I have it from an insider that the VP is Clark's to take or reject.

[MoonRiver]

The deal is that Clark wants a free reign in how he does the job. Without a guarantee from Kerry about this he won't accept the position.

[chimpymustgo]

1. You want to share a little more - can you at least characterize

this insider?

[MoonRiver]

4. I'm not comfortable giving out personal information,

particularly another's. I heard it at my house party last night.

edited for a typo

[JI7]

2. sounds more like an excuse for not being picked

sorry, but this is just impossible to believe.

[chimpymustgo]

3. It does fall quite outside the realm of credulity.

Wishes and dreams.

[wjsander]

5. Roffles!

That's funny. :7

[JI7]

7. hahhaa

[MoonRiver]

9. Well, I'm bookmarking this thread.

We'll see who has the last laugh in a few weeks. :D

[Freddie Stubbs]

115. So, if Clark rejects the offer

we will never know if this is true or not.

[wjsander]

130. Hey, I bookmarked it, too!!

How about that! :7

[diplomats]

6. If Kerry wants Clark badly enough, he'll give him

that free reign. I like Edwards, but Clark is my No. 2 choice.

[MoonRiver]

8. I agree, and I think it will be Clark.

Two senators (who both voted for IWR) won't do. Plus, I consistently hear that Clark and Kerry have a much better relationship.

[BluegrassDem]

10. Doesn't sound right

Sounds more like wishful thinking to me.

[MoonRiver]

12. Clark has been high on Kerry's VP list from the beginning.

Exactly where does wishful thinking come in?

[sundancekid]

49. welcome to DU! hope you enjoy your stay as much as I do.

:hi:

[diplomats]

11. And Clark is from the South like Edwards

Geopolitically, it makes sense. BTW, the one name we're not hearing mentioned as a VP candidate is Clark, which means he'll probably be the one.

[MoonRiver]

13. Exactly. The media whores and neocons fear him above anybody else.

They always have.

[Sparkly]

14. Oh I wish I wish I wish I wish

I reeeeally want that to be true! :)

[x_y_no]

15. There may be a kernel of truth here ...

But I think something must have been lost in translation ...

I'm not even sure what "free reign" in doing the VP job could mean. I also think it unlikely that Clark would pose it in such broad terms. I can believe he might lay out some more specific set of responsibilities he's interested in.

I hope you're right about the job being his if he wants it, because in the end I think he will step up and serve.

[MoonRiver]

18. He wants to frame the job in a way that works for him and the country,

and utilizes his strengths. I would assume he'd want a lot of involvement with military and international decision making.

[surfermaw]

78. Free to be the Prez... I don't think so

Edward's cut and dired.

[x_y_no]

92. Hi surfermaw!

Jrooth from the Iwon board here!

Fancy meeting you here. :-)

[Darkamber]

16. Sorry..I don't want a VP who demands "free reign"

VP's have limited power and have done more over the years, but most of that power has been given to them via the President. And it involves heading committees researching areas of concern.

It just bothers me that career military would ask for "free reign' or they don't want the job. The Job of the VP is to support the President and follow his wishes.

If there are rumors that Kerry doesn't like Edwards ego then I can't see him picking someone who wants 'free reign" to do what he wants in the office.

[x_y_no]

35. I don't believe he would put it in those terms

Darkamber wrote:

"It just bothers me that career military would ask for 'free reign' or they don't want the job. The Job of the VP is to support the President and follow his wishes."

Yes, which is why I don't believe this story is entirely accurate. Clark wouldn't make such a broad demand.

[chimpymustgo]

41. Well that's what our "insider says". Free reign. Which Kerry is

unequivocally opposed to. He has made clear that he rejects the "Cheney model" of Veepdom.

If Clark asked for free reign, or anything smacking of control - Kerry will run, not walk, away from him.

Geez, I hear stuff at dinner parties too - and I don't run back and POST it.

[MoonRiver]

43. I heard it at my fundraiser house party for Kerry, not a "dinner party".

That party was loaded with long term Democratic activists and some young college kids (good sign).

