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Wes Clark
Those of you who are regular readers of this blog know that the usual title of my posts on democratic presendential politics is "Dean vs. Clark".
Well I am now solidly in the Clark camp.
Last night we had about 70 people at our house to meet Wes Clark. He was everything I expected him to be. He is serious and funny, straight and compassionate, smart and warm, proud and humble, a great man and a regular guy.
He has that magic that great politicians have. He looks you in the eye and you feel special.
He spoke to our group for about 6-7 minues and then took questions for about 40 minutes.
He didn't wait for the question about flag burning, he took it straight on. He said that free speech is a constitutional right and he recognized all the reasons why there may never be constituional protection for the flag. But he's fought under the flag, seen men come home in coffins draped in the flag, and he knows how much the flag means to people. He said symbols are powerful things in our society. And so if all the things required to get a constitutional amendment passed on this issue were to happen, he'd be happy to sign it. I can't argue with that logic. In fact, I think its right.
He talked about jobs and why we are are losing so many. I asked him to talk about his comment in Monday's debate about software jobs going to India. He said that the US can't and won't stop these jobs from going to India, and for that matter, Russia, Eastern Europe, and possibly China. He said that anyone with a computer, an Internet connection, and a talent for writing great code can become an employee of a software company these days. He's right. And further, I am impressed that he understands that. So many of our candidates don't.
He talked about getting our troops out of Iraq. He wants to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis right now. He wants to bring Bremer home. He wants to bring the airborne and armor and all the traditional forces home. He wants to send in 20,000 troops who have been trained in policing. Teach them Arabic. Set them up all over the country in police stations alongside Iraqis. He wants to create a multi-national authority, not NATO, but something like NATO with Arab nations included. He wants that multi-national authority to oversee the transition. He wants to take our troops out of the impossible position they are in of being liqhtning rods for the Iraqi's frustration and sitting ducks for their guns and bombs. That sounds like a good plan to me.
He said that the 2004 election is not going to be about the economy. It's not going to be a replay of 1992. He believes the defining issue of this election, no matter who runs against Bush, is going to be our foreign policy, Iraq, the war on terror, homeland security, and the future of the America's relationship with the world. He believes that he is the man to take on Bush on those issues, to show Americans a different and better way.
And that is why I am for Clark. I know he's stuck in the low teens and is 20 points behind Dean in many polls. But I think he's got what it takes to beat Bush, and I believe that Democrats all over the country will recognize that once they have the opportunity to take the measure of the man as I now have.
Comments (22) | Posted November 26, 2003 in Politics
Comments
Fred,
Re: good jobs for Americans -- the foremost concern of the largest % of voters -- Clark needs an optimized blueprint for a public sector, private sector partnership that will turbocharge maturation of the market for what I call lifelong learning and career services (LLCS).
For reasons largely beyond the scope of this post, NYCers -- and, in particular, NYC VCs -- have a critical catalytic role.
The short story: the NYC metro area is the ideal locale for the needed 'cluster cluster', the economic cluster, a la Silicon Valley,
that will supply regional clusters with cluster infrastructure.
Toward enabling this 'cluster cluster', I have architected a Microsoft-approved blueprint for an LLCS provider (and am presently collaborating on a query optimizer that is central to our 1.0 offering).
If any of this is of interest, I would be happy to puzzle over the possibilities.
Regards,
Frank Ruscica
Founder
The Opportunity Services Group :: Have Fun to Get Ready
www.opportunityservices.com
Posted by: Frank Ruscica | Nov 26, 2003 10:49:10 AM
I would like to know what he had to say about the recent tariffs against China on products we haven't produced in the States since the 70's - is there any rhyme or reason to them from his viewpoint.
Posted by: Jeremy | Nov 26, 2003 12:25:18 PM
Thank you so much for your endorsement! Every little bit helps, and the more people jump on board, the more will be willing to follow us!
I have to disagree with your statement about the polls--not sure which polls you are citing, of course, but in all the national polls he is tied or leading, and he consistently polls the best of all the candidates when paired with Bush--and that, to me, is the most important poll of all!
Thanks again for your support.
Posted by: Emily | Nov 28, 2003 8:06:58 PM
A VC in NYC to a Secretary in STL -- a pretty wide base of support I'd say.
