I have incredible respect for Clark, which is problematic.

[Robb]

This has me in a bit of a pickle, being a Dean supporter.

I did not anticipate Clark endorsing anybody this early in the process. I figured if he did drop out, he'd do the circuit with Terry and Co. and be a group support guy.

I'm very much for Dean, but to be honest it was a very near thing between him and Clark for my support. So with no one saying "Dean/Clark 2004" anymore (my secret fantasy, frankly inflamed since Clark left the race), or even that Clark might endorse Dean, I've got a real problem on my hands.

The real question I'm asking myself is: what quality in Kerry did I miss, that Clark sees? :shrug:

[Joe the Revelator]

1. Has Clark actually endorsed Kerry yet?

Honest question, i've been in and out of class most of the day.

[democratreformed]

5. Not yet

but widely rumored from several places.

[Dookus]

2. clark sees

that Kerry has the nomination sewn up. Kerry will be the nominee, and Clark now wants to get on with the business of beating Bush.

[democratreformed]

7. Funny, I was just saying this exact same thing to my daughter

Clark knows that we ALL need to pull together to ensure a win. He intends to do so.

[VolcanoJen]

3. I'm not sure what Clark saw in Kerry that I'm missing, either, Robb.

When you find out, will you let me know?

Weighing my choice between Dean and Edwards at this point,
Jennifer

[krkaufman]

8. National security

Clark is extremely focused, rightfully IMO, on putting forth a candidate with national security credibility. If Clark isn't the one, then Kerry is the only other choice.

The Dems cannot win this Fall without a strong "national security" ticket.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jpgpenn]

6. for starters...

Look at Kerry's service record and then look at Dean's bad back issue.

[Eloriel]

9. You probably missed an offer of VP or other appealing slot

Clark is no dummy (I'd call him an opportunist, personally). And Kerry seems to be quite free with the promises of VP slot -- or getting on the "short list" for the VP slot. Must be about 10 of them on it so far.

[Adelante]

10. I don't believe Clark would ever have endorsed

any candidate who did not have military and foreign policy experience, not in this year's election. He has been very consistent in saying, including when it applied to himself, the country in these times needs a commander in chief. National security is his first concern, because it always is and because he believes his dreams for progressive domestic policy initiatives can never be realized while our treasure is going into paying for this war. Among the remaining candidates there is simply no one left but Kerry. Additionally, Wes is fighting for the party, because he believes it can regain its integrity as the party for all Americans, especially the middle-class and poor. He will continue to put his heart and strength into getting the Bush bastards out! He can do it if he is in the game.

I plead for Wes Clark Democrats to stand by Wes Clark. This doesn't mean endorse Kerry. It means endorsing who you believe in. It does not have to mean abandoning Wes Clark.

[jmaier]

11. I agree WesDem

While the timing surprised me -- though it might be a good thing. Wes has been incredibly consistent on his insistence that it would take a strong national security platform to derail Bush so that we could get on to important domestic agenda. Given those concerns, it's pretty hard to see him backing anyone but Kerry. Especially given Kerry's commanding lead and momentum.

This quick move keeps Wes Clark in the spotlight attacking Bush. That's a good thing. Let Wes be Wes!

[jean]

12. Clark was on Inside Politics and Woodruff kept phrasing her

question in terms of him endorsing Kerry - "...so we hear you'll be in Wisconsin tomorrow to give your endorsement to Sen Kerry..." (paraphrased)

Clark answered this way twice - " I'll be glad to see John Kerry tomorrow..."

He didn't endorse Kerry on CNN, live this afternoon.

[Adelante]

13. He's endorsing Kerry

He wants to be with Kerry and maybe it's what Kerry wants to, when he does it.

[Toucano]

14. You missed the stink of loser

that's enveloped Dean since Iowa.

He had a 50 state campaign, tons of the right kind of money, and he hasn't won a single contest. Not even close.

Yes, you can go on a war of attrition in a quest for delegates, but the Kerry MO is unbeatable after he won in the south.

I hate it, but that's where we are.

If Dean didn't want Kerry to be the nominee, he could have stopped him by dropping out and endorsing Clark.

[Armstead]

15. Probably a chance to be Nat. Security Advisor or Sec. of Defense

My gues is there are more than a few ulterior motives in all of the current endorsements of Kerry.