Reply #154: I'll leave it...

[Duder]

1) Image - this what you're essentially getting at. One reason for an early end to the primary is to allow a candidate time to adjust their position for the GE. Any candidate will be subjected to being defined by the opposition. For example, framing an image like the unstable "general" which might be used on Clark would be stereotypical and could be easy to impress upon the psyche of many. In order to counter smears, the candidate with the strongest organization and most resources to frame their candidate in the media would have the best chance for defense. Money and organization is a big advantage Dean has over the other candidates.

2) Foreign policy - Bush had the same weakness but countered this by announcing his cabinet beforehand with people like Colin Powell. Even 4 stars doesn't outrank a commander-in chief so it's not an issue you'll win based on resume but at best you can neutralize it. GOP is stronger because of the perception that they spend more on the military whereas Democrats shift the money to domestic policies. So the majority of military officers will vote Republican as it's perceived to be in their best interest but we might score points in the general from those that would prefer we spend $87 billion here in America as to over there. It's like two football teams with one being strong on offense and the other being stronger on defense. The offensive team is not going to beat the other team by playing into their strength. This is why the presumption of some that we can outmuscle Bush with a military person is playing their game and is a sure plan for defeat, imo. Elections are hardly ever decided on the basis of foreign policy. Placing your eggs in this basket would lead to defeat, imo.

3) Taxes - This is familiar ground for governors and where I think Dean will shine against this credit card administration. You can't win by saying I'll give more tax cuts than the other guy but you might convince voters that you can stop the flood of red ink and balance the budget before the bill with interest comes due on the backs their children and grandchildren. If people can be educated about the Bush tax, I think they'll prefer the fiscal conservative. When it comes to economics, Bush versus Dean, the advantage should go to Dean.

4) Character assassination - Yes, mileage may vary greatly since most of the other candidates have made reference to Clark's republicanism. That's politics and who's to say that if Rove had called Clark 25 days earlier to join the gop he couldn't have been convinced. While he might not have been a card carrying member the video of him praising Bush implies that he was at that time sleeping with them. Vicious attack? Clark's not running for student council but to head the Democratic Party's ticket. It's known that as a General a staffer was assigned full time for damage control because of Clark's speaking gaffes. Now he's packaged, programmed and presented to where I'm not sure how much of the real Clark is being shown. Is that a lie or is it just politics?

The concern for Kucinich is touching especially considering that evidently Clark doesn't think Dennis is a major candidate:

"It's now clear that I'm one of only two candidates in a position to win the nomination. And I'm the only candidate positioned to actually win the election."

-- Wesley Clark, quoted by the AP.

Clark would be a very weak nominee, imo.