My Suggestion for Vice President - Wes Clark

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

Whether the eventual Democratic nominee is Hillary or Obama, their principle weakness will be the fact that neither has ever served in the Armed Forces and that neither has extensive or significant foreign policy experience. Assuming that John McCain is the Republican nominee, you can pretty much expect this weakness to be pounded on relentlessly, starting right now.

At a campaign stop earlier this week in Ohio, McCain charged that Obama was “naïve” for publicly suggesting that he would attack targets in Pakistan if given the opportunity. Plan on seeing that word – naïve – repeatedly regularly between now and November 4. Who wants America to be defended by someone who is too naïve? Hillary will get the same treatment – shaking hands with foreign dignitaries at your husband’s State Dinner is no substitute for foreign policy experience.

That’s why I would like to argue that Gen. Wesley Clark would be an excellent Vice Presidential nominee for either of the candidates. If either of them were asking my advice (Full Disclosure: They’re Not) they could both do a lot worse. Gen. Clark on the ticket fills a void in the ticket and even creates an interesting contrast with John McCain.

Unlike the Republican nominee, Clark rose on his own merits in the military (McCain’s father and grandfather were Rear Admirals in the U.S. Navy) and unlike McCain, Clark actually had a successful career. McCain’s principle accomplishment in the military was managing to get shot down over Vietnam. Gen. Clark was Supreme Allied Commander Europe in command of NATO forces during the war in Kosovo, a campaign in which only two American lives were lost (from an Apache helicopter that went down because of an engine malfunction). And the military accomplishments of the mission are only part of the story – the Commander of NATO forces must be at least as accomplished as a diplomat as he is as a soldier.

Gen. Clark on the ticket is a natural for Hillary – he’s a longtime family friend and supporter. But I think he makes just as much sense for Obama.

[Dinger]

1. I'll Second That!!!!!!! K & R!!!!!!!!!

My brother and Wes Clark in Colorado last summer:

[seleff]

2. Thinking the same thing last night ...

[BOSSHOG]

3. OR SECSTATE

OR THE PICK IN A BROKERED CONVENTION.

It will take a gargantuan task to clean up sleazy's mess and General Clark is the man for the job.

[elleng]

34. THIS

I LOVE!!!!!!!

[LSK]

4. Sec of Defense

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

5. Secy of Defense / State

I agree that he would be good at either of these. But I think he would be of greater value as the lower half of the ticket -- can't get to pick the Secretary of State unless we win the General Election.

[LSK]

6. Biden or Richardson for State

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

10. Both/Either are good picks...

Now for Secretary of Transportation...

I mean, as long as we're naming the next cabinet.

[LSK]

15. Ralph Nader....

:hide:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

16. Only if he promises to NEVER appear in public again

EVER!

[amborin]

18. he's such a narcissistic loser

[devilindisguise]

21. I don't think he is narcissistic

Poor kids are taught to take care of themselves too. I, like John was brought up poor. Only, unlike John I came from a large family. My mother worked her fingers to the bone to see our clothes were always neat, clean, well pressed. We were taught cleanliness, and hygiene just like "rich" folks. Now I'm not rich, but doing pretty good. My habits of cleanliness and being well groomed were establised in my childhood. I cannot agree that John Edwards is a narcissis because he is a nice looking guy. I have seen his parents, and heard them speak and I believe that they know John better than anyone except Elizabeth. They seem very proud of their son.

[amborin]

22. was referring to nadar

[tavalon]

30. He's actually looking at running for President again

Kid you not.

[GreenPartyVoter]

41. Actually Nader would be great overseeing the SEC, or some position where he

can make sure that regulation measures are being carried out. I'd love to see him kick the butts of all the jerks who are putting downer cattle into the food system, for example.

[dave123williams]

46. I'll second Biden; that dude knows from rational foreign policy.

[wuushew]

7. You understand that logic applies to all future elections and to both parties?

Since the Vietnam generation is gradually leaving the scene, the remaining general population is a result of the all volunteer force.

Military service is not representative of the vast majority of the general population.


Are you saying that without a vet on the ticket we would do worse than Kerry did in 2004?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

9. No...

But neither Hillary nor Obama have significant foreign policy experience. Combine that with a lack of military experience, and you have the perception that they might need "on the job training" with regard to National Security. That's significant.

