Dean supporters - Say something nice about Clark.

[Skinner]

I think this exercise might be helpful in breaking a little bit of the tension in here. I'm curious whether people are even capable of doing this. And don't post one of those comments that is actually backhanded criticism.

(I'm making the Clark supporters do the same thing.)

[bitchkitty]

1. He's quite handsome and articulate -

I confess that because of the impression I've gotten here from his supporters, I haven't bothered to look into him more. I will do so today.

[xultar]

12. That was the same way I felt back in the day

but I've learned to look past them to the candidate.

[edzontar]

Clark served his country honorably

And has run a generally positive and effective campaign.

[Padraig18]

2. General Clark has a good record on civil rights and domestic violence.

He actually worked at implementing AA and was the 1st commander in the American military to devise a pro-active spousal-abuse intervention program.

[Bread and Circus]

29. I think this is a really important women's issue

Good on Clark, and his wife, whom I am sure had a big
role in that.

[Jack_Dawson]

42. This is very uplifting!

[RogueTrooper]

3. He was right about the Kosovo War

[Dookus]

4. you guys are gonna make me cry...

I'm not kidding. I didn't even know about his spousal abuse history. Thank you all.

[Padraig18]

9. It's one of the things I admire most about him.

It's a sin against man and God, and I admire his forthrightness in addressing the issue.

[HFishbine]

14. Huh?

I thought this was a joke. History of spousal abuse? For real?

[LuminousX]

22. Clarification.. not abuse he did, but the abuse he prevented

[Dookus]

24. lol....

naturally, I didn't meant HE had a history of spousal abuse. I meant his efforts to prevent it. Thanks Hep.

[AntiCoup2K4]

99. Let's hope Club for Growth isn't viewing this thread

...or there might be a "Clark the wife beater" ad on TV by next week :eyes:

[Atlant]

26. A serious problem among military families...

> Huh? I thought this was a joke. History of spousal abuse? For real?

A serious problem among military families is that when you've trained
people to solve problems using violence (which is, after all, what
soldiers are basically trained to do), they carry that solution
home withthem to their spouses and children.

The military is finally starting to acknowledge this problem.

Atlant

[dave29]

15. nothing makes me more angry than

this issue. Abuse, of any kind should not be tolerated in any workplace, home, or within the military. Anywhere period. I did not know this about General Clark either... he goes up a knotch for this.

Bravo!

[9119495]

5. He has an impeccable record of national service. n/t

[Goldmund]

6. I'll go

It boggles the mind why any true Dean supporter would dislike Clark, other than some petty football-fan-like rivalries. I am totally into Clark, and would be exhalted were he to win the nomination. The main reason that I support Dean above Clark is that military generals intuitively freak me out, but I recognize that is completely subjective, and may even be a positive in the -- ahem -- sense of "electability". Clark is great on issues, eloquent, and I trust him. The "he used to praise Bush" thing is a total no-point, for many reasons, such as that he comes from the military hierarchical mindset, and that any honest and strong person is more than entitled to change his or her mind in the face of new information.

[Clark Can WIN]

55. you should try to meet him sometime

It's impossible to be freaked out by a general that gives you a big hug. Trust me. :-)

[dajabr]

7. Won't take any guff from Faux News...

Called out Rove.

[AntiCoup2K4]

8. He opposed the ridiculous illegal invasion of Iraq.

And still says it was a bad idea.

[Bozola]

10. Clark is a hell of a guy.

Extremely intelligent, talented administrator, nice looking chap; he appears to be an all around decent individual. It would appear to be one of the few American gernerals in the last thirty years who's worth more than their weight in spam.

Neither he, Dean, or Kucinch warrent the derisive attacks that have been posted here at DU ad nauseam.

(english is a horked language)

[dave29]

11. Easy

General Clark is a great man - and a patriot. He has served our country well in the armed services - and I always enjoyed his commentary on CNN. I wish him and his supporters the best of luck in this campaign!

No matter what anyone (including myself) says - he brings to the table something the democrats sorely need - a solid "strong on defense" label - and we can only benefit from his presense in the race - or on the ticket.

