posted on August 11, 2003 01:28:44 PM new
George Bushes worst nightmare is here.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 /U.S. Newswire /-- Retired Gen. Wesley Clark is reportedly making preparations to launch his presidential campaign shortly after Labor Day, a move that will shake up the Democratic Presidential campaign.
The National Journal is reporting that Gen. Clark recently spoke with a close advisor and said, "Crank it up," in reference to his presidential bid. This follows a series of media interviews in which Clark has been increasingly critical of President Bush's handling of domestic and foreign policy issues.
The National Journal wrote: "Wesley Clark appears to be getting close to throwing his stars into the 2004 Democratic presidential nominating contest. Clark recently phoned one close adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and said, 'Crank it up.' The Clark adviser said that the former NATO chief is smart to stay out of the race until after Labor Day, but not much longer after that. He pointed to the number of debates and forums that the Democratic hopefuls have on tap and the chance that these encounters will do little to clarify the race -- as was the case in the recent AFL-CIO forum in Chicago. The Clark adviser speculated that the general will be better positioned for a run if he has a message that seems fresher for not having been part of the clutter."
Meanwhile, the Draft Clark 2004 campaign has been picking up steam, with 98 regional coordinators in 42 states, supported by more than 1,000 active volunteers across the country organizing a grassroots effort that can boost his campaign once he becomes a declared candidate.
The Draft Clark campaign is opening a national headquarters in Little Rock on Saturday, where public officials and residents are excited about the prospects of a presidential campaign for another of the state's favorite sons.
Once Gen. Clark enters the race, many political analysts believe he can become a serious contender for the Democratic nomination. His strong support of affirmative action makes him popular with African American voters, while his military background appeals to more conservative voters. While Gen. Clark is pro-choice and moderate on social issues, he is a fiscal conservative, who is already advocating a need to reduce the deficit and balance the budget.
About General Wesley Clark
Wesley Clark is one of the nation's most distinguished retired military officers. His thirty-four years of military service culminated with his role as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO where he led Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Clark ranked first in his 1966 class at West Point. He holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy, Economics and Politics from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Clark is a recipient of numerous military & civilian awards, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He currently serves on the boards of several private corporations and non-profit organizations including "Leadership for America," a non-partisan, non-profit educational organization dedicated to fostering the national dialogue about America's future. For a more complete biography, please visit http://www.draftclark2004.com.
About Draft Clark 2004
The Draft Clark 2004 for President Committee, with more than 98 regional coordinators in 42 states across the country, supported by thousands of active volunteers, is mobilizing tens of thousands of Clark supporters nationwide to organize local grassroots activities on behalf of the national draft movement. In addition to its national headquarters in Clark's hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, Draft Clark 2004 operates a campaign field office in New Hampshire. Draft Clark 2004 has filed as a PAC with the Federal Election Commission, but is not associated with General Clark, who is not a candidate. For more information on General Clark and the nationwide effort to draft him into the 2004 Presidential race, please visit http://www.draftclark2004.com
posted on August 12, 2003 09:09:14 PM new
I like him, I hope he does run. The democrates do not really have a "strong" candidate that I can see so far.
posted on August 13, 2003 12:17:24 PM new
He is going to run. He will make his announcement on labor day. Al Gores campaign team is working with him. I dont know if you saw Al Gores speech at MoveOn.org but he said he will endorse one of the candidates later on. Wesley Clark is Al Gore and the DLCs secret weapon.
posted on August 13, 2003 12:25:46 PM new
Switching from Biden to Clark now?
If he runs he may get the party nomination, but he'll NEVER be elected. You party does need help right now though. Dean's the only one that getting anywhere and I think he, too, is too far left to win election. Remember Clinton was a moderate, Carter was a moderate.
So sorry your Joe Biden didn't have the guts to run. All mouth...but didn't put his reputation on the line did he? lol
posted on August 13, 2003 12:51:22 PM new
Im not going to disagree with you that the candidates are somewhat of a joke.
Unlike most republicans we are a party of diversity. If we dont agree with a democrat will be say so. If a democrat does somthing we dont agree with we will make it public and do whats right for the country and not the party.
