as big as Jebbies (that guy has a really giant head).

Cat killer probably also has put a few horses to sleep. Of that, I would not be surprised! They probably hate his mean ass too. Horses have a sense about those kinda things.

(edited to correct spelling on "guy". Initially used "guys" because Jebbie's head is soooo big until one thinks there might be two heads in there....his and Georgies)!

[Sparkly]

52. Maybe he already *was* kicked in the head at some point.

That would explain a LOT.

[davsand]

15. As usual--The General rocked.

I had to yell out loud when he said he hasn't ruled out another run!

Just can't stop lovin' that man...


Laura

[Kahuna]

16. I saw it. He said that he has "NOT" ruled out a future presidential run..

Made me holler at my TV, Woo hoo!!!!!

[karlrschneider]

26. Hey, did you leave a word out (I hope)?

:eyes:

[karlrschneider]

28. Always proofread your posts so you don't a word out!

:D

[Kahuna]

30. Okay, okay Karl! Don't have a cow man....

I fixed it. :loveya: :7

[xultar]

17. Wesley K. Clark IS MY PRESIDENT! n/t

[sendero]

19. I'm telling ya...

... THIS is the person we need to run in 2008.

He is head and shoulders above everyone else who's been mentioned. He is smart, he is articulate, he takes no crap from "journalist" interviewers and leaves their lame attempts at defining him in the dustheap.

His Progressive statements are excellent - simple and direct and moving. He is among the best at this also.

If he'd only gotten into the 04 race 6 months earlier, this man would be our president.

Ok, these are all just my opinions. You can see this guy excites my political spirit!

[indie_voter]

21. I couldn't agree more.

He was my choice during the primaries.

I hope he runs in 2008. He learned fast on the campaign trail, he will be "seasoned" this time around.

[Leilani]

36. I agree about 6 months earlier...

Of course, the other candidates had been campaigning for ages, but Wes, considering he was a newbie, was amazing.

And he just kept getting better & better.

[Auntie Bush]

There is no one like the General!

Every time I see him...I can't believe he wasn't chosen by the people at the first sight of him. Carl must still be laughing to himself and jumping with glee! Wait till 2008 and we'll have him flapping his blubber!

[tsuki]

85. The General. You know, the Red States may vote for a General.

Since a lot of the red states are dependent on the military for their economy, they might vote for a military man.

I was just a child when Ike ran. My father, a military man from Alabama and a life-long Democrat, told me in later years that he had a hard time that election. He finally voted that one Republican and countered it by voting straight Democrat the rest of the ticket.

Like many military men of that era from the south, he just "Liked Ike."

I think Clark would get some of the same response.

[Ms_Mary]

91. I agree. In the early primaries, Clark and Edwards were my top picks

I grew to like Kerry quite a bit before the election, but I think Clark would have a better shot.

[Sparkly]

22. I caught part of it -- what did he say about Iran and Syria?

Was he saying he thinks we'll be invading there?? I came in just at the end of that part.

He was VERY strong in his statements on Gonzalez.

And that last answer was the best thing I've heard all year. :bounce:

[merci_me]

29. I'm going to tape it later, but

I think he was saying that a lot depends on how the elections go in Iraq and also, that we are not using diplomacy as we should, which could lead to a war. Something he was strongly opposed to.

To be real honest with you, I allowed myself to become totally distracted by the visual. LOL, could he get any better looking? Since I knew I could tape it later tonight, I just let myself sit there and gaze in wonderment that this country could have missed what we had in our grasp.

Looks like he's willing to give us another chance and this time damn it, people HAVE TO LISTEN!!

BTW, I immediately went to WesPac and donated another $20.05.

