7/1/08 - General Wesley Clark on MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell
Submitted by Kat on July 1, 2008 - 1:54pm.
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July 1, 2008
transcript by Reg NYC
Andrea Mitchell: Good day, I'm Andrea Mitchell live in Washington. Welcome to MSNBC's Super Tuesday special coverage. Today we are going in depth on the politics of the war in Iraq, a reality check on what is happening on the ground and where the candidates stand. Here with us now retired U.S. General Wesley Clark. The General is an MSNBC analyst and a Barack Obama supporter after having supported Hillary Clinton during the primaries. General Clark, welcome. We want to talk to you about Iraq-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Thank you very much, Andrea.
Andrea Mitchell: -and about foreign policy. First, we want to give you an opportunity to respond to a lot that's been said since Sunday when you went on Face The Nation and had the following exchange between yourself and Bob Schieffer. Let's watch:
(on tape)
Bob Schieffer: How can you say that John McCain is un- untested and untried? General?
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Because in the matters of national security policy making, it's a matter of understanding risk. It's a matter of gauging your opponents, and it's a matter of being held accountable. John McCain's never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He, he was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in Armed Forces as a prisoner of war. He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and he has traveled all over the world. But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron in Air- in the Navy that he commanded, it wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn't seen what it's like when diplomats come in and say, 'I don't know whether we're going to be able to get this point through or not. Do you want to take the risk? What about your reputation? How do we handle it-'
Bon Schieffer: Well-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: ' -it publicly.' He hasn't made those calls, Bob.
Bob Schieffer: Well, well, General, maybe-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: So-
Bob Schieffer: Could I just interrupt you. If-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Sure.
Bob Schieffer: I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences either, nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down. I mean-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President.
(end tape)
Andrea Mitchell: Now, of course, what people are focusing on is your final comment that riding in a fighter plane, getting shot down isn't a qualification to be President, but you also make the point that John McCain didn't have executive experience. This has caused, as you know, a ruckus. Barack Obama has not had executive experience either. So, why criticize John McCain for something that your own candidate can't, can't claim to.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well, Andrea, thanks for giving me a chance to be on and talk about this issue, because these are comments I made some time ago in general about John McCain long before I had supported Barack Obama several months ago based on my own experience in 38 years in uniform. I was a company commander in Vietnam. I came home on a stretcher. I'd been hit by four rounds. I had a broken hand, a broken leg, was in three hospitals. And so, I know what war's like at the cutting edge. And then I was later the Commander, as you would recall, in Yugoslavia in the, in the Kosova campaign for NATO, and I helped win that battle for the United States and for NATO. And so, I, I've seen war at the tactical level. I've seen it at the strategic level. So, in this campaign, national security's going to be very, very important as an issue. John McCain has to be recognized as someone who served his country in uniform. He served with courage. He served with commitment, and I honor that service. And as I said on the show, he's one of my heroes, but the service that he had wasn't the same as having been in the White House or in the Pentagon or at a high level command and having actually had to wrestle with national policy and national strategic issues. And that's the point I'm making.
Andrea Mitchell: But as I say, neither has Barack Obama, and the political impact of this has been to take Barack Obama off-message on a day when he was giving a major speech on patriotism and in fact had to insert this following comment into his speech yesterday. Let's watch:
(on tape)
Barack Obama: For those like John McCain, who have endure physical torment in service to our country, no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary. Let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign (applause) and that goes for supporters of both sides.
(and tape)
Andrea Mitchell: Now, he didn't mention you, General, but we have been told clearly he was referring to you. Doesn't that cause you some concern.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Oh, I've talked to the campaign about this.
Andrea Mitchell: Okay.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: But Andrea, it wasn't my decision to bring this up on Sunday, and I haven't made the ruckus. But I think an important point in this is that-
Andrea Mitchell: But you answered it the way you answered it as we've shown.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well, I answered it the way Bob Schieffer asked it to me. I just answered a direct question. It was like, 'Is the sun shining?' I said, 'Yes, the sun is shining.' And I know that's not always done-
Andrea Mitchell: Well-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: -in politics, but I answered a direct question. So, let me explain why I think this is an important issue and why I think it's important that our, our viewers understand that there's a distinction between having shown your courage and commitment as a soldier, sailor or airman in the United S- marine in the United States Armed Forces and having learned from that the judgement that will make you a better President. Because I think ultimately this is a question about who has the better judgement to be Commander in Chief. Barack Obama is not claiming any experience having been in the Armed Forces, but I think if you look at their record of what they've said on things like Iraq and what they've said on the war on terror and how they're approaching the use of all of America's powers, not only our military power, you would make a strong case with me that Barack Obama has shown the better judgement.