You republicans will defend another republican no matter what wrong they do.
Your a bunch of sheep that cant think for themselves
posted on August 15, 2003 01:32:33 PM new
Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, the NATO boss who is toying with a bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries, is starting to gain the interest of key Democrats and the curiosity of the White House. Whispers learns that White House officials have in recent days clicked through the Draft Clark Web site, www.draftclark2004.com, in an apparent effort to keep an eye on the possible presidential or vice presidential candidate. And insiders tell our Suzi Parker that Democrats are becoming interested in the Arkansan, the one possible Democratic candidate whose military and national security credentials can’t be questioned. We learn, for example, that House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi recently reached out to Clark in a phone call and that Arkansas Democratic officials are trying to move up the state’s presidential primary to give the native an early victory next year.
Clark’s allies, who are pressuring him to get in, say he might wait until October to declare or bow out of the race, and they also believe that a fall entry won’t be too late. They point out that fellow Arkansan Bill Clinton entered the 1992 race late. Further, they say that money won’t be an issue because defense contractors will line up to back his bid. And speaking of Clinton, Clark’s friends hope that a candidate Clark would revive the former president’s Arkansas Traveler gimmick of sending supporters to key primary and caucus states to talk up the Army vet, laying the groundwork for an eventual Clark visit.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 20 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Retired General Wesley Clark will announce his plans to run for president by the end of the month, according to Democratic Party insider Donna Brazile.
In a luncheon speech to the Utah Democratic Party, Brazile said that General Clark would enter the campaign and that President Bush is vulnerable on domestic and foreign policy issues. Brazile ran Vice President Al Gore's 2000 campaign and remains active in Democratic political circles.
Indeed, General Clark acts more and more like a candidate each day, as he lashed out at the Republican administration during a media tour that has included interviews with media outlets ranging from network morning shows to syndicated radio shows.
"It's pretty clear that General Clark has begun articulating his message and telling voters his views on a number of issues,'' said Michael K. Frisby, the media strategist for the Draft Clark 2004 Committee. Frisby said the General will be a formidable candidate.
"None of the other Democratic candidates have raised enough money to scare General Clark away,'' said Frisby, a former political reporter and White House Correspondent for the Wall Street Journal. "When General Clark enters the race, he will do something that the other candidates have failed to do: make the case for why the country would be better off with President Bush back in Texas on his ranch."
Don McCorkell, an organizer with the Draft Clark 2004 Committee, said that thousands of Clark supporters have been meeting regularly around the country, building an organization that will become the foundation for the Clark presidential campaign.
"The Clark Brigade is a wave of Clark supporters who are ready to do whatever it takes to get the General elected President of the United States," McCorkell said. "Once he gives the order, our team is ready to canvas the streets in New Hampshire and bang on doors in Iowa to help people understand that General Clark is about substance over style, a man of integrity who will earn the respect of all Americans."
posted on August 20, 2003 07:13:02 AM new
Well bigcity, as much as it pains me to respond to and have a possible agreement with you , I live about 24 miles from little rock. On Monday I went to a Gen Clark information dinner. I don't vote party lines so I am open to any candidate ( yes I worked for and supported the Clinton campaigns). I am attending another dinner in litte rock on the first and Gen. Clark will be there to speak. My guess from gathered information is that he will announce he is running at that function (if not in the days preceding that meeting) After that meeting and a little more research I'll decide if I will work for his campaign. The only fault I have found so far is that he is pro choice. Being a Catholic I have a hard time with that one but I am willing to look at the overall picture. I need to hear more of his economic plan first. As far as his international leadership goes he is , without question, far more qualified than any. Anyways you really should go back to your nifty pictures and far reaching tales of conspiracy so I can continue to disagree a poke fun at your posts this one however, I'll back you on for now
posted on August 20, 2003 08:11:57 AM new
Affirmative Action: Clark is a strong proponent and supporter of affirmative action, diversity, and multiculturalism:
“I’m in favor of the principle of affirmative action… what you can’t have is you can’t have a society in which we’re not acknowledging that there is a problem in this society with racial discrimination.” Meet The Press
"I saw first hand the racial prejudice, the civil disobedience, the intolerance… I've often gone back to that experience. It's something I've related to." Waging Modern War by Wesley Clark
Clark was recently one of several former military men to file a pro-affirmative action "friend of the court" brief on behalf of the University of Michigan in their battle against the Bush Administration efforts to dismantle Michigan's admissions policy. Clark said he was "surprised and dismayed" by the president's decision. (Read the consolidated brief (PDF) of retired military leaders (including Wesley Clark) in support of University of Michigan's affirmative action program.)
