What should Clark do now? Run for Governor of California.

[mikehiggins]

Okay, the national election still has to be fought for, and it is not impossible to see Kerry losing it, but the Primary is over (I'm still going to vote for Clark unless the Fla contest is cancelled) and we can start talking about politics here in GD again (at least I hope we can)

So, what should Clark do? The simplest plan is to run for Governor of California. If there is any state that could use a "higher standard of leadership" I can't really think of it. Californians are also not adverse to electing people without a whole lot of political "chops" as long as they think the candidate can get the job done. And as far as being a challenge is concerned, my God! Look at the place.

If Clark could turn California around, he'd only be 68 when the next Presidential cycle came along AND this time he'd have a seasoned, experienced, LOYAL campaign staff to work with, as well as the national network of Clark supporters and Clark groups to work with.

He'd just have to look out for that pesky Dean guy.

Anyone want to sign on for a Draft Clark for California campaign?

[hippiechick]

1. um, he sorta lives in Arkansas ??

:shrug:


:hippie:

[mikehiggins]

5. And Cheney lives in??? eom

[hippiechick]

9. Cheney's VEEP ... that just means he has to live in America ...

:wtf: get off the weed, dude ....


:hippie:

[tom_paine]

10. I think he's refrring to the fact that Bush and Cheney are both Texans

And the ease with which they papered over that serious Constitutional violation (Imperials are above the law in Amerika)

[mikehiggins]

16. Indeed Sir. That was exactly my point.

Here in New York State (once my home and soon to be again) it is laughable to discuss where people live. Several NYC congressmen live in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Few elected officials live in the area they represent. Hell, you can't even make city employees live in the City.

Clark was in the Army for most of his life. He could just as easily claim to be a native of Chicago as Little Rock. And how many Californians were born in that state, statistically (not including the illegal aliens from Mexico and parts unknown).

Arnold came from Austria, for pete's sake.

I don't think "residency" is of any concern whatsoever.

[CalebHayes]

2. But if the Gobernator beats him... he is done.

[mikehiggins]

8. When the election roles around Arnold will have the same problem

Bush has. He will have a history.

And Wes Clark is no Grey Davis, just like Kerry is no Mike Dukakis. This could be a no-brainer unless Kerry loses in November. Failing that, though, I stand by my idea. With all the Clark folks out there right now, even if only 25% stay involved, there exists a national base of support that will make any race not only doable, but winnable.

California is NOT Vermont or Iowa and Californians are used to larger than life people.

Anyway, its just conjecture. I'm putting it out there because I'm sure that its not something that occurred to many people in Little Rock any time recently.

Hey, Wes? If you want to talk about it I'm in the book.

Maybe your people and my people? Y'know?

[sadiesworld]

3. I see him in a role with international responsibilities.

Although the movie hero vs. the real thing has fleeting appeal

[Bandit]

4. What makes you think Californians want a military style government?

The military is a form of dictatorship and Clark is used to dictating his desires. Why would Californians of all people want such a leader? This is the home of the Hippie and the Love generation not some military command. I do think that Clark needs to run for some office but I would prefer he start with his home state. Why should he come try and run another state where he has no experience. How about Arkansas Senator or Representative or Governor? Start with the people who know him. edited for mispelling Arkansas

[mot78]

6. ....

:eyes:

BTW he lives in ARKANSAS!

[mikehiggins]

11. Dude! They elected an actor, and not even a good actor. It's not like

Michael Douglas or Martin Sheen is sitting in office in Sacramento. They didn't even vote for Paulie Shore. Just what political experience did the California voters require from Arnold?

And by the way, I thought we saw the last of that "Clark is a dictator" garbage in the primary.

[NewJeffCT]

7. VP or Sec of State?

Two pretty good options on the federal level...

[mikehiggins]

14. Clark would make a great VP but I can't see Kerry giving him

the nod. As a matter of practical politics, you don't look for someone to run with you that's going to show up your own weaknesses.

Richardson would be a good pick, IMHO, not anyone with a D.C. background. If Kerry could get RFK,jr. to sign on that would be a winner, plus bring in almost all the Greens and environmentalists who might be toying with other candidates.

He just had a column on AlterNet that rips BushCo a collective new asshole, comparing their political attack on science to the worst examples of the Inquisition, and not the Monty Python version either.

Lots of good people out there. I think Clark is better suited for a lead role, rather than "best supporting actor".

[Demobrat]

12. Better he should start with Arkansas.

CA is Arnie country now.

[mikehiggins]

15. If you're going to play a big role, you need a big stage.

Arkansas vs California...hmmmmm

That's a hard one.

[pacifictiger]

13. california? why?

His resume and intellect indicates he would be supurb in foreign policy areas - the area of this country that is the source of all our big problems. I vote for sec of state or sec of defense. At the very least, national security advisor.

[Perky]

17. Ummm No!

We don't need another caprpetbagger.
If Feinstein runs she wins. If not her the Leon Panetta. If not Panetta...Jim Hahn mayor of LA.

Clark would not have a shot out here. Period...end of discussion.

[mikehiggins]

18. Hey, fellas? I hate to seem overly cynical but...

Do you recall the last legitimate Governor's race? Not the recall but the one before it? Remember the primary? Remember how Davis wound up being governor?

So now a "b" movie actor is governor.

I don't think I have as much faith in the California Democratic party as you do.