Wes Clark Jr. tells it like it is on "The Young Turks"...!!!

[capi888]

Don't know if anyone read "Huffington post" but a video is up on Wes Jr's interview...(45 min) He is angry and they use strong language, BUT, really tells it all. Might want to check it out, here is the link!

http://tinyurl.com/faw2b

Wesley Clark, Jr. was an integral part of his dad's presidential campaign in 2004, and in his appearance on The Young Turks today unloaded on the entire Democratic Party establishment.

He names names, calls out specific Democratic consultants that worked on the Wesley Clark campaign and goes after the party leadership.
Link to video on site!!!

[Coexist]

1. "are the democrats pussies or not"

LMAO!

[leftchick]

2. John McCain is George bush without Jesus Christ!

:rofl: This is fantastic! Thank you for the link!

:)

[capi888]

4. Your Welcome!

I am not a fan of Young Turks, but, Wes Jr. has always been outspoken, and tells it like he see's it. I am WAY above that age group, but have grandchilden in the same era, that understand his words. Got to reach all the people, and sometimes the truth hurts.

[JNelson6563]

3. Wow.

Mocking people's voices, name calling, attacking people's appearances and serious issues with "manliness". Pretty sophomoric. When he actually does make an insightful point it's somewhat lost due to his high school era style.

Sad.

Julie

[Bucky]

5. I'm really sorry to hear this.

In the past campaign, Wes Jr was passionate, but smart. It sounds like he's a live action example of the worst of DU (or FR for that matter). I don't doubt that the national party needs an enema, but a guy representing his presidential candidate father should not be that enema.

[capi888]

6. Last I knew, his Father...

Has not declared to run. He has every right to state his opinions, whether you agree or not. He is an American!!! I would think, you would like to know, and listen to one who DID see the inside of how the structure of ALL campaigns are run. EYEs wide open!!!

[leftchick]

8. Wes Jr. was great

The Democratic party needs to wake the fuck up and act like Wellstone. Remember how he used to fight? Sadly the last caller was right on, they do not care about us. They are so far removed from the reality of living paycheck to paycheck they haven't a clue!

There are exceptions of course with Russ Feingold coming to mind but over all, THEY DO NOT CARE!

:grr:

[rniel]

26. I liked this part

where he said politicians don't even understand how something as simple as getting a $100 dollar parking ticket could literally break the back of a family living paycheck to paycheck.

[Adelante]

7. Wes would no more censor his son's speech

Than he'd censor yours. "Dissent is patriotic."

[capi888]

10. So True WesDem...

Its Patriotic to Dissent, and in my opinion, we haven't done so! NONE of us like to hear negative feedback about our chosen candidate, however, we must go into the next election with eyes wide open. Wes Clark, believes in dissent as a means to resolve the problems we are facing today. Thats what diplomatic meetings are about, whether it is with candidates OR foriegn countries.

[Bucky]

16. Pu-lease. No one's talking about censorship.

Calling everyone who's given you advice you disagree with a pussy is not dissent. It's pissiness. There's a difference between speaking truth to power and acting pissy.

And there's a difference between censorship and saying a grown up ought to behave like a grown up.

[JNelson6563]

23. What kind of dissent?

Grown-up, eloquent dissent or name calling sophomoric dissent?

If you are shooting for effectiveness you want folks to listen. YOu want them to tune out due to no credibility? Start anme calling and doing mocking voices.

Julie

[CarolNYC]

34. I did not listen to or watch this yet...

You're saying that Wes Jr was on representing his Presidential candidate father? That's pretty amazing. I'm surprised more people aren't making a bigger deal over this....So General Clark has said he's running in '08? And, Wes Jr, as his (according to Bucky) representative on this show, is he the one who announced that his father is running? I had not heard this elsewhere....
:P

[jayfish]

19. Like We Never Do Any Of That Here.

:eyes:

Jay

[JNelson6563]

22. Here is a different world than the real world

trust me. I used to speak in real world politics as though I were on DU. Bad idea. People don't take you seriously and certainly don't view one with such choice of words as any kind o suitable spokespereson.

