He's already been Commander in Chief of the Southern Command and of Europe and Supreme Allied Commander. Some might try to say that he needs needs legislative experience....but it's executive experience that is the "should be" pre-requisite for the presidency. That's why Senators don't make it often as Presidents....they lack executive experience.
Additional Pre-requisite for the presidency in 2008 should be the following, in which Clark has ample experience:Intelligence = 1st in West Point Class; Rhode Scholar; written two best selling books and a myriad of op eds(first book currently used as a teaching tool at the Carnegy Council of Ethics and International Affairs.)
http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/viewMedia.php/prmTemplateID/2/prmID/1043http://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/publicaffairsbooks-cgi-bin/display?book=1586482181&cover=pbhttp://www.thinkingpeace.com/Lib/lib028.htmlEmpathy for the less fortunate = self made man who made not more than $50,000 most of his life and has lived in real trailers/$90,000 as a 4 Star General; philosophy degree from Oxford; wounded to near death in Vietnam; called for action against genocide in Rwanda and Kosovo; wrote Army amicus brief for U of Michigan Affirmative Action case to the Supreme Court; called attention to Darfur; currently on board of the International Crisis Group.
http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=3247&l=1Economic experience = Masters in Economics from Oxford/White House Fellows in the Budget office. Is a licensed Investment Banker; Proposed the best progressive tax reform plan during the primaries.
http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/2004/02/18/opinion/myers.htmlNational Security experience = Clark is considered an expert in the field as he was in charge of National Security in Europe and Latin America. Currently works for Witt and Associates--A Homeland Security company
http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/News_Articles/Public_Safety.aspForeign Policy Experience = Negotiated Dayton Peace Accords in 1995; Negotiated with dictators and stuck his finger in their face; testified before Senate and the House against going to Iraq; Testified at the Hague against Milosovich. Has been knighted in England, decorated in France and received Medal of Freedom from Prez Clinton, apart from numerous medals from various countries, including the U.S.
Political campaigning Experience = Ran for the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 2004. Placed 3rd in NH after 1st and 2nd place New Englanders; was the only candidate apart from the eventual nominee to win a state that was not his home state; placed 2nd (without media coverage) in New Mexico, Arizona and North Dakota. Bowed out gracefully when it was clear that Kerry would be the nominee; Raised the most money after Howard Dean up to January of '04 (and raised the most in January '04) although was only in the race for 4 months (compared to 18 months for others); Put together a credible campaign in just a few months with leftover staffing; Had the biggest Grassroot movement after Howard Dean.
Speaking abilities = Debating Team at West Point; speaking fees of $30,000 upon retirement; CNN commentator during the onset of the Iraq War; spoke one of the best speeches during the Democratic Convention; surrogate at large for John Kerry during the 2004 Prez campaign (meme that he's not "ready for primetime" made up by the corporate media who, to protect their various interests, did not want Clark as the nominee to go against Bush).
Independent & courage = was his party affiliation until he became a Democrat. Cannot be described as highly partisan, but stands for Democratic ideals stronger than most Democratic politicians. Courage in the face of battle in Vietnam and was rewarded with Bronze, Silvers and Purple Hearts for non-controversial but couragous actions. Was retired early for standing up for principles. Privately Encouraged both O'neal, Clarke and S. Hersch to expose the Bush Administration.
Representative of Faith, Values, patriotism and religiousity= Married to the same woman for 36 years. Is 1/2 Jewish, raised a southern baptist, converted to catholism. Southern Values are his forte. Served his country for 34 years. Firmly believes in the separation of Church and State.
Hails from a Red State = Arkansas -- Is a real progressive, but perceived as a moderate by the general voting public.
Gravitas = Sole Democrat 4 Star General who won the last war America fought (prior to Iraq) without losing a single American. Most decorated officer since Eisenhower. Perceived as a "Strong" leader by the masses.
NOT a Senator or a Washington insider but understands Washington= Wes Clark
Viable Grassroots = Clarkies are everywhere and really did make a difference in his last campaign. Blog still gets over 300-500 comments per day.
Telegeniality = Face it--The guy looks great!
Another poster alerted me to some other "should have" presidential Qualities that Clark has:
Vision and Insight= Of all the primary candidates, Wes Clark had the most thought-out and complete vision of his ideas for America, he wasn't just talking about how he would beat Bush out of the White House but about his 100 Year Vision for America. Probably one of the most far-reaching themes of any campaign since JFK.
and Don't forget these qualities as well:
Leadership
Scientifically inclined
Sense of Humor
Calm under pressure
Athletic
and last but certainly not least------->HonestyAny candidate missing any of these ingredients should'nt even be considered...
that's my take!
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