Clark Attacked For GOP Ties

[dArKeR]

Taking aim at the newcomer, Joe Lieberman on Friday accused presidential rival Wesley Clark of joining the Democratic Party for "political convenience, not conviction" as the retired general came under increased scrutiny.

Lieberman's attack, leveled one day after Clark escaped criticism in his first debate, underscored how quickly campaign strategies are shifting in the wake of two political phenomena: Clark's burst upon the crowded scene Sept. 17 and Howard Dean's front-running, Internet-driven campaign.

Dean, a former governor of Vermont, was criticized over several issues in Thursday's debate while Clark was largely given a pass. The day after, Lieberman took issue with Clark expressing support for the Bush administration's policies in a May 2001 address to the Arkansas GOP.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/25/politics/main575057.shtml

[alcuno]

1. Joe, Joe, Joe.

Al Sharpton said it best; better a new Democrat that acts like one than a long-term Democrat who acts like a Republican.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Al had the best line

a stage with eight politicians, an officer and a gentleman.

[imax2268]

4. yea...that was good...

Sorry for all you Kerry or Gephart(sp?)supporters...but the continued attacks on Dean are turning people off...

Just my opinion...

[Rowdyboy]

3. Dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=133972

[Birthmark]

5. Joe said that?

That's hilarious!!!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

6. Clark voted for Nixon, Reagen, and Bush 41...nuff said

[DoveTurnedHawk]

7. Maybe "Nuff Said" If You Like a Shallow, Meaningless Analysis

Some of the most devout liberals are former Republicans, you know. Clark's positions are solidly within the norms of the Democratic party, if not left of those norms.

Try opening your mind.

DTH

[guajira]

8. I never voted for any *Bush, but I voted for Reagan 2 times!

Clark could be at an advantage if he owns up to his past and gives a good explanation. He could possibly appeal to disenchanted repukes and to independents, etc.

Many US voters do not follow the party line, but vote for the person they consider the best at the time.

[Doctor Pedantic]

10. But that will take some finesse...

My very first election, when I was 19, was Reagan v. Mondale. I was pretty much raised a Southern Democrat, and didn't like Mondale at all, so I held my nose and voted for Reagan. Shortly thereafter I began my conversion to screaming liberal, and there's been no turning back! But that ill-fated decision more than half a lifetime ago still fills me with shame.

It's certainly possible that Clark has simply seen the light as well. He very well could have a powerful message about how he slowly came to realize that the Democratic party had more to offer. The problem is that his support for the Republicans is so recent. "I was enamored of Whistle-Ass two years ago, but I hate him now so I must be a Democrat" isn't a great sales pitch.

[Kahuna]

9. Waaaaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaaaa

grow up Joe! By a clue and just quit now. As you may suspect, with Clark in the race you don't stand a snowball's chance in hell now..

:nopity:

[WesWing2004]

11. did anyone else catch lieberdweeb at debate

when they were talking about unions, and he said something to the effect, career politicians tell the audiences just what they want to hear? it is NOT in the transcript of the debate anywhere...

hey joe, get a flippin' clue, this is why we don't want YOU in 2004.

[whathappened]

12. no body give it a thought

when jeffort??? jumped ship and went independant and we won the majority , but took no advantage of it , we let it slip right thru are hands at the time , so i think clark can come to the dem and fill welcome

[TahitiNut]

13. dupe

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=133972

While from different media sources (CBS News and NYT), both are same AP story edited to suit the particular media source.