Basically, you sit down with big players and talk like this and you don't get the ass-kinsing Wes Jr. go from the host, you get disregarded right quick.

If I were Wes Clark the first thing I'd do is put a muzzle on my kid and send him to diplomatic language school.

Julie

[jayfish]

30. I Wouldn't Call A Television Show The Real World.

Don't forget It's called "The Young Turks". From what I've read, not exactly the most savory bunch.

Jay

TYPO EDIT

[CarolNYC]

33. haha...

Funny, busy Julie, telling us about the real world again...always good for a laugh...

So you chase Jr threads around too, huh? Busy, busy girl....

[tishaLA]

37. Well, to be fair....

Wes shouldn't really be speaking his mind like this, should he? Instead, he should go on the 700 Club and radically misrepresent the Democratic Party's platform about marriage equity. Then we could have a plethora of threads about how he's a "visionary" and how he "speaks for" all of us.

Or something.

[CarolNYC]

40. true, true....heheh...n/t

[Adelante]

51. Clark-stalking a new generation

I hope the grandchildren aren't next.

[CarolNYC]

52. the grandchildren....

What a thought! I wonder if someone put up a thread about 3.0 and/or his little brother, how long it would take the oh so busy one to find her way over there with a disparaging comment...My guess would be not long....

[JNelson6563]

61. Yeah it is kinda funny

Why do I bother when so many of you will never step foot into the real world of politics? Ah well, hope springs eternal. I must say though I am flattered at how you follow me around Carol.

FYI, I was glad to be able to catch this footage while printing out some labels for a mailing. I was interested to see what was so admirable about Jr. according to so many Clarkies. Name calling, voice mocking and petty attacks on peoples' appearances, yeah, I'm hard pressed to see what the swooning's about.

Funny how you NEVER address the content of my posts.....not that I blame you, poor dear.

Julie

[CarolNYC]

62. Nope, I just check out the Clark threads

And surprise, surpise, you're always there! lol! And always, as I said, good for a laugh....

As to the content of your posts...You got in a better snidey "real world" comment today than yesterday...Yesterday's was kind of lame...but still funny....Thanks for the morning chuckles....

[Jai4WKC08]

53. "If I were Wes Clark the first thing I'd do is put a muzzle on my kid"

I have no doubt you would.

[JNelson6563]

60. Until he could speak as an adult

but hey, if you applaud such talk, rock on. :toast:

[Jai4WKC08]

67. And to think some people say...

That all the sanctimonious, control freaks are in the GOP.

'Course, they could be right.

[eek]

41. Forest for the trees, folks.

Jay is right. Like we don't sound like this here in DU. Or like we don't sound like this at parties, bars, dinner table...


Getting hung up on one or two words the guy chose to use and re-use for this interview is a big part of the D's problem.
Say something we don't agree with? *Bam* ! The curtain comes down. We won't consider them ever again.

This attitude is part of what WCjr was talking about: Dem candidates spend too much pndering and soft-soaping, getting nowhere.

When bs is flung, we must attack.
I loved what he said about Kerry. That at the end of the last debate he should have turned on aWol and called him out to be the chickenhawk coward he really is.
Damned right.

What's more, Wes Jr is a writer. I believe that he knows the power of words and I believe he was using them wisely - to incite.
He obviously knows how to use bullet points. This kind of talk is going to do far more to motivate the apathetic than Kerry embarrassing himself windsurfing.
(besides, WC2 did say that his wife gets on him when he talks that way. he's no idiot: he knows when to lay it on and when to reel it in)



Besides, how can you dislike a guy who calls joe-mentum lieberman a tool?

[DoveTurnedHawk]

44. Good Post

I agree with a good chunk of it. :-)

:toast:

DTH

[TabulaRasa]

43. What does it say

that a "sophomoric" scriptwriter, with "pussy" and "dude" as the most utilized elements of his vocabulary, has more common sense than the entire Democratic Party establishment put together? And apparently the three or four people on this thread weeping over his use of foul language, as well. Why don't you all go hide in the corner from the big mean man and his bad language, and we'll call you when you're needed? (i.e. Never!) Oh, and please take the Democratic pundits, consultants, pollsters and politicians with you?