[chimpymustgo]

45. Is this "insider' inside the Kerry circle?

This is the last thing I'm going to say on this, because it really is ludicrous. No real insider would let that alleged "cat" out of the bag.

Loose lips sink ships.
Those who know don't say and those who say don't know.

[MoonRiver]

46. "Those who know don't say and those who say don't know."

Does this logic extend to yourself?

[Darkamber]

Does that matter...if this is true then Clark will not be VP

Sorry...I don't see any President accepting the term "Free Reign" to their VP unless they are so unsure of themselves that they want all the help they can get...ie Bush.

John Kerry is no George Bush and the VP has very limited power and is mainly used for tie breakers in the Senate and to go to funerals with for Foreign leaders.

If there is ANY truth to this rumor at all...I find it questionable at best...it should remove Clark from consideration.

Again...I don't want Career Military telling the President that he has to have "free Reign" to do what he wants. That just scares me.

[WoofWoof]

51. Stop it...

Please stop judging Wes on some rumor. This rumor is completely out of character for Wes Clark. Take a look at the book Waging Modern War. Wes would never step beyond his position. DA--you have a real fear of a general in the civilian government, and that's understandable. But please don't let that fear allow you to be bamboozled by an unconfirmed, unbelievable rumor.

[Darkamber]

80. I hope you are right..I really do...

Wes Clark had been my second choice for VP and I hope this rumor is completely false and doesn't reflect what he really feels or thinks.

[Auntie Bush]

61. You may want to think about your comment

"the VP has very limited power and is mainly used for tie breakers in the Senate and to go to funerals with for Foreign leaders."

If this is all you expect from a VP...then why do you want Edwards in that position? :shrug: Even I think he has too much to offer to do that. The vice president can do anything the President wants him to do. Do you honestly believe in these times of war and terror... Clark's job would be to go to funerals!?

[Darkamber]

84. I want Clark in the Administration just not as VP

I think Clark would serve this country much more effectively in a different position then VP. Namely Sec. of State. I would love to see Clark stand before the U.N. and speak to them the way Powell did.

The VP has only as much power as the President will give him but he does forward the Presidents platform and he does meet with Foreign leaders when the President is not available and he is involved with the Senate. And he does do fund raising events all across the country for Democrats. He can head various committees that the President wants more information about.

What I don't understand is why you would want to limit Clark to that area when his expertise would be better served in other areas?

[roseba27]

118. You are mistaken

The VP can have very unlimited power, or can have very strong power.

Clinton wasn't afraid of having strong and smart men around him. Gore had free reign.

You just are viewing "free reign" in a pegoritive fashion.

[venus]

95. What is your beef with Career Military?

The whole "free reign" concept is ridiculous, whether for a military man or trial lawyer.

[chimpymustgo]

48. Absolutely, which a review of my posts will bear out.

We're all wishing for and cheering on our preferences at this point. Who knows whether John Kerry has even made a final decision yet?

[roseba27]

117. Free Reign = Lack of Micromanagement

And if you want to talk about recent history, the past few Presidencies have had VPs that were more that just attenders of funerals and token heads of states.

Cheney IS the President right now.

Gore had free reign to do what he wanted to do.

[goclark]

17. They would be so classy together

Can you just see Clark wipe Cheney on the floor.
I can't wait!

[Catt03]

19. I like Clark and I like Edwards

Now I am going to feel bad for the one who does not get picked.

Do you think they are disappointed if they are not picked? Do they get the word before it goes public?

[MoonRiver]

21. Its always sad when one of the good guys/gals looses.

Somebody has to though. I think it would be a lot harder on Edwards than Clark. Clark isn't a career politician, who didn't have a dog in this fight two years ago. That makes him a lot more appealing, imo.