Andrea Mitchell: Well let me, let me point out what some of the critics from the Republican side have pointed out, that there seems to be an organized campaign and - whether or not you played into this - that also on Sunday a liberal blogger John Aravosis on americablog.com wrote, "Honestly, besides being tortured what did McCain do to excel in the military?" That was the title of the blog. Down in the blog, he said, "Getting shot down, tortured and then doing propaganda for the enemy is not command experience." Now, first of all, there's a factual issue there, because no one has proved to my satisfaction that John McCain ever did any propaganda for the enemy. To the contrary, he resisted all efforts to use him as a tool with his father being the Admiral in charge of the fleet and refusing to let himself be-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Mm hm.
Andrea Mitchell: -released and become, you know, a tool-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Yeah.
Andrea Mitchell: -of the North Vietnamese at the time.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: I'd agree.
Andrea Mitchell: That said, there has been an argument.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: He was a very honorable prisoner of war.
Andrea Mitchell: And he was an extraordinary man, and he showed a great deal of courage and has had a career-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Absolutely.
Andrea Mitchell: -since he was a prisoner of war, which he can be judged on-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Right.
Andrea Mitchell: -his Senate career. But that-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Right.
Andrea Mitchell: -there's a whole issue of whether there is an organized campaign against John McCain's military service, which Barack Obama can stand above-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: No.
Andrea Mitchell: -and say, 'I honor his service.' Take a look at the-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Absolutely not.
Andrea Mitchell: MoveOn.org ad. The MoveOn.org ad with AFSCME, which has been airing quite widely. Let's play that:
(on tape)
Young woman: Hi, John McCain. (baby noise) This is Alex, and he's my first. So far his talents include trying any new food and chasing after our dog - that and making my heart pound every time I look at him. And so, John McCain, when you say you would stay in Iraq for 100 years, were you counting on Alex? Because (baby noise) if you were, you can't have him.
(and tape)
Andrea Mitchell: Now, I know that John McCain said that A-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well, Andrea, that doesn't say anything about his military career. That has about- something to do about John's- McCain's judgement, and I think that's a very legitimate issue. But there- look, what I said had nothing to do with the Barack Obama campaign. I've been saying those things for months. I simply answered a direct question from the interviewer. And the clip you showed me is really about judgement, and I think that is a very important issue in this campaign.
Andrea Mitchell: Newsweek magazine online had suggested that you might be a Vice Presidential choice. You come from Arkansas. You were connected to the Clintons in- during the primary campaign. You have military service, foreign policy experience. Do you think that this whole episode helps or hurts the possibility of your being on the ca- on the ticket.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: (chuckles) First of all, I've heard nothing about this other than the rumors that fly in the press. I don't know anything about it, but really it, it's immaterial to me. What I was asked is my judgement based on my experience, and that's what I'm giving to the American people. And I've given it on several occasions on several different shows and, and in writing and, and other things about the relevance of particular military experiences to the office of President of the United States, and-
Andrea Mitchell: And le-
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: -that's the only issue that's important here.
Andrea Mitchell: Let me ask you about judgement. Barack Obama has said, 'Out in 16 months after taking over.' Some people have said, 'What about relying on the judgement of the Commanders in the field.' When you look at John McCain and you look at Barack Obama, do you think that either of them will have the flexibility to do what they claim they will do about withdrawing from Iraq? As a military man won't the conditions on the ground and politically in Iraq determine how rapidly the U.S. can safely withdraw?
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well, certainly Barack Obama is going to look at the conditions on the ground and the political conditions in Iraq, and he's going to do more than that. He's going to open a diplomatic dialog with Iraq's neighbors, including people we don't agree with, and he'll try to set up some sensible strategy for the region around which or through which the United States will extract its forces. I think he'll begin to withdraw immediately upon, soon within a month or so after taking the office next January. I certainly hope he will, because I believe that it's the fact of the American withdrawal that will trigger the real incentives to help the Iraqis come to the agreements they need to resolve those political differences.
