Reply #9: Clark is excellent when he's not on the defensive

[Awsi Dooger]

Very impressive on Hardball, although it's Hardball Lite minus Matthews. His explanation on the failure of the Fallujah strategy, and what we should have done instead, was succinct and terrific.

Perhaps I'm overrating Clark's mediocrity during the primary season in regard to the type of VP candidate he would make. Clark's zealous supporters/apologists on DU fail to acknowledge his campaign blunders -- entering far too late, skipping Iowa, and a series of conflicting statements which kept him on the defensive throughout the debate season. I saved several debate tapes and have reviewed them. Clark is like a football team that flounders while trying to play from behind.

He was much more impressive last spring/summer, and now while promoting Kerry, than he ever was during his solo campaign. In fairness, perhaps those crowded debates simply didn't allow enough time for Clark to unleash his views. While reviewing the debates, I did notice almost every question directed to him was confrontational.