[in_cog_ni_to]

20. If John Kerry is as smart as some people seem to think he is,

he will do whatever is necessary to get Wes Clark to be his VP. Free reign? Can you imagine what the man could do with that kind of leeway? Also, if "I" were the prez, I would want an independent, foreign policy expert who was willing to take that reign and WORK HIS MAGIC. Kerry wouldn't have to worry whether the man knows his stuff. Kerry, give Wes Clark what he wants.....he'll make you proud! Give him a FREE REIGN! Please!

WOOHOO! GO WESLEY KANNE CLARK!!!!! :bounce:

And for Wes Clark.....TAKE THE DAMN JOB!!!!! ;)

[MoonRiver]

22. My feelings exactly!

This could be the most dynamic and productive executive duo in the history of our country! :kick:

[Myrina]

27. Right on !

You said it !!!

:yourock:

[in_cog_ni_to]

29. Welcome to DU, Myrina!

:hi:

[Myrina]

30. Thank you !

Been reading here for a long time, finally made it offical !

[Skwmom]

40. Clark would not expect or ask for free reign.

This is total B.S.

[chimpymustgo]

42. I agree, it's B.S. - both "his to reject" and "must have free reign".

This is just garbage.

Repeat after me:
Those who say don't know, and those who know don't say.

[stellanoir]

23. does anybody remember. . .?

when that lamo Drudge Kerry/intern bogus pseudo scandal broke (I think) in february and Clark immediately endorsed Kerry and Kerry said something to the effect of "Wes Clark will be standing beside me not behind me throughout this campaign." I don't know if it was wishful thinking on my part or not, but those words struck me as foreshadowing of "the ticket".

I agree that two Senators would not be a good bet. Though I do like Edwards, with the National Security concerns, coupled with the divided Nation, not only could the General help in the south, but he'd bring a lot of dissatisfied Repugs as well.

Oh the suspense. . .

[Skwmom]

24. Doesn't sound like Clark.

I don't think that Clark would expect Kerry to give him free reign.

[emulatorloo]

25. I doubt he said "Free Reign" but I sure do want to vote Kerry/Clark

Please let it be so. . . .

It seems likely given that the Iraq issue is looming so large. . .Graham or Clark make the most sense, and I don't see the two senator ticket working.

[diplomats]

28. A Kerry-Clark ticket would have tremendous gravitas

I think that could have tremendous appeal.

[_Wayne_]

26. It would be the best decision by the Kerry campaign yet

Clark is unequivocally the best choice by far if we want to win in November.

[in_cog_ni_to]

32. I couldn't agree more!

Iraq is a damn mess. It will be a war zone for years to come and Wes Clark has the experience to get NATO and the UN involved. He's respected by leaders around the world and he is EXACTLY what Kerry needs in a VP at this time in our history. He's damn near the PERFECT VP.

[roseba27]

119. Responding to #32

Damn skippy.

Who else but Wes Clark can persuade our Euro "allies" to feel better about being dissed by Bush and do more than just cooperate in a token manner.

He is very well respected. I'm not saying that Kerry isn't respected, but Dubya sure isn't going to get that kind of leverage.

[TexasBushwhacker]

31. I hope that's true

I certainly want to add Clark to Kerry's team. We need his military expertise. If Clark could serve as Secretary of Defense, I'd be supportive of that too, but he can't. He hasn't been out of the military for long enough. I like Edward's as well, but he could be offered a position in the Cabinet. With his litigation experience, he would make an excellent Attorney General.

So in the interest of building the strongest Team Kerry possible, I say Clark as VP and Edwards as AG (if he'll accept the job).

[maxanne]

33. it sure would be a deal breaker

for a lot of people who can't stomach either Kerry or Clark.

[WI_DEM]

34. sorry, don't buy it

Though I do think that some partisans will use it as an excuse if he isn't the VP nominee. But no president is going to agree to a co-presidency. Not even Reagan when he considered Ford for VP in 1980. As it is the VP-ship has already grown much more powerful under Gore and Cheney and whoever is the next VP will probably be just as influential or as influential as the president wants him to be. I'll say this much though if this was true and Clark during the vetting process said that he wanted a "free rein" and without a guarantee from Kerry--it's a no-go--I think that would eliminate him in Kerry's head. No president to be wants to be dictated to.