Mary

[Crunchy Frog]

38. When I donate,

I always do it in increments of $20.08. Hopefully if enough people do it, he'll take the hint.:)

[merci_me]

43. That's what I plan to start doing...........

I use to do the $20.04 to Wes and to the candidates he asked us to support last year. However, I got an e-mail from one of the Clark yahoo groups I belong to, asking us to make donations of $20.05 for New Years, which I did. That group is just a small group made up of some of the people from the still very large, original yahoo draft site. The smaller group is called WesClarkReserves. So, I sent the donation. It was probably .05 in a "Happy New Year" way. Then tonight, I just got so inspired, I donated the $20.05, but you're right.....from now on, it will be .08. I guess I just want him in 2005. I'm very impatient. lol

Mary

[FtWayneBlue]

56. Don't rule out invasions of Iran and Syria

What I inferred from what he said was that since there was no real effort at diplomacy prior to the invasion of Iraq, and there is no real diplomacy now in regards to Iran and Syria, we shouldn't be surprised if The US of A goes into those countries as well.

[Sparkly]

57. I caught it online -- yes

No dialogue, no diplomatic efforts, a big mistake just like Iraq.

It makes me wonder what BushCo will come up with as a sudden emergency of an excuse -- something to scare people into supporting whatever they do (including a draft, maybe).

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. Yes I saw him

I like him more and more all the time.

[fujiyama]

24. I'll try to catch it later

BTW, I don't like watching Tweety or anyone else...so was the Clark interview near the begining, middle, or end of the program?

Thanks, and it's nice to know he's not ruling out another run.

[dogman]

25. Right up front where he belongs.

Although I would have liked to have heard his response to the RWingnuts that followed.

[PlanetBev]

32. I wanted Wes for President so bad

My dad and I thought he was the only one who could have pulled it out. The stupid DNC/DLC operatives thought otherwise.

Unless we reform this fucking party and system, we will never see a man of excellence like this have any chance to be President.

[FrenchieCat]

33. Would have been interesting.....

but I turned the set off after he was finished.

My rule on cable....will not watch unless forewarned that the guest to be on will kick Rethuglican Ass!

[FrenchieCat]

31. Was at the beginning.....

He was also on FAUX today on "This world" or the "Big Chew".....or whatever that show is with the presstitute creepy guy with the bouffant blond hair and the glasses.

He was setting those RW watchers straight without alienating them...so I hear (missed it).

[merci_me]

34. He's on for the first 12 minutes if my computer clock is right. n/t

[hholli1]

35. I would certainly not rule out Wes in the future...

I had envisioned President Kerry asking him to be Secretary of State.

[FrenchieCat]

37. But very unfortunately

this is what Kerry was reportely thinking of doing about that cabinet spot, according to that Times interview/story. Kinda of disappointing if true (which is hard to tell with the corporate media these days). Just doesn't sound like what a new President cleaning house would do.

In the heady days before the election, Kerry's top aides sat around picking a cabinet(one plan was to ask Colin Powell to stay on as secretary of State, thereby avoiding a massive power struggle between Sen. Joe Biden and Democratic foreign-policy wise man Richard Holbrooke).
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6777696/site/newsweek /

[Leilani]

40. I want a leader next time around.

Also, going up against the Repugs is not a Campaign...it's a War.

And I want the General leading the fight; someone who's tough & will kick serious butt, all the while able to handle the discussion with world leaders.

Tough & Smart...that's what we need.

[Donna Zen]

44. Haunting

Since I read that, I've been haunted by the statement. Of course, it could be just another MSM rightwing lie, but if not, it is very disturbing. Powell has proven to be very ineffective, and is now associated by the world as someone who was willing to spew forth at the UN with anything scripted by the neocons. I have my own reasons for distrusting Powell, but even without those, one would think that a complete dusting and cleaning after the regime, is a given.

And there is this: wouldn't it be smart to want the best, or someone who you thought was the best? That is not Powell whose judgement is now forever suspect. Personally, I consider Biden's shilling for the war as a sign of politics over Foreign Affairs smarts. I could have lived with Holbrooke.

Note: French papers ran an open letter asking for Clark.

[Gloria]

41. Can't wait to see it! He's been on TV a lot lately...first about

Iraq, then about the relief efforts immediately after the tsunani hit criticizing Bush, and again tonight on foreign policy.

The best thing he can do is be on TV as an independent observer as MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

As for running for President...while I can dream of it, I think the party screwed him and will do so again. If he ran third party, I'd be with him in a minute!

