LAT's Brownstein: Clark may "pack" most Veep "firepower"

[DeepModem Mom]

Thanks to Quixote 1818, who posted the article in GD2004!

"....Even more intriguing (than Bob Kerrey's) is a name that has attracted even less attention: former NATO Supreme Commander and 2004 Democratic presidential contender Wesley K. Clark. The irony is that Clark probably would be generating more buzz as a potential vice president if he hadn't sought his party's nomination. The consensus in Democratic circles is that the retired Army general dimmed his prospects through an uneven performance on the campaign trail.

Yet those experiences left Clark with more preparation for a vice presidential campaign than if he hadn't run at all. And he has proven one of the Democrats' most acute analysts and effective messengers on national security: His speeches on Iraq last fall, which called for broadening international participation in the occupation and warned against dismantling the entire Iraqi army, look prescient now.

Last week, Clark underscored the potential value of a running mate who once wore four stars on his shoulders and a Silver Star on his chest when he responded to recent Republican attacks on Kerry's activities in and after Vietnam with a ringing challenge: 'Those who didn't serve, or didn't show up for service," he wrote, "should have the decency to respect those who did … '

As a candidate, Clark demonstrated plenty of flaws. But few other Democrats could deliver a punch like that with such authority. And none could better symbolize Kerry's determination to rebuild relations with traditional allies than the man who directed, in Kosovo, the one war NATO ever fought. In an election that could revolve more around guns than butter, Clark may pack more firepower than any of the other names on Kerry's list of running mates."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-outlook3may03,1,1082406,print.column

[davidinalameda]

1. can he help Kerry win in the south

that's the biggest question that I have

I voted for Clark even after he pulled out of the race but Kerry's the nominee and needs help

I would love to see Clark in a Kerry administration but I don't want to see him wasted in a do-nothing position

[narcjen]

2. I like Clark,

he would probably be my first choice for VP. But many voters could assume things about him just because he's a general. In particular those who are against the war, could easily assume Clark to have a very hawkish stance on Iraq, that he would be in favor of bringing back the draft, and so on.

This could be a very likely turn-off unless Clark does a great deal of work to dispel that natural perception/assumption about him. There's a natural fear/resistance among anti-war voters to voting for someone with a military title in fron of their name. Heck, I too felt the same way about Clark at first so I can see how it could be a potential problem.

It was only after hearing and reading a lot more about Clark and listening to several of his speeches/debates that I changed my mind about him. Though I'm afraid the average person isn't as informed or takes as much time to inform themselves, and the title of "General" in front of his name would automatically prejudice their (especially female voters) thinking about him.

[Larkspur]

3. I thought Dean was punching Bush some KO's while Kerry was kissing Bush's

behind. That was why Dean's star was rising last summer and Kerry's dimming, and because Kerry was losing it at the time and Dean was perceived as a threat to the Dem Establishment, Clark was encouraged to enter the Prez race by Clinton to derail Dean.

Clark is as much a con man as the Neo-cons. He doesn't fool me.

[Renew Deal]

9. Clark is a neo-con? Oh brother.

Let me guess, you are a Haitian man with large breasts?

Clark didn't run to take out Dean. The race could have played out that way if Dean didn't self-destruct. Clark ran for the draft people. We all encouraged him to run. He is the best spoken and most intelligent of the candidates that ran and of the potential VP's. I am sure DLC Dean was a real threat to the establishment. :shrug:

[mouse7]

4. I'm fine with Clark, Dean, and Edwards.

I'm leaning a wee bit toward Edwards just because those poll numbers of a Kerry/Edwards ticket are very enticing. However, any of them would make an outstanding VP choice I'd be proud to support.

I'd be a little less enthusiastic about Gephardt, Graham, or Bayh.

[Failure]

5. It would be a dream come true for me...could you imagine

BushCo having to deal with 2 war heroes?


failure.

[mouse7]

6. Clark, Dean, and Edwards all bring oustanding credentials.

We all know what they are. They've been debated to death.

I'd be extremely happy with any one of the three.

[Failure]

7. ditto...nt

[Francis]

8. Motivate the non voter

Kerry can't do that
Edwards can bring in the younger voter
Clark will maybe just help shore up the ABB vote
Edwards has energy

[Renew Deal]

10. But, can Edwards go toe to toe with Cheney?

I think not. Clark knows the DOD. Edwards has seen it on TV.

[cmayer]

11. Edwards would slice Cheney in to 67 pieces of cheese

and Cheney wouldn't even know he'd been cut until he toppled over and all of the pieces fell apart.