General Wesley Clark on Morning Joe

August 29, 2008
transcript by Reg NYC

Mika Brzezinski: ..following developments on the Republican front, perhaps word on a Vice Presidential choice for John McCain's running mate-

Joe Scarborough: Yep.

Mika Brzezinski: -any minute now. We're working that story. We're hearing it's not Tim Pawlenty. But a lot to talk about in terms of what happened last night at Invesco Field. What a night it was.

Joe Scarborough: It really was. It was a historic night. I, I just, I wasn't alive in 1960, but I've got to believe you would have to go back to JFK's acceptance speech-

Mika Brzezinski: Yeah.

Joe Scarborough: -at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1960 to have a political event that could've come close to rivaling this. This really was - and I'm just going to put it a sports analogy to it -

Mika Brzezinski: Go ahead. Yup.

Joe Scarborough: -this was Bolt-

Mika Brzezinski: It was.

Joe Scarborough: -running ahead, so far ahead of the field in the 100 and the 200 meters that nobody can come close to this guy. Pat Buchanan uses the term 'political athlete'.

Mika Brzezinski: Yes.

Joe Scarborough: This guy is second-

Mika Brzezinski: That he was-

Joe Scarborough: -to none.

Mika Brzezinski: -last night.

Pat Buchanan: Yeah.

Mika Brzezinski: There were two big stories last night. The, the hi- history, the cultural change happening in this country as well as the big political story and the challenges facing this country. And joining us now Democratic Governor from Kansas, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and also MSNBC analyst and retired General Wesley Clark. Thank you both for joining us along with Pat Buchanan-

Joe Scarborough: Well, Governor-

Mika Brzezinski: -getting ready to go.

Joe Scarborough: -we heard a big roar coming up from the Kansas delegation-

Mika Brzezinski: Yes.

Joe Scarborough: -on the other side of the, the arena-

Mika Brzezinski: They were going wild.

Joe Scarborough: -w-when they were doing the bio. How unbelievable is it that a kid with a family from Kansas could've risen to, to the, the heights that Barack Obama did last night - just history making, epic politically?

Kathleen Sebelius: (inaudible)

Mika Brzezinski: Okay, hold on Governor. We just need to put a mic on you. That'd be great. Thanks.

Joe Scarborough: That's alright.

Mika Brzezinski: We'll try that again-

(chuckles all around)

Joe Scarborough: You know s-

Mika Brzezinski: -as we look at pictures from last night-

Joe Scarborough: Yeah. Boy, those are great pictures.

Mika Brzezinski: -to cover our awkward moment.

Joe Scarborough: Yeah.

Mika Brzezinski: That looks a little better. I think we're going to be able to hear you now.

Joe Scarborough: Well, you know, you know, sometimes we put the mic on first and then let people talk.

Mika Brzezinski: Yeah.

Joe Scarborough: Sometimes we do it the other way just-

Kathleen Sebelius: So-

Joe Scarborough: Exactly.

Mika Brzezinski: Now you can think, rewind-

Kathleen Sebelius: (mic popping) at the mic.

Joe Scarborough: Alr-

Kathleen Sebelius: It's good.

Joe Scarborough: We, we wanted- we wanted you to get your thoughts together-

Mika Brzezinski: Yeah.

Joe Scarborough: - and now that you have, just a remarkable story last night.

I'm in Munich right now, but I can't tell you how ready I am to head to Denver and join my fellow Democrats.

The Democratic Party is ready to lead and address the many challenges ahead, and Barack Obama is the leader we need for our country and to help humanity meet today's global challenges.

We're a party loaded with talent. Like many of you, I've been thrilled by the speeches at the Democratic National Convention so far. Hillary Clinton was great last night. Her strength, her character, her call for unity. Her speech just proves once again that she is a great American and has many years of distinguished public service ahead of her.

And what an inspiration Ted Kennedy was, as was Nancy Pelosi, our Speaker of the House. Brian Schweitzer, the history-making Governor of Montana and Mark Warner, a business executive, distinguished former Governor and soon-to-be a remarkable U.S. Senator.

Tonight, I'm looking forward to catching the speeches of our honored former President Bill Clinton and our vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden. We are so fortunate that these two outstanding men are Democrats.

And then there's tomorrow. Our Party is so fortunate at this time in history to be nominating Barack Obama. After Michelle's incredibly warm and personal speech on Monday, any American can see the strength of character in their family. It's clear that when the Obamas become first family, they'll definitely bring change to America.

I can't wait to hear Senator Obama's words in person. He's warned us not to expect that he can duplicate the electricity from his memorable speech in 2004, but I think he's just being wise to play down expectations. He has proven to be a remarkable human being with incredible judgment, an outstanding sense of direction, and unmatched communication skills. I fully expect to be inspired, as I was in 2004.

I'm proud to be a Democrat, and I'm proud to ask you to pull together with me. It's time to help elect our candidates to every office. From mayors to governors, from state legislators to Congress. And especially to come together behind Barack Obama.

Barack is going to be the leader of a great team of Democrats in this election campaign. And he's going to become a great American President.