[Leilani]

45. So would I , Gloria!

I wouldn't blame him if he decided not to run, but I certainly hope he does.

And at this point in time the Dems are not giving me a lot of hope.

[indie_voter]

47. I hope the DLC wakes up before it is too late. n/t

[robbedvoter]

42. Thanks for this - I missed it. Waiting for the rerun.

Glad someone has the guts to speak out about "Torture" Gonzalez.
And the "not ruling anything out" sounds good to me.

[Leilani]

49. Wes said he'd testify against Gonzalez at the hearings, if asked.

I wish they'd ask him...he'd be a terrific witness.

[sampsonblk]

48. There isn't a better man in politics at the moment

When he speaks, its clear that he is head and shoulders above all the rest. Uniquely qualified to open his mouth about all the crazy stuff going on in the world.

[Pepperbelly]

51. Wesley is a very good man.

I kinda hope he just kicks back and retires and enjoys himself. Rather than getting drug through the muck of Presidential politics. I wouldn't wish that on someone I didn't like, much less someone whom I do.

[dogman]

53. You're right.

Somehow it seems as if it's his whole existence to serve his country and he's certainly done enough. This country has such a large hole in it's soul and it seems like he would be the best to fill it, and I guess it's selfish of us to want that since it's something no one person can really do.I just hope he attains what he wants.

[Clarkie1]

54. I'm watching the video right now...here's the link!

http://www.u-wes-a.com/vidclips/MSNBC_010405.WMV

[Sparkly]

55. Thanks!!!

"Wesley Clark, still in the mix!!" :bounce:

Great interview.

[RandomUser]

76. Thanks for the link (n/t)

[Tom Rinaldo]

58. Clark continues to talk openly about things most of our politicians duck

I don't know what amazes me more, that he is willing to do it or that others aren't. And the thing is he still believes in giving honest answers that are actually answers to the question asked, which throws a lot of people off.

Take that discussion about the danger of war plans being developed against Syria and Iran. Mathews asked Clark if the U.S. military still had enough assets to engage in another invasion and Clark went on to explain exactly how that was possible, that we could do it, and further that such planning is already being discussed. Mathews was confused by Clark's matter of fact no nonsense reply and said something to the effect of: "It sounds like you are enthusiastic about the possibility" Clark put him straight and said no, he thought it would be a terrible idea, but this Administration was refusing to conduct the type of diplomacy that avoided the use of military options, and instead people in this administration were developing military plans. Further Clark reminded Mathews that in 2002 they had both discussed the drift toward war with Iraq, which Clark could see coming under Bush but which no one wanted to take seriously until it was fully upon us. Clark forcefully said now is the time for people to be questioning our policy regarding Syria and Iran.

Why isn't anyone else talking like this?

[Leilani]

65. Why isn't anyone else talking like this?

Because Wes speaks English, & most politicians speak "Washington" or "pol".

The art of talking & saying nothing, except for some carefully rehearsed soundbytes, which are designed to appeal to all & offend none.

[FrenchieCat]

84. Difference between

Defending your country....and selling it out!

[Donna Zen]

68. Good Question: My thoughts

First, a few words about the republican approach to a question. Since they are currently the “actors” on the political stage, they are answering questions about motivations. Unfortunately, even when they agree completely with the actions, they are stuck with a hidden agenda. And so they follow Rummy’s rule: start with an illogical basis and finish with an illogical conclusion. A lie said forcefully enough, often enough, and without embarrassing questions, works just fine. If one disagrees with the stated policy/action, follow Rummy’s rule anyway because fundraising is everything.

On the Democratic side, the questions are now always about the actions of republicans, the sole actors; therefore, the answers become partisan. The only nonpartisan answers are agreements. But the reasoning here goes much deeper and to idea that caught my fancy some time ago. We assume that somehow these elected officials “know” everything; they don’t. They don’t know everything about geopolitics or stem cell research or education. They probably know much about a few particular areas, a little about most areas. I mean how could anyone know everything about everything? And yet, we the public just shake our heads in assent and assume that we are getting “the goods.” We are not. We are getting an answer that ruffles no fundraising feathers, appeals to the most people, and is formulaic in its use of language as a neutral response.

