Great Article: Wes Clark is the last best hope for the Democratic Party

[kerry-is-my-prez]

http://www.freemarketnews.com/Analysis/27/6012/bernie.asp?wid=27&nid=6012
SUDDENLY A SOUTHERN GENERAL:
WES CLARK IS THE LAST BEST HOPE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

-snip-


General Clark brought thoughtful consideration and in depth analysis to the political condition. To us New Englanders, it was a little surprising for an army General, even for one who had served as NATO chief and brought peace to Kosovo. One of the most striking moments came a month or so later at a house party in Concord. At the end of the informal gathering, one of the reporters present asked General Clark a question and it just came naturally to him to create an analogy to a similar historical situation which occurred several hundred years before in Europe. Clark explained the situation in terms of historical dynamics, in the same way that Kennedy advisors and supporters Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., John Kenneth Galbraith or Henry Steele Commager might have. One of the reporters broke out laughing, from joy and surprise. He’d not, in our time, seen this in a politician.

-snip-

As bad as this President is, for Democrats, the war on Iraq and the desire to do the right thing after 9/11 make him hard to counter. Perhaps because the shadow of JFK’s death still afflicts Democrats, particularly those of us from the Northeast, and when we come forth we come forth to some degree out of shadow, and we bring with us vengeance and a sword. It alienates mainstream America which does not want to be disloyal at a critical time.

It seems almost impossible today for anyone but Senator John McCain to question the administration as it presses on with the most disgraceful policies, advancing torture and interrogation methods more suited to the Viet Cong than Jack Kennedy’s America (or Telford Taylor’s, for that matter, or Dwight Eisenhower’s).

Among the Democrats, only Wesley Clark seems to be able to manage to get through without shrillness and dark rhetoric. Perhaps because he is a soldier through and through. Perhaps because he is a warrior/scholar, like the Man in the Center of Lao Tsu’s and Sun Tsu’s ancient vision of wisdom guiding action. I think it is that it just comes naturally to him to find decency in himself and a positive outlook no matter what the circumstances; that he can find that life force whole and within himself, which was unique to JFK as well.

-snip-

It appears as an anomaly and it comes in the night like something out of Revelation; suddenly a Strong Man; suddenly Woodstock; suddenly a Hollywood actor turned politician; suddenly a Georgia Sunday School teacher and peanut farmer turned President; suddenly a Southern General.

And everything moves forward from that moment, and everything which came before is suddenly forgotten.

[William769]

1. I love Wesley Clark.

But his window of opportunity has closed.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

7. no way - he has a great team in place and he has a LOT more experience

The last time he ran - he had NO experience whatsoever. He's been spending the last couple of years making appearances for dozens of Dem candidates. And let's not forget all of the Dem. "State of the Union" responses he's given.

[blm]

2. The writer assumes that elections aren't manipulated and rigged.

Dems DO win - they just need a DNC who does its job protecting the election infrastructure state by state.

That said - Wes is someone I admire and would support as the nominee. If he would pledge to open the books on BushInc, I'd be more enthusiastic.

[tblue]

23. Yes, the DNC should be all over the voting mechanism

and some big bucks Dem should BUY a television network outight. With a fair vote and a media megaphone, Clark would be unstoppable. He has all the boxes checked. Trust me, I've seen him in the flesh (I mean in person, get your mind out of the gutter.). He does not disappoint.

[blm]

28. I've seen him, just haven't completely pegged him as an open the books guy

yet, but I still have hope for him.

[Demobrat]

3. A Republican fundraiser is the Dems best hope?

Sure hope that land in Costa Rica comes through.

[Sparkly]

4. "Republican fundraiser?"

Where have you been?