[wuushew]

11. That will be true of all candiates for the next 30 years

is 2008 special because the presumptive opponent is John McCain? Would we be having this discussion if Romney or Ghouliani was the Repuke nominee?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

13. Neither

It's specific to this election cycle because McCain is a combat veteran with foreign policy experience, while Romney and Giuliani have the same weakness as Hillary/Obama. I'm talking about trying to shore up the ticket against what will surely be McCain's best pitch.

That being said, National Security will always be relevant -- If our nominee had been Joe Biden, an individual with more foreign policy experience, I wouldn't feel the need to have Clark on the ticket.

[truebrit71]

8. That would be my dream ticket right now...Obama/Clark

..and it would be the easiest way to diffuse any "advantage" that Sen McCrankypants has for his military service...

[alfredo]

12. Obama/Hagel just to piss off the right wing hardliners

[Eurobabe]

14. I third that, me and Wes in 2003 in NH

If Hillary will "release" him. :shrug:

[elleng]

32. 48%,

GREAT to see you with General Clark!

Where in NH? What were you talking about?

[Eurobabe]

39. I met Wes in 2003 in Keene (that is my first meeting, this pic)

I worked for his campaign (as a grassroots coordinator in Virginia) and flew back up to NH 2X to campaign before the primaries. I met Wes several times, he knew me by name. My Dad and I even fetched lunch from a deli in Petersborough NH for Gen Clark and his campaign advisors while they were being interviewed on the radio before a town hall meeting. Dad did a short inteview on CNN with Dan Lothian re: switching from Dean to Clark (I have not seen Dan on CNN for awhile, I wonder if he's moved on?). We had a blast, even thought the Generals's campaign ran out of steam after Virginia (2/04). The last time I saw Wes, he looked so tired and whooped from 5 months of criss-crossing the country.

In that photo, I simply asked Wes which philosopher he liked better: Plato or Aristotle. He thought for a minute and said Plato. I said good answer. (I have a BA in Philosophy).

[elleng]

40. Thanks for the tale, 48!

I LOVED following him around NH (vicariously!)

2/04 is my b'day, and it was right around then that DC had its 'primary.' It was after TN and VA that his campaign lost steam, particularly 'cause one of the 'professional' staff announced that Wes wouldn't continue. So I wore my Clark 04 t-shirt to vote, and a kind man said he was sorry that Wes hadn't made it.

After I voted, I got into the car and cried.

[Eurobabe]

42. I cried for two days when he dropped out

and then I got over it. But I vowed I would never fall for a candidate like I did him, again. And I haven't. I was not thrilled with Kerry at all. I feel much better about Obama. But I miss Joe. :patriot: Either Wes or Joe would be a great VP choice.

[elleng]

44. 48%, I can tear up at any time,

given the right circumstances!

I hope Wes will serve, whomever; I'd rather see him as National Security whatsis, rather than VP. I don't see him as 2nd to anyone, and that would put him in the cabinet AND in charge of Def, Intell, diplo, etc.

And I'd like Joe to remain in his current role, positioned to advise potus AND the senate.

Where are you? in VA? I'm now in MD, near DC.

[Eurobabe]

45. Across the pond

Bavaria. Home base is near Philly, but we are looking at houses in Charlottesville area, just waiting for the prices to bottom out.

[amborin]

17. wes clark

for vp is a great idea

[Voltaire99]

19. Oh, god, not the mad bomber of Belgrade again!

Clark is a Dr. Strangelove who'd be better suited to running with McCain. No progressive will vote for him.

Here's what you war Democrats don't get. America wants change. That's why we're dumping Clinton: she's seen as Republican-lite, of a piece with the Bushies who landed us in Iraq. Clark, if anything, is even more like them in ethos and deed.

Change. We're going to have change, and your tired old war sickos don't fit in the picture.

[elleng]

31. Voltaire, you'd better get back to the books.

NATO chose to do the bombing, and chose the targets. Read General Clark's Waging Modern Wars.

General Clark argued AGAINST war in Iraq before most, AND testified such to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees in 2003.

As to change, it MAY be that because he was such a 'change' candidate that the Dems kept such distance from him. Check out his 'platform' some time.

http://securingamerica.com/vision
http://securingamerica.com/issues/overview

As to progressive support, General Clark has a HUGE following, which includes progressives, moderates, and republicans; he was the most sought after surrogate for Democratic campaigns in 2006.

