The LA for Clark Party Today Was Inspiring and Cathartic

[DoveTurnedHawk]

We had over 100 Clark supporters show up for lunch today to celebrate a great man, General Wesley K. Clark. We had the privilege of having his son Wes Jr., his wife Astrid, and their newborn son Wes III, join us, and Wes Jr. gave a truly inspirational and moving speech.

Like Dean, Clark changed the tenor of the entire debate. I credit Dean for helping the party find its backbone and voice. I credit Clark for reclaiming the mantle of patriotism for us Democrats, and also completely demolishing the Republicans' vise grip on foreign policy issues. This is a theme that John Kerry tried to raise early on, but for whatever reason it did not really catch on until Clark entered the race.

Nearly every Clark supporter I spoke to had the same response as mine about the future: we'll vote for Kerry and maybe even donate some money to him, but we'll go crazy for Kerry if he picks Clark as VP or promises him a cabinet position such as Secretary of State (as opposed to Secretary of Defense, which Clark is ineligible for as he has not been out of the military for the requisite 10 years).

No one I spoke to was supporting Dean, Edwards, Kucinich or Sharpton, interestingly.

Importantly, we resolved to keep our very motivated group together by forming some kind of Democratic club, and working on local issues as well as the Presidential race, potentially.

A :toast: to my fellow Clark supporters, and to loyal Democrats everywhere!

DTH

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. Thank you for that, DTH

and I'm quite impressed that Wes III is already giving speeches! :D

edit: that's not fair for you to go and edit the funniest part of your post! Change it back, change it back!!!!!!! :bounce:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

8. LOL!

I thought I edited quick enough that no one would notice. I guess I was wrong. :D

DTH

[MurikanDemocrat]

2. Excellent, fellow Democrat!

:toast:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

9. John Kerry Is a Good Man

I will have no problems voting for him in November.

:toast:

DTH

[NV1962]

3. Amen bro!

:toast:

All for Clark! What a wonderful meeting... Thanks for sharing your impression - here I am, green with envy but very motivated indeed!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

11. Come Out to L.A. Some Time

I'll introduce you to the other Clark supporters. :-)

DTH

[NV1962]

14. I'd love that!

Maybe this summer... Who knows - would be very nice! Wonder if I need decompression or other acclimatization before arriving at sealevel from the high desert here? ;)

It's really great to see that there's such wonderful enthusiasm in South California.

This is rocking.

[BootinUp]

4. Thanks for the inspirational post

:toast:

[Leilani]

5. Really nice post

A group of us here at DU are trying to keep Clark supporters together, hopeful that our influence could help Wes get a place in the Kerry administration. We're also trying to do something about reforming the front loaded primary system.

Anyway, we're giving it a week & having discussions, so join us if you'd like.

Clark groups at yahoo & MSN currently, & discussions here at DU.

[MoonRiver]

6. Oh, thanks DTH! My heart is still broken, but I feel that the General

is going to be an incredibly significant part of Kerry's administration. That thought fills me with feelings of hope and joy!
:grouphug:

[democratreformed]

7. Thanks so much for sharing

Great to hear about what our brothers and sisters are doing. At our local Dem meeting Thursday, I had to get up a speak about FDR. I was so nervous. I felt that I was just a rambling mess. Our president, this very charming little old man called yesterday to say I did a great job. I know better! I left out so much. But, oh well, next time my daughter has to speak. And she's much better than me.

Again, thanks for sharing.

P.S. Working to keep Wes Clark's dream alive is going to lead us to some great places. We are going to do some great things for our country and our party - I feel it - don't you?

[Adelante]

10. This is so great

Wes Clark Democrat clubs springing up ALL OVER!!

:bounce:

[jpgpenn]

12. Thanks for that insightful update!

Clark has without a doubt changed this election process in a great way!

[texasmom]

13. I'm curious about Wes Jr's speech

Please share some tidbits with us. I really like him and have enjoyed his straight talk and seeing the obvious admiration and love he has for his dad.

[11cents]

15. Interesting, DTH!

I just came from a East Bay Clark get-together. I was expecting mostly bad pizza, but it turned into a spirited and productive meeting, and I'm all jazzed. We, too, are staying together. Break out those "Clarkista for Kerry" buttons.

[cally]

16. I think the Clark candicy redefined the campaign

Clark allowed the Dems to claim patriot status. I love Clark and I'm glad you and others found some closure tonight. I don't think any of the Clarks knew how electable they are. I hope all run for future office.
:hug: DTH

I'm supporting Kerry, also.

[tishaLA]

17. I didn't know about this!

I'm sorry I missed it cause I'm even in LA. I hope I'll know next time!

[Tweed]

18. Yeah, I'm moving on from Clark to Kerry!