[truebrit71]

5. Republican fundraiser? WTF or you talking about?

:wtf:

[kerry-is-my-prez]

6. whattya you talking about???

n/t

[Adelante]

11. Old canards stink like old cheese

Enjoy Costa Rica.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

14. notice how there's no response - typical.....

n/t

[Adelante]

15. Here's what the "Republican fundraiser" has been up to

Wes Clark Democratic events in 2006 (incomplete):

-Arkansas Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, Master of Ceremonies, Little Rock AR
-Arkansas Young Democrats State Convention, Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with former Senator Max Cleland, Little Rock AR
-Boulder County Democrats and the Democratic Women of Boulder County Breakfast w/ Gen. Clark & Jay Fawcett, candidate for CO-05, Boulder CO
-ClarkCast: Conversation With Senator Barbara Boxer
-ClarkCast: Conversation with Nick Lampson, candidate for TX-22
-Clark Community Network $50,000 online fundraiser, "Take the Hill Fund"
-C-Span "Road to the White House" - General Clark's visit to New Hampshire in March
-DNC Statement on Bush failure to provide body armor for troops
-Democratic Radio Address on Democratic national security plan
-Email fundraiser for Jim Pederson, running for the US Senate in Arizona
-Email fundraiser for Mike Beebe, running for Governor of Arkansas
-Email fundraiser for California Lt. Governor candidate Jackie Speier
-Email fundraiser for Tammy Duckworth running in IL-06
-Email fundraiser for Andrew Horne running in KY-03
-Email to supporters re VoteVets ad against George Allen of Virginia
-Florida Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson breakfast, Featured Speaker, Ft. Lauderdale FL
-Fundraiser for James Webb running for Senator of Virginia, Arlington VA
-Fundraiser for Mike Beebe, Democratic candidate for Governor of Arkansas, Beverly Hills CA
-Fundraiser for Steve Filson, candidate in CA-11, Oakland CA
-Fundraiser for Russ Warner running in CA-26, Pasadena CA
-Fundraiser/rally for Francine Busby running in CA-50
-Fundraiser/luncheon for Jay Fawcett, Guest of Honor, Colorado Springs CO
-Fundraiser for Mike Weaver running in KY-02, Elizabethtown KY
-Fundraiser for Mike Weaver running in KY-02, Owensboro KY
-Fundraiser for Mike Weaver, Democratic candidate in KY-02, Abigael's Restaurant, New York City
-Fundraiser for Patricia Madrid running in NM-01, Albuquerque NM
-Fundraiser for Eric Massa running in NY-29, New York NY
-Fundraiser for Eric Massa NY-29, Mario's Via Abruzzi restaurant, Rochester NY
-Fundraiser for John Cranley, Democratic candidate for OH-01, Hyde Park OH
-Fundraising luncheon for Claire McCaskill, running for US Senate from Missouri
-Fundraising reception for Jill Derby, NV-02, Reno Hilton, Reno NV
-Fundraising reception with General Wesley Clark for Paul Aronsohn (NJ-5), Villa Roberto, Rochelle Park NJ
-Fundraising Reception for Bob Gammage for Governor, Houston TX
-Honorary Chair, Fundraiser for Eric Massa, candidate for US Congress NY-29, Washington DC
-IAVA PAC, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America PAC to support veterans for Congress
-Kevin Wall Radio Show, WLAC "Tennessee Today" on behalf of Harold Ford Jr.
-Kickoff of Juan Garcia's race for Texas House District 32, Corpus Christi TX
-Letter-writing campaign to demand body armor for troops
-Liberal Supper Club, Washington DC
-Meeting with Democratic activists, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH
-Meeting with Polk County Democrats, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
-Monroe County Democratic Committee press conference, Veterans Center, Rochester NY
-National Security and Veterans' Issues Rally with Paul Aronsohn (NJ-05), American Legion, Rochelle Park NJ
-North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention, Fargo Civic Center, Keynote Speaker, Fargo ND
-Ohio Democratic Party fundraiser, Hotel Westin, Cincinnati OH
-Press Conference Call with Chairman Dean for DNC announcement of new "Fighting Democrats" website and formation of Democratic National Veterans and Military Families Council
-Rally with Representative Hubert Vo in TX House District 149, Houston TX
-Rep. Charlie Rangel's Birthday Gala Celebration, benefit for Democratic candidates, Tavern on the Green, NYC
-Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), public event in support of Jay Fawcett, Colorado Springs CO
-Salem/Windham Democrats, Windham NH
-Speech at Jack Carter campaign headquarters, Las Vegas NV
-"Take Back the House with General Wesley Clark" in support of Democrat Francine Busby for CA-50
-Texas Democratic State Convention, Opening Speaker, Ft. Worth TX
-Town Hall Meeting, New England College, Henniker NH
-Upper Valley Democrats and Young Democrats of Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
-Veterans for a Secure America fundraiser, Washington DC
-Vietnam and the Presidency Conference, JFK Library, Boston MA
-Warren County Democrats Fall Dinner, Special Guest, Indianola, IA
-WesPac fundraiser introducing six vets running for Congress; American Legion, Amaganssett, Long Island NY

[bowens43]

8. If that's true, we're in deep shit.

Clark couldn't beat the man who lost to bush.

