Clark stumps for Democrats in western Kentucky

September 26, 2006
By GREG TRAVIS | Murray Ledger and Times

PADUCAH, Ky. - Gen. Wesley Clark, a highly-decorated veteran, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and former Democratic presidential candidate, brought his “Kentucky Candidate Tour” to Paducah Monday afternoon. Clark was stumping throughout the Commonwealth for House and Senate candidates while spreading his message that the Democratic grassroots organizations can change the face of America.

Clark: Bush 'derelict in his duty'

Former NATO chief speaks at 'family day'

September 25, 2006
By Elisabeth J. Beardsley | The Courier-Journal

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Former NATO commander Wesley Clark told Kentucky Democrats yesterday that President Bush has been "derelict in his duty as commander in chief."

Speaking to a gathering at the Kentucky Democratic Party's second annual "family day" event in Frankfort, Clark said former President Bill Clinton warned Bush personally during the presidential transition about Osama bin Laden.

"For eight months, Bush did nothing -- nothing. No plan. No action. No diplomacy. No intelligence. No meetings," Clark said.

Clark also said Bush has mismanaged Iraq and blocked efforts to impose accountability.

"The truth is, the Republicans have got us stuck in a mess and they don't have a way out," Clark said.

Democrats have proposed turning over the country to the Iraqis and starting a troop withdrawal this year, Clark said. They also support stronger diplomatic efforts in the region, and efforts to provide sufficient equipment and armor for the troops, he said.

Clark tough on Bush at rally

Tells state Dems to prepare for election

September 24, 2006
By RONNIE ELLIS | CNHI News Service

FRANKFORT — Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark said President George W. Bush “was derelict in his duty as commander in chief” in not anticipating attacks on this country by al-Qaida and “the Republicans have got us stuck in a mess” in Iraq “and they don’t have a way out.”

The former supreme allied commander of NATO, who directed the air war over Kosovo during the Clinton administration, appeared before a gathering of Democrat faithful at state party headquarters Sunday as part of his two-day visit to Kentucky to campaign on behalf of Democrat congressional candidates.

He wasn’t shy about criticizing the conduct of the war in Iraq or the war on terrorism, contending President Bill Clinton personally warned Bush about the threat posed by Osama bin Laden when Bush became president.

“And for eight months, President Bush did nothing,” Clark told the crowd. “No plan. No action. No diplomacy. No intelligence. I think Bush was derelict in his duty as commander in chief.”

Clark, who was twice stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky during his 38-year military career during which he rose to the rank of four star general, said people such as Mike Weaver, the Democrat running against incumbent Republican Rep. Ron Lewis in the Second Congressional District, are needed in Congress to provide accountability for the conduct of the war.