Clark's out, I'm down

[WillyBrandt]

Don't kid yourself. Bad news is always worse in fact than in anticipation, and that's how it was when I heard Clark was withdrawing last night. I read it streaming on the bottom of CNN while travelling yesterday on business.

It was the first political campaign I've been involved in. I had tried to get involved with the Kerry campaign long, long ago, but there was nothing to be done. He was complacent then, and he did little beyond advertise and fundraise. Dean came along, and I dabbled; the draft came along, and I was committed.

I badgered friends, family, and co-workers. I agitated on DU, attended MeetUps and a schmaltzy fundraiser, and stood in the snow and the mud and the sleet of Nashua, in the hopes that a stray voter might fill in the bubble for the General.

And the first thought upon withdrawal: was it all for shit? Was it a waste of time? Am I lying to myself when I say I, and the campaign, made a difference?

No, I don't think so. It's a tempting thought, but it's a foolish indulgence. We proved that grassroots campaigns needn't be limited to Good Doctors from Vermont; though Dean led, we co-blazed a new trail for the party. We ourselves improved, since legions of Clarkies would be unactive were it not for inspiration falling our day. (Every time a person who holds a Democratic sign or curses at MSNBC, an angel gets its wings.) We toughened up the remainders, and opened up new line of criticisms. If Clark is the sacrificial lamb on the AWOL issue that sinks Bush; well, lambs have suffered for far less.

Sometime this weekend I'll take the Clark04 sticker off of my Corolla. And I'm sure it'll be Kerry who will be on. I have no brief with Kerry. On the contrary, while he's no Clark, and while he's been a politician for too long, I think he has the potential for greatness. (We're no longer political virgins; we can move on.) I must say I'm glad that Kerry is leading instead of Edwards. The latter is a good guy, but he's so obviously a lesser man than Clark it's a little embarassing.

At the end of the day, we need to do more than find joy and solace in our brief and troubled life as Clark activists. There's a bigger picture: there is blood everywhere, and freedom is curdling, and we need to make gentle the life of this world. Supporting the Democratic candidate is the only way to do that: if principles or sentiments interfere, then damn the principles--there are kids dying for nothing, and we need to support the candidate if we want fewer to follow. Whatever clever syllogisms or bullshit rhetoric you've got melts next to that fact.

(We also need to remember than our contempt for the media is truly justified. Every Democratic candidate has been ravaged by this worthless claque of over-paid, under-sexed media whores. The fucks.)

But I hope I don't sound too rational. Clark supporters, our political hearts are broken, and to be rational now is to be dishonest. This is right now a terrible time, and I really don't know what I think--or what to think--but you've been wonderful through it all.

Well done.

And in November, let's skewer the stupid fucking bastards.

[knight_of_the_star]

1. Don't drop out of the fight just yet!

Join Clark's Army! Head to my thread and go to the link and we'll get you set up!

[MoonRiver]

4. What link??

Someone mentioned this but I didn't see any link!

[Racenut20]

13. Dont find the link

Can you email it to me? Thanks. I plan to keep working. There are lots of Democrats in Florida who need an old soldier to help them I think.

[lastknowngood]

17. Way to go! Plese post the link on an on going basis that way

people can keep in touch.

[DjTj]

2. Thanks.

I actually talked with some Dean supporters at the polls yesterday and had a similar conversation about how a lot of new people have been brought into the process and will be able to help the Democratic party on a local as well as national level.

...but I have to ask, why do you think Edwards is "so obviously a lesser man than Clark its a little embarassing?"

[WillyBrandt]

6. Because it's true

Clark has been shot and showed heroism in battle, has given most of his life to his country for unimpressive pay, has castigated the war, and has pretty fearlessly skewered an administration in ways that only Kucinich, and sometimes Dean, have.

He helped end a genocide against a people. Had he done differently, millions would be doomed--either to death, torture, or simple dislocation.

He's a brilliant guy most of whose actions haven't earned him personal profit.

Sorry, Edwards is by comparison far less impressive. Good guy, but no Clark -- by a long shot.

[DjTj]

36. I will accept...

"Edwards has accomplished far less in his life than Clark."

Clark has led the more noble life, and I'll accept that Clark's resume is far more impressive, but I would stop short of comparing the manhood of two men whom raised fine families, achieved at a high level in their chosen professions, and received tremendous support when they decided to run for President of the United States.

[WillyBrandt]

38. Perhaps you're right

I'm not terribly clear-headed right now. Edwards is a good guy, and I frankly know much less about K&E than I do about Clark. Sorry.

