1549 Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sept. 16) - Wesley Clark, the retired general with a four-star military resume but no political experience, decided Tuesday to become the 10th Democratic presidential candidate, officials close to him said. ``We'll make an announcement in Little Rock tomorrow,'' Clark told The Associated Press. He didn't reveal his decision but said with a smile, ``We're tremendously excited.'' Officials close to the campaign, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Clark planned to announce his entry at 1 p.m. EDT in the Arkansas capital. Clark's decision came as Democratic operatives from around the country gathered at his small, low-slung brick headquarters on the banks of the Arkansas river to discuss strategy for mounting a late-starting presidential campaign. One hurdle will be his lack of political experience. Asked if he was ready to start telling Americans his positions on domestic policy, few of which he's ever revealed, Clark said, ``I'll do my best, but there will be a lot of things that I don't know right away.'' ``I want to learn,'' he said outside his headquarters between meetings. ``I've got a whole period of time. I've got to go around America. I want to talk to people about the issues.'' Clark's decision stole some limelight from John Edwards, the North Carolina senator who formally announced his presidential candidacy after months of campaigning. The timing underscored Clark's potential to shake up the tight Democratic campaign. Clark's fledgling political team is drawn heavily from the political networks of former President Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore. The advisers include Mark Fabiani, who served as spokesman for former Vice President Al Gore's 2000 campaign; Ron Klain, a strategist in Al Gore's 2000 campaign; Washington lawyer Bill Oldaker; Vanessa Weaver, a Clinton appointee; Skip Rutherford, a Clinton fund-raiser who lives here; George Bruno, a New Hampshire activist; and Peter Knight, a Washington lobbyist and longtime Gore fund-raiser. Bruce Lindsey, former White House aide and now an Arkansas lawyer, also backs Clark. Clinton had urged Clark to enter the race, but neither he nor Gore is expected to take sides in the primary fight. Clark's team was exploring several venues in Little Rock for an announcement, including a park named for World War II Gen. Douglas MacArthur, a Little Rock native. This site would underscore what Clark's advisers consider his greatest strength: his longtime military background. Clark greeted reporters with a ``good morning,'' as he climbed into a two-seat sports car and left his headquarters. Some of his aides had already gathered for the meeting, including Fabiani and Rutherford. Others, including Klain and Bruno, were still making their way to the Arkansas capital. Clark, 58, believes his four-star military service would counter Bush's political advantage as a wartime commander in chief, friends say. The retired general has been critical of the Iraq war and Bush's postwar efforts, positions that would put him alongside announced candidates Howard Dean, Sen. Bob Graham of Florida and Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio as the most vocal anti-war candidates. It would be a long-shot bid. Just four months before voting begins, Clark would be competing against candidates who have had months to raise money, build organizations in key states and recruit the party's top political talent. He has no political experience, and a spotty voting record. County records show that Clark registered to vote here in 2002, casting a ballot in the Democratic primary then voted in the general election. Before 2002, Clark said he was registered in nearby Saline County while serving in the military but acknowledged ``sometimes I didn't make it'' to vote. ``I remember a couple of tomes in the military when the ballot either got there late or I wasn't there when the ballot arrived,'' he said. Clark said there's still room and time for another White House campaign. ``It's not too late to get in the race if I decide to run,'' he said. The strategists assembled in Little Rock on Tuesday are among the party's best. An Internet-fueled draft-Clark movement has developed the seeds of a campaign organization and more than $1 million in pledges. Clark's team urged supporters from the draft Clark committees to travel to Little Rock for the announcement. Clark's resume is formidable - Rhodes scholar, first in his 1966 class at West Point, White House fellow, head of the U.S. Southern Command and NATO commander during the 1999 campaign in Kosovo. Clark's local office said no announcement was planned for Monday or Tuesday but it was noncommittal about the rest of the week as supporters anxiously awaited his decision. Nearly 12 years after Clinton announced his first campaign, Arkansans were excited at the prospect of backing another favorite son. Jean Wallace, a classmate of Clark's from grammar school, has organized Warriors for Wes, a group of Clark classmates named after the mascot at their alma mater, Hall High School. She said the supporters were ready to travel the country to tout Clark's candidacy the way ``Friends of Bill'' organizations crisscrossed the country campaigning for Clinton. ``We are eagerly awaiting an announcement very shortly. There are thousands of people across the country doing the same thing, people who have put their hearts and time and resources into this effort,'' Jeff Dailey, spokesman for Draft Clark for President 2004, said. The group, one of several Draft Clark groups, boasts of 166 coordinators in 50 states. ``In New Hampshire, there are many people ready to move out if they're given the green light,'' said Bruno, one of Clinton's earlier backers in the key primary voting state. Clark is scheduled to deliver a speech at the University of Iowa on Sept. 19. I am a republican, but Clark would definately be my choice for President, he can obviously handle foreign policy, and I believe bringing in a democrat could pump some fuel in the economy. He is also more moderate than the other candidates IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 Throw in Edwards from NC and now there