[diplomats]

38. That part of the story could be off base

Frankly, I don't see Clark saying that. But I can see him definitely being a very strong contender.

[MoonRiver]

39. My interpretation is that Clark wants free reign within the confines of VP

I believe he's not indicating he wants to take on a presidential roll. As you say the VP has become a much more powerful position in recent years. I assume, for instance, that Clark would want to be part of decision making that is germaine to his areas of expertise, military and diplomatic affairs, as well as many economic issues. Utilizing a man as talented as Clark to his fullest potential is a good thing, imo. Kerry would be a fool not to ask Clark to join the ticket, free reign and all.

[roseba27]

121. Response to #39

Damn Skippy again. That is exactly what I was thinking.

Too many people have this stereotype in their heads about our Dear General. They couldn't be farther from the truth.

[roseba27]

120. Free Reign != co-Presidency

It means not to be micro-managed. To have a voice in the discussion. And to do a job that isn't just cermonial.

[beyurslf]

36. Well with that stipulation in, I guess we can rule out Clark.

[lojasmo]

37. Although I didn't like Clark in the primaries

He now seems (to me, of course) like the only reasonable VP choice for this ticket.

[WoofWoof]

44. I don't think so...

Clark's a military man. He's never had "free reign" and I doubt he would expect it from the President. Have you read Waging Modern War?

Anyway, I'm not doubting your truthfulness, only that your message may have been garbled along the way. In the new bio on Clark, it says one of his favorite childhood games was telephone (he didn't call it that; can't remember what he called it) where you start a message and see how it gets garbled as it moves down a line. There's so much nuance in these kinds of discussions that many different things that sound almost the same as what you've said could mean VERY different things.

Sigh... we'll just have to wait and see!

[sundancekid]

47. actually, this prospect finally makes complete sense to me --

Clark is a dedicated agent of change -- he is not in this process for political gain. HE WANTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COUNTRY -- BIG TIME. Of course he knows that he could serve in multiple capacities in a Kerry administration. HOWEVER, he is such a man of integrity that he would want to be as crystal clear about any role he would accept as he is crystal clear in his thinking and in his communications. If your "inside" scoop pans out, I would be thrilled to know that Clark, the man, has not been soiled by the worst parts of politics.

I hope our ticket will be Kerry/Clark because these are drop-dead serious times in which we live, and they call for a drop-dead serious team with full-court press on foreign affairs and national security. IMHO, Clark is the ONLY Kerry surrogate who continues to give the country COMFORT that we would be in good, safe hands both here at home and abroad. Without national security comfort as the fulcrum, we will never be able to recover all that has to go into rebuilding economic security and prosperity for all of us.

We will inherit a vanquished and squandered state of affairs in November when Kerry wins us back the White House. Both the President and Vice President will have their platters quite full in doing our own country's reconstruction! Clark, as a person, is the rare gem who is: 1)devoid of mumbo-jumbo political duplicity/expediency communication styles, 2)scary smart on a vast panoply of subjects, and 3)an individual with many, many years of executive experience to boot. Clearly, no on the job training needed for this guy should he have to step into the presidency.

Other VP names sometimes scare the beejezzus out of me. Some are so parochial in their viewpoints when we need global experience instead. Some have worn so much of their own presidential ambitions on their sleeve that they make me distrust their depth of SERIOUS commitment to the VP job itself. Edwards alone may have used up all the "that's why I'm running for president" freudian slips this campaign cycle may have in it. Some have already become a political embarrassment by pushing themselves and trying to paint Kerry into a corner with orchestrated media blitzes -- all of which would NOT bode well for a future working relationship. I hope Kerry selects his VP (and the rest of his team) on the basis of character and competence.