Andrea Mitchell: Wesley Clark, thank you. I want to thank you also for sticking to your commitment to be with us today. We had originally talked about this interview last week. We were going to talk about Iraq. Other events intervened as we both know. And you kept your word, and I thank you for that.
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Andrea, thank you for giving me an opportunity to say one more time to veterans and all those who are serving in uniform that I honor everyone who serves, especially John McCain, who has been a personal hero of mine. And I thank you for giving me the opportunity to say that again. Thank you.
Andrea Mitchell: You bet. Thanks for being with us.
Throw another strong on national defense, full service Democrat under the bus? Yes you can fund more Bush style Faith Based Initiatives? Yes you can backtrack on FISA? Yes you can waffle on public finance campaign reform? Yes you can turn your back on anyone who isn't politically convenient for you at a particular moment?
Pray tell- which is it?
Wes Clark is the Democrat's Democrat. He stands head & shoulders above McCain and Barack Obama (who can't even get a grip on whether or not he does or doesn't wear a flag pin for heaven's sake) on ALL matters of national security.
Bluemoon, If me being a Clark and Obama supporter doesn't jive with your views. I would respectfully submit that if you don't want Obama elected, you have the option to vote for McCain or Nader or stay at home.
"was on the ground floor", you really need to follow General Clark's lead on his cool, clear responses.
but then, I've ALWAYS stayed here to help General Clark with whatever he needs me to do.
Including reserving my opinions to an occasional comment.
BTW, I'm certainly not angry at Obama.... There's no reason to be angry when someone completely fulfulls your expectations, is there?
the General's fifth star. Thanks for all you do. ((((Kat))))
"She hopes to open shadowed eyes on a different world...." Robert Smith, borrowed from Penelope Farmer
I'm beating the living shit out of someone who crapped all over him.
We learn. We change. That's progress. If we don't do that, well, we're GWB.
Because he threw our guy under the bus for doing exactly what Obama knew he was going to do. Wes has been saying exactly that for weeks if not months. Obama had to know it and as soon as he thinks it looks bad for him politically, he disses Wes. WE DON'T DO THAT HERE. We have principles. We stand up for what we believe in regardless of how the media wind blows. And if more democrats had done that, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in right now.
So, yeah, I'm mad as hell. And I'm not going to take this behavior any more. Flying a plane and getting shot down does not qualify you to be President. DUH! And if Obama can't stand up for that, I don't know quite what he can stand up for.
We learn. We change. That's progress. If we don't do that, well, we're GWB.
Perhaps Wes was sent out by the Obama camp to test fire a few missles into McCain's broadside. This would accomplish many things. Test Clark to see if he is VP worthy and can hold his own. Test the water on the whole "POW camp makes me qualified to be POTUS". Put the question into voters minds about McCain's service. Than Barack can sit back and reap the rewards without getting his hands dirty. Who better to question McCain than a four star General.
But once again we are seeing agendas and tactics that (in order to work effectively) voters are considered to be intelligent free thinking individuals. Once again Barack..and this time Wes, are talking over people's heads.
Flag Pin? again? A dissabled Vet from PA gave him that pin during a meeting here in PA, I saw the footage, and it was a touching moment. Try not to pi** on that too.
What I know is that Barack Obama showed me that
not only is he unable to stand up for the truth
if it means taking a little heat, but also that
he will casually disrespect and disparage
a person who is much better than he is in every
way that counts. Obama is just another sleazy
politician, lacking courage, judgment, and
humility. Your opinion is just another example
of WORM, an attempt to make something stupid
and uncouth done by Obama look good. That is
working on fewer and fewer people as O persists
in his rush to become the second (and only
cowardly) Republican in the race for the WH.
and maybe donkeys will start flying & John Kerry & John Edwards will get those darn votes counted in Ohio!
I submit that rather than engage in some nuanced benefit of the doubt "it's a strategy" theory, that instead we examine the patterns in the presumptuous presumptive nominee's behavior that are right there in public for all to see. I suggest looking under that big yellow school bus for starters.
In any case:
"This is the third election in a row bashing Democrats on national security. But since this administration has been in office, we have had nothing BUT security problems. This administration won't tell the American people the truth." -Wes Clark in Warren County, Iowa Sept. 30, 2006
Wes is right- except this will be election number four, not three. Obama's resume is so thin that he does not particularly have the chops to come at McCain therefore, sickeningly, more skilled & seasoned patriots who have the kind of moral authority Wes has must do the heavy lifting for the dilettante at great personal expense. Therefore when the O! acts like a cad with zero grace or gratitude it shows me again that he is not ready for prime time.