[Hep]

13. Clark has so much going for him

He's a freaking Rhodes SCholar? He's got military expereience, not like Kerry who drove a boat, I mean as in military planning, administration, strategy. But at the same time he's not a hawk. But beyond his military experience, he taught economics at the college level, no? That's ANOTHER great thing for him. He's intelligent, and he's experienced. I have no doubt that Clark would make a great candidate. I would happily vote for him.

The only downside is that in supporting him after winning the nomination, I would have to stand next to some really mean spirited people of the lowest form. People who have more hate in their hearts than anything else. And that will be the truest test of my character. Whether or not I can stand for my principles among those who have none. Clark is awesome. It's his representative here that have tarnished what HE stands for.

Apologies to those Clark supporters whom I respect and admire. They more than anyone know what I'm talking about, though.

[bain_sidhe]

74. I have to comment here

The only downside is that in supporting him after winning the nomination, I would have to stand next to some really mean spirited people of the lowest form. People who have more hate in their hearts than anything else. And that will be the truest test of my character. Whether or not I can stand for my principles among those who have none.

I've felt the same way about a few Dean supporters, and at least a dozen times a day I vow to myself that I'll NEVER get behind Dean if it means working with those people - and a dozen and one times a day, some rational, kind, and utterly admirable Dean supporter changes my mind. Of course, I could avoid all this by not spending so much time in GD 2004, but what would be the fun in that?

Both candidates have some (imho) pretty mean-spirited supporters - but the supporters are not the candidate (as I keep telling myself), or we'd be in *real* trouble.

[Cassandra]

16. He's a good, decent, intelligent man...

a war hero, a leader and my second choice. If he becomes the nominee, I would vote for him happily.

[HFishbine]

17. He's willing to call out the Bush administration

on a vareity of issues.

[LuminousX]

18. A brief case for Clark

1. Undeniable leadership ability.

2. As NATO commander, he needed to have the skills of a diplomat while trying to maintain military conduct. This is difficult even when there isn't any shooting going on, it becomes nigh-impossible in an actual war. He was able to do it with only a few bruises and scrapes. That is admirable to the nth degree.

3. He articulates his positions very well and when he commits to something he does so whole-heartedly, like he did with the abortion issue. His stated position was bold and forceful, and at least for me, eased some of my worries about him.

[burning bush]

19. Clark has an excellent academic and military resume /nt

[John_H]

20. Opps, wrong link---gotta post my dean complement in the other thread

[Atlant]

21. He comes with automatic "bona fides" for a large swath of voters.

He comes with automatic "bona fides" for a large swath of voters
in the center of the political spectrum.

He, like Dr. Dean, appears to draw voters who have, in the past,
supported Republicans including Bush II.

Forewarned by the '02 election, he probably wouldn't allow
himself to be "Clelland'ed" by Republican propaganda.

Atlant

[jcgadfly]

23. Would accept him as President

as I would anyone but Lieberman.

[NashVegas]

25. He's Been Able to Get Some Severe Digs at Bush In

on the cable news channels.

[Kira]

27. He is extremely intelligent

and brave. I admire how he has spoken out about 9/11 and has said that Bush is ultimately responsible and could have done more to have stopped it. This is very important to me. He also seems like a nice person. He looks very presidential. He is my second choice. I like his domestic policies. I think he would represent us very well with other leaders around the world.

[CreamyGoodness]

28. He's a good candidate on paper

Well, his resume looks good.

[rogerashton]

30. He is addressing the issues with careful preparation.

I wish that were what wins elections in this country.

[Orangepeel]

31. He earned everything he has in life

Through hard work and intelligence, and, I believe, sincerely wants to make a positive difference in people's lives.

[montanacowboy]

32. I respect General Clark and furthermore

would love to see him on Dean's ticket. I still truly believe that the only winning combination to take out the pretender and chief liar in the WH is Dean/Clark.

[Bread and Circus]

33. Dean is an ass kicker.....

I think he and Trippi would make excellent heads of the
DNC in terms of fundraising and inclusion.

I actually like that Dean is really a moderate. I am a moderate.