BTW, not all politicians do this all the time, but they do know the “drill.” Nevertheless, they don't necessarily know any more than we do about a subject, and sometimes they know less.

With Clark we meet with an entirely different set of rules for answering. First, he doesn’t lie; ever. Months ago I wrote on DU that I saw that as a great strength and a great weakness. While I still think that truth has its downside in politics, I’ve learned that in Clark, it operates as such a strength that I am willing to amend my original statement. He mastery of percision language is a thing to behold.

Also, Clark simply thinks faster than most of us. It is unfair to attribute lofty expectations to anyone because they can be a burden, but he has proven again tonight what someone once said: while everyone else at the table is using an Apple II, Clark is whizzing along with a pentium chip. They also said that Clark has learned the art of waiting until people catch up to where he was hours before.

He does know plenty about plenty of things. These interviews are child’s play, and I’m sure CM barely scratched the surface of what Clark has to say; therefore, Clark can pick and chose what he can say, will say, and how he will say it. When asked the question about Jeb’s trip, Clark was very positive but managed to slip in the modifier “political.” Crafty. Clark also massaged CM with pointing out that Matthews had recognized the looming Iraq-bush war before many others. Then he was able to lure CM into his, Clark’s position: that the administration is working under the radar, and that what they are doing is wrong.

There is one other point that needs to made before I hit post: Clark watchers have observed that not only can he take in huge amounts of information, he also does not forget. As an educator, I know that this is the ability of the “gifted.” They can mentally file knowledge that can be retrieved at a later date in often unseemingly unrelated circumstances. In short, while we have many “smart” politicians, and some “well-meaning” politicians, we rarely see the best and brightest in politics. He is an amazing man.

[Tom Rinaldo]

81. Good answer

I watched the rerun, then dozed off. Now I can't sleep and it's the middle of the night, lol.

Your point about how elected officials are set up to act as if they were experts on all matters is a good one, so they must learn how not to sound foolish, how to make a cogent point perhaps, but not one that puts them on thin ice where someone who knows a lot more than them can expose their lack of depth understanding. That is part of Clark's ability, especially on matters pertaining to National Security. He is brilliant and he is the expert. But the honesty aspect can not be underplayed. Clark is a deep and active thinker, and he is broadly and well educated, so he has thought through areas outside of his career specialties also, but during his campaign he was sometimes faced with the same dilemma you described that most political leaders come up against; not being an expert on everything but being expected to sound like one.

I watched Clark over time. In some early appearances when a subject was still relatively new to him and hence not yet mastered by him, Clark didn't give smug glib answers, he didn't take the safe path. He mused intelligently while nailing down a few bedrock principals and experiences that underlay his thinking. I found it refreshing. Later I would sometimes hear Clark on the same subject and it was obvious that he had done more homework. Then he would become the educator, making his points while explaining the reasoning behind his positions. I came to the conclusion that Clark is predisposed toward wanting his listener to actually understand what he really thinks about whatever the topic at hand is. I find that quality rare in politics. Normally the standard is "to come off looking good".

Listening to him tonight I was struck by something fundamentally reassuring. Clark's motivation for being there, for showing up, for going through all of this at all, comes across as something that I understand and have always honored. It is dedication to a cause larger than himself, something I have seen time and time again animating social change, human rights, and environmental activists I have known and love. Talking about the lack of public debate over possible conflicts on the horizon with Iran and Syria, I could feel Clark's core commitment to a democratic system of decision making that he feels is being subverted. Talking about this administration's parsing of words regarding torture, I could feel Clark's pride in the Geneva Conventions as an expression of our finest values. I am not saying that other politicians aren't dedicated to a cause larger than themselves, I am saying that with Clark, to me at least, it is always immediately apparent that he is.