And you know what? I had an uncle who was a Vietnam veteran pass away less than ten days ago - out of state - who was basically indigent & were it not for the kindness of strangers, would have more or less died homeless. My family spent the week turning over the couch cushions to make dignified final arrangements for him. He was an extraordinarily troubled man who was in & out of VA hospitals his entire life, broke my mom's heart a hundred times, & was pretty much estranged from a tiny family that was absolutely shaped by & completely destroyed by that confict in faraway southeastern Asia. He had emotional, mental, spiritual & physical problems I can scarcely bear to think about. And his veteran brother is lying quadreplegic in a long-term care facility as I type.
So before you accuse me of pissing on a veteran's sentimental heartfelt moment, I welcome you to consider my comment in light of the new information that I just provided.
Barack Obama's chameleon-like habit of appearing as something he is not causes many people a bit of discomfort & I am far from alone, looking up at the underside of that bus.
That's too bad about your Uncle. Sounds like a real mess.
I have an uncle and a friend who were also seriously f-up by that war.
Just glad to hear you wont mention the flip flop flag pin again-cheers!
Unfortunately politicians DO operate behind closed doors and make back room deals and secret promises etc. I dont think Barack can hold Wes's jock, but Barack is the nominee and his campaign (right or wrong) is our only chance to get back the white house. If anybody can lose this election it's the democrats. You are contributing to that notion.
her attitude, and the attitudes of 18 million non-Obama Dem voters are not what can lose this election for the Democrats - it is Obama's election to lose - as they have come to their attitudes as a direct result of his.
So - you have it exactly backwards, I'm afraid. It isn't incumbent upon them to get in line and back the nominee - it is incumbent upon the nomoinee to give them reason to back him. And more reason, I daresay than the blackmail notion of "...well, if you don't support me, then it'll be your fault we lost." Sorry. Not this time.
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
Keep saying "sorry not this time", because that is what it will be. NOT THIS TIME DEMS, not this time. Hillary backs Obama, Bill backs Obama, Wes Clark backs Obama, are you now saying all of their judgements are faulty?
UNITY learn it.
Read his lips. He was invited to "Face the Nation" to discuss "foreign policy." It was Shieffer who started the discussion on McCain's service. It was Shieffer who asked about McCain's "riding a fighter and getting shot down." All Gen. Clark did was answer Shieffer's questions.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Make America All It Can Be!
I know what he said. Are you saying that Clark was lying? Them's fighting words.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Make America All It Can Be!
That Gen Clark is being completely open to these media bafoons, do you?
IF there was a strategy (I SAID "IF" BEFORE EVERYONE HAS A FIT) behind Clark's comments I would feel better about Clark becoming VP but if he is working on his own, then I think he shot himself in the foot with the Obama administration.
then what more proof do you need that Obama is going to do the spineless Democratic roll-over when it comes to Republican attacks?
Obama and his people shot their chances
of having a close working relationship
with Wes Clark. Which is a tragedy for
the country. See, the thing you have to
remember is that most of us are CLARK
supporters. Even those who are thinking
of voting for Obama (and I think their
numbers have dropped precipitously over
this) were and are Clark supporters first.
To be accurate, a minority seem to have
totally transferred their support to Obama.
But those of us who are still here for
their original purpose care more about
how things affect Clark and the country
than how they affect Obama. We also know
how Clark works. He would never have
gotten involved in some sort of double
secret convoluted plan with Obama's people.
Anyway, you will get along better here if
you think of how things affect Clark
first. And, by the way, I and many others
have long thought that we don't want Clark
closely involved with Barack Obama because
he obviously does not have the slightest
understanding of what Clark offers. (And
besides that, he's really slimey and a
Republican posing as a Democrat.)
to see if he is VP worthy & can hold his own."??? WTF are you talking about? Apparently you know ZERO about Gen. Clark. He's already held positions that many think are more difficult than being president. Maybe you should spend your time actually vetting obama to see if he is eligible to become president. How about starting with, "Where were you born, Obama, Can you provide fraud-free, unaltered and positive proof?"
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
Japanese Proverb
"Test Clark to see if he is VP worthy and can hold his own."
Obama who shows his chops by voting "present" testing a 4-star general to see if he can hold his own?
Where do I begin? How about with just this one:
Did Clark hold his own in facing down Milosevic?