[laruemtt]

3. deal, WillyB!

and we'll do it for wes. i'm hurting so much now. i feel like i'm naked in front of a firing squad (repugs) without my general....

[Doctor_J]

5. Yeah, this really blows

Even if Kerry pulls out a win in November, he'll be battling a reactionary Congress that will force him inot untenable positions and then blame him when their policies lead to more ruin.

This was a major setback for the party and for the nation, and I am having trouble concentrating on my work tonight.

[Adelante]

7. Ah, gee

I think I have to live again for a while outside politics, a week or so. Get my laundry done, go out to dinner parties, read novels, go to the movies, talk to my sisters on the phone, eat potato chips. I am fucking bereft.

:cry:

[Crunchy Frog]

22. I just talked to my sister

on the phone. We just ended up crying together.:cry:

She kept saying that she thinks this is a catastrophe of Biblical proportions, and that it means Bush is definitely in for another four years. No escape for me I guess.:shrug:

[WillyBrandt]

34. Why no longer Jerseycoa?

[Adelante]

44. I was desperate for a change

I wanted a name to honor Wes. And a new personality altogether. You can still call me Jersey. :)

[Racenut20]

8. First Senator Graham/Now General Clark

When I got home from work tonight I found 3 candidates for election outside my front door waiting to offer me money not to campaign for them.

[WillyBrandt]

9. Graham came to my high school

A good guy

[Adelante]

12. I was for Graham before Clark

I felt bad, but I hadn't campaigned really, not like this, where it took over my life. Graham is another underappreciated, very good man.

[seafan]

31. Same here, WesDem.... Graham and Clark were gifts.

I supported Senator Graham with every ounce of my energy and it was devastating when he left the campaign. He was ignored and ridiculed by the pundits for speaking out against what Bush was doing. He was called "senile", "losing it", "loony" and other drivel.

And now, General Clark's similar, eloquent message was ignored and suppressed in the same premeditated assault by the Friends Of Bush media that reek of a stinking sewer in how they have enabled this criminal administration over and over again to betray and endanger the people of this country. This abject failure and criminal abuse of power must not stand.

Karma, we're keeping the lights on for you.

[salin]

10. May I make a suggestion?

Don't completely take that Clark sticker off of the car. Add Kerry's (this post - for the sake of the post making sense - is continuing with the presumption of Kerry winning the nomination).

I think Clark made an impact - and the subtle continued name recognition (just seeing the name) can have a long-term impact. The more folks who keep seeing that verbal reminder of Clark, the better. He ran a classy campaign. He brought enegy and enthusiasm through his volunteers. And most importantly he seemed to take this whole endeavor on, as a cause... not a single event episode of his life (ala... go for it.. but if it doesn't work... just forget politics altogether.) Keeping his name up there for folks to keep seeing is a subtle form of support for that effort. It wouldn't detract from Kerry's message... and might subtly say to some viewers who were perhaps tempted by Clark (esp those not already tied to the party and likely to be ABB)... that Kerry has appeal and the support of a Clark supporter.

[Nashyra]

15. Good Point

Anything that has conversation value is good. It can start a conversation about ABB

[Renew Deal]

11. I felt like I broke up with a girlfriend today. Only worse.

I never cared much for most of my ex's anyway. But this is worse. This is for the future of this country and the security of the world. This country and the world are worse off today.

[Donkey007]

14. It's so hard to listen to everyone "cry" It makes me want to cry again

[NV1962]

16. Willy Rox

And Huzzah! for this:

under-sexed media whores. The fucks.

Thanks for bringing the first really big grin of the day to my still unshaven mug!

Ah, speaking of that, got this from a DC Clark trooper in the email:

Top 10 things for us to remember as we ease back into regular life:

• 10. There are television programs besides C-SPAN, CNN, CNBC and FOX?
  
• 9. Some people think calling strangers in Oklahoma is weird.
  
• 8. No more e-mails from Madonna are very likely.
  
• 7. "Literature" is more than a brochure with a smiling politician.
  
• 6. Guys: it's time to consider shaving every day again.
  
• 5. Remember those "Deanies" you disliked so much back in November? Some of 'em have suddenly turned into nice folks again. <comment from NV1962: actually... O fek it, it's supposed to be satire!>
  
• 4. New cause: Constitutional Amendment to move New Hampshire primary to Florida or the late spring at the earliest.
  
• 3. It's back to being uncool to ask people for money.
  
• 2. Time to do that laundry that has been sitting around since the "Draft Clark" days.
  
• 1. Sex: It's more than just a category to understand voter attitudes.
  
  
  Bada-bing!

[Tinoire]

18. Don't be down & Clark isn't necessarily out

We have no idea what the future holds.

