General Wesley Clark on Fox News
February 2, 2007
WES CLARK: Some of the war's staunchest supporters are admitting they were wrong. And others now call for poll-tested positions. I speak to you today as the only person who will take this podium before you to actually have done the things we need to succeed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.
Jamie Colby: General Wesley Clark addressing Democrats about political divisions on Iraq and the need for strong leadership. Addressing Democrats at their winter meeting. Foreign policy front and center in the campaign. Joining us now for more on today's DNC meeting General Wesley Clark. Thanks for being with us General.
WES CLARK: Thank you. It's good to be with you.
Jamie Colby: You talked about your experience and the fact that you understand how things work in Afghanistan and in Iraq. So would you have ideas you would want to put in place as President?
WES CLARK: Absolutely. Immediately. You see to win in these countries you have to build a whole foundation around the military forces that we've committed. It's not enough to rely on great generals and great soldiers or marines. You've got to have the right diplomacy. You've got to be able to help governments meet the needs of their people. Sometimes you even have to mediate between quarreling governments in the region. And, actually what's happened so much in this region over the last five years is that we have relied on our military but we haven't done the rest of the government actions that need to be done. We haven't had the strong diplomacy. We haven't created the means to help the ministries work in these countries and bring government services to people. We haven't really effected people's lives in a positive sense and after a while the military impact of our soldiers just wears off.
Jamie Colby: Will you make a run for the White House?
WES CLARK: Well I haven't said I won't do that. I'm very much interested in the future of this country. Obviously, I am very connected to the men and women in the armed forces. My heart bleeds every morning when I read the casualties and I think about what more could be done to help us succeed in our missions abroad rather than simply expending the lives and treasure of our country. .....
Jamie Colby: Today your meeting ....
WES CLARK: ... So I'm very close to these issues.
Jamie Colby: Yes sir. Today you met with Democratic leaders in an exchange of ideas there. A number of people speaking including yourself. When you think of the Iraq Resolutions, I wanted to ask you why the Democrats have not necessarily gotten behind them. There is some division among the party, is there not?
WES CLARK: I think, many of the Republicans and all of the Democrats are looking for a way to continue to support the troops, but to force the president's hand so that he gives us a strategy that will bring us success in this mission. Some people believe that a non-binding resolution is the right way to start. Other people believe that more has to be done to put the cards on the table with enough strength to get the president's attention. But, there should be no mistake about it. National Security policy is first and foremost the responsibility of the administration to propose, and develop, and of course, to execute. In this case, the Congress is very involved in it because that's the will of the American people. The elections in November were a rejection of the president's leadership. And especially his leadership in Iraq. He's come back to the Congress and said more of the same. So there's a lot of anxiety to change that.
Jamie Colby: General, before I let you go I want to ask you about the news out of Iran which is that uranium enrichment continues despite U.N. action. What would be your approach to getting a hold of the situation in Iran and handling the threat from that rogue nation?
WES CLARK: Well, I think of course there is the military option. And the military option must remain on the table. But by far, the best solution is to persuade the Iranians that they'll be safer, more secure, more influential and be able to take care of their people better and advance their own interests - if they don't have nuclear weapons rather than if they do. To make that case persuasively - it's not a matter of sending another aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf. It really is a matter of this administration taking the lead in diplomacy in the region. We need to address, with the Iranians, exactly what they are afraid of? Why do they want a nuclear weapon? And, what are they going to do with it? And, what else do they have an interest in doing in the region? And maybe if we have the right kind of dialogue at the right level, and I'm not talking about a public dialogue, but at the right levels and there's some give and take on both sides - maybe there's a way of avoiding a confrontation.
Jamie Colby: All right, General Wesley Clark, not ruling out a White House run here - but not declaring at this point. And some good ideas. Thank you so much, great to see you.
WES CLARK: Thank you.