If you're not joking, you know zilch about General Clark.
You guys constantly miss the point. I wasnt saying Clark isnt VP worthy or needed tested. I was saying That Obama's people might be testing him.
Jeez, it is so frustrating coming here. You guys here jump down anyone's throat who even brings up the fact that maybe someone else is questioning Wes.
WTF is right. WTF is up with everyone in this community. It stinks. I thought I could come back and see what everyone has been up to and see if you are working to get Wes the VP slot, but all I hear and get here is flak.
Keep up the good work and dont forget Clark wants you!...to vote for Barack Obama!
kick supporters under the bus. Far from it.
For example, remember when the Republicans criticized Wes for defending Michael Moore's freedom of speech when Michael M. dishonored George W. Bush as a "deserter"?
Wes handled that well, don't you think?
By contrast, Obama has mangled this, eh?
And, by the way, how about that "Sicko"?
I find it weird that Michael Moore sees all those problems with the health insurance industry and then backs a candidate whose health care plan is such an obvious cave-in to the health insurance industry. Don't you?
Nick Kelly
Wes Clark could still secure America as a national security candidate.
I think he handled it well, too, and he did the right thing. But it hurt his candidacy. Nevertheless, he stood on principle. Perhaps, though, he should have been more explicit in disagreeing with what Moore said all the while defending his right to say it.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Make America All It Can Be!
with what in most accounts is true?
Why has this become the norm? To have to "reject and/or renounce" every time someone gets their shorts in a bunch over a statement? Especially factual statements. I like a man who stands on principle, and can only wish that BO would follow the lead.
"I find it weird that Michael Moore sees all those problems with the health insurance industry and then backs a candidate whose health care plan is such an obvious cave-in to the health insurance industry. Don't you?"
I could answer that, but it wouldn't be printable.
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
Wonder why MichaelM chose not to answer? ;)
Nick Kelly
Wes Clark could still secure America as a national security candidate.
I hate to say it, but John Roberts(the news anchor, not the Supreme Court justice), put the wood to Wesley pretty good, but Gen. Clark did a fairly decent job of defending himself and his thoughts. Still, I couldn't help but become upset with his staunchly supporting Sen. Obama while trying to dodge bullets being aimed at HIMSELF. I can understand that he wants to support the Democratic nominee all the way, but Obama appreciates NOTHING, and unfortunately Gen. Clark's good name and reputation will be hurt by this user.
because calling the democrats' nominee a user is not really helpful
there is no politician who isn't a user, maybe that's the part that's too ugly to understand
Clark has been used by the Clintons and I'm sure he knows it
but for the greater good, we'll make sure we beat the GOP, ok?
so stop trashing our nominee
We're a little pissed. And I'll trash anyone who needs a good trashing. To quote Patrick Swayze's character in Dirty Dancing (well, almost), "Nobody puts Wesley in a corner."
We learn. We change. That's progress. If we don't do that, well, we're GWB.
you guys are getting played
john "bottom of his class" mccain
has clarkies trashing the nominee
this clark site is still filled with obama haters
and you aren't helping general clark or the democrats one bit with this BS
join the GOP if you think obama is the antichrist like most of you apparently do
did you just forgive the clintons for keeping Clark out of the race? For saying Wes is the michael jordan of politics? Screw the Clintons. If Hillary had stayed the hell out of the race, Wes could have been the nominee. Hillary and Bill throw anybody under the bus they have to. It's called politics.
Obama was played. And if he doesn't learn to take the heat, he's going to get his ass kicked. He failed his first test miserably. It's got to be made 100% clear to him that his spineless behavior will not get him elected.
Obama trashed Clark. You damn well better believe that Clark supporters are going to trash him back. Obama is more loyal to McCain than he is to Clark. If you support that, then you are a fool.
We learn. We change. That's progress. If we don't do that, well, we're GWB.
Who said anything about joining the GOP or supporting McCain? I will be doing neither and still won't vote for Obama. As far as I'm concerned, Obama hasn't done a thing to earn my vote. And playing the fear/Supreme Court card isn't enough of a reason, so don't go there.
As a friend once said, the Dems and Repubs are like "two sides of the same coin". Both are disgraceful IMO.
This city needs to be destroyed! Or, at least painted another color. ~Squidward
And that goes for all the others who have returned after a short hiatus.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Make America All It Can Be!
you are one of my faves here. :)
This city needs to be destroyed! Or, at least painted another color. ~Squidward
only related to Obama and his actions. Not the GOP, not the Clinton's.