are 11 democrats running for President. They need to narrow that field down quickly, if they want to beat Bush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerbaho-WG Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 A Clark-Dean platform would be a machine. Clark definetly has the experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowerCaseRepublican Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 I may just have to send some extra strength Tylenol and Mountain Dew to Karl Rove. He's gonna need the energy and pain pills to stop the headaches when he can find nothing to spin about Clark. Clark is very anti-war saying that war is the absolute last resort for anything. He is pro-affirmative action and supported the Supreme Court ruling about Univ. of Michigan with an amicus brief. He believes gun control is a local issue but wants a blanket ban on assault rifles for private owners saying "If they want assault rifles, join the Army. We have lots." He is for ending the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy of homosexuals in the military and wants anybody who wants to serve to have the opportunity without discrimination. He is for progressive taxes [the richer you are, the more tax you pay] He's very anti-PATRIOT Act and tows the line about seeing accountability of what lapses there were up til 9/11 etc. Granted my support is still behind Kucinich, but if he doesn't make it Clark is a very viable substitute. And Cerb, Clark's been quoted as saying that he would be nobody's VP except for Hillary Clinton. And anyway, Dean sucks [he's not that progressive at all...he's not anti-war, he just said he'd wait longer before going in and the bulls*** about being from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party....that used to be Paul Wellstone's saying but when Dean was asked if he would have brought Wellstone on if he was still alive Dean said "No, he's too out there for me."] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1549 Posted September 17, 2003 Author Share Posted September 17, 2003 I may just have to send some extra strength Tylenol and Mountain Dew to Karl Rove. He's gonna need the energy and pain pills to stop the headaches when he can find nothing to spin about Clark. Clark is very anti-war saying that war is the absolute last resort for anything. He is pro-affirmative action and supported the Supreme Court ruling about Univ. of Michigan with an amicus brief. He believes gun control is a local issue but wants a blanket ban on assault rifles for private owners saying "If they want assault rifles, join the Army. We have lots." He is for ending the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy of homosexuals in the military and wants anybody who wants to serve to have the opportunity without discrimination. He is for progressive taxes [the richer you are, the more tax you pay] He's very anti-PATRIOT Act and tows the line about seeing accountability of what lapses there were up til 9/11 etc. Granted my support is still behind Kucinich, but if he doesn't make it Clark is a very viable substitute. And Cerb, Clark's been quoted as saying that he would be nobody's VP except for Hillary Clinton. And anyway, Dean sucks [he's not that progressive at all...he's not anti-war, he just said he'd wait longer before going in and the bulls*** about being from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party....that used to be Paul Wellstone's saying but when Dean was asked if he would have brought Wellstone on if he was still alive Dean said "No, he's too out there for me."] I like him less after your description. I don't like affirmative action, and I don't like the fact that he is associated in anyway with hilary clinton, who hopes her sex can carry her to the presidency. Still though, I think Clark could do a good job, and if the economy doesn't turn around under Bush, Clark is my choice. and btw, I noticed Bush has three hands in your signature. He may want to have one of those removed or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowerCaseRepublican Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 I like him less after your description. I don't like affirmative action, and I don't like the fact that he is associated in anyway with hilary clinton, who hopes her sex can carry her to the presidency. Still though, I think Clark could do a good job, and if the economy doesn't turn around under Bush, Clark is my choice. and btw, I noticed Bush has three hands in your signature. He may want to have one of those removed or something. I think Clark would do a good job if elected. And about the 3 hands; there is a general standing behind Bush who is saluting [you can see the hat if you look hard] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molto Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Clark is my #2 favorite political figure behing Sen. McCain, who I was pulling for big time last election to beat Bush. I'm pulling for Clark, then Edwards and Dean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1549 Posted September 17, 2003 Author Share Posted September 17, 2003 I like him less after your description. I don't like affirmative action, and I don't like the fact that he is associated in anyway with hilary clinton, who hopes her sex can carry her to the presidency. Still though, I think Clark could do a good job, and if the economy doesn't turn around under Bush, Clark is my choice. and btw, I noticed Bush has three hands in your signature. He may want to have one of those removed or something. I think Clark would do a good job if elected. And about the 3 hands; there is a general standing behind Bush who is saluting [you can see the hat if you look hard] ah yes, didn't see that at first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NUKE_CLEVELAND Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 I may just have to send some extra strength Tylenol and Mountain Dew to Karl Rove. He's gonna need the energy and pain pills to stop the headaches when he can find nothing to spin about Clark. Clark is very anti-war saying that war is the absolute last resort for anything. He is pro-affirmative action and supported the Supreme Court ruling about