[Bucky]

9. Play by play

Wes Jr calls this guy (Chris Lehane) a "pencil neck pussy".

He talls an interesting story about McCain. Then he says all politicians are all liars, all the time, but then says it's the fault of the voters.

He also says people who tell the truth "tend to die". But he means Jesus, Gandhi and King, not Wellstone.

Points out that lots of people involved in grassroots politics are pathological.

He does come across as a prick. He makes fun of everyone. And he says "dude" and "pussy" too much.

After the break, 14 minutes along, he says hiring consultants "killed us." Calls them all "losers." Over and over.

Good points: Republicans always call Democrats "waffler" and "flip flopper"
Bad points: too damn cynical. He's scared of Hillary and thinks '08 is "locked up" already.

Excellent point: the same law breakers from Iran Contra are the same ones getting 1000s of people killed now.

He and Uygar both get into James Carville's personal life. He implies Begala & Carville get pedicures and need to "grow a sac".

Attacks the "superwealthy" who run the party. Says "we don't give a shit about math and science in this country." He also acknowledges that people won't vote for people who talk like he does.

He goes into the nazi comparison. "The whole calling America 'the Homeland' creeps me out."

[capi888]

12. I see you picked out the negative slant!!

Instead on picking out phrases, why don't you print the entire contex of what he was saying and encourage others to listen and draw their own conclusions, with an open mind. I agree, that some of the language is not of my liking, but to take his words out of contex and spin your analysis isn't fair and balanced.
His point IS, to make people aware, that what you see and hear, isn't always the view of the candidate, but their management. ALL Candidates. He wants the Dems to FIGHT back.

[Bucky]

14. I was typing as I was watching it, so it comes out a bit disjointed.

But the immaturity, the frat boy style "macho" posturing really comes off as his main point until about 2/3s into the interview. He makes some good points (as I've said) but it takes him too long to get past the "pussy" obsession.

I'm not saying he shouldn't talk like this. I'm saying it's not helpful (or good manners) to talk like this on a live broadcast. I agree with his politics, but his decorum is embarrassing.

[capi888]

17. Thanks Bucky...

I agree, and thanks for explaining. I know, I get offended with choice of words from the yung-uns, and am also offended with the "pussy" word, (I think of my Cat) and am always chewing my teen grandchildren to cool it when I am in their presence and talk like normal, as I am not HIP!!!
I tried to get the meat of his interview, and overlook the vocabulary..!!! Its unfortunate that this is what the kids listen too...and in school...with Bush education policies...they only have to study for a test!!!! UGH<UGH

[eek]

45. good point. he talks trash, gets our attention then

gets his points accross.

reminds me of the warmup at a TV comedy taping or the are you ready to rumble hollering before a boxing event.
Or the ridiculous lights out yelly fireworks thing at the beginning of basketball games or the drum roll cymbal crash at the beginning of Cabaret or....



ps: I meant to K & R this.

Worth watching for yourselves.

[Bucky]

13. more

Why he (Wes Jr) won't ever run for president "I can't raise money and I smoke weed." (He might have said "smoked").

Predicts home interest hike.

On economy: "We don't make jack shit in this country any more"

"They don't care if you lose your house"

He and Uygur go heavy into the tax cut and make GREAT points. The more I listen, the more I like, because he talks like real people. But it takes him too long to get past the "pussy" rhetoric and really say something worth listening to.

Best line comes at the end. He's certain he could beat up Michael Savage.

[Spazito]

28. He sure is right about Chris Lehane, he might as well have been

trying to sabatage Clark's campaign for the horrendous job he did. He was beyond appalling, imo.

I remember his honesty after his dad's campaign came to an end, he is not saying anything here he didn't say at that time. He certainly is honest about what he believes and feels whether it is 'politically correct' or lacking tact. I like him.

Edited to add: Thanks for posting the link!

