WaPo - Clark's stock plummeting

[JPJones]

"Two Democrats close to Kerry said retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark's stock plummeted after the former Democratic presidential candidate received lackluster reviews from some former colleagues."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50708-2004Jun17.html

[wjsander]

1. Clarkies, DON'T PANIC!!!

It's just bad news about Clark, so it MUST be trash. Just ignore it like the others and start poppin the corks. :party:

[cosmokramer]

8. what an assinine remark to make.

[aquanut]

22. One of many unfortunately

Faith and Optimism isn't in his vocabulary.

[OneBlueSky]

2. if Kerry passes on Clark, and BushCo ends up dumping Cheney . . .

in favor of McCain, it's gonna make out candidate look pretty wimpy, imo . . .

[freetobegay]

3. I am a firm believer that stuff like this means someone really

Doesn't want Clark on the ticket. IMO means his chances keep going up.

[JI7]

4. as Kerry himself said, it's just people leaking without information

he has kept this a secret thing so those who reveal info are not getting it from him. and it's no secret that people do this based on who the want at times also.

[flpoljunkie]

5. How utterly dismissive! And who might these "former colleagues" be?

Some of the same brass still in the Pentagon that have kowtowed to the thugs in the Bush administration?

Those who served up this information obviously are not rooting for Clark. And, if you believe their contention that Kerry is keeping the decision making process to himself and trusted advisors, this entire article is bullshit--totally speculative.

John Kerry is really keeping the lid on his VP choice--and good for him for doing so!

[robbedvoter]

7. Hugh Shelton still benting years at Wa Po

Kerry knows better.

[robbedvoter]

6. WaPo also said there is a link between Osama and AlQuaeda and

don't you dare say W lied.

[Justice]

9. Unfortunate That Headline of Post Is Not Meat Of Article

Guess JPJones didn't sign on to the truce pledge.

This article has alot of positive things to say about Edwards and others. Too bad post couldn't be put up to emphasize that, instead of the one sentence about Clark. Hmm.

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. Hugh Shelton's at it again.

Kerry isn't going to listen to that bullshit. If he want reviews about Clark.... send him HERE!

Little Rock - Fifty-five former U.S. ambassadors and diplomats, women and men who have served in some 36 countries during the last four administrations, believe that Wesley K. Clark is the right choice to lead America at this critical time in the world.

"Serving as representatives of the United States has allowed each of us to meet with world leaders and see what terrific leadership looks like," said Cynthia Schneider, Ambassador to theNetherlands and co-chair of Ambassadors for Clark. "We know that the world is more interconnected than ever before, and so the impact of good and bad leadership impacts America and the world more than ever before. Wes Clark appreciates that and ambassadors understand the interconnectedness of the world and the critical need for a new leader to repair and strengthen our global ties."

"I am thrilled by the endorsement of those that have the respect of world leaders on every continent," Wesley Clark said. "They understand the importance of rebuilding America's alliances and restoring our country to a position of leadership based on cooperation and respect."


Ambassadors and Diplomats for Clark grew out of the unique phenomena of the Draft Wesley Clark movement. Not only did Wes Clark receive encouragement to run from thousands of individuals from across the U.S., the letters of support came from people, both U.S. citizens and citizens of many other nations, who understand that Wes Clark is the person we need to lead America at this crucial moment in history. The full list of ambassadors and diplomats is below.