Univ. of Michigan with an amicus brief. He believes gun control is a local issue but wants a blanket ban on assault rifles for private owners saying "If they want assault rifles, join the Army. We have lots." He is for ending the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy of homosexuals in the military and wants anybody who wants to serve to have the opportunity without discrimination. He is for progressive taxes [the richer you are, the more tax you pay] He's very anti-PATRIOT Act and tows the line about seeing accountability of what lapses there were up til 9/11 etc. Granted my support is still behind Kucinich, but if he doesn't make it Clark is a very viable substitute. And Cerb, Clark's been quoted as saying that he would be nobody's VP except for Hillary Clinton. And anyway, Dean sucks [he's not that progressive at all...he's not anti-war, he just said he'd wait longer before going in and the bulls*** about being from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party....that used to be Paul Wellstone's saying but when Dean was asked if he would have brought Wellstone on if he was still alive Dean said "No, he's too out there for me."] Bush in a landslide in '04 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Bush in a landslide in '04 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! I didn't think active service personnal were allowed to drugs! Bush loses in 2004. And it needs to be, before he totally destroys the American economy. Oh, and it has been your combat pay that he tried to cut that the Democrats in Congress lkept. Bush defeated on attempt to cut combat pay When Bush tried to cut your combat pay, the congressional Dems raised hell and then the GOP got in congress got on board so as not to look bad, but get real, don't ever live in the fantasy that Bush is the friend of the enlisted personnel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1549 Posted September 18, 2003 Author Share Posted September 18, 2003 Bush in a landslide in '04 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! I didn't think active service personnal were allowed to drugs! Bush loses in 2004. And it needs to be, before he totally destroys the American economy. Oh, and it has been your combat pay that he tried to cut that the Democrats in Congress lkept. Bush defeated on attempt to cut combat pay When Bush tried to cut your combat pay, the congressional Dems raised hell and then the GOP got in congress got on board so as not to look bad, but get real, don't ever live in the fantasy that Bush is the friend of the enlisted personnel. I am pretty much with you as far as the economy. the bush family presidents have been hapless when it comes to running an economy. Something needs to be done if Bush cant get this ship righted. Now CW, I have a question for you. I am pretty much under the impression that you are a dem based on your posts that I have read. But, if Bush were to get the economy stimulated, and the war in Iraq finally settles to a peaceful turnover to a loyal Iraqui government, then would you vote bush in '04. Or are you in favor of a change no matter what Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiff Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleM23 Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Probably Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Kickass Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 I may just have to send some extra strength Tylenol and Mountain Dew to Karl Rove. He's gonna need the energy and pain pills to stop the headaches when he can find nothing to spin about Clark. Clark is very anti-war saying that war is the absolute last resort for anything. He is pro-affirmative action and supported the Supreme Court ruling about Univ. of Michigan with an amicus brief. He believes gun control is a local issue but wants a blanket ban on assault rifles for private owners saying "If they want assault rifles, join the Army. We have lots." He is for ending the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy of homosexuals in the military and wants anybody who wants to serve to have the opportunity without discrimination. He is for progressive taxes [the richer you are, the more tax you pay] He's very anti-PATRIOT Act and tows the line about seeing accountability of what lapses there were up til 9/11 etc. Granted my support is still behind Kucinich, but if he doesn't make it Clark is a very viable substitute. And Cerb, Clark's been quoted as saying that he would be nobody's VP except for Hillary Clinton. And anyway, Dean sucks [he's not that progressive at all...he's not anti-war, he just said he'd wait longer before going in and the bulls*** about being from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party....that used to be Paul Wellstone's saying but when Dean was asked if he would have brought Wellstone on if he was still alive Dean said "No, he's too out there for me."] Bush in a landslide in '04 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!! You obviously arent still serving in Iraq. Or youd know tat the Bush White House proposed cutting combat pay for soldiers. But youre right, they DO support the military. After all who wouldnt want consecutive tours of duty doing what youre not trained to do in a dangerous situation to make not enough money to qualify for the latest tax cut and have to stay on welfare because your combat pay wont pay for the rent AND food? O yeah, awesome president! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Kickass Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Wesley Clark is my man, been hoping for him to run for several months, and now that he's in... I'm ecstatic. He has a good ground on foreign policy and is clearly a pragmatist when it comes to dealing with problems, something we havent had in the last three years.... If wed played nice chances are, Some form of the roadmap would still be on the table, The North Korean crisis would never have hhappened or been quickly handled, Wed have international support in Iraq Wed be fighting a war on terror that works... but thats just my two cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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