[coloradodem2005]

34. He is a good man.

Quite intelligent and articulate. Like Dean he has taken Bush to task for his many missteps. He is my second choice.

[CMT]

35. ok,

I think he served his country well in the military.

[dajabr]

36. There's not really that many of us who come here often anymore...

So, I'll kick this but it might be all the responses we can muster, based on our numbers here.

:-(

[Kolesar]

38. especially considering that DU was Deanirvana a few months ago

What about Wes Clark? Towering intellect and he has accomplished a huge amount with it.

[KissMyAsscroft]

37. I'm an adament Dean supporter...

But if Clark gets the nod, he's got my support.

I really don't think Dean supporter are not going to vote for him.

We're all in the same boat and Clark is a good man with outstanding credentials.

[JaneQPublic]

39. Clark makes me proud to be an American, and represents the very best...

...of the U.S. military.

[Kahuna]

60. Awww Jane... You're making me misty...

What a beautiful compliment.

[dansolo]

40. I think the people calling him a "Republican" are wrong

I believe that Clark is sincere in his stated liberal beliefs.

[DinahMoeHum]

41. He can take the military/veteran votes away from *. . .

and drive a huge wedge in the South.

:kick:

[UnityDem]

43. Many good things about him

Well spoken.
Answers questions directly.
Confident.
He is my second choice after Dean and I will work hard for him if he gets the nomination.

[LuminousX]

44. Can I post twice? Just thought of more

All the post regarding his military service brough to mind that one of the elements I like about the Clark campaign is he is smashing the preconceived notion that the military is a Republican organization.

I can imagine there are a lot of Democratic soldier out there, across the country, across the globe who have a renewed sense of pride knowing that one of their leaders is also a Democrat and a Democrat who has garnered enough civilian support to be considered a contender for the Presidency.

This in and of itself will leave a lasting mark on the Democratic Party for decades. Clark is a clear example that the U.S. military is a true non-partisan organization and serves the country, not any particular party. If he wins, it will go a long way in forever erasing the perception of the military being a GOP mill.

[Lisa0825]

51. EXCELLENT POINT!!!!!

Very well said!

[Logansquare]

45. He's very bright

and I think he has the most pertinent experience in military and foreign affairs. And he made a Fox pundit turn beet red, which was delightful.

[chocolateeater]

46. I admire his courage and skill in fighting for what he belives in.

And I like that he worked to reduce spousal abuse in the units under his command.:toast:

[Lisa0825]

47. He's a brilliant man

No one can dispute his intellect... 1st in his class at West Point, Rhodes Scholar, etc.

I think most of us here have nice things to say about him. Many of us (including me) have him as our #2.

[KaraokeKarlton]

48. Clark

would be a great Secretary of Defense and has an impressive military record.

[Hawkeye-X]

49. He is good in the military

That's the only thing I've got to say that's nice about him.

[Walt Starr]

50. Coming in out of my self-imposed exile from GD:04P to say

it is extremely impressive that Clark graduated #1 in his class at West Point. I know the rigors and high standards of that institution ( I was nominated for a posting to West Point by none other than Dick Cheney) and to graduate #1 is a huge accomplishment for any person. He continued that level of excellence throughout his entire military career.

[MoonAndSun]

52. Wes Clark impresses me very much, he always has since he came

out saying he was going to run for Pres. He is very articulate, does not let the media pundits control his interviews, stays on message and has been bashing bush* at every opportunity.

Dean is my number #1 but Wes is a very strong #2 for me.

[Schmendrick54]

53. I will be glad to say several nice things about Gen. Clark.

As a dedicated Dean supporter who has donated dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars to his campaign, I would be happy to say a few nice things about General Clark -- and if he wins the nomination I will be proud to work enthusiastically for his election.

My Top Three positive things about Gen. Clark:

1. He has demonstrated his courage, loyalty, and patriotism by his faithful service in the U.S. Army in times of war. His leadership in battle despite suffering numerous wounds stands in sharp contrast to our Deserter-in-Chief, and I look forward to the opportunity to contrast the two, should Clark be nominated.