Morton Abramowitz, Ambassador to Turkey and Thailand, Assistant Secretary of State
Brady Anderson, Ambassador to Tanzania.
Christopher Ashby, Ambassador to Uruguay.
Jeff Bader, Ambassador to Namibia, Senior Director National Security Agency
Robert Barry, Administrator, Agency for International Development; Head, OSCE
J.D. Bindenagel, Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues.
Donald Blinken, Ambassador to Hungary
Amy Bondurant, Ambassador to OECD
Avis Bohlen, Ambassador to Bulgaria, Assistant Secretary of State
George Bruno, Ambassador to Belize
Paul Cejas, Ambassador to Belgium
Tim Chorba, Ambassador to Singapore
Bonnie Cohen, Under Secretary of State
Nancy Ely-Raphel, Ambassador to Slovenia
Ralph Earle, Deputy Director of State, Chief U.S. Negotiator, SALT II Treaty
Thomas H. Fox, Assistant Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development
Mary Mel French, Chief of Protocol
Edward Gabriel, Ambassador to Morocco
Richard Gardner, Ambassador to Italy & Spain
Robert Gelbard, Ambassador to Indonesia & Bolivia, Assistant Secretary of State
Gordon Giffin, Ambassador to Canada
Lincoln Gordon, Ambassador to Brazil, Assistant Secretary of State
Anthony Harrington, Ambassador to Brazil
John Holum, Under Secretary of State
William J. Hughes, Ambassador to Panama
Swanee Hunt, Ambassador to Austria
James Joseph, Ambassador to South Africa
Rodney Minott, Ambassador to Sweden
John McDonald, Ambassador to the United Nations
Stan McLelland, Ambassador to Jamaica
Gerald McGowan, Ambassador to Portugal
Arthur Mudge, Mission Director for Agency for International Development
Lyndon Olson, Ambassador to Sweden
Donald Petterson, Ambassador to the Sudan, Tanzania & Somalia
Kathryn Proffitt, Ambassador to Malta
Edward Romero, Ambassador to Spain & Andorra
James Rosapepe, Ambassador to Romania
Nancy Rubin, United Nations Commission on Human Rights
James Rubin, Assistant Secretary of State
David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary of State
Howard Schaffer, Ambassador to Bangladesh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Teresita Schaffer, Ambassador to Sri Lanka & Maldives
David Scheffer, Ambassador at Large for War Crimes
Cynthia Schneider, Ambassador to the Netherlands.
Derek Shearer, Ambassador to Finland
Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State
Thomas Siebert, Ambassador to Sweden
Richard Sklar, Ambassador to the United Nations
Peter Tarnoff, Under Secretary of State
Peter Tufo, Ambassador to Hungary
Arturo Valenzuela, Senior Director, National Security Council
William Walker, Ambassador to El Salvador & Argentina, Head, Kosovo VerificationMission
Vernon Weaver, Ambassador to the European Union
Phoebe L. Yang, Special Coordinator for China Rule of Law, State Department
Andrew Young, Ambassador to the United Nations http://clark04.com/press/release/221 /

Below is a post I saved from DU.....these things ALWAYS come in handy to refute the crap posted about Wes Clark.

 Collection of Military Testimonials for Clark


Most of these were gathered together by someone who posted them weeks back on the general blog running at the Clark official web site. I added a few more that I had pulled off the open letters written to Clark during the Draft Clark days. Sorry if the formats differ, and I warn you, this is a long post. But all of it involves comments made by people who worked with Clark in the military.

Gerry Smith, West Point Classmate
Gerry SMITH continues to send occasional emails from the Balkans and
recently made some observations that are quite laudatory of Wes
CLARK. " As I travel around Kosovo and visit business owners and
presidents, so many have calendars, posters and photos with Wes
Clark's visage in their offices. While they speak with respect of the
Clintons, Holbrookes, and Walkers, they speak with awe and reverence
for Wes. I am always treated nicely by those I visit. Invariably, in
the small talk that follows, Wes Clark comes up and I mention that we
were in the same West Point class. From that point on, I am treated
like royalty even though I point out that I knew him very little. You
would think I was the hero. I am certain they go home that night to
tell the family they met somebody that knew Wesley Clark."