[Sparkly]

10. Primaries vs. General election

There are a few differences.

[Adelante]

12. Who else did?

:shrug:

[tblue]

26. You wanna bet?

[georgialiberal1]

9. Southern Democrat may be only hope

As polarized as the nation has become a southern democrat may be the only hope. I'm from the south and trust me I'm one of only a handful of people I know who don't vote straight ticket Republican. It's heavily religious and loyal. Most people see the Republican party as a party that carries their ideals, but it's not. They can't seem to make the connection between the Repubs and Corporate America (Dems are guilty too). A majority of these people are hard working blue collar people who get distracted by so called "moral values". Like gay marriage and flag burning and abortion. You know the one's the Repubs only bring up around election time. The real issues like minimum wage and health insurance go overlooked. Things that the gov't could actually do to help the people are ignored, and people are worried about what the gay people are doing. What does it matter? How does that effect you? The only way to have a chance at breaking this barrier is to run a democrat from the south. When southern people see someone who is from the south, who speaks with a similar dialect and seems to "be one of them", they will tend to lean that way. Some hurdles still remain, but when the repubs carry every state below the Mason Dixon line, it's very tough to win a presidency.

[shireen]

13. the best candidate among all the hopefuls ... Wes.

the article was a bit gushy, but the author is right. I thought Wes would make a great president in 2004. Since then, he's just gotten better and better.

[NOLADEM]

16. Is it ok that he doesn't excite me?

I am just not crazy about a General being prez, even a very nice one. Just seems a separation needs to be maintained there, and yes, I know who Eisenhower, Grant, et al were.

Also, I think he is a poor speaker, a political novice, and too nice in head to head appearances, making him seem weak.

I know he is a very bright man, and I am ALL for him as Secretary of Defense, or maybe State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, or some such, but forgive my ho-hum enthusiasm for Wes as prez.

Feingold, Dean, Gore, these are my guys.

[Adelante]

21. No problem, NOLADEM

You have that right, of course. Not that I would agree :)

[tblue]

25. Yes, but underneath that nice guy exterior

he can be a nutcutter when he wants to.

[NOLADEM]

34. My knees went together reflexively upon reading that.

[Hamlette]

17. kick

[vikegirl]

18. K&R! n/t

[madfloridian]

19. Last best hope?

I am sorry but that is just not true. There are many good Democrats who could have the same thing said about them.

That's a little overboard.

[twilight_sailing]

20. Wes Clark Rocks!

Just my personal opinion, but I'd love to see him in the White House.

[democrank]

22. If we nominate Wes Clark, we`ll win.

Clark`s impressive rags-to-riches biography is loaded. Rhodes Scholar, speaks several languages, decorated combat veteran, former NATO commander. His grasp of international affairs is top notch as is his understanding of what it will take to get this country back on track. What sold me on Clark in `04 was one of his speeches on poverty. He is such an exceptional human being.

[tblue]

24. NO DOUBT! He has great crossover appeal

Watch and see:

http://securingamerica.com/taxonomy/term/23

[young_at_heart]

32. Agreed!!

He is our best hope and he's a perfect choice.

[mmonk]

27. I supported Wes last election but I have some advice.

Don't hero worship politicians. The power is in truth and the people. Wes is fine, though.

[RedEarth]

29. KR

[Imagevision]

30. Clark like Eisenhauer, has military experience, Bush isn't qualified

to run a 7-11...

[mmonk]

31. This is the reason I supported Clark last time.

The pretend soldier got us into a mess and it would take a real one to get us out.

