Gen. Clark: McCain Is "Untested And Untried" On National Security

On Tuesday, Sen. Kent Conrad revealed that Sen. Barack Obama is including "former top military leaders" among the approximately two dozen names currently rattling around in a not-so-short vice presidential short list.

Such figures don't come much more "top" in either political party than retired four-star General Wes Clark, the former Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO during the Kosovo War. After a late entry into the Democratic 2004 presidential race, in which he won the Oklahoma primary and finished second in three other contests, Clark turned himself into a popular surrogate on the stump for Democratic congressional candidates during the midterm elections.

Relatively new to partisan politics, he seems to have taken to the enterprise with gusto. As an early backer of Sen. Hillary Clinton, Clark traveled in the last year to Iowa, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Indiana and South Dakota. But even now that the spouse of his former Commander in Chief is out of the race, Clark isn't done for the season. In an email pitch to his nationwide network of supporters last week, Clark urged party unity and described the call to elect Obama as a "critical mission."

In a wide-ranging interview with The Huffington Post, Clark offered opinions on the current state of American foreign policy, the Democrats' emergence as a more "full-service" party on security issues, and -- lest anyone doubt his potential use as a running mate for Obama -- the shortcomings of Sen. John McCain.

"I know he's trying to get traction by seeking to play to what he thinks is his strong suit of national security," Clark said of McCain while speaking from his office in Little Rock, Arkansas. "The truth is that, in national security terms, he's largely untested and untried. He's never been responsible for policy formulation. He's never had leadership in a crisis, or in anything larger than his own element on an aircraft carrier or [in managing] his own congressional staff. It's not clear that this is going to be the strong suit that he thinks it is."

Resume aside, though, Clark also took issue with the Arizona Republican's instincts on national security. "McCain's weakness is that he's always been for the use of force, force and more force. In my experience, the only time to use force is as a last resort. ... When he talks about throwing Russia out of the G8 and makes ditties about bombing Iran, he betrays a disrespect for the office of the presidency."

* * *

There has never been a more important election in my lifetime -- with a war waging, gas prices at record highs, our health care in crisis, and our nation's standing around the world severely diminished. I spent the last year traveling across the country talking to great Americans in Iowa, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, South Dakota, Indiana and many other places. They all agree on one thing: This country needs new leadership, and it's time for change.

Many of you in the Clark community answered the call. Some of you worked tirelessly for Senator Clinton while others poured hours into Senator Obama's campaign. You did this because you were willing to sacrifice your time and energy to bring the change we so desperately need. I can't thank you enough for all you have done.

Now I am asking you to come together and make sure Barack Obama is our next president. This is a critical mission.

Hillary Clinton ran an amazing race. She inspired millions. Our party is a better party because of her campaign, and our nation is a better nation because of her service. She is and will always be a friend whom I admire.

I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on securing the nomination. His historic campaign has touched lives and his message has moved people in every corner of America. I believe he is not only ready for the challenge but will be a great President.

It's time our party comes together to stand behind Senator Obama as we move forward in this election season. I look forward to doing everything I can to help Senator Obama's campaign. While I respect John McCain's service, I know exactly what he stands for -- Bush's third term. America is a great nation, and our people deserve more. We need Barack Obama to be our next president.

Help WesPAC Help Democrats Win!

Roll Call: General Clark Ready to Do Battle for Shulman (NJ)

May 13, 2008 | Roll Call

Already a darling of the Democratic establishment on Capitol Hill, psychologist Dennis Shulman picked up the endorsement of former presidential candidate and retired Gen. Wesley Clark in his bid to claim the Democratic nomination and challenge Rep. Scott Garrett (R) in November.

In a statement released over the weekend, Clark said Shulman’s unique background makes him an inspirational candidate, especially during an election year in which change has become the key theme.

"Growing up blind and overcoming family financial struggles to become an accomplished psychologist, educator, and rabbi, Dennis embodies what we all hope to be as Americans and his voice will be a powerful force for change in Congress,” Clark said.

Obama has oodles of money.

Hillary's demographic is less flush with funds right now......due to the disastrous GwB economy.

She needs our help to go on to NC, IN KY and beyond.

If you can help her out.....

Please do so through Wes

https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/wesclark.html?rc=GDY5

I'm grateful for all you've done to change the course of our country and send countless progressives to Congress these past four years. But the 2008 elections are coming up soon, and we need to take the White House and increase our majorities in Congress. Contribute to WesPAC in celebration of our Fourth Anniversary today!

Click to Contribute >>

The Clark Community and WesPAC didn't start with me. It was born out of a group of people who wanted to restore our nation's security and prosperity, address the threats facing America without sacrificing our civil liberties, and fight the unwise policies of the Bush Administration.