(http://www.washingtonpost.com, By Vernon Loeb,Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, September 17, 2003; Page A01) “Army Col. Douglas Macgregor .... An author and strategist who has also had his fights with the Army brass, Macgregor said he will forever be indebted to Clark for taking a chance and naming him as director of planning at NATO headquarters in Belgium in 1997:
"There is this aspect of his character -- he is loyal to people he knows are capable and competent," Macgregor said. "As for his peers, it's a function of jealousy and envy, and it's a case of misunderstanding. General Clark is an intense person, he's passionate, and certainly the military is suspicious of people who are intense and passionate. He is a complex man who does not lend himself to simplistic formulations. But he is very competent, and devoted to the country."

(http://www.washingtonpost.com, (By Vernon Loeb,Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, September 17, 2003; Page A01)”William J. Perry, who as deputy defense secretary first encountered Clark in 1994 when he was a three-star general on the Joint Staff. "I was enormously impressed by him," said Perry, a mathematician and legendary Pentagon technologist who later served as secretary of defense under Clinton. Perry was so impressed, in fact, that with Clark facing retirement unless a four-star job could be found for him, Perry overrode the Army and insisted that Clark be appointed head of the U.S. Southern Command, one of the military's powerful regional commanders in chief, or CINCs. "I was never sorry for that appointment," Perry said.www.veteransforclark.com
(Chuck Smith, Command Sergeant Major – Army, City - Clay Center, Kansas)“I am writing this not only to let General Clark know that he has my support, but to let whom ever reads this understand what makes Wes Clark tick. I have known General Clark professionally since he was a Major in Bamberg Germany and I was a Staff Sergeant. I had the privilege to serve with him two more times at Ft Carson Colorado when he was a Brigade XO and then when he was a Battalion Commander. The man is a brilliant leader! He does not make rash decisions. He checks out every option. He listens to his subordinates but asks them the hard questions and then checks out his options again. He is a true professional. If he was in the White House the American public would feel secure in knowing that the decisions he would make would have their best interests in mind. He is a true patriot! What he does and what he says is how he feels about this country and the future of it. He will think about the little guy just as he used to think about the young soldier in that tank engaging the enemy, and what that soldier would have to deal with because of his decision. Wes Clark is the right man for the job!”

Forrest (Bill) Hilbish, CW04 (Retired), US Navy, Mogadore, Ohio, 1975-1999
Comments - I worked for General Clark while stationed at SCJ6 Current Operations Branch for USSOUTHCOM in Panama. He was an excellent leader and commander. My wife was impressed by the fact that even though there were hundreds of officers working for him, he knew both of our names. He replaced General Barry McCaffrey (Drug Czar for Clinton). I am a Republican but I would vote for the "ONE" Democrat. Good luck General...

Louie Yepez, SPC, ARMY, Long Beach, California. 1997-Present
Comments - I first saw Gen. Clark when I was in Bosnia in 1999 and he spoke to us in a theater. I always felt he had strong leadership qualities, which is why i will support him for 2004! Thnak you.

Sam Closkey, Rank - LTC – Army, City - Palm City, FL, 1966-1986
I worked with General Clark at the National Training Center. I always thought he would be an excellent president. He was the easiest guy to work for, smart, appreciative, confident and he really cared about people. I am a registered republican, but he's got my vote. How can I help?

T. Ryan, Rank – SSgt, USMC, City – Boston, Ma, 80-84 87-2003
Comments - Prior to joining the Marines I was a 17 year old Soldier in the 1st Bn 77th Armor 4th ID. Then LtCol Clark was my Bn Commander. I can honestly say he was top notch, very well respected by Enlisted and Officers a like and lerned a lifetime of respect from myself. A true Soldiers Soldier. Thanks for everything Sir and Semper Fidelis.


"I have watched him at close range for 35 years, in which I have looked at the allegation, and I found it totally unsupported," said retired Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, who taught with Clark at West Point in the 1970s. "That's not to say he isn't ambitious and quick. He is probably among the top five most talented I've met in my life. I think he is a national treasure who has a lot to offer the country."http://www.azstarnet.com/vote/31012nClark-Military.html"Look, for 34 years when there was a tough problem the local leadership asked Wes Clark to take on the problem," McCaffrey said. "This guy has been incredibly successful at doing the country's business." http://www.azstarnet.com/vote/31012nClark-Military.html "Two other retired lieutenant generals who worked with Clark, Dan Christman and Don Kerrick, said friction involving Clark was to be expected as he tried to balance the interests of NATO allies and the United States.
"We knew that he was a man of his word and that he would deliver what we expected," said Kerrick, who was deputy national security adviser to President Clinton when Clark was at NATO.

