Another reason to support Clark or Dean instead of Kerry or Edwards

[php1949]

"The First Lie" by John C. Bonifaz author of "Warrior-King: The Case for Impeaching George W. Bush."

"The Iraq war is in direct violation of the United States Constitution. The president and the members of Congress who voted for that October resolution should be held accountable for sending this nation into an illegal war."

http://www.tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/9843

Clark can beat Bush. Maybe Dean can beat Bush but Clark can definitely beat Bush.

[vi5]

1. I like Clark a lot but I'm not sure how he could beat Bush...

Don't get me wrong. I question how any of the candidates will be able to beat him. But the liability of an electorate looking at a person who has never held an elected public office starting out with the President of the United States is I think too big a prospect to overlook and dismiss out of hand.

As I mentioned in a thread yesterday about Clark, I think for better or worse the American public loves to pay lip service to "outsiders" and people who aren't career politicians. However, when it comes time to actually pull the lever and vote for them, a good chunk of americans tend to talk themselves out of it.

I'm not saying I think this is a good thing but unfortunately it is a pragmatic reality that has to be faced. If Clark is the nominee I would support him with 100% enthusiasm (same with every candidate). But this is what I see being a big liability with him.

[php1949]

2. Clark has two problems...

One is the problem you mention. I have nothing based on facts to go on. I only have my instincts about people and my knowledge of the past. People had no problem voting for Eisenhower. He had never held a political office until he ran for the presidency and he had no problem beating the very experienced Stevenson. That was the happy 50s and this is the scary milenium. Now people are generally much more disgusted with Washington and politicians than they were in the 50s. Also, we didn't need a military figure in the 50s; we may not need one now, but I think generally people will feel better knowing they have a real military person at the helm; not a chickenhawk empty suit like GW.

The other problem is that although Wes (and his wife Gert) are outstanding in speeches, he is not experienced at fending off th pointed questions from reporters looking to make a name for themselves. He is however, getting better. He sure stopped Tom Brokaw in his tracks in the debate where Brokaw tried to imply that Clark blamed Bush for the 9/11 attacks.

[vi5]

3. I just think that there are so many problems in the US right now....

That people will look around and see defecits..and unemployment...and a floundering economy....and terrorist threats (even the worst bush skeptic wouldn't deny that these exist, if not in the politicized form he puts them into).

I just think that looking at all that needs to be overcome by the next president (if any of them can even win), that the concept of putting someone in charge of it all whose main credential is that he is a military man will be too scary.

[php1949]

4. Please read Wes's healthcare plan:

http://clark04.com/issues/healthcare/

excerpt:
"Guarantee that Every American Has Access to Coverage. The plan would allow Americans without access to job-based health insurance to purchase coverage through the same system that insures members of Congress. The government would ensure that the premiums paid by individuals are fairly priced and available to all eligible people. This policy would especially help older adults who have diminished access to job-based coverage, increased need for services, and great difficult in finding affordable, accessible insurance in the private, individual market."

and his job creation plan:

http://clark04.com/issues/jobcreation/

excerpt:
"Tax Incentives to Keep Manufacturing Jobs in the U.S. General Clark supports current legislative efforts to keep and expand production in the United States. To that end, as President, Wes Clark would institute a 90- day review of all tax and spending provisions affecting large manufacturing firms with a particular focus on whether any tax and spending provisions provide manufacturing firms an incentive to move jobs overseas. As President, General Clark would support initiatives that could provide manufacturing firms the incentive to keep (and expand) manufacturing jobs in the United States."

[surfermaw]

7. Ike...was a democrat that my friend is why he won

He had the democrats behind him and the republicans so hungry for a win they would have voted for any one.

[dusty64]

5. I'm really surprised

Clark hasn't done better in the primaries. I think he would make a great VP pick when this is all over.

[Nashyra]

6. He will appeal to a lot of voters

that want a real change and look at him as the candidate that is doing things differently. Clark is not beholden to anyone. For that reason Clark and Dean are the ones that will effect a real change.