Reply #32: I think Edwards and Clark supporters should be on the same page instead of at each other's throats! [View All]

I wasn't at DU during 2003-2004 so I am not exactly sure what caused this bad blood (although I've been able to pick up pieces of the hostility) but it is now the middle of 2007. Isn't it time to turn the page?

I have my own guilt too regarding Clark, so don't feel bad! When I came to DU I noticed there was a group of Clarkies who constantly attacked Edwards, and almost always as a hypocrite. So I would respond to them by playing devil advocate about Clark. That was stupid. I saw the light after Tom Rinaldo pointed out the absurdity of me doing this every time someone with a Clark avatar or Clark in their name called Edwards a hypocrite. Moreover, it was counterproductive. It damaged both Edwards and Clark, two great Democrats.

=What's making me do this is all the eternal Hillary/Obama talk. No "top 3/top tier" talk anymore, just "Hillary/Obama ad nauseum. Nothing against them, I'm just weary of others trying to narrow my choice for me. I can do that all on my own, thank you.==

I agree. What also disturbs me is the Wall Street and other fat cat support HRC and BO are getting. How can they truly be candidates of change when those most interested in preserving the status quo are flocking to them--even more so than the Republican candidates? In contrast, Edwards' leading contributor--by far--is ActBlue...

==My hope for now is: 1) Clark, 2) Gore 3) Edwards. All three are very close for me, so don't take Edwards' position as "he's last place, " believe me, I hold him in high regard. I would happily work hard for him again.==

I definitely understand. My list is: 1) Edwards 2) Clark 3) Gore. I like all three and would happily work for any of them if they won the nomination.

==It would be very interesting to see how the candidates/potential candidates match up against Clark, issue by issue, everything.==

I agree. In 2004 he was actually more progressive than Dean. He has come out for single-payer health care. He has called for cutting the defense budget by 25% (only a 4-star general could realistically push for this during an election).

Clark definitely is #1 in most of the areas you mentioned, and is on par with anyone else on the rest (I think Richardson and Biden can match up to him in diplomacy, for instance. However, on national security and military issues Clark is in a league of his own).

==Edwards and Clark have many things in common. 1) Humble beginnings 2) Overcoming several obstacles (ex: poverty) and working hard to achieve success, despite these obstacles. 3) Both are liberal, progressive Democrats (Kucinich might win this one though) 4) Both are being set aside, in favor of the"top 2" candidates.
5) Both have "southern appeal" etc.==

I agree. This is why I think Edwards-Clark would be an unbeatable ticket. :bounce:

==Anyway, thanks d_m_c for your post. I just shot this one from the hip, so to speak. Hope I don't get nailed, but if so, this is what I believe.==

You're welcome, and thanks you your post too! It was interesting and made the case for Clark and why Edwards and Clark are similar very well. :hi: