Clark's string of TV appearances... random observations

[henslee]

I think they were all solid. It must take amazing stamina and focus to pull off so many appearaces so well, in so short a time.

These appearances are great "debate" practice. His improvisational skills were effective. He adjusted comfortably to the tenor and formant of each appearance. He always seemed engaged, congenial and on point. He respected others but proved he could attack when nec.

He wouldn't be on tv so much if he didn't translate into good ratings. Perhaps big media has realized "un-conservatism" is the flavor of the moment.

The more Wes's credentials get mentioned, the more their total "mind-bogglingness" sinks in. This guy is a heavyweight. No matter who becomes VP, Clark will be around a long time.

[Racenut20]

1. I know I am still a "Clarkie"

I think he is doing a great job right now for the party. (no I am not going to say it)

[nursbetty]

24. I missed seeing him after he left the race.

[grannyfran]

2. I learn something new

everytime Clark is on TV. It's amazing to watch a large, well-oiled intellect at work!

[cosmokramer]

8. He is THE MAN!

[Sparkly]

3. Another observation: Kerry campaign puts out Clark statement

Regarding the Pentagon calling up army personnel who've already served:

The presidential campaign of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., jumped on the issue Tuesday, calling it an “unusual step” that resembles a draft. The campaign released a statement from Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who called it a symptom of a “failed do-it-on-the-cheap strategy for Iraq.”

“Those to be recalled are the men and women who have already served and were simply trying to get on with their lives,” said Clark, a former Democratic presidential candidate.

http://www.thesunlink.com/redesign/2004-06-30/nationworld/20040630004.shtml

[Nashyra]

5. "The campaign released a statement "

from Retired General Wesley Clark. The fact that the Kerry campaign released a statement from the campaign as compared to Clark releasing a statement as a former candidate to me seems huge. Why is the "campaign" becoming a spokesperson for Clark when he has the gravitas to speak for himself? As a Clark supporter this looks like good news to me.

[cosmokramer]

20. It is like a boulder was moved, and now flowing with the campaign..

...is the four-star General, in a great river rush, grabbing the attention of the media, on air at every turn, writing articles, magazines with feature essays being mailed to supporters' homes, issuing statements, hosting fundraisers...

...the man is suddenly EVERYWHERE this week, with more to come. Something is definitely UP! (Oh, yeah, and Congresswoman Sanchez mentioned him FIRST as the ideal choice for Kerry today--first time I have heard that in weeks!)

[hlthe2b]

4. So many good adjectives to describe Clark,

but the one that immediately comes to mind to me is "elegant." While some place an effeminate connotation on that term, I certainly don't. To me, it reflects a perfect combination of intelligence, experience, thoughtfulness, and sincerity in a man with tremendous ability to convey complex information in a highly articulate, yet broadly understandable way. As for his looks, to me he conveys a sense of rugged, yet polished confidence. Think I like Clark? You bet! He must be in this cabinet, regardless of who Kerry chooses for VP. If Edwards is selected for VP (which I can certainly live with, Clark would make an excellent secretary of state, IMO).

[Justice]

14. Elegant, Exactly

I've used that word to describe Clark to others - I completely agree with you.

[cosmokramer]

6. Heavyweight, Indeed!

:kick:

[LuLu550]

7. You don't have to convince me...

He is a fast study. Too bad he was so "wobbly" when he first started campaigning, because he came so far so fast, I still beleive he was out strongest presidential candidate. Not that I am knocking Kerry, I do support him and will work for him. (so don't flame me.)

[democratreformed]

9. No flame from me b/c I agree 100%.

Yes, I am warming up to Kerry b/c I have no other choice. And I have high hopes. There's a lot of difference between hope and confidence. With Clark, I had confidence.

[Skwmom]

10. If Clark is not the VP,

the press will blacklist him. There is no way they are going to continue to let him defend Kerry.

[LuLu550]

11. I think that is why, if Kerry is smart, he will announce his shadow

cabinet, including Clark someplace ... National Security advisor, Sec of State, etc.

[BootinUp]

12. interesting

I hadn't considered that. But if the Kerry campaign arranges the interviews, it might not be as much of a problem as you think.

[Sparkly]

13. Hm, I don't know

He's still considered an expert. (I'm afraid if he *is* the VP candidate, they'll blacklist him, as they did when he was a candidate himself!)

