Clark wants another $100!!!

[Jack_Dawson]

We'd like to commemorate your participation in this historic effort -- a true grassroots movement that drafted Wes Clark as a presidential candidate, mobilized nationwide support for his run for the White House, and will continue to fight for a better America.

With a contribution of $100 today, we will add your name to a special plaque to be presented to General Clark, commemorating the American patriots like you who have fueled his campaign and will stand with him in the months and years ahead. Your name will appear alongside hundreds of others who have been integral to the success of our effort and pledge their ongoing support to Wes Clark.

General, you're really testing my patience this week. First you drop out before Super Tuesday, something you told us you wouldn't do. Then you're (supposedly) talking smack about Kerry, then you ENDORSE Kerry...and now your campaign manager wants me to cough up another C-note AFTER you drop out of the race?

Whattup?

[eyesroll]

1. Sounds like Gen. Clark's in debt

Not unusual.

[mmonk]

2. got the same

email.

[jpgpenn]

3. Why not post these thought to his site...

Rather then a site that really has nothing to do with this solication?

Or was it a matter of getting frustration off your own chest by having others jump on this bandwagon?

[progressivebydesign]

4. Okay.. that is pretty damn tacky.

I'd be pissed too, if my candidate, that had dropped out did that. I don't need no stinkin' momento... I need a new president. I love Dean, but I did tire of the relentless fundraising emails I received daily from his campaign. They have backed off since Roy Neel took over, and oddly, the bat contributions have soared. Perhaps you can reach a point where you start to irritate people. You're not being cranky about that request.. I wouldn't like it either.

[Toucano]

5. There are debts to be paid.

It's a special plaque! Pretty tempting, no?

[efront]

6. Pay off debt n/t

*

[redqueen]

7. Kerry's campaign has a loan to pay off. n/t

[robsul82]

8. Good LORD, is that tacky.

Maybe for another $50, you can get some commemorative plates.

Later.

RJS

[Carolina]

41. it is tacky

and while I understand the necessities of campaign debt, it ticked me off. I would rather have been approached after several days, maybe a week, had passed. But to follow up a lovely 'thank you, supporter' letter yesterday with the drudging for $$$$ today really left me rather bitter.

[HuskerDem]

54. Not as tacky as the Oral Roberts plea from Dean if you ask me

but that's just me. He still needs money because he still plans to travel around and support the monimee and stump for local Democratic candidates too.

[BidMarx]

9. name on a plaque?

Youve got to be kidding me. Clark's character has become uberconfusing to the staunchest supporters.

[juajen]

11. Not to me

If Clark needs money, most supporters will be happy to lend a hand. After all, we all talked him into this campaign. We are supporters even beyond the end. I will send what I can. Don't mess with the General.

[Adelante]

14. I sent mine

Gladly.

[janx]

18. There's nothing wrong with asking for help or money--

but "your name on a plaque" ?

10. Clinton used to send stuff like that out too

Special photographs etc.
This was when he was running for President.
It's just part of the culture.
Can see why it would strike you odd though.

[Carolina]

45. yeah,

but you didn't feel as though you were getting your teeth kicked in twice because Clinton stayed in the fray and WON.

We've hardly had 24 hours to mourn, and then we learn our guy is throwing in the towel to Kerry (too soon for my taste) and now wants more money.

I'm sick of giving to losing campaigns. In 2002 I gave, I volunteered, and my candidates ALL lost. I even supported people in states other than my own (thinking of the balance of power in the Senate). In 2003-2004 I have given money and time to Clark and now he's out.

I'm tired and low on money.

[kayleybeth]

46. Then don't donate any more money.

It's really just that simple.

[no name no slogan]

12. Tell him to get a job-- oh wait, no jobs to be had, thx to Shrub! (nt)

[janx]

13. A hundred bucks to get your name on a "plaque" ?

That's vulgar.

[Nashyra]

17. No it's not

I'm happy to pay it. We drafted him to run, I'm sure it cost more than 100.00 out of pocket to stand up for my freedom. My husband and I will both donate.

[Tinoire]

50. Cool. Never mind the children in Appalachia.

Boy am I glad I picked a fiscally responsible candidate.

Of course, I won't have my anme on a plaque. Sigh...

[kayleybeth]

58. FYI: some of us give to Wes Clark AND the children of Appalachia.

Very sorry to take away your talking point.

[ShaneGR]

15. LOL, that must be the world's largest plaque

Like the size of a stadium.

[corporatewhore]

16. the money will be used to fund his coup(daily show reported it)

[LiberalBushFan]

19. that might seriously be a necessity if 2000 repeats itself

because after this time elections will be just a show, if not already

and then how else can the Bushes be taken out?

[DjTj]

20. Would you prefer the alternative?

That he stay in the race, knowing that he's going to drop out, but he continues to collect money from people who think they are supporting a Presidential candidate?

At least this is honest, and they will only take money from those whom want to be on the plaque and want to thank Clark for what he's done.

