Clark fans: "If Election Hinges on Iraq, Kerry may need added firepower"

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/2004/la-na-outlook3may03,1,5799547.column?coll=la-politics-pointers

by Ronald Brownstein

<>Even more intriguing is a name that has attracted even less attention: former NATO Supreme Commander and 2004 Democratic presidential contender Wesley K. Clark. The irony is that Clark probably would be generating more buzz as a potential vice president if he hadn't sought his party's nomination. The consensus in Democratic circles is that the retired Army general dimmed his prospects through an uneven performance on the campaign trail.

Yet those experiences left Clark with more preparation for a vice presidential campaign than if he hadn't run at all. And he has proven one of the Democrats' most acute analysts and effective messengers on national security: His speeches on Iraq last fall, which called for broadening international participation in the occupation and warned against dismantling the entire Iraqi army, look prescient now.

Last week, Clark underscored the potential value of a running mate who once wore four stars on his shoulders and a Silver Star on his chest when he responded to recent Republican attacks on Kerry's activities in and after Vietnam with a ringing challenge: "Those who didn't serve, or didn't show up for service," he wrote, "should have the decency to respect those who did … "

As a candidate, Clark demonstrated plenty of flaws. But few other Democrats could deliver a punch like that with such authority. And none could better symbolize Kerry's determination to rebuild relations with traditional allies than the man who directed, in Kosovo, the one war NATO ever fought. In an election that could revolve more around guns than butter, Clark may pack more firepower than any of the other names on Kerry's list of running mates.

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U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!
U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!! U WES A!!!

:loveya:

If he doesn't pick Clark.

the election. I love Wes Clark and I'd be very happy if Kerry picked him, but there are a million ways Kerry can win and a million ways he can lose, and that'll still be true even if Kerry picks a stagnant pile of manure as his running mate, or, worse, the Senior Senator from Georgia.

On edit: I might add by way of clarification that I do not believe that either of the last two scenarios is at all likely.

N/T

in the end, I still believe Wes was the absolute best choice for President. Since that didn't happen, I would feel better with him as VP.

I would accept him as V.P. though.

"His speeches on Iraq last fall, which called for broadening international participation in the occupation and warned against dismantling the entire Iraqi army, look prescient now."

the primaries started. I would have been OK with him being the nominee too. Go Wes!

Clark may pack more firepower than any of the other names on Kerry's list of running mates.

We KNOW that! I only hope Kerry knows it.

Thanks for the post!

I keep hoping beyond all hope that Kerry appreciates the experience Wes Clark has to offer. It seems like such an easy decision to make, doesn't it? Wes Clark is a GIFT that Kerry should graciously accept and make VP. Accept the gift, John Kerry!!!!

knew Brownstein had to be talking about Clark. If only Kerry would listen! In the same article Bob Kerrey is mentioned, and I just think there's something slippery about that guy that I don't like . . .

Come'on Democrats, he's the man for this job.

:headbang:

Finally it gets noticed.

Mr. Brownstein. Of course, you're preaching to the choir here with me. VP or not -- Clark is going to be a valuable asset to the country and the Kerry administration in the coming years.

Finally....a talking head with a thoughful analysis that makes sense.

Only problem is that they all knew all along what Clark brings to the ticket! For whatever reason, they were not supposed to mention Wes until now.

Keep watching......

Finally!!!!!

Finally a reporter writes what we Clarkies have been saying since Kerry won the nomination.

It is as obvious as the nose on my face...Kerry needs Clark!!

And not only to win, but to govern.

How many supporters of other candidates can make an argument for what that person will do, once elected.

We need to fix Iraq, our realationships with allies, etc.

And many people will appreciate the fact that he is NOT a pol. He is AUTHENTIC!!!