[democratreformed]

15. You have a point there, Sparkly

God, I sure hope that doesn't happen.

[LandOLincoln]

17. Yep, that's what I've been thinking too.

I've even wondered if this Clark media blitz is the Kerry campaign's attempt to get him out there as much as possible while they still can.

[filterfish]

18. the better the situation in iraq, the less clark is needed

on the ticket, but a cabinet spot will do just fine

[FrenchieCat]

19. I don't know.....

Is the War on Terra over? You must have heard something I didn't know. It's dissapointing that some believe that we are fighting only one war. Did 9/11 happen? Yes, I think so. So for those who think that if Iraq is manipulated back into the shadows, there is no National Security issue left.....you are not well informed.

[nursbetty]

25. Hello...Bush is headed for Iran....

Clark is worth a lot more than what he contributes to Iraq.

[Jai4WKC08]

30. Interesting you should say that

Clark was in Springfield MO yesterday (and St Louis, but I couldn't drive there fast enough to outrun his jet <g>), campaigning for Nancy Farmer for Senate.

In his remarks at the luncheon before the rally, he said he thinks Iran's nuclear weapon MAY be the October surprise we're all expecting. More fodder for the RNC "we need to keep a strong, resolute leader to defend us against these threats to our security" crap (not his words exactly).

That's why, I suppose, Clark has been trying to introduce the Iran issue, bringing it up at that CNN joint interview with Adelman, and I'm thinking on Larry King or maybe several of his recent appearances (there have been so many, it's hard to remember when he's said what). Trying to difuse the issue by pointing out NOW that it's precisely because we're overextended in Iraq that we don't have the military capability to back up the diplomatic efforts that should be going on (but probably aren't).

[Tom Rinaldo]

32. A somber thought for a somber world

Unfortunately that rings true for me.

[Tom Rinaldo]

33. Welcome back by the way

I'm jealous of course.

[Scoopie]

21. We still have the war on terror

and, I'm making a prediction that Iraq will be in full-fledge Civil War by the first of the year, or shortly after.
If Bush is still president and with the Israeli's backing the Kurds, we'll be in all-out world war in less than two years.
All that because Bush wanted to avenge his daddy.

We NEED a strong leadership ticket this year folks. This ain't no time for training wheels in foreign policy.

[cosmokramer]

22. As ususal, totally agree.

[nursbetty]

26. ditto

[Sparkly]

28. Even with Iraq in the pits, Chimp polls better on fp and security

It doesn't make sense, but it's true. No matter how bad it gets, it seems, people "trust" the chimp with national security more than Kerry.

I think it's an old stereotype that's been around a long time, that Democrats are "weak peaceniks" and Republicans are "strong military men." One of the greatest things about General Clark is that he breaks that stereotype to pieces. His WesPAC is all about affecting foreign policy and making it clear that Democrats ARE the ones who are trustworthy on these issues.

So it'd be VERY smart if Kerry named him VP. Clark is key to starting to break the stereotype and Democrats as a whole really need that. So whether he is or isn't the VP pick, I think Clark will be a leader in these areas one way or another, because the party needs him and frankly, the country needs him to restore sanity to our international relations and the warped way Republicans have used the military.

[cosmokramer]

29. Amen, Sparkly...

...you hit it. If we don't strip the GOP of the banner of national security, we will fucking lose...period. And I am so damn sick of people saying it doesn't matter...it DOES matter. We can't win without some indies and the GOP coming over to our side, and Nat Sec/FP is THE issue that can pull them, and Kerry isn't doing a very good job of that alone. He needs to show some strength in this area, and being SMART by choosing a FP/Nat Sec VP is the way. I DON'T CARE IF IT IS CLARK OR NOT, as long as whomever he selects helps Kerry grab the fp/nat sec banner and rip it off of the body of the GOP.

[cosmokramer]

16. I agree.

[dmcrane]

27. not sure?

I'm not sure they'll be able to "ignore" him like they did in the primary campaign. Little harder to blacklist the VP nominee...sure would love the opportunity to be engaged in the campaign again with Clark on the ticket. The man is so strong..."elegant" is a good word for it though.

[cyn2]

31. Clark has been getting much more TV time lately

Even more than during the campaign.

[nursbetty]

23. Hopefully, more politicos will give him the respect he deserves.