[capi888]

35. Your very welcome!

Had to leave home to go to work and just picked up on the thread. I thought it was lost...Glad you enjoyed listening. Thanks

[cyberpj]

63. Bad points: ...He's scared of Hillary and thinks '08 is "locked up already

Sadly, me too. She's got the DLC and all the money people with her. And we all know that's what works today.

[Jim Warren]

11. "People who stand up and speak the truth.........

end up dying........."

[Jim Warren]

15. This sounds better and better the more I hear.

[IA_Seth]

18. Wow...

Ok, the whole "pussy" thing isn't really cool, but I'd be lying if I said I never called someone a pussy, or even that I haven't called someone a pussy when trying to be over the top (Like I think he was) within the last year (I am 28).

Other than that though, the guy is right on. I've met his dad twice now, and admire him as a man of rational, intelligent ideas...but wow, I think I like his son just as much as someone that so clearly expresses the frustration in my heart.

McCain is Bush without Jesus. Hallelujah brother!

I'd really like a clarification if he says "smokes" or "smoked" weed. Anyone?

[Jim Warren]

21. smokes

and don't be a pussy about the "pussy" thing
:evilgrin:

[AzDar]

20. He's a bit unpolished, but he sure speaks the TRUTH!! n/t

[seabeyond]

24. from this womans perspective, any male that has to use pussy

to put down another man, time and time again, goes down a handful of notches with me. i am so fuckin tired of a male having to attack female to put down their male counter parts. they are the real dicks

[Tinksrival]

46. You just called them dicks!

LOL!!! Pot meet kettle!
Come on already!

[rniel]

25. So true

Democratic politicians are attacked and what do they do except launch into a monotone 25 page essay that sound remarkably like my college history professor and instantly put you to sleep. Wouldn't you love it if Kerry really did just say. George. Your nothing but a fucking coward. You ran and hid when you could've served. I served my country. Asshole. Bullets were flying all around my head about the same time you were snorting coke off a hookers ass. What did you do?

[Auntie Bush]

56. God, would I have loved it if he said that. He probably would

have won the election...and surly gone down in history!

[Sparkly]

27. Two things I disagree about

First, I think (hope!) he's wrong about Hillary Clinton having a "lock" on the nomination due to the money and power she'll have by calling in years and years of political favors. I know it takes money to run, but I would like to think no amount of money can buy the nomination. Maybe I'm naive!

Second, I too cringe at the term "pussy" and its counterpoint, "balls." Wes Jr. said his own wife calls him on it everytime he says it -- I wish he'd listen to her! Otoh, I'm not familiar with this show or its audience. The callers were all men, and all agreed with him on his points. So do the ends justify the means, in using that term? Or would it be just as effective, even with men, to use terms like "coward" or even "wimp?"

[Bucky]

42. Too true. Say "chickenshits" or "bootlickers" or "spineless weasels"

I could, off the top of my head come up with half a dozen appropriate insults for the weakling Dems who have been rolling over for years for bullying Republicans and never once suggest they are vaginal in nature. My problem is not with what his points were, but the mysogynist Hollywood fake macho posing that he used to show he (and by implication his dad) wasn't going to fall for it.

[Sparkly]

48. I agree with his points, too.

But while the word "pussies" makes me cringe, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say it represents "mysogynist Hollywood fake macho posing." Maybe to some, it's just a slang word for "cowards." (I'd just rather they said "cowards," or whatever.)

And I definitely would not think the word says anything, "by implication," about his Dad. The General stands up and tells the truth as he sees it, but as Wes Jr. said, he's "nicer."

Just my opinion.

(Btw, someday we should brainstorm two lists of words to use instead of "balls" and "pussies!") :hi:

[SunDrop23]

29. I listen to TYT from time to time. They're great!

Good thing about having XM and Sirius is I can listen to them all.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

31. This Thread Makes Many of Wes Jr.'s Points

I know Wes Jr. and like him very much. And I think he's right about a lot of what he's saying. The fact is, he would not, does not and will not care about the head shaking, hand wringing and finger waggling that is exemplified not only in the Democratic Party, but also in places in this thread. He's just going to call it like he sees it, and let everyone else deal with it as they choose. And he's not going to apologize for his opinions.

