Clark's new TV ad features Bill Clinton

[NewYorkerfromMass]

Wow. The general pulls out the heavy artillery.

"Democratic presidential hopeful Wesley Clark's new television commercial includes a clip of him and Bill Clinton. It's the first ad of the 2004 campaign to include an image of the former president, arguably America's most popular Democrat.

The clip is only a few seconds and shows Clinton walking from a podium at the White House to place the Presidential Medal of Freedom over Clark's head, honoring his fellow Arkansan for his work in Kosovo as NATO supreme allied commander...."

http://www.salon.com/news/wire/2003/12/29/clark/index.html

[GainesT1958]

1. Might as well make use of it...

It DID happen, after all!:eyes:

Besides, even if Clinton sticks to his intention of offering no "formal" endorsement during the primaries, he HAS spoken highly of Gen. Clark on more than one occaision. :D

B-)

[worldgonekrazy]

11. He's spoken highly of Dean as well

Saw one quote from Clinton when Dean was governor saying that if all Dems were like Dean the Dems would have the House back and would have 35 governors. He seemed pretty impressed with Dean's competency. I am too.

[MarkTwain]

2. Even though the clip is relatively minor....

... I suggest the following theory :

1. This was vetted with Clinton since not doing so could have caused a major embarrassment to the Clark campaign. The issue of a President's appearance of neutrality is a highly sensitive one at this point in the process. We've seen in the past, Presidents and other higher officials go into shock and indignation when similar things have been done in the past.

2. Assuming this vetting and Clinton's subsequent agreement makes this a de facto "approval" of General Clark as his favored candidate if not an actual endorsement (at this time).

3. They can do this with the convenient "cover" that it merely highlights the record of an official event at which Clark was honored and a record of history.

4. But, the point of Clinton's approval of this candidacy will not - at all - be lost. Most especially, on the other candidates - inclusive of the presumed nominee and, if so, the man who will place second in the eventual general election, the good Doctor Dean.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

3. I disagree

Clark (and any other candidate) is free to use whatever exists on the record to support their candidacy with regard to previous administrations.

Clinton had nothing to do with this ad.

[MarkTwain]

4. They are free by word of the law...

... which pertains, but they are definitely not free by the spirit of the politics. Especially the internal ones which pertain to such decisions within any national campaign.

Take it to the voting booth, Clinton was at least tacitly involved and this is a notable, if not major, development.

[Donna Zen]

6. Sorta yes--sorta no

I would think that the Clark campaign would notify Clinton that they would like to use the clip. Afterall, the alternative to informing voters that you hold the highest honor that an American citizen can receive is what image? A picture of Clark in isolation with the medal on? Nah!

It is an important honor that the Clark campaign wishes to toute, and the best image is the awarding of it. Thus Clinton...And what was Clinton to say? "No Wes...it just wouldn't be prudent."

But that is all it means...I'm sure if any other candidate would like to use their clip of receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the answer will be "Go for it!"

[mikehiggins]

7. Reality check, dude

If Clark had any hope of getting Clinton's endorsement he most certainly had to run this ad past him for his imprimatur. If he didn't want his image used the easiest thing to say would be that it would be unfair to the other candidates to do that in a primary.

Clark would understand that and the question of Clinton's ultimate endorsement would still be in play.

On the other hand, this could also be a shot across the bows for Dean/Gore to let them know the big dog ain't going down without a fight.

Ain't politics fun?

If Clark used Clinton's image without permission he might be well within his legal rights to do so, but it would be a political risk I doubt he'd be willing to take.

Instead you get to see a few short seconds of Clinton placing a medal around Clark's neck and hugging him. No message there, you betcha.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

10. all speculation

nothing more or less. Clinton's already tacitly endorsed Clark. Nothing new here.

[Manix]

16. I'll second that..

nt

[freethought23]

5. The Clintons have supported Clark for a long time

Here's an abstract of an NYT story confirming this fact:

ABSTRACT - Gen Wesley K Clark says he was encouraged to seek Democratic presidential nomination by former Pres Bill Clinton and Sen Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as their close aides; despite simularities in their backgrounds, Clark hardly knew Bill Clinton before he became president; as president, Clinton signed off on Pentagon plan to relieve Clark of his command after being deceived by Clark detractors; both Clintons have been talking up Clark to their friends since earlier this summer; Clark says he has spoken with both Clintons in last few weeks; last week, former president said 'two stars' of Democratic Party are Clark and Sen Clinton; Mickey Kantor, Bill Clinton's campaign chairman in 1992, has signed on with Clark's campaign; Kantor says he does not expect either Clinton to endorse any candidate in Democratic primaries, but that their enthusiasm for Clark is evident; Clark dismisses talk that he could be stalking horse for Sen Clinton and might wind up as her vice presidential candidate, either in 2004 or 2008; photo (M)

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50E17FD385E0C7A8DDDA00894DB404482

[worldgonekrazy]

12. You guys like to talk about Dean losing the general election so much

I am beginning to wonder if perhaps it is not a fantasy of yours?

[Democat]

8. Everyone in America loved Bill Clinton except the media and a few freepers

This is a good move on Clark's part.

If Al Gore had used Clinton more in 2000, we wouldn't be in this fucking mess.

[tabasco]

13. I believe you.

"If Al Gore had used Clinton more in 2000, we wouldn't be in this fucking mess."

I like Gore, but he sucked up to the anti-blowjob crowd way too much.

(pun intended)

[NewYorkerfromMass]

14. Big mistake by Gore

cost him the election (it wouldn't have been close).

[Piperay]

9. YIPEEEE

That should be a BIG help to Clark! :bounce:

[Kat45]

15. I just saw the ad. It looks good. n/t

[Cronus Protagonist]

17. Looks like the competition is heating up!

I'd say this is a major coup for Clark, but I'd probably be accused of deliberately making a double entendre or something, so I'll just say Clark just upped the ante by doubling down Dean's Gore endorsement.

"Lick Bush" Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[Melinda]

18. CNN reported tonight that the AD was never vetted By Clinton

Should be interesting to see how this plays out.

[katusha]

19. here is a longer article on the subject

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-clark-ad,0,5158245,print.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

Clark's campaign said Clinton had no involvement in the commercial and that his permission was not needed because the footage previously had been used elsewhere. However, the campaign said Clinton was made aware the clip would be used. Clinton aides did not return phone messages seeking comment Monday.