2. His recent tax proposal is a good one -- it highlights the regressivity of Bush's tax shift.

3. He has focused his campaign rhetoric on why he will be a better President than Bush -- NOT on criticizing his opponents.

Regards,
Schmendrick

[CWebster]

54. As Tom Rinaldo as my witness -

In the past I have made a number of positive observations about Clark and even thought, for awhile, that a Dean-Clark ticket would be hard to beat.

I happened to catch a small insignificant C-Span segment of Clark flipping pancakes at a VFW breakfast and thought the exchange with his wife reflected a likeable quality about Clark on a personal level.

[Atlant]

56. This thread made me smile...

This thread made me smile...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=89001

If Clark meant this in the way the thread suggests (and
I can't believe he wouldn't have been "in" on this joke),
then this gets him a few more points with me.

So I'll make this post in honor of Senator and Mrs. John
Blutarski, and in opposition to any and all the Neidermiers
on this board.

Atlant

[indigo32]

57. He's a good man

he proudly served his country and has taught economics. Besides...he makes my mother swoon every time she sees him LOL (though she doesn't care who wins as long as they are a Dem). I would vote for Wes Clark... I just want Dean to win.

[BurtWorm]

58. He is a master of the medium of television

He's best in one-on-ones, when his intelligence and intensity come through.

[janx]

59. I've praised Clark before on this board but will do so again.

You can't help but have enormous respect for Clark--not just a fine general in the noble cause of Kosovo, but a NATO commander.

That says something.

[joefree1]

61. No problemo, Clark is one smart dude

From Rhodes Scholar to the top of the class at West Point. Man, I would hate to have a class with him in it. Clark must totally screw the grading curve.

I really like Clark and will have no problem voting for him.

On Edit: There are many more Dean supporters who like Clark and would have posted on this thread but they're avoiding this forum for the time being. Thanks Skinner for keeping us real. Good idea.

[w4rma]

62. He is a military genius who won the Bosnian war in, IMHO, the *best*

possible way and with the least possible bloodshed, thereby stopping the genocide and allowing a democratic-republic to get started there. The way he helped handle that revolution was nothing short of brilliant.

He learns extremely quickly and seems to be listening to the Democratic base moreso than most of the Democratic candidates.

Hard-working, extremely successful, very honorable, both very respected and respectful. I am proud that this brilliant man is helping to represent the Democratic Party and I would be proud to have this man represent me, any or every other American citizen by serving our nation in **any** political office, including President of the United States of America.

[Hoppin_Mad]

63. His military past will attract some conservative voters -eom-

[Upfront]

64. West Point

Graduating #1 in his class at West Point speaks well for Clark.

[RetroLounge]

65. Easy to do

Intelligent. Rhodes Scholar.

Impressive Military Record, 34 years of service to country.

Good campaigner.

Kicked Faux News' ass.

and from what I hear, looks okay in a Speedo. :)

[PVnRT]

66. He served his country with distinction and honor

and dignity, for which he deserves much respect. I think he is dead-on on most everything, I just prefer Dean's more fiery style. But, Clark's low-key (it seems to me it's low key) could be a much more palatable choice for more Americans. I think he'd make a great president, and if not that, then he damn well better be VP or Secretary of State in a Dem administration.

[helleborient]

67. I was quite pleased to see him take on Fox News live...

It was quite inspiring.

[proud patriot]

68. I like Clark's Charisma

and his passion and love of America , you can hear
in his voice how genuine those passions are .

I like that he's got experience with the military
and knows what troops go through on the ground first hand .

I like that he said "I'll kick his ass" man that was great .

:hi:

[YellowDawgDemocrat]

71. Clark has excellent credentials for a future Secretary of Defense

He's finding his feet pretty well as far as camgaigning goes. I would not hesitate to support him for a cabinet level position. In a few years, I think he can rise to any position he chooses...even President.

[Clark Can WIN]

86. Backhanded compliment

That's like a Clark supporter saying Dean would be just fine to head up the department of Health and Human Services, and could then rise to the presidency.

[shance]

69. He is a great example of the quality people in our military

Hes making a positive difference, hes showing Americans another more compassionate and human side of the military, hes not afraid to confront the tough issues, and he seems to be a very caring, good person.