Isn't that what many of us have been calling for from the Dems? Standing up for themselves, calling it like it is, no apologies?

You might not care for Wes Jr.'s undiplomatic language. Fine. But he's not running for anything, he's not a politician, and I'm sure he could not care less about how he's viewed here. I think he's got a lot of true things to say. In fact, he reminds me a lot of an unvarnished, non-politician version of Howard Dean. And that is intended as a compliment (even though I'm not sure Wes Jr. would view it as such). ;-)

DTH

[tishaLA]

32. Correct--we want people to speak the truth...

Except maybe not *too* much.

[CarolNYC]

36. Isn't that what many of us have been calling for.....

Well, I guess stuff like that goes out the window when you post with an agenda, eh?

Myself, I'm glad that Wes Jr speaks his mind so honestly and openly....

[robbedvoter]

38. Very nicely put.

Wes Jr is like one of us - but with closer perspective on the ins and outs of a populist presidential campaign (formerly draft).
He has many reasons to be angry - I am still so bitter I cannot watch this yet. (I also couldn't watch Gore on SNL)
He is an activist, not a politician.

[leftchick]

50. very well said DTH

and as a woman who openly uses the word "dick" I can not imagine objecting to the word pussy. I consider them in the same category. There are much worse words for female anatomy that I would object to.

[Postman]

39. I vote Wes Clark Jr for President.....

eom

[capi888]

47. This thread really got going while

I was at work. Wes Jr. is speaking for many people, and hitting the young crowd with truth. Gets their attention, then drive the reality home. Good job everyone. Even those that decent, its all good.

[trillian]

49. Wow! Out of the park!

Wes Clark Jr. just said everything I've been saying to myself for the past 5 years.

All of it....bad language and all. (and I'm a 60ish grandma)

[FrenchieCat]

55. ya go girl! I'm not going to censor you....that's for sure!

As a woman who can appreciate colorful language (and certainly can keep up with the best of them).....I don't have a problem with Wes Clark Jr.'s choice of words. I don't call my vagina a Pussy.....cause that's not what it is, so Wes Jr. is welcome to use the word (which means "cat") as he sees fit.

I liked what he had to say, cause he was unplugged (which is always nice)...and it's no surprise that he has a similar view of politicians and the media as I.

If his father can raise them like that, than I give his father kudos! So many would want to think that a 4 stars General would be authoritarian (and many have even said this here on DU), especially in his household. Looks like the General raised an extraordinary son who's speaks his own mind. Plus Gert Clark is not shrinking violet herself.

Wes Jr. is well educated (Georgetown), very creative, has served his country, and is married to a beautiful Columbian woman.

Wes Clark Sr. must be proud, cause I would be.

Plus Gert Clark is not shrinking violet herself.

I'd love to see "real" people in the White House!

"When they speak the truth, they die"- Wes Clark Jr.

[Jai4WKC08]

54. Point of order on the word "pussies"

I only listened to this one time thru. On dial-up it just took too long and screwed up everything else I had to do with my computer. I thought it would go faster a second time, but no such luck so I shut it down.

But it was my understanding that the other guy in the interview had had an article published about whether "Democrats are pussies" and that was intended to be the subject of the conversation. So there was a reason they were using that word so often.

Did I misunderstand?

Personally, I thought it was a great interview. WesJr is a lot like his dad: a truth-teller and a risk-taker, and a man of great passion and caring. Maybe his manners aren't as refined (comes from growing up an Army brat, I'd guess -- I've got two of 'em), but the core of his character is pure gold.

[Sparkly]

57. You may be right about an article

I missed that. And as I said, Wes Jr. may have been speaking with language that resonated with the audience. (I still say, hey Wes? Listen to Astrid! ;))

I live with my own uh, "earthy"-talker, shall we say. I chide him on that, too. The greater points are of greater importance -- and I agree with both my own linguistically-outrageous husband and Wes Jr. when it comes to those! (I still think H2S should listen to me more, and Wes Jr. should listen to Astrid more, but who knows -- they both get the thumbs-up from other people, so ... They get their points across.)