That quality is wrapped in another; courage. A professional American soldier knows it is his or her calling in life to lay down their life for their country if needed. Some live with the implications of that choice closer to their heart than others I am sure. The willingness to take personal risks, if what is at stake is important, seems second nature to Wesley Clark. I think that is part of why he is a truth teller. Why he doesn't back down. He isn't watching his back, he's watching ours, to the best of his ability. So he will call torture torture and call that unacceptable even if the Republicans have a commanding majority in the Senate and Gonzales is a Latino possibly destined for Bush's Supreme Court. It's wrong. It's wrong for America, it's wrong for the world, that's enough. Clark isn't hoarding political capital for some later personal ambition. He is already living his ambition, defending our country. That's what he does. Fortunately for all of us Wesley Clark is a man who knows that the root of America's true greatness lies in our revolutionary democratic traditions, not in our status as the world's only super power. That is an integral part of the America it is Clark's calling to defend. It's that dedication to cause I was referring to, the heart of an activist in the body of a soldier.

[FrenchieCat]

82. Damn.....

Preach on Brother Rinaldo!

I'm saving your post....

What you describe is a tangible quality in Wes Clark that I have not been able to put into words.

Clark isn't hoarding political capital for some later personal ambition. He is already living his ambition, defending our country. That's what he does. Fortunately for all of us Wesley Clark is a man who knows that the root of America's true greatness lies in our revolutionary democratic traditions, not in our status as the world's only super power. That is an integral part of the America it is Clark's calling to defend. It's that dedication to cause I was referring to, the heart of an activist in the body of a soldier.

[Tom Rinaldo]

86. Thank you for that

People who have been loyal to this man for awhile now, people like us, often find ourselves deeply moved by Clark, beyond the mere impression that he makes for an excellent candidate. Often I take those feelings almost for granted, regarding them kind of as silent proof that I made the right choice to back Wesley Clark.

But then every once in a while I watch Clark confront a core issue head on, sometimes it's something that no one else is talking about, sometimes it's something that I didn't realize WAS a core issue until he put words to it. That's usually when it hits me how deeply I respect this man. Then when I reflect on his life, I remember how deeply I admire this man.

Those aren't easy emotions to talk about on a political chat board. But I feel an obligation sometimes when I am acutely feeling them to reach for words that describe what it is all about. Watching Clark on Hardball last night was one of those moments for me. I felt so proud to be his supporter, and I desperately want him to be our President, for so many reasons. That's when I am willing to take the risk of sounding a bit fanatical in my support of Clark. That's when I am willing to reach for a metaphor and risk falling flat on my face while trying to capture it. Last night was just one of those nights for me.

[Donna Zen]

87. Yes-yes-yes!

Ah_Brother Rinaldo, as Frenchie says below: this post is a keeper.

Point #1: About Clark's early answers vs where he is today. At a townhall meeting in Portsmouth, the General was asked a question about affordable housing. Clark is trained in answering questions, so he first repeated the question and then built the pillars which will be provide support for the "lintel" of his answer. When he gave his answer about housing, it was fine, but the support was weak and seemed to rely on unrelated specifics. I could tell that Clark did not like his answer although the audience seemed okay. A dollar to donuts that Wes Clark has investigated that subject to exhaustion; or until he was satisfied with his answer.

Point #2: Politicians always say that this "isn't about them," but since his interview with Esquire where he says that it must not be about personal ambition, I've noticed that Clark lives this attitude as part of a philosophy that was formed in Clark's early years. The idea of Plato's "silver star" of service being of greater value than the "gold star" of the king. This is something that I've found very difficult to accept about the General, because as you point out, it is so rare that we meet that quality in people. Although I've learned to moved beyond cynicism when dealing with all things Clark, I sympathize with the posters on the web who "just don't get it," even when they frustrate me.

Point #3: Political capital. When it comes to telling the truth, personal capital is of more value than political capital. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"--Mark 8:36

Wesley Clark is both very "Christian" and very much a product of "West Point." He lives the words of Mark. Curiously, he loses NO political capital because as long as his listener knows Clark is telling the truth, then they know the General respects them--each one of them--personally.

I hope that my rambling comments make some sense. For now, I'm back to work. Thanks for your great answer.

[Crunchy Frog]

72. Yes, he seemed like he was really focused

on the importance of open public discussion and discourse. I think he's worried that our country is on yet another autopilot like drift towards more war without there even being any sort of public debate about it. It also sounds like he's very concerned about our failure to utilize diplomacy in the Middle East.