[Gloria]

107. Well said, SundanceKid!

Just saw a advocacy group ad for Bush....questioning whether Kerry could have lead like Bush did after 911 (?) and running down a few votes "AGAINST" our military....all to tell us Bush is the only one who can win the war on terror.

Kerry needs Clark...bigtime..

[chimpymustgo]

116. Kerry does not NEED Clark. His own FP creds are excellent.

nt

[PatrioticOhioLiberal]

50. Not to cast doubts on the words of anyone

especially a fellow Clark person, but has anyone noticed that "insiders" are just cropping up everywhere these days?

Being a long time member of the party...even one in high position...does NOT an "insider" make.

It's my guess that the folks who are out there claiming to "know" something are more worried about making themselves look important than anything else.

Having studied Wes Clark's record extensively I would find it hard to picture him putting forth the type of stipulation mentioned by this supposed insider.

Myself...I just sit back and watch the "talkers" make asses of themselves in their zeal to make themselves look like John Kerry's "bestest friend".

Those who don't know PRATTLE, those who know SMILE & SHAKE THEIR HEADS.

[WesClarkJr]

52. Preposterous

I can guarantee you he'd never ask for "free reign". It's just not the way my dad thinks. He's a team player. And no, he hasn't been offered the VP slot "to take or reject." It's Kerry's choice to make and his alone. Unless there are mindreaders out there, I think all the speculation is pointless. Let's face it, if John Kerry picks Elmer Fudd to be his running mate, we'll vote for Kerry/Fudd in a heartbeat.

[chimpymustgo]

53. You got that right - whether your DU name reflects your real name

or not.

[surfermaw]

82. Wes Clark is the last of the group to have made the stateme statement

West Point ...Educated....Don't think so he was educated to follow orders...

[WoofWoof]

54. If you are 2.0...

Could you pop over to CCN and say hello??? We'd love a visit!

[WesClarkJr]

55. Didn't realize CCN was still up.

[WoofWoof]

57. It sure is!!!

IN case you've forgotten, http://www.forclark.com. Come on over! Your dad popped in in April to say hello. That was AWESOME!

[Mobius]

128. hey JR.?

like my sigline? :7

[AP]

56. Now if we can just get Jack Edwards to post here, we'll have all the sons

represented.

[chimpymustgo]

58. LOL. Maybe Jack Edwards could scratch out a few words for his Dad!

He is such a cutie.

(AP, you so crazy!)

[AP]

59. If that is WesClarkJr (or if he's reading) I'd like to repeat something...

...I've said before at DU:

WCJr seems to be a phenomenal individual. I haven't seen many politicians able to articualte an argument for liberalism the way WCJr did during the campaign.

Wes Jr should be running for office.

[WesClarkJr]

60. Thanks

I appreciate the compliment but I've got a family to support.

[WoofWoof]

62. And how is 3.0???

[WesClarkJr]

64. About to start crawling.

I never knew babies were so much work.

[WoofWoof]

72. That's great!

Will he crawl or swim first?

[annabanana]

73. Babies..

ALWAYS exceed their "hype". A big job, with a hugh payoff!

[Auntie Bush]

79. My grandson was born the same day as Clark's grandson.

He just started crawling (scooting across the floor) Father's Day. No more rest for the weary...now the real work begins! Such a cute age and so smiley.

[AP]

63. You've got find a way to harness that talent for articulating progressive

liberalism in a way that can feed your family -- and I'm not talking about hitching your wagon to your father, I mean in a way that says something about you personally.

Seriously, after John Edwards, the most compelling arguments I've heard from anyone about why he or she is a Democrat during the primary came from WCJr.

[WesClarkJr]

81. Thanks again.

I had a great time speaking during the primaries but it was pretty crushing to have it come to an end (as I'm sure plenty of people on this board from all sides would agree). Don't know what I'll do in the future but I'll try and make a difference.

[Scoopie]

99. WKC 2.0!?

:)
If this, indeed, the chip off the old block, tell your family we miss them here in Tennessee.
You guys spent so much time here, we damn near adopted you.
When your Dad dropped out of the primaries, I thought we were going to have to resuscitate David Keith. ;)

Love to you, Astrid, WKC 3.0 and, of course, your Mom and Dad.