The Environment: Environmental protections appear to be part of Clark’s overall global and progressive vision for America.
"Human beings do affect the environment and all you have to do is fly along the Andes and look at the disappearing glaciers down there and you recognize that there is something called global warming and it's just getting started as China and India modernize." (source – speech at the Council on Foreign Relations)
"100 years out, the only things we leave behind that will matter are the environment and constitutional legitimacy."
Opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the grounds that "the gains in terms of US energy independence are relatively marginal" The Diane Rehm Show
Gays in the Military: "But essentially we’ve got a lot of gay people in the armed forces, always have had, always will have. And I think that, you know, we should welcome people that want to serve." Meet The Press
Guns: Clark has implied that gun ownership is primarily a local issue. He also believes that assault weapons should be banned for the general public, stating, "people who like assault weapons they should join the United States Army, we have them." (CNN's Crossfire, 06/25/03)
Health Care and Education: Clark is a strong supporter of a social safety net, including effective and well-supported systems of education and health care:
"I grew up in an armed forces that treated everyone as a valued member of the team. Everyone got healthcare, and the army cared about the education of everyone's family members. It wasn't the attitude that you find in some places, where people are fending for themselves and the safety net doesn't work." (Source: Waging Modern War)
Immigration: "We’re a nation of immigrants. We should be encouraging every person from the Indian Institute of Technology that comes to this country to stay in this country. Become an American citizen. Join with us. Make a great company. Let’s all be wealthy and prosperous and happy together. Immigration has a vital part to play in that process." (Source: New Democrat Network speech)
National Security, 9/11, and The Patriot Act: Clark is wary of trading off individual rights that allow the government to escape accountability. Clark supports a review of the Patriot Act to assess its effectiveness and potential damage to individual rights. He has also called for more accountability surrounding 9/11 so we know what went wrong and how to prevent these attacks in the future.
“I think one of the risks you have in this operation is that you’re giving up some of the essentials of what it is in America to have justice, liberty and the rule of law. I think you’ve got to be very, very careful when you abridge those rights to prosecute the war on terrorists. So I think that needs to be carefully looked at.” Meet The Press
"One of the things about the war on terror that I am disturbed about is that we've essentially suspended habeas corpus. Which is something that's only been done once in American history and then only for a very brief period. When I go back and think about the atmosphere in which the PATRIOT Act was passed, it begs for a reconsideration and review.” (source – Salon.com interview)
“We’ve got a set of hearings that need to be conducted to look at what happened that caused 9/11. That really hasn’t been done yet. You know, a basic principle of military operations is you conduct an after-action review. When the action’s over you bring people together. The commander, the subordinates, the staff members. You ask yourself what happened, why, and how do we fix it the next time? As far as I know, this has never been done about the essential failure at 9/11. Then moving beyond that, it needs to be looked at in terms of the whole intelligence effort and how it’s connected to the policy effort. And these are matters that probably cannot be aired fully in public but I think that the American people and their representatives have to be involved in this. This is essential in terms of the legitimacy and trust in our elected leadership and our way of government.” Meet The Press
Taxes and the Economy: Clark favors a responsible and progressive taxation system that creates jobs and doesn’t put this country into ruinous financial shape with gaping deficits. Clark, who at one point taught economics at West Point, was against Bush’s tax changes because they don’t effectively create jobs, they are unfair, and they imperil our nation’s fiscal health.