Wish we had a lot more like him.

[Larkspur]

70. He's best qualified to be Secretary of Defense

and that is being generous.

[Clark Can WIN]

87. Again backhanded compliment

Skinner requested no backhanded compliments.

[Larkspur]

110. Prove it that my comment is a "backhand compliment"?

Anyway the post was about Dean supporters saying something positive about Clark? I did. If you don't like it, too bad.

[Dookus]

94. ya just can't be kind for ONE post, can ya?

sigh

[WillyBrandt]

96. No, the prime directive is to fling snotballs

I don't know why people are that way.

[tnlefty]

72. I think that Gen. Clark is very intelligent and that he would make a "fine

American president". I think that his econonics background is a major bonus. He actually admitted to having a mortgage.Apparently Andrew Young thinks highly of him.

The man looks good in a suit and I think that my Bush*bot mother is developing a slight crush on him.

He likes grits.

[shivaji]

73. Clark has a good record in the military.

[onecitizen]

75. I like him........

he's conducted himself like a gentleman throughout this whole thing, IMO. I like some of his plans too.

[Nazgul35]

76. General Clark would make an excellent party nominee...

and considering that my number one and two candidates appear to be the ones likely to win, I'm happy as a pig in youknowwhat!!!

I find Clark to be articulate, smart beyond belief, a dedicated servant even after the experience of Vietnam (which is saying something), his policies are right in line with where I want the party to go...and if he is the party nominee, he'll be a two term president...

He is the candidate best able to respond to and adopt the Dean grass roots machine due to his experience with the Draft Clark movement...

Eihter Dean or Clark and i'm happy (that's my dream ticket)....

[cavebat2000]

77. The man has Class

Everytime I see him he seems to employ only the most tastful tactics. He resume is awesome as well. GL to Clark

[FubarFly]

78. Wesley Clark is a true American patriot.

He is a brilliant and noble man who will always fight for what he believes in.

Clark's supporters have every reason to be proud of their choice for president.

[slinkerwink]

79. Clark did great on the Kosovo war, and he's run an excellent

campaign organization based on marketing himself to voters via the television medium.

[SadEagle]

80. He has an unquestionnable intellect...

... and a long history of great service to his country.

[worldgonekrazy]

81. He has successfully led an international coalition

And a real "coalition", not one of Shrubbies band of bought and paid for "allies".

[WillyT]

82. His Dental Work Is Impeccable !!!

And not only that, the things that come out of his mouth are intelligent, articulate, and I agree with him on many things.

I have no problem if he were to get the nod for VP, and if he gets the Nod for P, I will be votin for him, and supportin him any way I can!!!

Y'all thought I was gonna bash, huh???

:evilgrin:

[Kahuna]

88. LOL. True but.. Not as good as ..

Joe Biden. Ever see his teeth? Blinding! :evilgrin:

[Name removed]

83. Deleted message

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

[w4rma]

85. …

"Say something nice about Clark. … And don't post one of those comments that is actually backhanded criticism."

[Ripley]

84. He is very intelligent, articulate and sounds

like a progressive.

Funny tho Skinner, for the past months of Dean bashing you never chose to post a question like this to Kerry supporters or anyone else. Oh, I see you are "making" the Clark supports do the same thing...oh Ok.

[Lobo_13]

89. He's a good public speaker n/t

[dsc]

90. He was right as could be on Kosovo

and has an undeniable intellect. He has shown an ability to learn on the campaign trail from his pretty poor beginning. He clearly has thought out his positions well and is able to convey them well.

[Mass_Liberal]

91. he's the man

probably my #2. He rocks my socks off

[MODemocrat]

92. It's no problem saying nice things about Wes Clark

Anyone who has ever read my posts will see that I say nice things about him quite often. That's because I truly like him, and think he would make a good president. He looks presidential, he's very smart,
and it will certainly not be a problem voting him if he receives the nomination. As a matter of fact, it really makes me angry to hear lies about him, and I went ballistic while reading some remarks Rush
Limburger has made about Wes Clark. :hi: :hi: Wish it were possible for all of us to unite under our great democratic party.