Well, war in Iraq has been a disaster. Expanding that war to other countries would turn it into a catastrophe. Not that Bu$hco gives a damn.

[Sparkly]

59. Re-run's coming up next, I think? n/t

[Nashyra]

60. Just watched the re-run

He was great, just loved the "rule nothing out" He's getting a much earlier start. His tactic on Syria and Iran has set the administration up big time to look like failures if they can not deal diplomatically withn them. Already comparing them to the failure of Iraq. He is awesome, honest and tells it like it is, when asked about Gonzales nothing left to question, an absolute NO.

[TacticalPeek]

64. Very disturbing, his view of the Syria/Iran fronts in The Forever War.

(apologies to JH)

People 'around town' talking up the military options.

NO (NO) public discussion of the pros and cons, the cost, the goals. Here we go again.

Dee press sing.

:(

[Edgewater_Joe]

63. Clark/Dean in 2008?

Could be a winner - the Southern war hero and the good doctor ...

[Crunchy Frog]

66. I just watched it on rerun.

Now that's the guy that should have been our President! I thought he looked absolutely awesome. I loved what he said about Gonzales and about the Geneva Convention.

Please run again Wes. You know the ropes and you'll have plenty of time next time around.

That's all I have to say.

[Gloria]

67. Just watched the rerun....pretty scary....I think he thinks that

Bush is fixing for another war.

If it's Syria, I am pissed...Because I've been posting articles for the WMW with all sorts of info on what Syria has been doing to try to control its borders. It's almost impossible. US troops in Iraq are right across from some of the Syrian checkpoints and villages and stray bombs sometimes go into Syria and have killed Syrians. No problem,I guess. US reps keep saying they're doing OK, but can do more. I hate the "talk" vs what's going on in terms of military plotting. It's really crappy. And it's the same scenario as what we had with Iraq. They just want to do what they want to do, no matter what, and it doesn't matter if the other country in question is trying to do what is demanded of them.

[Donna Zen]

69. The original plan

was Syria not Iraq. Very scary.

[TacticalPeek]

70. I believe that the ordnance straying over the border into Syria

is mostly from the guerrillas.

[Gloria]

73. Possibly, wasn't clear from some of what I read....what is clear

is that the Iraq business is creating problems across the border in Syria.

[FrenchieCat]

71. Also noise being raised now....

in reference to Egypt in the Corporate media. Saw some news report about it this afternoon. Looks like they are talking about Egypt having had an active Nuclear Program back in the 80's and 90's....and that the US wanted more answers now than the "was for peaceful means" explanation that the Egyptians are offering.

If I recall, doesn't the PNAC plan include Egypt as well?

Oh-oh, is what I will say. Because according to the PNAC plan this is how they start.....just rumblings and whispers of possible bad intentions from the chosen country. I remember that all of the supposed "bad guy" Iraq activities were also back in the 80's and 90's....and those old issues were the reasons that US gave for invading Iraq in 2003 came from those eras.

[robbedvoter]

92. I'd be pissed with any other war, as I am with the one going on

[Texas_Kat]

74. Time for my donation ..

...to WesPac again.

I've never understood why anyone would want a politican when there's a leader like Clark around.

Having been on the inside of politics early in my career, and dabbling around the edges until the Draft Clark movement came along, I'd learned most 'professional politicians' are all about the politics and only interested in the policy in a very limited way. It's about getting elected, not about doing good.

Clark isn't afraid to tell truth to power (he takes my breath away sometimes with his fearlessness) and his motives aren't (to use his words) "personal'.

In the waning days of the general election, in Houston, where he'd gone to defend a Democratic congressman who'd been accused of being 'soft' on terrorism, Wes thanked us for giving him the opportunity to have a voice. "It's not about me," he said, "It's about the direction of our nation and our children's future."

Oh jeez, I haven't gotten over Feb 11, 2004 after all.