Take a break and come back when you feel better; we may need you to comfort us. There's more, I'm sadly sure, to come.

[incapsulated]

19. I've been a weepy mess today

I didn't cry much yesterday. I guess I was too numb or just angry.

Seeing him give his speech today opened the floodgates hard.

Reading his letter in my email started it up again.

Damn, I love this man. :cry:

[NV1962]

20. Well...

He is a wonderful guy. And he'll give 'em hell, onto November.

But I need you back on your feet to perk me up dagnabbit!

[incapsulated]

23. Can't perk you up

But whenever I watch him on an interview like tonight, I'm always struck by what a positive guy he is, he lifts my spirits, he's always smiling.

But I'm still in a grieving process, right now.

[NV1962]

25. We all are

:grouphug:

[incapsulated]

28. It just takes time

When you put your heart and effort into a campaign, it's very hard to let go.

It will take some of us a bit of time, that's all.


:hug:

[Adelante]

26. Where's the car?

[incapsulated]

The car had to go, jersey

It was for the primaries, for the ride. I can't have it there now, it doesn't feel right. I'm keeping my avatar for a while though.

[Adelante]

33. Okay, so not the car

Get yourself going on something great to put down there. You need to present, Incapsulated. Now go on.

:pals:

[incapsulated]

37. Yeah, I'll think of something

You know I feel neekid without a graphic. ;)

[Adelante]

42. That was EXACTLY what I thought

I love you, Incap. :hug:

[incapsulated]

48. Back atcha!

:hug:

[Indiana_Dem]

21. YEs I'm so upset! I want my general back!!!!!!!

Dean and Clark were my top 2 picks and whichever one dropped out (I thought it would be Dean) then the other I was going to vote for!!! I love and respect him and his intelligence and his wit!

I will forever remember him when he was interviewed outside on the street after a debate and a reporter asked him if he knew any hip hop songs or something and he said,"I can shake it like a Polaroid picture!" Outkast and Clark will be forever linked together in my mind!!!! That song and U2's "It's a Beautiful Day"! Those songs will always remind me of the general!!!!

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

He was my "GQ" guy!:loveya:

[bread_and_roses]

24. Not a waste of time!

I am not on either team, but I admire the energy the Dean and Clark campaigns have brought into this primary. I heard a few minutes of Clark's withdrawal speech on NPR this evening; the part I heard was very well done, very, very good. He talked about the battle yet to be fought (or words to that effect), obviously referring to the general election, and his run for the nomination being fueled by a commitment to service to the country.

From the little I heard, I could imagine him agreeing that we need to defeat Bush so decisively, by such margins, with such overwhelming rejection that there can be no question that the people of this country reject this fascistic, imperialist, earth-destroying, murderous administration. We need to send Democrats (and remember a winning Dem is going to help along candidates for every office running around the country) into office with a clear mandate for change.

Because if we don't, we are going to have a timid Dem president fearful of the power of the right. A timid Dem who will have no faith in the power of Progressives to get the votes out to support him if he battles for our causes.

I have enormous admiration for the energy and work his supporters put into Clark's campaign. I hope he campaigns for the eventual nominee; he would be such a terrific asset, and even more so, I hope the same of his supporters. We really need you all.
(edit for grammar)

[Jack_Dawson]

27. Sports Fans are better equipped to deal with this kind of thing

I've been pretty fucking morose before. Totally getting into a team, through a season, only to have them crushed at the end. I've built up a slight tolerance for disappointment.

However, having said that, I am fucking bummed today. No two ways about it. I wish people could see what we see. I wish people didn't gravitate towards career politicians. I wish people didn't listen to the media. But they did and they do, so whatcha gonna do?

I really want to remain interested in politics, but since my #1 guy has been picked off, I don't really see how it's gonna happen. Suggestions?

[HuskerDem]

29. Yeah Jack, but the Huskers were never out to save the world from the BFEE

I'm sick today.

[Jack_Dawson]

50. HuskerDem is that YOU in that pic?

[goclark]

54. What Did Clark Say Ab. VP?

If I was hearing correctly, when CLARK was on Aaron Brown,who seemed nice for once,AB asked CLARK if he was interested in being VP. Clark did not say "NO." In fact,my impression was that he sounded interested.

Yes I Hope!!!!!!

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[Jackhammer Jesus]

32. It's been a rough couple of days.

It's tough to put my feelings about this situation into words, having been a longtime supporter of Clark. I felt it coming. I thought that, barring a stellar showing in TN or VA, Clark wasn't going to be in a good position to win the race. It still hurt when he dropped out, though, because no matter how poorly he was doing, myself and so many others were still ready and willing to work for the campaign, and would still do so very enthusiastically. We weren't ready to quit. But Wes knew it was time.

