For all the handwringers who are upset that Clark doesn't want VP slot

[ResistTheCoup]

It has nothing to do with Dean. He has said since before he decided to run that he was NOT running for a VP slot. Here's a post from his son, Wes Jr., from last summer to the Daily Kos by way of the Poor Man:

(Bolds are added by me)

http://www.thepoorman.net/archives/001978.html

July 14, 2003
Wesley Clark Jr.

Wesley Clark, Jr., son of the possible presidential candidate, dropped by the Daily Kos website and said:

I don't know if he will run but he'll make an announcement either way (my guess is at the very latest labor day). I understand that the wait might be frustrating for people in the DraftClark movement and the Democratic party - but if he runs, I assume that those who think he is a good candidate now will probably not hold it against him just because he waited a few extra weeks.
He won't be running as a Republican.

He IS NOT campaigning for a VP slot.

He is very progressive on every issue - he's stated that global warming is happening, that he's pro-choice, that he's pro-affirmative action, that he's pro-union, that the tax code should remain progressive, that multilateral solutions should be found for the world's security concerns, that he was against the decision to go to war in Iraq and that we need stronger social safety nets. I don't know what other positions people need to find out which direction he leans but it seems fairly clear to me.

He is most of all interested in the battle of ideas and not that of individuals (to include himself). I'm sure he'll help out whomever wins the nom for the Democrats when it comes time to bring down Bushco - whether he mounts a campaign himself or not.

>snip<

(Those skeptical of Junior's identity should bear in mind that it has been vouched for by pseudonymous internet denizen Kos, so, by the laws of the internet, it's certified 1000% reliable.)

>snip<

I don't know if he would be able to win the Democratic nom but I believe he is the only one who can win the general election because it will be about one thing - national security.

He is most of all interested in the battle of ideas and not that of individuals (to include himself). I'm sure he'll help out whomever wins the nom for the Democrats when it comes time ...

[Spazito]

1. Kick

This is very interesting, Clark has, indeed, been consistent in his position that he is running for the Presidency from the very beginning, as stated by his son.

Thanks for this.

[kentuck]

2. No candidate will say tehy will accept the VP at this stage....

Not even Kucinich or Sharpton...

[DoveTurnedHawk]

3. It Really Ain't Gonna Happen With Clark

I would be shocked if he accepted a Dean offer for VP.

DTH

[kentuck]

7. I wouldn't be surprised at all....

I can never a candidate in the middle of a campaign saying they would accept VP slot??

[unfrigginreal]

4. He doesn't need to worry about it

nt

[1songbird]

5. Thank you for this post. n/t

[ResistTheCoup]

15. You're welcome

:kick:

[MarkTwain]

6. Clark is not...

...Vice Presidential Material.

He is grade A, prime Presidential quality from the top of his Rhodes Scholar head ... to the tips of each and every medal pinned on his General's chest.

He will, if the Democratic constituency is wise enough to follow, prevent this country from completing the most horrendous turn to the right in its history. His Presidency will prevent DimSon and his Cabal from stacking SCOTUS - and hence, establishing de facto control of our land - for effectively the next three generations with their wingnut, fundamentalist, "jurists."

This next election is NOT about the next four years. It's about the next forty. Think about that when you think about Dr. Dean and his actual chances of prevailing electorally in this land post Nine Eleven with the baggage which the good Doctor brings to the forum.

Plain and simple. End of story. For those that truly care to read it.

[BlueEyedSon]

8. How about Sec'y of Defense?

[ResistTheCoup]

13. How about President???

The man is running for President.

How about Dean as Surgeon General?

:eyes:

[stickdog]

10. He's very good at taking and giving orders.

He's has zero political or governmental experience, and (being kind) he showed a complete lack of judgment in lobbying for Acxiom's Big Brother contract supplying much of huge centralized government database for the indefensible and inherently self-defeating bullshit CAPPS II no fly list. His praise for the BFEE shows poor judgment (again being kind) as well.

[Rowdyboy]

9. You don't turn down vice-presidential nominations

unless you're certain the ticket will be humiliated.

If Dean wins the nomination and
if he offers the VP spot to Clark, Clark will probably accept.

However, in 1972, after McGovern's fiasco with Sen Tom Eagleton, 7 different Democrats turned him down for the spot. It was truly humiliating for McGovern. I don't expect Dean will have this problem, should he be the nominee.

That said, I don't think Dean (if nominated) will make the offer to Clark. I'd look for Graham, Richardson, or Landrieu.

[KaraokeKarlton]

11. He won't even be offered VP anyhow, Graham will be

And Graham is a better choice anyhow.

[ResistTheCoup]

12. I agree. Graham will make an excellent VP for Clark. n/t

n/t

[KaraokeKarlton]

14. I suppose he would IF Clark had a chance of winning

and he doesn't. :shrug:

[ResistTheCoup]

16. Why do you hate America?

Al Gore would be upset to hear that you're breaking his 11th commandment about saying ill of another Democrat.

B-)