[Adelante]

103. Well, if you ever want to know how it was here...

Nah, you'd be crying your eyes out all over again. It was Heartbreak City for us Clarkies that whole week and beyond.

Oceans of tears. :cry:

[SW FL Dem]

108. No kidding. what a birthday present for me :( n/t

[AP]

70. I'd like to add, there's no correlation between whether I like a candidate

and the candidate's son -- although that Jack Edwards seems like he's got a great personality.

Having said that, of all the candidates' sons & stepsons whom I've read about or heard explain why they're democrats, Wes Clark Jr's explanations of his policy concerns, vision of American, and reasons or calling himself a Democrat were best articulated and most closely approximate my own.

[Toucano]

83. Lordy, who's nose is turning brown today?

I'm just teasing. :)

[AP]

85. :) I've said this before at DU -- whenever the opportunity has come up.

Just being honest...and consistent...and giving credit where credit is due.

[JohnLocke]

89. Wade Edwards can't be here...

What an awful thing to happen...

[Auntie Bush]

76. Welcome aboard WCJr.

Glad to have you here... :bounce: even if you aren't who you say you are. Pardon if I'm a skeptic...but it would be nice if you were so you could tell him how much we love him here. You must be having a good laugh every time you post.

[RafterMan]

90. Family to support? I hate to agree with AP about anything but...

You could win a seat in Congress as easy as kiss-my-hand. Damn near any district. Current salary is $158,100, plus free postage and bribes.

I saw you a number of times on C-SPAN and you've got a clear, simple, unencumbered and original delivery style that would be *unique* in Congress. You've seen the competition -- don't tell me you couldn't do a better job. We all know better. Please consider it.

And if you're still sold on the writing career, remember how Gingrich got published...

[Bread and Circus]

131. Then turn to the Dark Side....

There's lots of money to be made in Politics.

[flpoljunkie]

Welcome to DU, WesClarkJr! Great to hear from you.

I am a long time supporter of John Kerry, but am a ardent admirer of your father as well, and hope he would accept the VP, if offered. He exudes intelligence, true patriotism and concern for this country and it's citizens.

The slogan, coined by one of our DUers, "Two Patriots, One Mission" is more than apt for these two men, who have served this nation with real honor and integrity.

[Padraig18]

67. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[RafterMan]

87. Is that an official

moderator-omniscient welcome to Wes Jr? Or just a friendly hello?

[PatrioticOhioLiberal]

68. Welcome to DU WCJr

The more strong and sane voices here the better. :hi:

[LandOLincoln]

71. Welcome to the DU, Wes Jr. I'm going to take it upon myself

to speak for your dad's many supporters on this forum to say we're delighted that you (and Chris Heinz) have decided to join us--at least occasionally--on the most happenin' Dem/Progressive site on the Internet.

SALUD! :toast:

[MoonRiver]

74. Welcome to DU, WesClarkJr.

I'm posting this assuming you are who you claim to be. But nonetheless these are my feelings.

While you apparently adamantly disagree with my post, which I respect as you are much more of an insider than my "insider", I hope you know I adore your father. I really wish he were our presidential candidate, although Kerry was my second choice. Even if the premise of my post is incorrect or exaggerated (as I said this information came second hand), I do hope Clark is Kerry's VP. I also hope your dad insists on having, and/or Kerry allows him to have, a very strong position in the administration. I don't want to waste General Clark's incredible talents and skills for 8 years until it's time for him to run for president. This would be unconscionable, imho. He has too much to offer, and We the American People need him so much.

[in_cog_ni_to]

75. Wes Jr.! Welcome to DU!

:hi: I really miss seeing you out campaigning for your dad! I hope all is well with Astrid and baby Wes?

We Clark supporters are just hoping beyond hope that your father is VP and if he IS asked, we hope he will accept. ;)

Great to have you here!