Clark '08
Leadership, Character, Courage

[Clarkie1]

75. It's all about his honesty, integrity, and motives

"Wes Clark is a man of whom you can ask a question, and he will look you directly in the eye, and give you the most truthful and complete answer you can imagine. You will know the absolute truth of the statement as well as the thought process behind the answer. You will have no doubt as to the intellect of the speaker and meaning of the answer to this question....So you can see, as a politician, he has a lot to learn." - Mario Cuomo

I think Clark has learned what he needed learn in 04'; he's a quick study.

Thankfully though, I think there are some "lessons" he will never "learn." :-)

[xkenx]

77. NOT SINCE BOBBY KENNEDY

have I been so inspired by a public figure. CLARK '08!!!!

[Phoebe_in_Sydney]

79. Exactly what I always say n/t

[IndianaGreen]

78. I am sorry I missed seeing him

I am glad he said he is willing to testify against Gonzales in reference to his torture memo. I believe Clark is the first 2004 candidate to make such a strong statement.

[RandomUser]

99. You can catch it at this link if you missed it

http://www.u-wes-a.com/mediaclips-post.html

[IndianaGreen]

100. Clark: I don't see us having an "effective, engaged diplomacy"

Great interview! Thanks for the link!

I liked what he said about the torture memo and his author, Gonzales.

"Geneva Convention" should be the standard!

Why couldn't Kerry be that clear on the issues??????

Not "ruling out" running for President, which sounds a lot better than having to deal with a second Kerry run.

[meppie-meppie not]

103. TY RandomUser! nt

[Dr Fate]

80. OMG- what a "Mike Moore loving radical"- he told the TRUTH!!!!!

Apparently he does not really want to be a Democrat, behaving like that.

[FrenchieCat]

83. Yep...

Told the truth......AGAIN!

[x_y_no]

88. Outstanding!

Loved how he was unequivocal in his opposition to Gonzalez. No weasel-words there! :-)

The stuff he said about military plans being made for Syria and Iran was disturbing. We MUST be ahead of the curve on this if it's really in the works.

[cyn2]

89. Clark: Just keeps getting better and Better n/t

[wadestock]

90. Much better than "3 generals and a baby" the nite before

The nite before would be tough guy "baby face" Matthews tried to pick the brains of 3 generals and attempt to gather how we can win the peace in the middle east.

First off, WTF do generals know about winning the peace?

Be prepared for a whole new age of the military becoming inextricably intertwined with politics and the media, helping to define the future of America. If you haven't read Dr. Thomas Barnett, start now...this is our future.

Meanwhile, Wes is the 1 in a 1000 that's not part of that mold.

[El Fuego]

93. I supported Wes Clark from the beginning

OK here goes my first post.

I was hoping Kerry would pick Clark for VP. I think Clark as VP would have carried the ticket.

[Tom Rinaldo]

95. Welcome to DU

First few posts can be hard to write for some but it gets easier the more you make. Backing Clark is a great use for a first or second post.

[El Fuego]

97. Thank you for the welcome!

[Adelante]

96. I was hoping

Clark would have picked Kerry as VP or anyone as VP ;)

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[El Fuego]

98. Thank you!

[Leilani]

104. Welcome to DU!

Great post!

And you obviously have great taste if you like the General!

[PROGRESSIVE1]

94. I supported him from the start in 2003 and I will support him....

for the 2008 election!

President Wesley K. Clark!!!

[DaedelusNemo]

101. Didn't see it, but here's the transcript

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6790643/

(just posting the transcript here would be frowned on?)

[FrenchieCat]

102. Of course not.....why ? n/t

[Coexist]

105. I voted for Clark in the primaries

even though I live in Florida and knew Kerry was going to win anyway. I truly admire Wes Clark.

[knight_of_the_star]

106. Caught a webcast of it

Damn I wish that man won the primaries, then we WOULD be celebrating the victory of president-elect Wesley K. Clark!

The ONLY advice I can give to Wes now is simple:

Stay OUT of small planes.

[Clarkie1]

107. LINK TO TRANSCRIPT AND WEBCAST HERE (for those who missed it)

Transcript:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6790643/

Webcast:

http://www.u-wes-a.com/vidclips/MSNBC_010405.WMV