9/01/05: Clark tells Democrats speaking out is patriotic

Wes Clark and Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson talking to folks in front of the bowling alley in Mason City, Iowa. Clark tells Democrats speaking out is patriotic
September 1, 2005
By TIM HIGGINS
DES MOINES REGISTER STAFF WRITER

MASON CITY, Iowa — Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, in Iowa on Wednesday, called the war in Iraq a "strategic blunder" and said the Democratic Party needs to speak out against it.

"People of this party are every bit as patriotic as people from that other party," Clark told an audience of about 50 Democrats. "We can never let them forget that. You don't have to agree with the president to be patriotic in our country, and especially when our country is at war.

"Sometimes your most patriotic duty is to speak out and make your voice heard."

Clark, who sought the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential race but failed to make headway after skipping the Iowa caucuses, spent Wednesday making a cross-state trip to help drum up support within the state party for the 2006 elections.

He was to stop in Emmetsburg on Wednesday and wrap up his trip today in Sioux City.

The question about his plans for 2008 wasn't far from some minds.

While Clark said he isn't considering a run for the White House at this time, a bumper sticker on a car in the parking lot read: "Clark '08 for president."

"I haven't given it any thought. I haven't ruled anything out," Clark said. Instead, he said, his focus is on 2006.

"What we have to do is advocate a sensible way of correcting the mistake that was made in taking us into Iraq," Clark said. "It was a strategic blunder."

Clark warned, however, that pulling out troops would make more trouble, emboldening terrorists and making America look weak.

"Don't stay the course," he said. "Don't pull out, but change the course. Put in a winnable strategy in Iraq before it's too late."

The White House remained confident in its Iraq strategy.

"We are making progress in Iraq," spokesman Allen Abney said. "We are working with the Iraq government and people of Iraq. . . . The fight in Iraq is essential to our security here at home."