It's with the help of people like you that I founded WesPAC and that we have come to change the course of this country. As we celebrate WesPAC's fourth anniversary this month, I'd like to take a moment and look back on what we have accomplished together, and thank your for standing by me these past four years:

The Draft Clark movement started in 2003 with just a handful of activists -- only five years later, our organization includes over 300,000 activists working to increase our Democratic majorities in Congress and bring new leadership to Washington.

Your energy and commitment to our country has helped change the course of our nation both internationally and domestically. Americans across the country are frustrated with our strategic blunders in the Middle East, a weak economy and an administration that has failed to represent the interests of the people. That's why we started a campaign to stop war with Iran, sent over 25,000 emails to Congress urging our Representatives to get Ed Shultz's show on Armed Forces Radio, and have sent more than 260,000 emails to our nation's leaders demanding change in Washington.

Time and again, the WesPAC community has fought for a shared purpose to strengthen our national security, stand by our veterans, and make sure that the government is representing the interests of all Americans. But I alone could not have had the impact that we as a community have had on our nation -- instead it has taken the work of thousands of people like you to make our voice heard.

Of course, what I'm most proud of is our success in sending countless Democrats to Congress. Since 2004, I've asked you to help progressive candidates across the country, and together we have raised over 1.5 million dollars for over 100 candidates. Raising 1.5 million dollars takes more than just one person -- it takes the support of a community, and you are part of a community that has propelled countless Democratic candidates to victory at election time.

With your help, we've done great work so far for the 2008 elections, but we can't take it for granted that we'll come out on top in November. We're facing a Republican Party that is willing to do anything to cling to their seats in Congress, and our opponents are already throwing mud at progressive candidates. It's critical that we win the White House and increase our margins in Congress to move our sound economic and foreign policies forward.

Help us continue to support progressive candidates for the 2008 elections -- click here to donate today!

We've come a long way since WesPAC was founded four years ago. I'm grateful that you've joined me in our mission to bring new leadership to Washington and repair our nation's image in the world. And with your help, we'll succeed by leaps and bounds in 2008.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

RECAP from UCLA Rogue States Conference PART I:

Just in case anyone forgot, here is Part 1:
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/15014

And seeing as I was so late getting to Part 2 (insert very guilty faced emoticon) I thought you could use a recap. You can hopefully understand when you scroll down, and down, and down… why this took so long to pull together. Transcribing is a painstaking exercise in patience and rewind…

This intro is snipped from Part 1 to refresh your memory.

Mary, Carol and Darcy are running in tight races, and they need our help -- click here to donate to their campaigns before the March 31st deadline!

"It's going to be a bloodbath."

That's what National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman John Ensign promised Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu in her re-election race this fall. And we can expect this to be the playbook across the country.

That's why I wanted to make sure you help me support Mary and two other candidates that I am sure will be under nonstop attacks from the national Republicans this fall: Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) and Darcy Burner (WA-8).

Join me and give Mary, Carol, and Darcy the resources to fight back. Please contribute to their campaigns before the March 31st end of quarter deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Mary Landrieu

Mary is leading the fight to rebuild hurricane-damaged parts of Louisiana after the Bush Administration's mismanagement led to unbelievable delays and mistakes. She's taking George Bush head on, overriding President Bush's veto of a bill providing $7 billion to restore wetlands and rebuild levees after Hurricane Katrina.

Mary Landrieu is also trying to fix our priorities on national security. She has been a strong and persistent voice calling on the Bush Administration to focus on capturing the person actually responsible for 9/11: Osama Bin Laden.

Now, national Republican operatives want to take Mary out, making her race their #1 priority. Mary's voice is one we can't afford to lose this year. Donate to her campaign before the March 31st deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Carol Shea-Porter

Carol Shea-Porter is running for re-election in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. As many of you know, Carol is a member of our Clark community, volunteering for my presidential campaign 4 years ago. After the 2004 election, I urged people to get involved, run for office and bring new leadership to the party. Carol did just that, and with our help beat the odds to become New Hampshire's first female member of Congress.

Carol is one of us, running a truly grassroots-driven campaign. She understands the need to engage the Middle East with diplomacy, provide better health care for all Americans, and take care of our veterans. But she's one of the Republicans' top targets this year, and her campaign is facing a tough election in November.

Help Carol Shea-Porter win a second term. Support her campaign before Monday's fundraising deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Darcy Burner

I have written to you before about Darcy Burner, who is running for Congress in Washington's 8th District. She comes from a military family, and her family background will bring a needed perspective on the war in Iraq and veterans issues to Congress.

Two years ago, Darcy lost a tight race to Republican Dave Reichert, but Darcy doesn't give up so easily. We helped her get close last cycle. It's time for us to put her over the top. George Bush and Karl Rove have already come to Washington to help her opponent. We have to respond.

The race is sure to be tight again. Please contribute to Darcy's campaign and put her over the top in 2008!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Americans are looking to Democrats to fix the mess created by the Bush Administration. They are looking for change, and they are looking to us to deliver it. Republicans know that their only chance is to drag us down into the gutter with relentless attacks and distortions.