Colonel David Hackworth (www.clarkmyths.com) “At the interview, Clark came along without the standard platoon of handlers and treated the little folks who poured the coffee and served the bacon and eggs with exactly the same respect and consideration he gave the biggies in the dining room...”

Military Support from the Draft days:

FirstName: Tony
LastName: Jones
City: Mandeville
State: LA
Date: 09/13/2003
Time: 09:42 PM
Comments
Dear Sirs, As a former military officer myself and having served under Clark, I can attest to the fact that Mr. Clark is a strong leader and a truly innovative thinker. Not afraid to make decisions but wise in mechanics of diplomacy as well. I applaud his stance and feel that as any American, he has the right to question the current administration and it’s policies. As a member of the military you do not enjoy these rights only the heavy often dangerous burden of protecting them. My hats off to him and any other American who has the courage to be a free thinker and not ignorantly mimic those who choose to use political spin to support a very flawed policy for the US. I fully support Mr. Clark’s ability and his courage to take a stand for what many millions of Americans believe in but are afraid to express – a strong nation with a solid foundation capable of operating with tact and discretion a global society. I am disgusted with the current administrations tactic of wrapping their poor decisions in an American flag and declaring those who challenge them as unpatriotic. How dare them and any other citizen who is a true American to believe that free speech is something to be suppressed. I, like Mr. Clark and millions of others, have spent a large portion of our adult lives defending this great nation and it’s constitution and fully support the right of each and every American to express his or her rights of free speech. Good or bad, pleasant or not, these rights are what make this country great. I and all my friends will be behind Mr. Clark should he decide to make this very important decision, one which I know will be of great benefit to this country and the entire world.

FirstName: Frank
LastName: Adams
City: Spanish Fort
State: AL
Date: 09/12/2003
Time: 09:57 AM
Comments
General Clark was my last boss in the Army. He was the J-5. I never worked harder, but it was clear that what he had us doing was important. He is the smartest, fairest man I have spent time around. If he runs, it will be for the good of the country, not for any type of self aggrandizement. I am prepared to actively work for his election. I am also pledging $500 to his campaign. General, duty is calling you once again. Please answer the call.

FirstName: Angelo Ray (GSE-15 CIV/COL) KFOR
LastName: GALAS
City: New York
State: NY
Date: 09/15/2003
Time: 09:14 PM
Comments
General Clark, America needs you. Please run for president. I served with you in Albania and Kosovo, first as part of TF Hawk, then into KFOR. I'd like to "meet up," with fellow supporters at the New York Athletic Club, which I think would be a great venue, no host. Keep me posted. You're a leader and a true hero, our military, our citizenry, deserve an intelligent, experienced, multilateralist to lead. You and your family will make a great First Family and I'd be honored to serve you again. Very Respectfully, /s/ Ray Galas Commissioner City and County of Honolulu (Now resident of New York City.)

[dkf]

11. Title should be **Kerry doesn't want VP who upstages him**

That means no Clark, no Dean, no Biden, no Clinton (neither of em), no Gore. Maybe no Edwards too (too good looking!)

If you can give a barnburner of a speech, you're OUT!

Instead look for the characteristic *boring as hell* and you've got your VP candidate.

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. Gephardt?

:( I hope not.

[janx]

13. Kerry doesn't have to choose a boring running mate.

He just has to choose one who knows how not to upstage him.

[dkf]

14. And who doesn't overshadow him professionally (read General)

to Kerry's Lieutenant so I guess this means no Zinni either. Sigh.