[Capn Sunshine]

93. He knows when to fold 'em

vis a vis appearances and debates...

I think he will make an excellent VP candidate.

Very helpful to address the concerns expressed by those who curently support his run.

[Dookus]

98. sigh

n/t

[funky_bug]

106. Double Sigh

'cause I just got done reading the "Clarks be nice to Dean" thread, and there wasn't ONE backhanded compliment.

Oh well, good for us, huh?

[WillyBrandt]

100. He knows when to fold 'em?

What precisely do you mean?

This post isn't a compliment.

[NoPasaran]

95. General Clark is a great American

He led the military campaign that ended the series of genocidal wars in the former Yugoslavia. Lots of folks will talk after the fact how this genocide or that genocide SHOULD have been prevented. Clark was the guy who actually TOOK ACTION.

I have no trouble accepting General Clark as a Liberal and a Democrat. He reminds me in that way of my father, a retired colonel who is as true a Roosevelt Democrat as ever walked the earth.

If he is the nominee of our party I will support him wholeheartedly.

[tigerbeat]

97. he would make an outstanding president.....

....he has tremendous resolve, intelligence, charisma and clarity of vision. his accomplishments are manifold and he is extremely articulate. his tax plan is very appealling.

a side note: i thought clark RULED on hardball the other night. i called my roommate (another dean supporter) into the room and we both sat there and cheered as he steamrolled over tweetie and called out rove and cheney. i was already impressed with the man, but my respect for his ability to take the fight TO bush literally doubled. i have absolutely no problem voting for clark should dean not get the nomination.

if our top two guys are fighters like dean and clark we are in damn good shape.

[mvd]

101. Like has been mentioned, Clark is very articulate

He would be pretty gaffe-proof and he just has a way with words. And I know he'd stand up well to Bush and his people.

Note: I call myself a Dean supporter because the ones I want to win the most don't have a real chance.

[LSdemocrat]

102. He's currently my second choice

He'd make a great VP, Sec. of State or Defense

I admire his excellent record as a general and and his intelligence.

[hellhathnofury]

103. He's got one heck of a resume.

2. He was right about Kosovo

[IronLionZion]

104. Brilliant platform

[David Zephyr]

105. Clark, Like Dean Will Not Take Any Nonsense from Bush...None.

Any man who can say during a campaign event televised on C-SPAN, "I'll beat the shit out of him" will not be intimidated by the sophomoric politics of Karl Rove.

Clark supporters know I'm with them as much as a loyal Dean supporter can be.

And thanks, Skinner for these two threads! :hi:

[Le Taz Hot]

107. I've always said I liked Clark

If I recall correctly, I posted a thread about it a month or so back.

The guy's extremely intelligent and articulate, has an enormous amount of foreign policy experience and his career in the military will be a huge advantage over * should Clark win the nomination.

I know some have criticized him for being weak on domestic issues. I'm not at all convinced that's true. As a newcomer to the political process he seems to have grasped various domestic issues very thoroughly -- smart people can do that. (Are you listening, Shrub?)

Really, should Clark win the nomination, I'll have NO problem ENTHUSIASTICALLY supporting him. I've always thought he was a great candidate.

And, can I just say, when I see posters who accuse ALL Dean supporters of writing vitriol against Clark to remember this thread and remember how many Dean supporters contributed to it? The VAST majority of Dean supporters do NOT engage in this type of hateful behavior. The same is true of the VAST majority of Clark supporters. Could we ALL just remember that?

[mzmolly]

108. He's running a great campaign for starting out so late.

:hi:

[5thGenDemocrat]

109. Bump

Just because this has dropped to the second page and because we Clarkies (just like the Deanies) love to love and to be loved in return.
John
Whoever our candidate is, we can all agree to kick the hell out of Dopey, right (oops, not much love there, I guess)? Who's with me?

[last1standing]

111. Can we only say positive things about Clark?

I could do the same for several of our candidates as many are excellent choices for president. But if it's only Clark then I would say he's a good speaker with an honorable record who would work hard to take on bush*.