I have no need to join the GOP as you suggest, I'm a registered independent. The fact that Obama is such a poor candidate for the Dems is worrisome. He has shown no spine, no real interest in specific policy, and no interest in my vote. Actions speak much louder than words.
The guy has been a lame duck since he took his oath in 2004. He has done NOTHING for our state since he got elected!!! Sorry, but there are a hell of a lot of unhappy DEMOCRATS like me who CAN and WILL 'trash' the Democratic nominee. If you want no action from one of your U.S. Senators, move here to Illinois. I don't want 'that guy' to be my president--I want someone as POTUS to ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING!!! Believe me, I don't want to speak for anyone but myself, but like it or not, there are PLENTY of Democrats who are of the same mindset as me--try trashing their free thinking, too.
and yet, he hasn't even stopped by Lake County since he's been in office - not even a postcard.
I agree with you...
If he didn't take the time to support, or even listen to the people of Illinois, how can I assume that he will be able to support the people of all 48 states? ;)
I live in Du Page county, not too far from you, and he never sent an introductory card, or even made a campaign stop anywhere in the county. I feel very hurt that he didn't take the time to try and listen to us, and even worse, he kicked us to the curb as constituents after being our Senator for a mere 4 years. I guess he thinks we're a bunch of rubes, has already become bored with us and his job, and is moving on to bigger and better things. I feel I've been sold a lemon. P.S.--Nice to meet you!
Hey, how about some Kool-Aid to put that lemon in and I'll join you for a virtual glass. Im sure that we can find some around here. Oh darn, I think we're all out....
Thanks, neighbor!!! This put a BIG smile on my face!! Think I'll spike the Kool-Aid a little this weekend in celebration of our great country on the 4th!!
Now where are all those Obama fans when we need them?
I think the only Kool-Aid I'll drink is Colorado Kool-Aid (Coors beer). All that sugar in that Kool-Aid, doncha know, for us diabetics.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Make America All It Can Be!
Clark did just fine with John Roberts. Clark defends Barack Obama because he knows what is at stake in the election. He does the same thing when he goes all over the county to help Democrats get elected. Clark has dodged bullets all his life, and he has taken some in defense of his country.
Clark is the only candidate I've ever supported in a political race. It's intriguing that he was strongly solicited by both parties after his retirement in 2000, yet he decided against it. Why the sudden interest in 2003? I think it's the same reason I got interested in politics. We were living under a president who was incompetent and was making decisions which undermined our strength as a nation. Clark later said that George Bush's use and treatment of the military was one of the primary reasons he got into the race.
George Will, hardly a bleeding-heart liberal, said on TV the other day that if elected, he believed John McCain would take the nation into war with Iran. In other words, more of the same last eight years. Clark has other visions for this country, and he will pour out his heart in this election season to stop McCain's third term for George Bush. Clark is not concerned about personal shots. He can give and take with the best of them. But he wants this administration out and wants someone who will not repeat the horrendous policies of the last eight years.
is a far far larger conversation that is not a wholly owned subsidary of either party- Wes is trying to open that debate & enlarge it.
You can help, or you can hinder.
It - the subject, the conversation- is WAY bigger than either candidate, or party.
Wes did Obama, who doesn't deserve it, in my opinion, a good turn. Obama didn't even have good graces, manners, class or a sense of respect (he knows perfectly well who Wes Clark is & what he's done) enough to not drop the ball when it was thrown to him.
I hate to see such a great man and a great mind like Gen. Clark's being exploited by a candidate that is so unworthy of it.
I really don't think that all of the false outrage the Wurlitzer is grinding out (see Andrea Mitchell!!!) - or the horserace - or even the O! v. Crazy Train, or Republicans v Democrats is really the conversation General Clark would like us to have over this Fourth of July, honestly, although all of those are important in their way.
I think wider discussion of this war needs to get put back on the table double quick- I just read that that deaths in Afghanistan are now greater than Iraq? Gotta run out so can't grab the link- and also Sy Hersh is making the rounds with some very troubling information regarding newish bipartisan forays into Iran's internal affairs, Pakistan is unstable, energy sources, inflation...
Lots to talk about beyond the fighter pilot line Shiffer spouted, eh?
to Wes; first time in AGES I can say anything good about her.
Yes Wes Can!