Clinton, Wes Clark Stop at Iowa Diner

NBC/National Journal | Athena Jones

DES MOINES, Nov 19 -- Clinton brought out Gen. Wes Clark, onetime presidential hopeful himself, in Iowa. Clark appeared with the New York senator at an unscheduled stop at Drake Diner -- part of the campaign's efforts to shore up support among voters in a state where the race for the Democratic nomination is far closer than in the rest of the country.

Clinton introduced the general and chatted with a handful of voters who worked at a children's hospital and with a man who asked about housing issues.

"I'd love to have your support," the senator said at one point; one of the diners said she would have his. Clinton then settled in at the counter to chat, before the cameras, with Clark and former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack about the challenges of campaigning over the holidays.

Clinton wondered aloud how they would keep momentum and voter contact going over the holidays, saying that campaigning at that time of year has never really been on anyone's agenda.

"You can't call them on Christmas," Vilsack said.
"You can call them on the 26th," Clark responded with a chuckle.

They also spoke about China and ways to fight global warming. Clark called eggs his "comfort food" and both he and Clinton ordered fruit bowls.

This year's midterm elections present American voters with a clear choice on the type of leadership we want for our country. Do we want to continue with the Republicans' current "stay the course" status quo? Or do we want new leadership on the critical issues that we face -- in particular the situation in Iraq -- the type of new leadership that only Democrats can provide?

Support Dr. Spencer's campaign for Congress -- contribute today to help run my radio ad!

For those who choose new leadership, they need look no further than Dr. Selden Spencer, who is the Democratic nominee for Congress in Iowa's 4th district.

I just recorded a radio ad in support of Dr. Spencer's campaign, and we are looking to raise $10,000 in order to play the ad across the 4th Congressional District. Please contribute what you can to air this important message.

Click here to listen to the radio ad.

Help us put my ad in support of Selden's campaign on the air -- contribute today!

I served in the military for 38 years. From my experience, it is clear that our policies are not leading us to victory in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the rest of the Middle East. It will take more than military might alone to secure America

Dr. Selden Spencer of Huxley has been on the ground in Afghanistan. He sees that we need a new direction in the Middle East that includes diplomacy and economic development, in addition to the strong military component of the mission.

Dr. Spencer served in Kabul as a physician with Northwest Medical Teams, and while there it became crystal clear to him that a critical component of our battle in the Middle East needs to be winning the hearts and minds of the people there. This is a lesson the Republicans in Washington refuse to learn, and is one of the primary reasons we need Dr. Selden Spencer in Congress.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette 10/08/2006, Page B02 (no link)
Clark urges focus on domestic issues

By James Q. Lynch
The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Wesley Clark says he is ''totally focused'' on 2006 and doesn't even have a process in place to consider a campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

However, the retired Army general's comments on the the lessons learned from his 2004 campaign and what he sees as the Bush administration's failures sound like the basis for a 2008 candidacy.

Clark, 62, who flew into Cedar Rapids on Saturday, is keeping busy these days campaigning for Democrats, including 1st District hopeful Bruce Braley on Saturday afternoon and 3rd District Rep. Leonard Boswell today in Des Moines.

General Clark is hitting the campaign trail this weekend in Iowa on behalf of Democratic candidates across the state

UPDATE! The location for the Sunday morning brunch in Fort Dodge has changed. It will now be held at Marvin's, 809 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA.

Second Annual Bruce, Blues & BBQ

On Saturday, he'll be attending The Second Annual Bruce, Blues & BBQ with special guest Senator Tom Harkin -- a celebration on behalf of Bruce Braley (IA-01). The party starts at 1PM at the Gateway Celebration Shelter in Gateway Park (North Main and First Streets) in Cedar Falls.

Bruce is running for the seat left open by Republican Jim Nussle (who vacated it to run for IA Gov) and as General Clark said "This seat is the Democrats' #1 pickup opportunity."

Details here.

And the fun's just beginning!