The only real point I disagree with, as I said above, is Hillary Clinton having a "lock." He's gotta know she can call in all the favors in the world, but his Dad's got grassroots that will take over her "name recognition" when the time comes.

Hey, Wes Jr. -- "Mr. Smith" CAN go to Washington, don't you think? God knows, the whole world needs him there.

[FrenchieCat]

58. Mr. Smith DID go to Washington.....

and found out that even the Democratic party had no use for honesty and selfless concern for this country.....

They prefer pandering, political plays, Excuses, and lotsa money...didn'tcha know?

[Sparkly]

59. True -- but he CAN go back with a new title...

President.

We can fight the money with the power of the truth -- and The General can lead the way.

I think Wes Jr. knows it, too.

[TacticalPeek]

64. He's sure right about the asswipes and retards.

You find them all over the place, fucking things up.


:patriot:

[Adelante]

65. This kid's got a future in talk radio if he wanted it

I thought it was a tremendous showing as co-host on "Young Turks." I wasn't able to get the link in this thread to play, but there was another on CCN, which worked for me. The host did set the discussion terms, subject "Whether the Dems are pussies or not." Well, I don't personally like the usage and Wes Jr and Husb2Sparkly should listen to their wives. I already knew WesJr was a potty mouth, though, and suspected as much of Husb2Sparkly. I myself am a proud potty mouth. However, this did seem to me to be some kind of "manly man" talk show, so it wasn't out of place, I guess. In any case, it was a pretty tiny thing compared to the substance of the discussion. I noticed that every single caller, including the first one from deep in redland Texas, right to the last one who is fifty bucks away from destruction, were supportive of Wes Jr's points. He traced the GOP's pattern of accusation - "flip-flopper" and "waffler" - from Carter right up to today and talked about how everyday Americans have been let down by both parties, who let it happen.

For anyone who needs a different link:

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/6108


This is really, really good.

[FrenchieCat]

66. Love the fact that Wes Jr.'s link is on Senior Wes' website......

Guess that even if Wes didn't say these things....he doesn't necessarily "disapprove" of the message! He he!

[xkenx]

68. Smackdowns pay for Dems.

I have seen Wes Jr. in action in other venues, and he comes across as savvy and reasonably diplomatic. He was being consistent with the questions and audience in this case. I remind DUers that, in the '04 primaries, a FAUX news interviewer suggerted that Wes didn't honor the troops in Iraq with his dissent, and Wes smacked him down with an angry outburst. The media clucked, and Wes' campaign contributions spiked. Another time, in N.H., he didn't think he was on camera when ha was asked how he'd respond to RW attacks with "I'll beat the shit out of them." Again the media tsk tsked. They asked if he meant to say THAT, and the reply from WKC's spokesman was, "No, he meant to say he'll beat the LIVING shit out of them." Again, campaign contributions spiked. Ordinary Democrats want to see their candidates finally get some backbone (gender neutral word) to take on the Rethugs. If Wes Jr. helps that cause, I say great.

[Totally Committed]

69. Those who do not learn the lessons of History...

are doomed to repeat them.

At this point -

Language shouldn't matter

The messenger shouldn't matter

Vitriol shouldn't matter

Truth should be the only thing that matters.

Wes, Jr. was there. He has a mind, a heart, and a mouth of his own. He has never been enything but scrupulously honest about anything I know of. Therefore, I trust him to be telling the absolute truth.

Your anger should be aimed at those he named; the circumstances he cites; the conditions he says existed. WHY? Because if we do not pay attention now, we will end up with another election like the last one. Our Party will not survive it; America, as we knew it, will cease to exist; and the Republicans will "own" us, lock, stock, and barrel.

So put away your defensivness about the messenger, and LISTEN TO THE GODDAM MESSAGE!

Because... Those who do not learn the lessons of History are doomed to repeat them!!!!


TC

[xkenx]

70. Right on, as usual, T.C.

[Totally Committed]

71. Thanks!

I'm starting to wonder if the "D" means "Dumb as Sh*t" instead of "Democrat" with some people on this board.

We need to hear what Wes, Jr. is saying or we will be "D"efeated. AGAIN.

TC