We can't let them do it.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

France's Le Monde published an interview with Gen. Clark last Thursday. Here's my translation:

This first-hand account from one of the Yahoo! groups, from Dr. Barbara Yeager in West Virginia (posted by permission):

We did not provide very good weather for Senator Clinton's visit
today. After a morning in Mich. regarding their primary election, she
flew in to Charleston and traveled the short distance (about 1 mile)
to Capital High School where she was greeted by an estimated 2000
people.  Shuttle buses moved the people from a football field about 3
miles away to the school gym.  TV pictures this evening indicate that
her welcome was enthusiastic. The high school students interviewed
were especially happy to have her and it sounded as if her visit
inspired them to take a greater interest in politics.  (Always a good
thing)

We left our house about 2:30 and drove in the pounding rain the 40
miles to the venue in Huntington.  Since the streets were blocked by
police and media we parked about 3 blocks away.  When we approached
the American Legion post #16 we saw at least 200 people standing in
the rain waiting to get in the building.  It didn't bother them in
the least. 

Because Jack was to faciitate the event, we were ushered right in and
taken to a back room to await her arrival.  We had our son and
daughter with us and they were also invited to the waiting room. 
Burns had arrived from Arlington this morning and Jason had moved on
to another city.  Burns was now in charge and he and Jack reviewed
the details while the plane flew from Charleston to Huntington.  A
tarp was set up in order to get the Senator from the parking lot to
the back door.  She arrived about 4:30. 

There were eleven people in the room with us including the parents
and sister of two brothers, victims of war.  We were told that the
Senator wanted to spend private moments with the family.  About 3
minutes before her arrival eight of us stepped into a corner outside
the door. She spent time with that family and then the rest of us
were ushered back into the room.

We each introduced ourselves.  She was gracious, dynamic, energetic,
very warm and in general one of thoses people you would like to
engage in conversation for a longer period than time allowed.

She was quick to master all the names, had the program order down in
a few seconds, and after all the introductions were made said "Well,
let's start off by getting a Yeager family picture."  That shocked
me.  She helped get the five of us arranged and one of her assistants
took a photo with our camera and her photographer took some with his.

Secret service was everywhere and very much in charge of events once
she arrived.  When the party moved to the stage we took our seats and
enjoyed a very smooth hour from 5 to 6 PM.  Jack did a nice job.  She
seemed to like his introduction and he was able to move the
session along.  Her mike handlers were quite smooth, efficient, and
silent.  Her AV people are first class.  Everyone could hear
everything. 

They played the new video of the generals who support her.  She had
not seen it and wanted it shown after she was on stage so she could
review it.  It was well received.  The media coverage was, as you
would expect, thorough.  Everyone was there.  I expect to see footage
tomorrow.

After the question and answer session she posed for pictures, signed
autographs, answered individual questions and in general seemed to
enjoy visiting with the people. As she was leaving we had a few
minutes to talk again.  I thanked her for coming and she assured me
that she would be back soon and I assured her that we would be
working hard for her during her absence.  She was most gracious. 

Do you remember the way we all felt the day General Clark announced
his endorsement of Senator Clinton.  We were only comforted by his
insistence that she was more than the media made her out to be.  We
trusted his judgment and jumped into this campaign.  Well, my
friends...I think he was right.  I have not a single reservation
about her abiity to lead this nation.  She is ready.  She is able.
We did the right thing by coming here, I believe. Now, let's get this
nomination job done!

The rains came early and poured all day. They are still pouring.  The
news reported that winds in Charleton gusted to 85 miles per hour
about 6:30 this evening. That was probably the next president of the
United States passing over on her way to an 8 PM event in Washington.

Though today was a memorable day, I look forward to working harder to
help secure the nomination for this remarkable lady.    

Wes returns yet again, March 11, to UCLA Burkle Center for a Conference on Rogue States and how best to address them via our foreign policy.

___________________________________________________________________

ROGUE STATES CONFERENCE PART I-

I arrived on campus around 2:30, just as the ABC and CBS trucks were packing up their gear to pull out (I have this effect on the media….) After Bill Richardson’s address – which I could not attend. I snuck into the large conference hall just as Panel 3 had gotten underway and grabbed the nearest seat in the back of the room – trusty recorder in hand. Dr. Suphamnonghkhuo (hereafter known as “Dr. S”) was discussing the famous six party talks with N. Korea while a man two rows in front of me was busily scrolling through his Blackberry…. Waitaminute! I know the back of that head--It’s Wes! And of course- I somehow always find myself lurking just behind him, over his shoulder, making it all the more difficult to dispel that notion of me being a Zelig-ian Wes-stalker. He turned around at one point -- smiled and waved. “Hi Wes!”. I mouthed. He must be used to looking behind him in L.A. by now to find the obligatory blond with tape recorder and notebook….