[Jai4WKC08]

86. Great to see you here at DU WesJr!!

You did such a super job during the primaries. You know how many of us have told your mom that YOU need to run for office? She agrees, by the way. ;)

Altho we wouldn't mind seeing her name on a ballot either. What a great team you all made.

Thanks for all you sacrificed, all the time away from your wife and new kiddo, all the hours and exhaustion and dissappointment. Believe me, it weren't for nothin'. Your dad did so much to ignite so many people's passion and restore our faith. And he still has a loyal following, apparently more so than he realizes.

And don't get too aggrevated with our VP speculation. We care, that's all.

[spooky3]

88. Welcome to DU, WesClarkJr!

[JohnLocke]

91. Welcome to DU, friend.

:hi:

[Adelante]

101. Welcome to DU, Wes Jr.

Go Kerry/Fudd

[roseba27]

122. Response to #52

If you are Wes 2.0, nice to see you. I hope Wes 3.0 is doing well.

Obviously you would know your Dad better than any of us.

I believe that Wes 1.0 would want to do what is best for the country, but I don't think he would be enthuiastic if he wasn't making a difference.

I think the wording "free reign" probably doesn't articulate the idea the original poster was trying to present.

To be able to do one's job, without constant micro-management. To be able to voice agreement or disagreement and have an impact in decision making. I can see that as a "want" to do the job. I can also see Kerry not wanting a "yes" man, and preferring someone who is going to be honest, tell the truth, but use diplomacy. Someone who doesn't rattle easily, and stays the course for doing the right thing.

If you are Wes 2.0, I met your Dad for the 2nd time last night. Everytime I see him, I get choked up and never know what to say. I'm shy around "strangers". Wes is the best and it's hard to be around such a wonderful person.

[LandOLincoln]

65. <clears throat> Ahem: that would be free

rein--it's a horseperson's term--and while it's been obvious for months that Clark had the inside track to the VP spot, I'm not willing to believe he'd condition his acceptance on total freedom from control by the Kerry camp, nor am I quite willing to believe that Kerry would, conversely, insist on that kind of control.

IMO, these two guys have too much respect for each others' abilities for that.

[Adelante]

126. Next time

Maybe you can stop people spelling "lose" as loose?

Thanks ;)

[mgm]

66. Freudian slip?

This "insider" is either very imaginative, has a Freudian slip complex, or is deliberately misstating an old and honorable cliche. The term is "free REIN"---as in giving a horse its head. Which means exactly nothing when it comes to assuming executive control, as the use of "reign" implies. Who dreams up these "insider rumors"? I've listened to Clark for a year-and-a-half and this sounds like nothing he would say.

[PatrioticOhioLiberal]

69. Welcome mgm

The "kids in Ohio" are glad to see you here.

:toast:

[Auntie Bush]

77. Welcome aboard mgm

:hi: :bounce: Boy, we have a lot of new members. Have fun here.
WARNING! It's addictive.

[venus]

93. Hogwash. What type of V.P. would want "free reign"?.

The Pres and V.P. are a team, they should work as one! I just don't believe Clark is that egotistical.

[Tom Rinaldo]

94. Neither does his son, read above...

...but I would expect that Wes would want to be sure that his talents would be put to good use in the VP slot, not just going to Funerals etc. That would be reasonable, and could be worked out I feel confident.

[roseba27]

123. Response to #94

Your response was on the mark.

[MoonRiver]

96. OK. So I should have spelled it "rein".

My source said Clark wanted to be part of defining his role as VP, and not just be a figurehead. What is so bizarre about this concept? I would expect nothing less from the former Supreme Commander of NATO Forces.

Maybe my source was full of it. I don't know. But I can certainly relate to the concept that a person of Clark's stature, with no previous political ambitions, wouldn't accept a hollow yes-man job. IMO, he would want to be able to accomplish something for the good of this country and the world.

[Auntie Bush]

98. You are right!

"he would want to be able to accomplish something for the good of this country and the world."