“Taxes are something that you want to have as little of as possible, but you need as much revenue as necessary to meet people’s needs for services.” Meet The Press
“[The Bush tax changes] were not efficient in terms of stimulating the kind of demand we need to move the economy back into a recovery mode, a strong recovery and a recovery that provides jobs.” Meet The Press
“The tax cuts weren’t fair… the people that need the money and deserve the money are the people who are paying less, not the people who are paying more. I thought this country was founded on a principle of progressive taxation. In other words, it’s not only that the more you make, the more you give, but proportionately more because when you don’t have very much money, you need to spend it on the necessities of life. When you have more money, you have room for the luxuries and you should—one of the luxuries and one of the privileges we enjoy is living in this great country.” Meet The Press
“I mean, you look at the long-run health of the country and the size of the deficit that we’ve incurred and a substantial part of that deficit is result of the tax cuts. You have to ask: “Is this wise, long-run policy?” I think the answer is no.” Meet The Press
Women’s Issues: Clark is a strong supporter of women’s rights. Bluntly stating on CNN's Crossfire "I am pro-choice." He is pro-choice, supporting the rights of women to make these decisions outside of governmental regulation (Source – The American Prospect), and in the early 1980s, he proactively tackled spousal abuse as an army commander with a forward-thinking assessment of the demands of the modern family. (source - War in a Time of Peace, by David Halberstam)
posted on August 20, 2003 08:14:31 AM new
The Draft Clark national group moved headquarters to Little Rock and it is my understanding they are the host for this particular meeting. We were told at the meeting on Monday about it and they said at that meeting he would be attending and speaking. Seems logical that he would announce there but that is not much more than speculation on my part. It was a real enjoyable and eye opening experience working with the clinton campaign. Didn't think I would ever get the chance to work for a home town boy again but It looks very possible now. Still need more on the economic side as I said earlier but looks promising so far. He obviously has the proper economic background and teaching but I would like to see some specifics of his plan.
[ edited by tomyou on Aug 20, 2003 08:15 AM ]
posted on August 20, 2003 08:24:01 AM new
Looked back at my notes bigcity and I could be mistaken. there is a draft Clark event at the River market in Dowtown Little Rock. This Saturday ( Aug 23) between 5:30 and 7:00 and he is expected to appear at that function. My notes don't show confirmation of the Sept 1 Dinner apperance so I'd have to check again to confirm that one. I may have had the two dates mixed up but I am certain about his appearing at this weekends event.
posted on August 20, 2003 08:24:01 AM new
Looked back at my notes bigcity and I could be mistaken. there is a draft Clark event at the River market in Dowtown Little Rock. This Saturday ( Aug 23) between 5:30 and 7:00 and he is expected to appear at that function. My notes don't show confirmation of the Sept 1 Dinner apperance so I'd have to check again to confirm that one. I may have had the two dates mixed up but I am certain about his appearing at this weekends event.
posted on August 20, 2003 08:41:39 AM new
His economic policies are alot like Clinton economics (Progressive). He says he wants to try Universal Healthcare. Clinton tried it but it didnt work out to well.
[ edited by bigcitycollectables on Aug 20, 2003 08:49 AM ]
posted on August 20, 2003 12:07:02 PM new
From your post on Wesley Clark's views on Taxes and the Economy...he says he favors progressive taxation.....which in other words means take from the more well-to-do and give to more social programs. I am against that.
-----
Then he is quoted as saying on the Bush tax cuts:
"The tax cuts weren't fair". [life isn't fair - work for what you want] "the people that need the money and deserve the money are the people who are paying less, not the people who are paying more." "I thought this coutry was founded on a priniciple of progressive taxation."
Here's how the WSJ replied to that notion:
But shouldn't a president at least know something about his country's history? Clark appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday and made this astonishing statement by way of explaining why he opposes President Bush's tax cuts:
As radio host Neal Boortz points out, the notion that the nation "was founded on a principle of progressive taxation" is staggeringly ignorant. In a brief history on its Web site, the Century Foundation points out that there was no income tax at all for 118 years after America's founding, except for a temporary levy during the Civil War. Congress enacted a highly progressive income tax in 1894, but the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional the following year--which would have been a neat trick if progressive taxation had been one of the nation's founding principles. The income tax didn't return until October 1913, when Woodrow Wilson signed it into law. This was possible only because of a constitutional amendment--the 16th, ratified six months earlier.
posted on August 20, 2003 12:10:46 PM new
Here's the url to Wesley Clark's interview by Tim Russert on 6-15-03. Rather than just listing some of what he stated.
posted on August 20, 2003 05:28:50 PM new
Let me explain to you what Progressive economics is.