[JanusAscending]

35. What "pretend soldier" are you referring to???

[Adelante]

37. Bush nt

[JanusAscending]

48. Got it! That's who I'd hoped you meant.

[imlost]

33. Iraq is in chaos and the General warned us. My respect keeps growing

for this man. I already liked him, but today I feel he is the only one that can save us and this country.
I don't see any other dem leader that could be a better president. or that can beat McCain.

I do love Gore.

[Exiled in America]

36. I am forced to reserve judgment on Clark

I will be the first to admit that of all the candidates stump speeches last year his most connected with me.

I am always pretty wary of candidates that seem to come "out of nowhere." To the best of my understanding, prior to the 2004 election cycle, Clark didn't have some long and solid history as either a liberal (in terms of philosophy) or a Democrat (in terms of party). That always makes me wonder questions like:

- Why is he running
- Is he simply a puppet for some other interest
- If so, who?
- What is his agenda

And so on.

Having said that, I am never so cynical as to rule out the possibility that his agenda is that he is a patriot and had seen enough of the Bush administration destroying the country and our standing throughout the world.

I would also simply HAVE to feel confident that I fully understood his positions on domestic and economic issues. It is not enough that he is a far better leader on international issues than Bush could ever be, though I admit that is important. I want to be able to feel CONFIDENT that we will have a president committed to REVERSING the trend of fucking the working class and INCREASING poverty in this country by massive, unchecked, unapologetic, unrestricted CORPORATE WELFARE.

Defending basic human rights is also a non-negotiable ABSOLUTE for me. That means I'd better not get any WHIFF that a Clark Presidency would give us anything but a full-throated reject of ANY attempt to put discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gendered people into our constitution. I refuse to roll over and get behind another DOMA-Democrat. I'd rather republicans continue to win, and the socio-political structure of our country collapse, giving us the opportunity to start over and start better than support such a cowardly departure from a commitment to basic human rights.

I CAN and will make compromises. I will compromise on many, many issues. But it is OK, my friends, to also have principles. It is ok that not EVERYTHING be up for sale. I don't want to elect a "democrat" at ANY cost. I want to elect a democrat at the RIGHT cost. Some things simply cross a line. And frankly, every democrat should feel that way. If more did, we'd have the kind of revolution and new deal that this country so desperately needs.

So... I will watch Clark with an open mind, and attempt to LEARN all that I can if he should choose to run.

[high density]

39. He was running because many Democrats (and others) urged him to run

In regards to discrimination: http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=13490&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

[Exiled in America]

43. Yeah, I thought I remembered that. Thanks for the link!

[David Zephyr]

38. Well, it's the truth. Want to win in 2008? It's Wes Clark.

I'm on board already and my admiration for this man has only grown.

I want to win. He's not the whole enchilada with me, but I want to win the White House.

Wes Clark is the way to win.

[Warren DeMontague]

40. I think Al Gore is our strongest candidate.

But Clark is good, too.

[David Zephyr]

47. I love Gore, but Clark beats any Republican.

Clark could carry Tennessee, but I'm afraid that as much as I adore Al and Tipper, that once again they would fail to carry that state.

Clark will carry Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, West Virginia for certain.

He's the way to win. I want to win.

Get Clark the nomination and he will deliver the election.

[Warren DeMontague]

41. Al Gore is my first choice. But I like Clark, too.

#1: Gore
#2: Feingold
#3: Clark

After that, I'd take Kerry, Richardson, and a few others.

[bobthedrummer]

42. The FMNN management team-well, why would a Canadian

based privatized spook (ie Jacques Shore) perception management (ie Gertler brothers, Craig Spitzer) crew support Gen. Clark as the "last best hope" for the Democratic Party?

FMNN management team
http://www.freemarketnews.com/managementteam.asp

Just curious about the source of the article.

[Adelante]

44. Hello, bobthedrummer

:hi:

Bernie Quigley is a known Clarkie from 2004. What you said before that, I don't even know what you said there.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

46. thank god - i thought it was just me who was thinking wtf?

n/t

[Mass]

45. He is certainly entitled to his own opinions, as each of us are.

[Joe Chi Minh]

49. "free market news" says it all.