[texasmom]

27. Very cool post, DjTj. Some perspective. n/t

[funky_bug]

29. Thanks!

That was very well put. I appreciate your civility. It's been rare from your camp lately.

[DjTj]

48. Your Welcome.

I have a lot of respect for Clark, and I believe he will be a great asset to the Democratic Party for a long time to come.

I wish other Edwards supporters would be more civil too, but I think many of us spent much too long being ignored and we weren't quite ready for our man to take the kind of criticism that has come as Edwards' campaign has gone on.

I'll have to admit that being edged out twice by Clark in NH then Oklahoma didn't help.

I guess it's all in the nature of competition. We'll all be on the same side by the summer though, and I'm looking forward to that time.

[Tinoire]

52. DjTj- really. please. Just how much do you think a plaque costs? n/t

[DjTj]

59. Clearly you're not buying a plaque.

You are giving Clark $100 to show appreciation.

I would assume it goes toward paying some debts as well, but they want to give you at least something for it, which is reasonable.

I'm just saying it's better that you know that you are not donating to a Presidential campaign.

They could have raised much more by putting up another train and then dropping out once they have enough money, but this is the more honorable way to do this. They're not trying to fool anyone.

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. I emailed Mr. Paul Johnson

and told him that if Wes Clark endorsed Kerry he would never see another dime of my money. I was SUPPOSE to be at a fundraiser TONIGHT and lost $750.00!!!!! that we sent for it. I was more than happy to send Wes that money, but had I known he was going to quit after Tennessee...I wouldn't have sent it. I was under the assumption that he was IN THIS RACE until Super Tuesday.

That email ROYALLY PISSED ME OFF. :grr:

[celticartemis]

37. Me too

I couldn't BELIEVE the nerve. I couldn't afford the little money I did send for Wes Clark to be President and give our country a future. I asked Paul Johnson if he'd gone insane.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

22. He has to pay off debts, folks. This is normal. He owes staff $$

When you are a contributor you are asked to help your canididate pay off debts.

[Carolina]

47. true but

be honest and ask for whatever I can spare to resolve the campaign debt. Don't offer me some notation on a worthless plaque for $100.

[Crewleader]

23. It sounds to me it's all Paul Johnson

the campaign manager...who probably is looking for himself to be paid because the way it is written they will present it to the General who has no idea about this surprise.

It is in poor taste and I think the General would agree.
Clark supporters' names should be on there now not because of a $100.00 and the General would agree with all his heartfelt thanks.

Shame on you Paul Johnson for not doing this anyway with all the names of those good people that already donated their money,their time and their hearts for the General.

[maddezmom]

24. huh, didn't bother me at all

My husband and I both maxed out, and I sent an email to say wish I could do more.

[HoosierClarkie]

25. On a conference call last night he said

that they need some money to close out the campaign. I have no problem with that, but I also have no more money to give. :(

BTW Clark said he is going to be taking a vacation on a beach somewhere and I think he deserves it!

[kayleybeth]

26. You're under no obligation to donate.

But I see nothing wrong with it personally. I'm one of the people who begged General Clark to run, and I am more than happy to help him out now if he needs my help. It's not like I'd be donating it to any of the other candidates right now anyway.

[Tim_in_HK]

28. My response

Yes, I was disappointed about Clark dropping out before March 2, but he saw the writing on the wall after TN and VA. He made the tough call.

Even if Drudge is true (a very big IF!), I wouldn't call that comment 'talking smack.' And Drudge's report of hearing the comment from someone who heard an off the record comment is hardly a smoking gun.

Clark has always said that the eventual candidate needs national security and foreign policy experience. There go Dean and Edwards. And makes sense to nominate Kerry before WI, where Clark was in second place.

And finally, dude's got some bills to pay. I'll probably donate a bit more . . . with the demand that if any money is owed to Chris Lehane, that he gets stiffed. I fucking hate that guy. I want to hear the inside story as to why he was even involved with the campaign.

[LostInTheMaise]

30. I'll send 100.00 if it goes to Dean or DK

But not if it gets laundered to Kerry and his pompus ways.

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[Adelante]

32. GrovelBot wants $100

To chew on.

[ReynoldsWrap]

33. I imagine...

That its probably paying off debts, or maybe he isn't giving up. Maybe hes not running for President, but I don't think hes done campaigning and getting his message out. I don't think he is going to sit it out in Arkansas for the next 9 months... If he is gonna support the democratic party and try to get indies and repubs on board, he'll still need money.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

34. Why would you want some plaque?

[Renew Deal]

35. lol

ewe, I can smell the bad breath.

[BootinUp]

42. Rude pic dude!

[bitchkitty]

36. Oh my GOD.

This is too too tacky.

Edit - what's next? The Home Shopping Channel? Infomercials? Jerry Springer?

[kayleybeth]

38. Be very careful where you tread...

You could very well be choking on those words if Dean turns around and does this same thing in a couple of weeks.

[janx]

43. Dean won't do that. Sorry. He may ask for money, but

he won't do a Franklin Mint to get it.

