In North Dakota
April 2, 2006
Keynote Speaker
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention
Fargo, ND
Clark says Dems promoting patriotism, national security
Clark says Dems promoting patriotism, national security
By DAVE KOLPACK, Associated Press Writer
April 2, 2006
FARGO - Democrats put their distinguished soldiers on stage at their state convention with messages of patriotism and a strong national defense.
Four-star Gen. Wesley Clark and decorated Vietnam veteran Max Cleland, a former Georgia senator, told delegates Saturday that the administration has botched the war in Iraq and Democrats would be better at handling national security.
"We're strong on defense. That's the message that I want people to hear," Clark said, during one of the few times he raised his voice during the keynote speech. "We've got to talk it up."
Clark, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2004, said the war on terror has been marked by "macho slogans" and "incredible failures." He said the world has become more dangerous under the Bush administration.
"Our conduct has made more enemies than friends around the world," Clark said.
Cleland, who lost both legs and an arm while serving in Vietnam, said supporting the troops is "not just a magnet on your car and warm spot in your heart." Republicans aren't the only patriots, he said.
"Being a soldier, fighting for this country, is neither Republican nor Democrat," Cleland said.
Both men criticized the Republican administration for sending troops to Iraq without a strategy to win. Clark called it "tragic incompetence." Cleland called it "immoral."
Clark touted a Democratic plan on national security that was released earlier in the week. He said it includes strategy to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq and better equipment for the military.
"This is bigger than North Dakota. It's bigger than our communities," Clark said. "This is about the future of the United States of America and we need to start now."
Harold Larson, a delegate from West Fargo, said Clark supplied key information and Cleland provided inspiration.
"Max Cleland touched the soul of every one of the delegates," Larson said.
4/2/06: A Photo Essay from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention, Fargo ND
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4/2/06 - A Photo Essay from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention, Fargo ND
General Wesley Clark Announced as Keynote Speaker for Democratic NPL- Convention
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party :
Delegation Announces General Wesley Clark as Keynote Speaker for Democratic NPL-Convention
Former Supreme Allied Commander and Presidential Candidate to Speak in Fargo
March 9, 2006
Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy announced today that General Wesley Clark will be the keynote speaker at the 2006 Democratic-NPL Convention in Fargo.
"This year the North Dakota Democratic Convention will host a lifelong soldier and public servant," the delegation said in a joint statement. "General Clark’s dedicated service to our nation is an inspiration for all North Dakotans. He believes in, and fought for, the democratic values that America was founded upon — the values of honesty and hard work. These are the values so many of us in North Dakota share."
A Rhodes scholar and a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Clark, 62, served in the United States Army for more than 30 years. During his service, Clark held various posts around the world including Commander in Chief of the U.S. Southern Command, and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO — a position once held by President Eisenhower. As Supreme Allied Commander, Clark led NATO forces in the conflict in the Balkans, where the United States was able to halt ethnic cleansing in Kosovo without the loss of a single American life.
A four star general, Clark retired from the military in 2000.
In 2004, Clark, an Arkansas native, ran for President of the United States as a Democratic candidate. He crisscrossed the country stressing the importance of building a safer, stronger America for our children. His campaign launched him to national prominence before he returned to the private sector in February 2004.
"The people of North Dakota have a lot at stake in what happens in Washington, DC," Clark said. "The war in Iraq and the veterans it’s producing demand attention. Healthcare, education, trade and agriculture policy impact our lives everyday and we need to make sure that the politicians are serving our common interests not the special interests. I trust the North Dakota delegation — Kent, Byron and Earl have earned that trust with their hard work and integrity."
The Congressional delegation will be joined by Clark at the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention, which will be held from March 31 to April 2, 2006, at the Civic Center in Fargo. The three-day event will highlight the leadership of North Dakota’s Congressional delegation and the state party. More than 700 delegates will gather to nominate candidates for several elected offices, including: Agriculture Commissioner, Tax Commissioner, Secretary of State, Public Service Commissioner, Attorney General, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate.
"General Clark has served our nation with bravery and integrity," the delegation said. "We are honored that this decorated war veteran will stand with us in Fargo as we begin the fight for an even greater future for both North Dakota and our nation."