I am glad you're on board!
Posted by: Kimberly | Nov 28, 2003 8:25:15 PM
Fred; Wonderfully written endorsement for Wes Clark. The part that really moves me is his plan to move the troops home while providing a crrack military police force. Never heard it put that way before. Oh and I love the India jobs explanation. As a serious programmer I know business will outsource; they have that right. We just need to ensure that we use the same criteria for overseas frims as for American firms.
Thanks for the incredible post. Really needed that today.
Posted by: debforwes | Nov 28, 2003 8:27:44 PM
Fred--clearly, you're a most astute judge of presidential horseflesh. Thank you for joining other Clarkies in the Cone of Light. :-)
Posted by: NewAmericanPatriot | Nov 29, 2003 12:35:18 AM
Thank you so much, Mr. Wilson, for your endorsement of General Clark.
You are beginning to see what so many of us all across the country see in this man. We are all proud to be in support of him.
This will be a long, hard battle to overcome the Bush "regime". I hope you will continue to show your support and talk of the General whenever and whereever you can.
Once again, thank you.
Posted by: Anita Hinson | Nov 29, 2003 1:08:14 AM
Thanks for your support of Clark. All of us grassroots supporters are getting our friends on the bandwagon one by one. Glad you can do the same for your bloggers.
I haven't seen any nationwide polls showing Dean ahead of Clark by more than 2 points. In fact Clark is leading or tied in some recent polls. The media is fixated on New Hampshire where Dean has a huge lead, and that is creating the impression that his nomination is inevitable. But they can't stop us!
Go Clark!!
Posted by: Matt | Nov 29, 2003 3:48:33 AM
Sir, thank you for supporting the boss!
Posted by: Cris Hernandez | Nov 29, 2003 8:47:25 AM
Mr. Wilson:
Thank you for your wonderful endorsement of General Clark.
I originally had my reservations about supporting him, not simply because of his military background but rather of his ability to grasp domestic issues that he may not have had to deal with first hand because of not being exposed to civilian life and the hardships thereof.
Having seen and heard this man and read his writings, he has certainly satisfied any reservations I had previously, and fully believe that he is the best candidate among the Democrats to successfully "bring it on" against Bush in 2004.
I consider myself a Southern Moderate Democrat, rather conserative on some issues but take the traditional slightly left-of-centre Democratic viewpoints on others, especially on many social issues. Just pointing that out FYI.
Thanks again, sir, and together we will prevail.
Posted by: Robert Charles Pickering | Nov 29, 2003 11:27:01 AM
Mr. Wilson,
Great blog. Meeting with Gen Clark in one's home must be exhilarating.
Can your wording in regard to "signing" a consitutional amendment be corrected? It has been pointed out that a president doesn't simply sign one!
Posted by: Terry | Nov 29, 2003 7:46:28 PM
Fred,
I agree with you on your assessment. I think Clark is the only genuine candidate in the race, The New Republic has some great articles about Dean's Intellectual Honesty(or lack thereof).
However, to be honest with you, I'm still torn between Clark and Edwards. Both are moderate Southern Democrats and I think Edwards is coming out of nowhere in the polls, very impressive.
It seems that you have fairly regular contact with Clark and his aides. I want to know if you could forward me as to who I should speak with for Fundraising. I'm in the Internet Advertising Business and I believe that together we can help Clark quickly raise $1 Million without his supporters having to contribute a penny of their own money.
Posted by: Ruchit Shah | Dec 1, 2003 3:34:53 AM
Mr. Wilson, thank you for your endorsement for Gen. Wesley Clark. As a 20 year USAF Veteran, who served two tours in Vietnam, and 90% disabled with service connected disabilities, I am highly offended by anyone who passes themselves off as a Military Man, whether soldier or airman.
The nation needs to see the vast difference, and they need to see it now. General Wesley Clark is, in my humble opinion, the only man with the credentials to become President. We need to vote Wes Clark while we still have a democracy and a Presidential vote.
I have been a Republican for my entire life, although I do vote bipartisan, according to issues. In my estimation, the Republican Party is no longer the party it started out as, and I can no longer be one of them.
Patriotism is about wanting the best for the United States of America, and the people. It seems that many of the leaders have forgotten that they work for US...the people.