Republican economics is just a tax cut and de regulation (Dissaster)
Democrat economics is an essay.
Like it or not everyone has to pay some taxes to contribute to the economy and society.
When people are taxed that money is invested in creating jobs, education, healthcare, etc.
By investing in America, the people are able to progress and get richer. When they get richer they spend more money. When they spend more money the rich get richer.
Everybody gets richer. Thats why they call it progressive economics.
posted on August 20, 2003 05:55:16 PM newLet me explain to you...
you need explain NOTHING to me...for words mean nothing...actions do. And I've been around long enough to see the spending patterns of both parties.
The democratic party is a spend, spend, spend party. Take from those who have worked hard and risen to a high financial level and give to all the social projects they can dream up. Usually to the groups that support them politically.
The Lt. Gov of CA is proposing just such a deal for the taxpayers of CA. Raise their taxes even more. Sounds like your Clark is going to do the same thing.
So...you want and are willing to pay more taxes than you already are? FINE with me. But I'm not willing to and I certainly wouldn't be crazy enough to vote for a candidate who says that's what he has in mind for MY money.
posted on August 20, 2003 05:57:02 PM new
By the way. Tax cuts may sound good but in reality its a smokescreen.
The upper middle class doesnt even get a tax cut becouse the state governemts raise their taxes becouse of the loss of revenue and defecits due to the tax cuts.
posted on August 20, 2003 06:06:30 PM new
Every state government has raised their taxes due to their defecits and loss of revene. Its not just California.
Bill Clinton left George Bush a 3 billion dollar surpluss.
Due to these tax cuts and de regulation prices on everything has skyrocketed.
College, healthcare, midicare, workmens comp, property taxes, car taxes, etc..
Jobs are screwing American workers with scandals and moving overseas due to deregulation.
posted on August 20, 2003 07:10:59 PM new
I like him because he says what he means and doesn't care about political lines, he is a nonpartisan. I would really like to see him run and win as an independent but he'll need the democratic backing to stand a chance. Just a little bio information for those interested:
Retired 4 Star General
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander
Graduated First in Class at West Point
Rhodes Scholar
Masters from oxford in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Vietnam Veteran
Awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart
Former Investment Banker
Clark also disagreed with some of Clintons practices, just like he disagrees with some of Bush's so he is nobody's croonie. It may cost him in the long run but if he doesn't like what you are saying he will let you know regardless of affiliation and that may be what this country needs right now. Use all the grade school name calling you want but very few are as qualified as this man and this coming from someone who did and still does back the action taken in Iraq by Bush so you can't say I'm a righty or a lefty with mental issues
posted on August 20, 2003 08:12:43 PM newEvery state government has raised their taxes due to their defecits and loss of revene.
That is an untrue statement. Back it up please.
Even the states that MAY be choosing to raise their taxes might not really need to. It may be a choice their representatives are making. There may be ways of cutting duplicate agencies, trimming the 'fat' that accumulated during the boom years....rather than taxing the people.
Read what Vermont has done. Read how some states held monies aside during the 'good' times for the now 'leaner' times.
, I live about 24 miles from little rock. On Monday I went to a Gen Clark information dinner. I don't vote party lines so I am open to any candidate ( yes I worked for and supported the Clinton campaigns). I am attending another dinner in litte rock on the first and Gen. Clark will be there to speak. My guess from gathered information is that he will announce he is running at that function (if not in the days preceding that meeting) After that meeting and a little more research I'll decide if I will work for his campaign. The only fault I have found so far is that he is pro choice. Being a Catholic I have a hard time with that one but I am willing to look at the overall picture. I need to hear more of his economic plan first. As far as his international leadership goes he is , without question, far more qualified than any. Anyways you really should go back to your nifty pictures and far reaching tales of conspiracy so I can continue to disagree a poke fun at your posts