[devilindisguise]

20. Wes Clark or John Edwards

Either of these men would suit me. Wes Clark is a military genius. No casualties in Kosovo. That speaks for itself. John Edwards is so genuine and sincere. A poor boy made good. Some people say "Oh Edwards is rich and doesn't care". I beg to disagree with that. I was born poor, and raised poor, and I pulled myself up. However, let me just say I will never, ever, ever forget the childhood of being poor, and how hard my family, and other poor families had to struggle. I don't think John Edwards has forgotten his poor upbringing either. He was my first choice. If Obama or Hillary gets the nod, I wish John really would agree to be VP. They would be wise to pick him. If not pick Wes Clark for VP, and John for AG. I know John was not himself during the debates because of Elizabeth's health, and I'm sure the loss of his son is with him still everyday. I think he want's to raise people up in the memory of his late son. Gosh, I could go on and on about John. But I won't.

[texasleo]

23. sign me up

[yowzayowzayowza]

24. Agree, both of these candidates are in need of

Scrambled Eggs on the bottom of the ticket. I'm not sure even a governor w/o military experience is going to cut it.

[byronius]

25. Damn, that's smart. I hadn't thought of him.

Always liked that guy.

[ihavenobias]

26. I like the idea but...

has he said anything harsh regarding Obama in light of his endorsement of Hillary?

His son (Wes Clark Jr) co-hosts on The Young Turks once a week and *he* has said some harsh things about Obama which is why I raised the question.

www.theyoungturks.com

[CatnHat]

27. Since Wesley Clark

has already endorsed Hillary Clinton, and is a long-time friend of the Clinton's, it would be natural. I knew there was something I always liked about Wesley Clark, he has good taste.

[Angry Mollusk]

28. Wes Clark would be a great Vice President

Awsome choice, but I gurentee you Rush limbagh and his ilk will do their best to swiftboat him, and spread lies about his service..

[elleng]

33. Angry,

one thing Wes will not tolerate, I'm sure, is lies and swiftboating! Among other things, he's learned so much about the political 'game' and he's so smart, that would be the very least of my concerns.

And of course all of that ILK will try to do that to anyone, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to select someone we know would stand up against it!

[tavalon]

29. Wow, that's out of left field

Interesting

[Faryn Balyncd]

35. Wes Clark would be an excellent acting VP, agreat campaigner, the perfect antidote to McCain, &....

.....of course, Clark would make a great future president.

[Perry Logan]

36. I've always liked Gen. Clark. He would be awesome.

[NJmaverick]

37. Clark bring a lot to the ticket

He blunts most of McCains natural advantages.

[OwnedByFerrets]

38. Are you talking about the same Clarke that will NOT even

discuss Impeachment?? No thank you.:puke: I want someone believes in the rule of law.

[elleng]

43. Ferret,

General CLARK believes in the rule of law more than most. He was reluctant to discuss impeachment because he thought facts should be uncovered.

'Our Constitution remains the wellspring of American freedom and prosperity. We must retain a pluralistic democracy, with institutional checks and balances that reflect the will of the majority while safeguarding the rights of the minority. . .
And we must institute a culture of transparency and accountability, in which we set the world standard for good government. As new areas of concern arise -- in the areas of intellectual property, bioethics, and other civil areas -- we will assure continued access to the courts, as well as to the other branches of government, and a vibrant competitive media that informs our people and enables their effective participation in civic life. And even more importantly, we will assure in meeting the near term challenges of the day -- whether they be terrorism or something else -- that, we don't compromise the freedoms and rights which are the very essence of the America we are protecting.'

Wes Clark, 100 Year Vision

http://securingamerica.com/vision

[davsand]

47. Oh yeah--Clark would bring a lot to the ticket as Obama's VP.

I have a lot of respect for The General, and I know several of the Illinois "Clarkies" were on the fence early on because they were hoping Clark would run again. He IS from Arkansas (the much bemoaned South) and he has an excellent service record as well as an intellectual approach to issues. Those would all add ot the appeal of the Dem ticket.

What I do not know, however, is how much strength Clark would lend to ticket in terms of actual votes delivered. My concern is that Clark is someone that is mostly known to political junkies and internet bloggers.



Laura