[in_cog_ni_to]

16. No, Kerry will do what's BEST for this country.

I have to believe that. So, that means Wes Clark. :hi:

[janx]

27. What I meant was that I think it depends on the ability of the

V.P. candidate to recognize what is appropriate and what is not. Some might call this having manners; the more cynical among us might call it "toning things down."

But any really vibrant vice president (I think of Al Gore) both supports the president and throws him/herself into major projects that the president cares deeply about but maybe doesn't have a lot of time for. One that comes immediately to mind from the Clinton/Gore years is technology, but that's only one. Environment is another, though Clinton was a great environmental president. Gore helped a lot in that respect.

There's nothing wrong with having a stellar, strong vice president, as long as the president and vice president have a very complementary relationship and work ethic. A good vice president, to a large extent, helps the president to define the presidency and to keep that whole effort going.

I'm sure that Kerry realizes that.

[flpoljunkie]

15. This photo and caption are revealing..."Two Patriots, One Mission"

Courtesy of CBS news

"Request permission to come aboard, the Army's here."
Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, to Sen. John Kerry, a former Navy lieutenant

[dkf]

17. Sorry, but did you read this paragraph?

"Kerry, they say, sometimes appears conflicted when talking about his desire to find a strong leader, or a peer, who could without a doubt run the nation in wartime and his concern of being upstaged or unfavorably compared with his running mate, stylistically or professionally. "

That screams "no generals" to me.

Of course, we know how reliable the WP is...

[flpoljunkie]

18. Did you read the caption under the photo? Quote from Wes Clark.

[in_cog_ni_to]

20. Who's "they" in this article?

You need to register to read the article and I really don't want to register to read the WP. Who's "they?" or does the article not say who they are?

[flpoljunkie]

21. Unnamed "friends"...apparently...more utterly meaningless speculation

Kerry's competitive streak, which has run deep throughout his career, is also coloring his decision, friends say. Kerry, they say, sometimes appears conflicted when talking about his desire to find a strong leader, or a peer, who could without a doubt run the nation in wartime and his concern of being upstaged or unfavorably compared with his running mate, stylistically or professionally.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50708-2004Jun17.html

Additionally, this is what ABC's The Note had to say about this very article:

It's that time again. The selection nears, and so editors demand flashy, juicy veepstakes stories and the trifecta of Kerry, Johnson, and Cahill refuse to cooperate. In the high-stakes veepstakes game, you have facts and you have speculation. There is a paucity of former; a surplus of the latter.

Which leads even the most conscientious and talented of American political reporters to write sentences like this:

"It was not known whether any of these candidates were on Kerry's short list — or even whether there was a short list." But the very model of a modern major wishy-washy veepstakes story comes courtesy of the Washington Post 's Jim VandeHei and Lois Romano, who contend that the "process is revealing much about how the Massachusetts senator views his strengths, his leadership style and the role of vice president."

Their word count: 1,654; Instances of the word "close": 11; Instances of the word "friend" 9; Instances of the word "private" 5.

more... http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/TheNote/TheNote.html

[JPJones]

23. That's all there is about Clark

in the whole article. Most of the article is about Gep and Edwards.

[sparrowhawk]

19. I am tired of stories with unnamed sources ...

"two Democrats ..."; "former colleagues." Didn't Kerry said not to trust anything regarding VP selection unless you hear it from Kerry himself?

[Scoopie]

24. I think I'll create an e-mail addy

with some big wig Dem's name on it and spread a rumor just to see if it ends up in the newspapers this weekend!
:evilgrin:

[Doosh]

25. with the exception of Bob Graham

I don't think any of our potential VP's are boring, Gephardt showed a lot of fire and enthusiasm in his stump speeches during the primaries. Where did the "boring" tag come from?

[DancingBear]

26. Oh fer crissakes

I live in VA, and I get the Post delivered every day.

The next time the Post has anything good to say about Wes Clark will be the FIRST time the Post has anything good to say about Wes Clark.

End of story.