That was his sole reason for going into politics...so of course he wouldn't want to play the old triditional VP role. He wants to help save our country and the world!

I wish I was Repunzel and he would come and get me. Yummm!

If he can only be a "yes" man and prop up the President....attend funerals...then he might as well stay at home and get rich. And America would lose the best thing we ever had going for us. :cry:
We can't let that happen!

[MoonRiver]

100. I think Kerry/Clark would work as a very effective team.

And I hope that Kerry would give the General a chance to accomplish really significant things, but I agree that if Clark were relegated to attending funerals etc. I wouldn't want him in the VP position. He would be much more effective as Sec of State.

[Scoopie]

97. I'm not quite sure by what you mean by "free reign"

but, I doubt Clark would ask to run the show.
Maybe it's "free reign" on a particular policy. For example, if Kerry wants Clark to clean up the mess in Iraq and improve our standing throughout the world, I can see why Clark might want to do that his way; however, in his duties as president of the Senate, as a presidential representative on policy and as an advisor, I wouldn't see why he'd ever consider that he'd need free reign.
Clark said he wouldn't want to be Dean's Dick Cheney and I rather suspect he wouldn't want to do that for Kerry, either.

Now, as to your other assertation: that the VP job is Clark's for the taking, I can only say this: I hope.

I agree with the other comments regarding the media's virtually ignoring of Clark improving his chances for being VP - it's been that way for many years. The media tries to influence and shape the nominee's pick with, thankfully, particularly this year, with little success.

[lojasmo]

102. Why isn't this thread dead?

It's been debumked AFAIK.

Edited to remove caps lock in title. heh.

[MoonRiver]

104. What does AFAIK mean?

[lojasmo]

105. As Far As I Know

i.e. "Not very damn far" or NVDF

[Scoopie]

106. Mainly because people are still

coming in here to say "howdy" to WKC Jr.

;)

[lojasmo]

113. True enough!

Welcome to D.U. WKC Jr.

[cosmokramer]

109. Doesn't sound like the insider is at all on the inside...

...as that does not sound like General Clark--it's out of left field.

[floridaguy]

110. Okay now, play nice

This thread is starting to sound too much like the one when we were picking our candidate. Let's not get away from the goal. No more Bush! So although I am a total Clark supporter, I respectfully ask that we try not get into a pissing contest with the VP choice. Besides, only one person gets to vote this time, and I don't think this thread will influence him. I don't care if he chooses Donald Duck, I'll support Kerry.

[regnaD kciN]

111. "Free rein" as VP...?

Does that mean you get to choose whether to wear the black or brown shoes to state funerals?

[JCMach1]

112. I think Kerry would reject that deal.

that leads me to think that Edwards and Graham are finalists.

[ArkDem]

114. VP and 'free reign' in the same sentence......

Oh, this is rich!!!!!!

[Mike L]

124. Clark more likely to be National Security Adviser.

That title sounds good to the public, and he would be able to give any security advise he wishes to-- domestic or foreign-- since it all affects the U.S.

The convention would be a great time to announce Clark's position in the Kerry administration.

[cletusvandamme]

125. DEAN

He should take Dean to get the Naderites on board. This election is going to be all about turnout. Dean has proven time and again that he can produce.

[Mike L]

127. The true Naderites are a small group.

The Green rejection of Nader is a huge blow to his quest for ballot access. He will be on the right-wing Reform Party ticket in 7 states (unfortunately including Florida), but is not likely to make the ballot in many more as an Independent candidate.

I could see Dean winning a Senate seat in Vermont, but his political career stops at that level due to this:

http://www.aginsights.com/dean.htm

However, for some reason the Nader people like Edwards. I suppose it's because he's a trial lawyer.

[wyldwolf]

132. whaa???

This election is going to be all about turnout. Dean has proven time and again that he can produce.

Huh?

What happened in the primaries?

[Freddie Stubbs]

129. So he must have rejected the offer?

:shrug: