About Clark Endorsing Kerry, I've done some thinking

[xultar]

I wish Clark had simply waited until the primary process was over and simply endorsed the nominee.
BUT, and there is always a big BUT out there
He had to endorse Kerry, Why?

Can't endorse Dean, Dean has called him a Rethug way to many times. So Clark isn't going to endorse Dean nor would he want Dean to have any of his delegates. No foreign policy, light on Nat'l security matters.

Can't endorse Edwards, heck Edwards hired Shelton, a back stabbing son-of-a-MF. No foreign policy, light on Nat'l security matters. Edwards has been throwing the whole 2 man race thing around too much.


Can't endorse Sharpton or DK they are too far apart on the issues.

That only leaves Kerry.

Discuss...

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Guess that means Clark considers Kerry the most qualified based on his

litmus test. FWIW, I am hoping Kerry chooses Clark as a running mate. We don't need to lose anymore senate seats. Gephardt should run for senate and Bayh should stay where he is..sorry Indiana..you can keep him. :D

[Tinoire]

5. That's cooooold NSMA! n/t (re Indiana)

[boxster]

2. There's one primary reason why Clark endorsed Kerry....

He's the front-runner, and he's going to win the nomination.

I really do believe it's that simple. I believe that Wes is doing this as a show of unity, because he understands that unity in the Democratic Party is very important in this election. As he said in his "farewell" speech, the common goal is to get rid of Bush, and he said he would do anything to accomplish that goal.

To steal a line from Howard Dean, Clark is prepared to do anything, even if it's unpopular.

[Donkey007]

3. My My

Now who might you support?

[w4rma]

25. Clark

Did you not read the signiture?

My username is boxster, and I approved this message. I'm a proud Wes Clark Democrat. Give 'em hell and never retreat!

[boxster]

28. I didn't mean that in a bad way; sorry if it came out like that.

Clark seems very committed to doing whatever it takes to get Bush out of office. In pursuing that goal, he thinks that Kerry's the guy to do so or he thinks that Kerry's nomination is a foregone conclusion.

I approve of him doing so, even if Kerry isn't my next choice for the nomination.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

11. Clark is a smart guy

and there is certainly no reason to doubt his sincerity at this point.

[Crunchy Frog]

16. I actually think there are several reasons

I've read some of Clarks statements that lead me to believe that he favored Kerry for the nomination before he decided to get into the race himself. One of the reasons he's given was his surprise that the Kerry campaign just wasn't taking off.

He has always said that he believes the Democratic nominee in this election need to have really good national security and foreign policy credentials. Kerry is the only one left who fits those criteria.

I believe that the two have worked together in the past and have some sort of personal friendship. I also think that there is a kind of a bond there because of both of them being Vietnam vets.

I also think he's a realist and knows that Kerry pretty much has it wrapped up. That probably was why he quit when he did. I think he didn't want to campaign in a way that would only hurt the eventual nominee. I think he put the interests of the party and of the country ahead of his own political ambition.

I'm finding myself admiring him even more than I already did. I watched him on CNN today. He's not bitter and he clearly is not going to stop fighting for his country just because his presidential campaign is over.

I really hope that Kerry will realize how special he is and choose him as his running mate.

[boxster]

I agree, I think a Kerry/Clark ticket could be formidable.

Plus, it means we'd get to see Clark debate Cheney!

[Auntie Bush]

39. Hey, are you psychic?

You must be a mind reader. Couldn't have said that better myself

[Tinoire]

4. What?

Can't endorse Sharpton or DK they are too far apart on the issues

Whatever happened to the "Clark and Kucinich are the closest on the issues" meme from the days of wooing Kucinich supporters :shrug:

Wasn't Clark supposedly against the war putting him on the same sheet of music as Kucinich and Sharpton for the single, most important issue of the day? For Gay Marriage?

[girl gone mad]

7. I don't think Clark..

is on the same page as Kucinich with regards to getting the troops out of Iraq so quickly.

Also, Clark made comments towards the beginning of the race that he thought Kerry was the most qualified of his rivals, or something to that effect. I'm sorry, I don't have any quotes or links for that, but I do remember it.

[Crunchy Frog]

19. I think that Clark

is most interested in getting the most electable Dem the nomination.

I think many of Clark's supporters were close to Kucinich in their politics. I myself am probably going to make a donation to his campaign now that my guy is out, but I'm realistic about Kucinich's chances in the general election and I think Clark is too.

Finally, I think Clark is a pragmatist. I am too and that's why I would not support Kucinich for the nomination, even though I agree with much of what he says and am glad that he is getting a forum by running for president and winning some delegates.

[NV1962]

56. This Clark supporter disagrees

I don't know where I put my "why I support Wes Clark" thing, but if you're interested in reading it, I have a copy here. To save you a long read, the relevant part there comes down to my seeing a greater differences between Kucinich, on the one hand, and the group of Clark / Dean / Edwards / Kerry.

Which doesn't mean that I somehow would have a negative view of Dennis Kucinich: I really don't, and aside from that I really admire his guts and consistency during this administration.

But let's not get into why I didn' "pick" DK - my point here simply is that using a "close similarity" argument on the issues is, I believe, a hard sell. On some issues, on some important issue perhaps, but not overall.

At least, I wouldn't want to sell you that idea, and aside from your unlikely readiness to swallow that nonsense! :D

[democratreformed]

6. It also makes this Clark supporter feel much more comfortable

with the choice that is being made for me. I still resent having my choice taken away. But, the fact that Wes Clark can trust JK enough to do this says a lot to me. He continues to give me hope. Just yesterday, there at his speech, I said that I wish I could be as optimistic about the future as he is. Now, he is helping that along.

[krkaufman]

13. If Clark can forgive Kerry and put aside previous slights...

If Clark can forgive Kerry and put aside previous slights... then who am I to nurse umbrage for the man.

[joanski01]

8. I also heard on CNN that Tom Harken

was going to withdraw his endorsement from Dean. It's starting to show now. The Democrats are becoming unified behind the frontrunner. And that's basically what Clark said to Judy Woodruff in his interview on Inside Politics. You will see the Democrats unite!!! YAY!!!

They are also fighting back, for a change. I love it!

[stickdog]

34. Yes, three years later, they are fighting back!

Thank God for that spinal implant Dr. Dean performed.

[Auntie Bush]

41. If it wasn't for Dean...the Democrats would still

have a mouthful of wool and be bedridden with spinal stenosis.

[DancingBear]

9. I think only the Clark people will understand this

but we take what he does on (almost) blind faith. We actually believe his belief in party unity, and if he says tomorrow that he did this because he believes this is the best way to defeat Bush we're OK with that.

We've watched him long enough to know that what he does he does for country first, party second, Wes Clark third.

This morning, I was thinking I'd be voting ABB in November, and nothing more. Now, I may rethink that. Tomorrow I may rethink it again, if circumstances change. To say I am in flux is putting it mildly.

Upon further review, and after diagnosing my rather squirrely behavior with an objective eye, I have concluded this.

My wife is a saint.

[Auntie Bush]

42. She is also lucky!

[cajun4clark]

50. DancingBear, you are SO right about Clark supporters

I have complete faith in Wes Clark. If he ran for office in another country, I'd follow him there. For now, I can only hope that he's VP or Sec of State.

Still for Wes.

[BootinUp]

51. Yep, me too

Clark is like a boyscout, he is just following his oath and doing his duty for his country. I felt pretty bad seeing him getting trashed in the media, but he was in good spirits at the endorsement and I think its going to work out for him very well.

[Bombtrack]

10. One reason might be he's making up for feuling the intern story

didn't you read about that?

But if he were to endorse anyone, I did predict it would be Kerry. It's consistent with what he's said about him.

A while ago when Kerry was way back in the pack, and Clark was beating him in NH, Clark said something like "Kerry is a good man and would make a good president, but he just hasn't caught on"

[funky_bug]

40. If you haven't noticed

Clark rarely DIRECTLY addresses trash. I think his endorsement of Kerry is his way of saying, "fuck you" to the media that tried to play him like a divider. He doesn't have to address the issue with words. As always, Wes Clark is a man of action.

[NNN0LHI]

12. I think the main reason he supported Kerry is that he wants Bush gone

And he sees Kerry as the most qualified person to accomplish that goal. But that is only my humble opinion.

Don

[krkaufman]

15. Agreed. Pretty simple, really. n/t

[MoonRiver]

14. This is my take.

Clark and Kerry have already agreed that Clark will be Kerry's VP. That might have happened even before Clark officially bowed out. This is moving very fast, and has the feel of a choreographed event. I remember what Gert said the night before Clark dropped out and also the day he did drop out. She was very emphatic that they weren't going anywhere and implied Clark would be very active and involved in this campaign. I swear that's my impression. Gert was just a little bit too excited and optimistic when her husband dropped out of the race. I sensed a different and, not quite hidden, agenda. Then, just one day later Clark is coming out with his endorsement of Kerry. I got a feeling about this one. Mark my words.

[nancyharris]

17. Your analysis makes a lot of sense

It also begins to explain why Clark decided to endorse Kerry so quickly after withdrawing from the race. It is highly likely that whatever deal formed between the 2 was based on the requirement that Clark endorse Kerry within 48 hours before his supporters had decided on a different candidate.

[Nashyra]

18. When I heard Clark was dropping out

I was soooooooooo pissed that I swore that I would not support the cndidate that the media appointed and that was Kerry. I also said that I would support what Clark says needed to be done for the good of this country. If Clark says it's time to support Kerry then I'm there. I trust Clark enough to think that he would not mislead his supporters. He is the most MGROB (must get rid of bush) candidate out there and if he thinks supporting Kerry will do this, it's good enough for me.

[Kahuna]

20. Good for you Nashyra. I'm glad that you can look at it..

that way. In a field of nine there can be only one nominee. Clark didn't make it. Had he run in Iowa, things might be different now. But we can't go there because it accomplishes nothing.

I pray that Clark can be a part of the new administration. He is so gifted with goodness.

As far as the drudge accusation against Clark. I see it as a twofer for the repukes. They still fear Clark and don't want him in a position to rock their world. For they know that Clark will hold them accountable for their treason and lies. Upon hearing that Clark would support Kerry they conjured up this bullship to once again take the General down and take Kerry down with him.

This "scandal" is also an attempt to change the subject from bush's AWOL story.

[Nashyra]

21. Thanks Kahuna

It is sort of a relief, some sense of direction. I was ABB before Clark came on the scene and he brought so much more than that to the race, but listening I have learned that it is not so much ABB, but MGROB(must get rid of bush). He was willing to go where others wouldn't and brought to the table issues that were not safe to go to for a "candidate". Being an airline employee for American Airlines the fact that he brought out and publicly stated that * did not keep us safe before 9-11 was even more of a reason to respect him. Anyway I'll take the weekend off after caucusing for Clark in Nevada, we are still able to do so, so we will in our little precint in Lake Tahoe on Sat, then get to work for Kerry or what ever the "Clark group" has on the agenda as long as it is working toward getting rid of the * and is not vindictive politics towards other Dems. Who knows maybe the Clark recruits can band together and help take back the senate by e-blocking for candidates in the south?

[Adelante]

27. All right, Nashyra

:thumbsup:

[PROGRESSIVE1]

22. I too would be deeply offended if someone called me a RETHUG...

too.

[ajacobson]

23. I've been in a dilemma (warning: stream of consciousness post)

since WKC dropped out. I know that Kerry is going to be the nominee and since I've SAID that I am ABB, so am I, really?

Dean has zero point zero chance of getting nominated. BUT wouldn't it be useful to have a grassroots counterbalance to the bigwigs as we go into the convention? But if I'm looking for a protest candidate, isn't a Kuchinich choice more principled and consistent?

I have tried to see myself supporting Kerry. But I just cannot get past the IWR vote. Edwards isn't even in the runnning for me.

I'm usually a decisive person but this one has me stymied and I don't like it.

My main criteria for supporting WKC was that I felt he could build the coalition that could give 43* the boot. The voters felt otherwise. The party movers and shakers have chosen Kerry, who I don't think is a very strong candidate. I guess it is a done deal. BUT if other candidates brought something to the convention it may help shape the character of the general election campaign.

I am leaning toward Dean at this point.

[arewethereyet]

24. and there will be a little something extra in his envelope later on

if he was going to side, Kerry was the only one. Should have stayed neutral but I think this one was in the works for some time now.

[Tim_in_HK]

32. and you base that on . . .

What?

Honestly, the half-ass conspiracy theories that arise on DU are incredible.

[tishaLA]

26. As I said on another thread,

When Clark announces his support he is going to tear into the republicans for these efforts (through both the RNC and through their media voices like Limbaugh, Hannity, etc.) to paint Kerry as a friend of "Hanoi Jane," a communist sympathizer, weak on defense, etc. And Clark no longer has to mince words about the right wing media shills, either; he will pound them by name time and again, questioning their committment to the military, to truthfulness, and to patriotic principles. It will be beautiful.

He will STILL be the best weapon the Democratic Party ever had.

[Tom Rinaldo]

29. Clark believes a Kerry victory was inevitable.

Clark believes in himself enough, that were that not the case, he would still be running. Clark thought if he had an upside surprise in TN he might have gotten enough positive media attention to make it a race, that's why he stayed in for last week, and that's why he dropped out yesterday. Coming in third killed his chance to get that positive media AND NO ONE ELSE CAN GET IT EITHER.

Edwards was fading as a story also. Edwards didn't finish close to Kerry in the South, let alone win, even with all that free publicity. Dean was already running BEHIND Clark in the Wisconsin polls, and he came in a very distant fourth. The new media story was that Kerry is strong in every region.

Clark always believed that a Democrat without strong national security credentials in unlikely to be able to defeat Bush, and that is what Clark thinks the electorate now thinks also. Except they chose Kerry over him. Clark is man enough to look that truth in the eye. I believe Clark feels he it is time to solidify the base of the Democratic nominee who is running against Bush in the Fall. He is moving to help the Party close ranks sooner rather than later, against Bush.

I repeat. If Clark wasn't sure Kerry would win, Clark would not have withdrawn this early. He would have waited until after March 2nd just like Edwards and Dean and Kucinich and Sharpton say they will. Except Clark was not running as a personal career move. He was running to turn around Bush's wrong policies. Now that Clark is sure Kerry won't be denied the nomination, the best way Clark can further his original goal is to strengthen Kerry. And that is what he now is doing. Clark was a brilliant Four Star General, the outcome of this campaign became clear to him now, so he is on to the next phase; helping the Party win in November.

[ajacobson]

37. Tom, you are a mensch

I have to say it publically, you are the most articulate and well-reasoned person on DU (no disrespect to anybody else, of course).

What you say makes clear sense and I think that is tipping me toward Kerry (I was tipping toward Dean earlier).

[Auntie Bush]

43. Bravo Tom...You speak the truth!

[celticartemis]

46. Thank you, Tom

As usual, well-said.

[drfemoe]

53. Wisconsin polls

vote next Tuesday. Wrong state?

Edwards didn't finish close to Kerry in the South, let alone win, even with all that free publicity. Dean was already running BEHIND Clark in the Wisconsin polls, and he came in a very distant fourth.

And, may I ask, what are Kerry's "strong national security credentials"?

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[mikehiggins]

31. The point is the value of the endorsement would be greater

the longer it took to arrive. I'm not going to speak to the rumor that "senior staffers" couldn't wait to jump on the Kerry bandwagon. I just point out that everyone came on bended knee to Ross Perot when they wanted his support and that of his "grassroots" movement.

Clark broke a lot of rules getting to this point. He should have held out at least as long as Gephardt did before signing on with Kerry.

Now that Kerry has his endorsement, and supposedly the support of the Clarkistas, what further need does he have for the man himself? None that I can see. From this point on, try as he will, Clark may find himself increasingly marginalised until, by November, he could end up less than a footnote to the 2004 campaign.

As for a possible slot in a possible Kerry administration? If you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell you.

Keep the dream alive! Hang tough! Don't let the pros turn our grassroots movement into just more astroturf!

[stickdog]

33. Yeah, Dean played hardball with Wes, but Kerry never did.

:eyes:

[Cheswick2.0]

38. right and Clark never made and snarky statements about Dean

:eyes:

Frankly I don't think Clark is as petty as Xalter makes him out to be. I think Clark endorsed Kerry out of guilty for outing him on the bimbo story. That's my theory anyway. We shall see.

[Crewleader]

35. I love Wes Clark and who he endorses doesn't change my

feelings of him at all. He's uniting the Democratic Party with the front runner and will still speak out for the fight against Bush, yes that's a good thing!

So that Bush doesn't use National Security as a political shield and attack the patriotism of the Democratic Party,his party and our party, the only party that puts people first.

I am very happy he will be around and I have a good feeling if Kerry is the one nominated, Clark will be in his administration, I'd say maybe Secretary of State with his wide world knowledge of being a NATO Commander with foreign affairs.

I think Kerry may have VP slot for his friend Max Cleland, who would make a very good one too. Maybe offer it to Edwards...there is Secretary Defense, could be Clark.

Time will tell but I know one thing if we all are lucky enough to get all the candidates in the Democratic Administration whoever wins the nominee has my support and my vote in November 2004, we will win!

I hope and pray you all have the good sense to do the same!
We need Bush gone because we can't afford not to, too much at stake!

[bobthedrummer]

36. Your American heart beats though

and although you say you've dismissed Dennis Kucinich
deep within your heart and soul
you like his vision of the future
as most people do.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

44. The party needs to unite behind Kerry. Clark is a good Dem - unlike some

n/t

[John_H]

45. he cant back Edwards or Dean because they ain't going to win.

That simple. That obvious.

[MercutioATC]

47. Yeah, maybe we should just dispense with this silly "primary" stuff...

...geez, give it a rest...

[moondust]

48. Clark knows the value of heroic military service in this GE.

Without it the self-anointed "war president" spends millions upon millions trivializing his opponent as an untrustworthy greenhorn in the all-important matters of National Defense.

[drfemoe]

54. Yeah. gw can really run on HIS National Defense

record, right? It's such a smashing success, only a combat veteran (30 yrs ago)-turned war protestor can top it. hmmmm I was absent the day they taught JFK's trusty National Defense record. Will someone describe it for me?

[dkf]

49. Clark endorsed Kerry to make amends for the intern comment.

Thats what I think.

[HuskerDem]

52. That would be a great theory

except you have to believe Drudge is credible source first. And I mean not just 'cause it's convenient.

[drfemoe]

55. If "TIME" runs it next week ..

it's a story. If not, it will probably *poof*. Things move fast.