The secret meetings, the refusal of accountability, the nerve to even mutter the words that to disagree with our President is unpatriotic, all are not how democracies should be run. It is time for a change.
It is high profile people like you, who can do more with one endorsement, that people like me and my wife, handing out downloaded flyers, need on our team...Bless You Sir,and all your efforts to turn this country away from disaster.
Posted by: Eddie and Patti Radillo | Dec 1, 2003 5:36:03 PM
Mr Wilson,
Thank you so much for endorsing Wesley Clark.
I was (and still am) a strong Clinton supporter
and I never thought there would be another to
give me as much hope for the future, not just
for us, but for the whole world...and now there
is...Wesley Clark. We are in a very dangerous
time now and it is going to take an extremely
special person to take us across that bridge that
Bill Clinton was trying to build. And you have just endorsed him.
God Bless!!
Posted by: Rita McCaffrey | Dec 1, 2003 8:01:31 PM
Hello One and All!
Why Wes? I for one am NOT sure...not sure how Wes would approach terrorism... not sure what Wes' real stand is on combating radical Islamism, the kind that preaches hate for all non-muslims, the kind that Saudi Arabia feeds with the profits from oil they sell to us.
Do you realize that Islamic terrorism is stronger than ANY countries patriotism...it crosses many borders...it hides in any crack it can find around the world...and it breeds more hate every day. Dumb force will NOT neutralize it. It must be stopped with the help of good and just Muslims around the world...and that is a trick for a real leader to undertake. Does Wes have what THAT takes. Dunno yet...
Make no doubt, removing Saddam was a just act in 1992 that a weak president didn't have the guts for. Now we have a strong president that didn't have enough sense to neutralize Saddam the right way.
Saddam was a murder far worse than the general in the Balkans that Wes exchanged hats with...and Saddam was a sworn enemy of the United States. Do you doubt for one second that WHEN (not if) Saddam got his hands on a nuke he would have not enabled some murdering terrorist the chance for glory in "paradise"...
I want a strong President but a just President and one that levels with the American people. And NO, I'm not voting for Bush. But most Democrats scare me at this time.
You know the first liberals stood for one thing, freedom from tryanny. What happened to liberals today? They can't even stand up to a murdering tryannical despot like Saddam...?!?!
Don't throw your hate into the camp of any candidate too soon...
All The Best!
Tom
Posted by: Tom DeNapoli | Dec 1, 2003 11:57:37 PM
Thank you for endorsing the only political candidate I've been able to get excited about in the past few election cycles! Spread the good word!
Posted by: Emily | Dec 3, 2003 10:01:15 AM
General Clark is a terrific candidate, he seems uniquely suited to just this time and place. Now we just need to convince the rest of the Democrats to not commit suicide by nominating Howard Dean.
Incidently, on the flag issue, the President does not have to sign a constitutional amendment, it is passed by two thirds of both houses of Congress then passed by three quarters of the states no presidential signature necessary. Also on this issue, Dennis Kucinich has voted in favor of this amendment in the past and, I believe, Howard Dean is on record favoring it as well.
Posted by: arthur kuper | Dec 4, 2003 2:50:11 PM
Great synopsis of your reasons for supporting Clark. You are absolutely correct--Let's do all we can to get the word out. He's the only candidate I see who can get this country on the right footing. And he's not beholden to the big special interests--drug, energy, lumber, automobile, etc. lobbies. He comes across as truly for AMERICA!
Regards, Barbara
Posted by: Barbara D'Angelo | Dec 5, 2003 2:44:03 PM
Thank you so much for endorsing General Clark.
I just know that given the chance he will make a wonderful President. The U.S. cannot endure another 4 years of this current Administration.
I was really depressed after seeing our crop of candidates and then I became involved with the Draft Clark movement. I was thrilled and once again had hopes of getting rid of Bush. General Clark is a man of great depth, integrity, honesty and I know he can and will defeat G.W. Bush.
Posted by: Joyce | Dec 5, 2003 8:57:32 PM
I would like to know what he had to say about the recent tariffs against China on products we haven't produced in the States since the 70's - is there any rhyme or reason to them from his viewpoint.
Posted by: jerry | Feb 7, 2004 1:39:20 AM
He has that magic that great politicians have. He looks you in the eye and you feel special.
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