[kayleybeth]

44. Know that for a fact, do ya?

-eom-

[krkaufman]

64. "I'm out if I don't win Wisconsin"

"oh, what?, they sent the money already? What a brilliant ploy. Too bad the campaign has to end at some point; I could milk 'em for years."

[DoveTurnedHawk]

56. Oh Please, Like Begging Supporters to Support a "Last Stand" in WI

And then flip-flopping isn't tacky? Not to mention unethical?

:crazy:

DTH

[Joe the Revelator]

39. Have we entered the "Anger" stage of Grief?

A. He's not forcing you to give, just asking you.

B. We asked him to run, we shouldn't push him into debt

C. It happens at the end of most campaigns, the clark idea is just a bit more creative.

D. What happend to all the people who were willing to lay down their lives and their first born children. What happend? Are we all in the "anger stage"

[Carolina]

49. yep

[kayleybeth]

51. So don't contribute.

Problem solved. :-)

[andym]

40. I'm happy to give Clark another $100 if

I'm happy to give Clark another $100 if he decides to reconsider and continue campaigning

[Jack_Dawson]

61. Amen to that. He told me he was running til Super Tuesday

Gert introduced him as "the next president of the United States" and then he wimps out on us. Dude you WON a state! If Dean can stick around you sure as hell can. OK so maybe I AM in the anger state of grief. Let me work through it, OK? :argh:

[BootinUp]

53. Why is this such a big deal?

I understand the emotional thing believe me, I am pissed about the end of the race. I got way to connected to the whole thing and it hurts that it is over, but there is no reason to make Gert and Wes have to suffer with some kind of big debt from this. If you can afford to send something then help them clear the debt from the campaign.

[Jack_Dawson]

62. What debt?

Sorry if this is hopelessly naive, but he raised the second-most amount of money in the campaign. His last fundraising drives were for $2 million and $700K, both of which he easily surpassed. Media buys are done up front, I doubt his campaign staff was making six figures...so where's the debt?

Again, I'm not asking this to be inflammatory...I just honestly don't know. And the fact that they totally disregard any money we may have already sent really irks me. Incognito (I think) paid $750 to attend a fundraiser, then got stiffed. Is THAT fair? Arrrrrrrrgh. Yes I'm still working through my anger.

[BootinUp]

66. He raised the second most in the 4th qtr

But actually he raised about 20 million which puts him either 3rd or 4th for the whole election.

I don't know what the debt is. But I don't have a hard time imagining there is one. They were struggling with where to spend what they had right to the end.

[Tinoire]

55. I like this thread. Confirms my faith that many Clark supporters

are true progressives who care more for justice than gold/bronze plates. Thanks to those of you who made that clear enough.

[kayleybeth]

60. So...

you are saying that anyone who contributes to General Clark in response to this email is not a true progressive? And anyone who denounces the email IS a true progressive? Interesting.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

57. This Was Not Well Done, But I Have No Problems With It

Better to have waited. Or just been honest about the debt.

That said, I have no problem with it, and if I hadn't already maxed out, I would be sending him $100 right now.

DTH

[Jack_Dawson]

63. DTH it kills me to see your Kerry avatar.

I just can't bring myself to do it. I hope you'll understand. :beer:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

65. I Totally Understand

My love for the General is still there. But I'm supporting Kerry now, and I know that's what the General would want.

DTH

[dkf]

72. WOW DTH. You're wearing a Kerry avatar?

Never thought I would live to see the day.

[andym]

67. This email indicates some of what went wrong with Clark's campaign

This email indicates some of what went wrong with Clark's campaign. Some of the managers running the campaign were mediocre at best. When you are not a professional politician, you are at a distinct disadvantage in getting the best people to help you, especially when you start late in the game.

[Jack_Dawson]

68. But Kerry is a professional politician,

And he had some hand-picked person to run his campaign, then fired his ass very late in the game. And then The Surge.

[andym]

70. But Kerry had his pick of the best people

As a professional with the best connections, Kerry could call in favors to get the very best people, even late. Clark for the most part couldn't.

Btw, the reports coming from the Kerry campaign at the time he altered its organization were that he had too many campaign people in conflict over how the campaign should be run. There were two warring contigents, so he eliminated one.

[tishaLA]

69. I'm afraid I agree

I wish Clark had known to fire someof his advisors BEFORE NH. He would have been better off and, IMHO, would have gotten the media attention his campaign deserved.

[NV1962]

71. Make that: before IOWA - n/t

[Piperay]

73. I got one too but

I'm not making a 'federal case' of it that allows non-Clark supporters the chance dump all over my guy. :argh: I'm sure Clark has plenty of campaign debt to pay off. I'm glad he is being responsible and still trying to pay his creditors instead of reneging and leaving people with nothing for the goods and services they provided his campaign.

[joanski01]

74. I'm with you, Piperay.

I got the e-mail and immediately sent him the $100. Glad to help him and help his helpers get paid!

[Jack_Dawson]

75. "Federal Case" may be a wee bit melodramatic

A lot of people felt kicked when we were down. The General is tough enough to weather some venting from the likes of me.