Clemons (Washington Note): Time For Obama Team to Call Gen. Wes Clark and Request His Services

[Dinger]

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2008/08/time_for_obama/#comments


"The Obama campaign needs to reverse course and reach out to General Wesley Clark who is the No. 1 most requested surrogate by Democratic Party fundraisers. He is a thoughtful, top tier, command experienced strategist. He once told me that we need to organize an "Urgent Action Climate Change Task Force."

How many generals are really, totally committed to climate change as a national security issue? The answer is not many -- but Wesley Clark is.

And first in September 2005 and then again in January 2006 at events that I helped organize, Wesley Clark laid out brilliantly the reasons why Iran must be engaged with a broad negotiation agenda without preconditions. He broke the ground for engaging Iran -- far before any other possible presidential contender did so.

We hear too much about a comment that Clark made about McCain on "Face the Nation" (which was technically correct) -- but we don't hear enough about the times he was right before just anyone on some tough calls -- particularly on Iran."

Please, please, please!

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Me.]

1. Heartily Agree

He is fearless and doesn't flinch at telling the truth

[Dinger]

5. If Obama Picks Clark As His Running Mate,

WOW! I'll go nuts!














*Then I'll have to do that little thing I said I would the other day.:blush:




:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Me.]

8. Don't Think That Is On The Agenda

But would like to see him as part of an Obama Admin

[Qutzupalotl]

24. I do!

I think the so-called "short list" is a ruse to throw the GOP attack machine off the scent. Clark is the best logical choice. Clark trumps McCain/Anybody.

[Dinger]

25. Good Post, Especially This Part:

"Clark trumps McCain/Anybody."


:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[flpoljunkie]

2. If Biden, with his mouth, is being considered, why not Wes Clark, who only spoke the truth?

[Dinger]

6. Eaxacatackally My Friend!

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

3. yep, and he outranks McHundred, too.

[Dinger]

7. McHundred LOL

:rofl:

[Spazito]

4. Hmmm, this is interesting....

His last blog about Wes Clark gave the impression that Clemons KNEW Clark had been snubbed by the Obama campaign, this one backtracks on that quite a bit and I am glad to see it!

I agree with him, Clark would be a great choice, imo!

[Dinger]

9. Thanks!

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[flpoljunkie]

11. It would be a 'game changer' as well. Clark's not afraid to criticize trigger happy, neocon McSame.

Clark is a better fit with Obama than with Kerry, although Clark was my first choice for Kerry's VP, as well.

[Spazito]

15. I have to confess, Clark was who I wanted Kerry to pick as well...

I was disappointed when that didn't happen. I still have NO clue who Obama will pick, I have my fingers and toes crossed it will be Clark but I think the Obama campaign has been brilliant in their strategy so far and I expect whoever they do pick will be for a very good reason even if it is someone other than Clark.


I DO hope it's Clark, though, lol.

[Upton]

10. Great idea!

This campaign needs to be shaken out of it's doldrums and the Gen. could be just the man to do it.

[eshfemme]

12. I know! I just read this article that made me resume hoping for this too.

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/08/obamas_vp_the_candidate_drops.html

As I was reading this, I couldn't help but think, "Does this mean Obama is considering Clark?"

[Dinger]

13. Clark Is As Dark A Horse As I've Ever Seen,

But a STRONG one at that!

Do you ever get the feeling that the M$M has been told to NOT bring his name up, under any circumstances?
I do.


:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Spazito]

14. I keep thinking about this and I keep coming back to...

McCain's WHOLE campaign is built on his POW/military service. The Obama campaign certainly knows this and knows they need to pierce that firewall enough to neutralize it as much as they can.

There are only two ways to do that, imo:

Attack him directly regarding his military record - I don't see them doing that nor do I think they should, others not connected to the campaign certainly can raise legitimate questions, etc.

or

Choose a VP who's military service/foreign policy experience overwhelms McCain's when the two are compared.

If, and it is still a big if, imo, the Obama campaign is thinking in those terms, it strikes me there are only two choices:

Wes Clark - I know quite a bit about Wes Clark (even watched his Kosovo briefings before I knew who he was) and think he would be the ideal choice (biased here, lol)

Jim Webb - I confess I know little in comparison but he has impressed me when I have heard him speak and other DUers who know more than I seem to feel he would be a good choice.

[Tom Rinaldo]

16. General Clark is too valuable a surrogate for Democrats on National Security to be squandered

This isn't solely about the VP pick, not by a long shot. Intentionally or unintentionally, Barack Obama has allowed an impression to take root that he is estranged from General Clark. This is due to his non defense of Clark during the fake controversy, the fact that unlike many other leading Democrats that Wes Clark's name does not get mentioned as someone that Obama has seriously thought about for VP, and that no role has been given to General Clark, even a minor one, at the Democratic Convention.

Coupled together it leaves an appearance that Clark is on the outs with Barack Obama. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, whether or not he is in some ways is of less importance than appearances. Obama and Clark are adults. They don't have to like each other (and I have no idea whether they do or don't). Obama will listen to sage advice from Clark when he has it regardless, same as he would listen to any well recognized expert in any important field. That part comes with the job of President.

But Clark Will be a much less effective advocate for Democratic views with the media and the public if the impression is allowed to go unchallenged that Obama doesn't respect or value Wes Clark. Democrats have very few people of Wes Clark's stature regarding national security matters on our team. Time and time again, Clark has been right on the issues, including Iraq and Iran.

[Greyskye]

17. Clark was my POTUS pick

Obama/Clark is golden as far as I'm concerned.

[Dinger]

18. Thanks, Me Too : )

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[NewJeffCT]

19. I like Clark a lot, but

Didn't Wes' son post on DailyKos that his father had not been vetted by Obama's people?

And, I'm not being negative towards Clark, as I would love to see him as VP over Kaine or Bayh.

[Tom Rinaldo]

20. "reaching out to" doesn't have to man "pick as Vice President"

Both John Kerry and Hillary Clinton discovered that Wes Clark was a valuable man to have fighting for them. Clark is willing to work for Obama. but Obama hasn't given him a role to play.

[cliffordu]

21. CLARK FOR VEEP !!!!!

[mzmolly]

22. ABSOLUTELY!

Glad to see someone is thinking. Clark should be our VP. let alone be offered a slot at the convention.

[greguganus]

23. K and R!! n/t

[farmboxer]

26. I agree, it's about time.

Gen. Clark to counter McBush.

[shireen]

27. Clark is a national treasure

He's the best person for VP, but I fear it's not going to happen. Our loss ...