This campaign's been especially important for me. It was my first. I wasn't all that excited about our original field of candidates, but I was definitely interested in getting rid of Bush. My interest was first sparked when I heard about the Draft movement back in July (soon after I'd turned 18). The more I heard about Clark, the more I liked him. The more I heard him speak, the stronger my support for him became. And even when I began to make an effort to learn about the other candidates and listen to what they had to say, Clark's words still resonated in a way that none of the other candidates' did. And when he said he was going to bring people into the Democratic party, that had its own significance for me - I got into politics because of Wes Clark. I'm a Wes Clark Democrat, and damn proud of it.

[Adelante]

35. I just watched his entire speech

And watched interviews on MSNBC and CNN. You know what? For the first time, I feel happy for him. It was sad seeing the tears he's blocking back in his eyes, sure. But he looked ready, too. He can go home with his family, start making a living again, and he will continue the fight, maybe in a better way for him. They can't hurt him anymore and I'm glad. Odd thing, he is a media darling again, the goddamn irony. He'll be getting gigs left and right now!

GO WES!!

[Jackhammer Jesus]

43. I got the same sense, watching him tonight.

I'm trying to be as optimistic as possible about the situation. I still haven't gotten over the loss, and the disappointment that Clark won't be the one in the Oval Office come 2005. But you know what? It sure as hell won't be Bush, either. That gives me some hope, at least.

The thing I'm worried most about now is that Clark will leave the political life behind. He spent his life in public service, and I hope he stays in the politics - it would be a loss for the Democratic party if he didn't. The man has a gift. It would be a shame if we lost him.

[MariaS]

39. Clark Supporters

Wes Clark gave me hope that a better America was attainable and by
reading and writing on this board and on various Clark boards everyone of you also gave me hope. But it was a false hope because in you I saw the best of the American People. Through you all I saw the America I have always wanted to see. Champions of a hero and dedicated to changing America for the better. Now that I have had the stars taken from my eyes, I realize that you all are a special few and America is still the same old America ready and willing to settle for less. I know that you are all trying so hard to stay positive and I wish you luck. But for me the hope is lost. It was nice to have hope for awhile but definately not worth the pain in the end. Though some will think bad of me, come Nov. I am writing in General Wesley Clark as my choice for President because I will have the satisfaction of knowing I voted for the best there ever could have been. God Bless you all and God save America.

Maria

[WillyBrandt]

40. Vote for John Kerry

Kerry is a good man, and his presidency will make you more proud of America than an act of self-affirmation--writing in Clark--ever will.

[MariaS]

45. I will NEVER

vote for Kerry. I refuse to settle for the lesser of two evils. I would not do it in 2000 and I refuse to do it in 2004. Mr Skull & Bones is exactly the type of politician that has turned me off and caused me to tuned me out most of my life. Clark was different. I believed in him and trusted him.

[WillyBrandt]

46. You must settle for the lesser of two evils

Because theft and murder are both evils, and the first is far preferrable to the second. Not all distasteful things are equivalent. The prospect of a Kerry presidency might be depressing to you; but the prospect of a Bush election should be horrifying enough to shake principle loose.

If it's a task you cannot stand, perform it as a matter of duty. The future of the nation is at stake.

[MariaS]

47. The Only thing

I must do is die before that happens all choice belongs to me. I repeat. I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR KERRY and except for Clark I will never vote again period. I am bitter and angry but I was bitter and angry before all of this so nothing has really changed for me except a preeption in my thinking. Don't waste your time on me. Concentrate on doing what you need to do.

[WillyBrandt]

49. Your choice is between bitterness and blood

It is not that you must make a specific choice. It is that a moral agent, you must face up to the full consequences of your choices.

[britpopper]

52. Me too...

I am in California and my ballot for March 2 still has the General on it, so I will also be voting for the best man on the ballot. It will be the last time I feel so proud of my vote for a long time, I think...

[Adelante]

53. I'm still voting for Wes Clark in the primary.

I owe him that much.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

41. I am sad to see him out but I DO want him on the ticket

I am hoping Kerry asks Clark to be a running mate if he locks it up.

[britpopper]

51. This day sucks...

I feel like my heart has been ripped out and trampled on by the Republican'ts...the man they feared the most is now out. Wesley Clark was the man who could take down the chimp and now my hope for the future in this country has gotten bleak yet again. I will support the Dem nominee in November, but not at all with the same energy and fervor I felt for the General. No matter what, Wes, we are proud of you and we will battle on...