I believe he has the skills and resolve to strengthen America's security, rebuild America's economy, and restore Americans' faith in the future.

Our challenge is clear. We must win in November.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

General Wesley Clark with Jon Elliott on "This Is America"

August 21 2008
Transcription by Melange

Jon Elliot: Welcome back with us America. I'm Jon Elliot and I'm delighted to welcome this particular guest to our program. I first had the privilege of talking to General Wesley Clark five years ago in August of 2003 and when he was ... the rumor was he was thinking about running for president at the time and I remember saying to him, ‘well I'm not going to ask you the question because Andy Card told us nobody markets a product in August' so uh, the gentleman that I really do believe is qualified to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, Vice President and President of the country and there aren't too many people like that. General Clark, how are you, sir?

GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: I'm fine. Thank you for those kind words, Jon.

Jon Elliot: Well, they're true sir, they really are. I've asked you on the program because I'm concerned about the sudden flair up in ... in Georgia and the response we received from John McCain and all of a sudden the focus seems to be away from Iran being the next great war frontier and uh, now there's a focus in Georgia. Are we in such a position that we are so weakened because of these two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq General, that we can't even contemplate any type of action ... and perhaps you would suggest that we shouldn't?

General Wes Clark and Bob Tuke, Democratic Candidate for TN-Senate

Campaigning in Tennessee

August 14th

General Wesley K. Clark joined Bob Tuke, the Tennessee Democratic U. S. Senate nominee, on Thursday, August 14th. Together, they spent an action-packed and full day campaigning in Nashville. Wes Clark was also the keynote speaker at Bob's very successful fundraiser. Throughout the day, he described the changes that Tennesseans need to make and why Bob Tuke is the candidate to make these changes happen. Wes Clark's presence injected the Tuke campaign with energy, excitement, and inspiration to help carry us through to the November election!

Earned media is an essential campaign activity and Wes Clark and Bob Tuke did just that at their press conference. Winning the War on Terror and highlighting the national security policy blunders which have led to a stronger and even more capable Al Qaeda presence in Pakistan were central to their discussion. These events, taking place while the U.S. military presides over an ethnic civil war in Iraq, and the foreign policy mismanagement by the Bush Administration demonstrate why Tennessee needs to elect Bob Tuke as the next Senator. Both Wes and Bob described why Democrats are strong on foreign policy and that Democrats can effectively lead during times of peace and war.

Changing to domestic policy and its importance to Tennesseans, Wes and Bob described the need to develop clean energy sources and alternative fuels. We need a 21st Century energy policy to help end America’s dependence on foreign oil. Americans should not have to pay for both sides of the War on Terror. Most importantly, we need to bring down gas prices and help Tennesseans deal pocketbook stress.

Wes and Bob also discussed our nation's duty to fully support America’s Veterans. These men and women put their lives on the line for freedom. Senator Lamar Alexander failed America’s troops by voting against critical Veterans legislation, such as the 21st Century G.I. Bill. Wes described why Tennessee and our nation's Veterans need Bob Tuke - someone who understands our Veterans, their families, and how America should treat and respect their service.

Wes Clark highlighted three key points at the evening fundraiser for Bob. Each supporter was challenged to complete these three activities and help send Bob Tuke to the U. S. Senate.

First, each person needs to tell their friends and neighbors about the change Bob Tuke can bring about and how he will improve the lives of all Tennesseans.

Second, everyone needs to contribute to the Tuke for Tennessee campaign [link to ActBlue]. It takes money to be elected and Bob can win if he has enough funds to wage an effective campaign. Since donors have an investment in Bob's future, they should reinforce it and volunteer their time and effort. This is especially important in getting out the vote for November 4.

Finally, make sure each person attending, their friends, neighbors, and anyone they work with vote to send new leadership to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee. Bob Tuke will be a great senator and each person needs to do their part to help him get there.

Bob described how honored he was to receive the endorsement and support of General Wesley Clark.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement and support of General Wesley Clark, a patriot and public servant in the truest sense. He's a true American hero ”

What an incredible day on the campaign trail!

General Wesley Clark on The Ed Schultz Show

August 18, 2008
transcript by Reg NYC

Ed Schultz: The pressing issues at h- at hand, this whole deal with Musharraf and fighting terrorism and what's going on with the Russian invasion of Georgia and how we handled it as a country - for more on all of that our friend of this program and mine, General Wesley Clark here on the Ed Schultz Show. General, great to have you with us.

GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Very good to be with you, Ed.

Ed Schultz: Some very trying times right now. What do you, what do you make of Musharraf's resignation? What does this mean in the overall picture for America?

GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: I think it means a period of uncertainty. We do know the military leadership, and we think a lot of the military leadership in Pakistan. But Musharraf was somebody we had relationships with. He was a strong executive. I'm not passing judgement in- by saying that. I'm not approving of the fact that he overthrew the democracy in Pakistan and, and took control. He had his reasons for doing that, but, but, if you simply look at what happens next, it's uncertain.

General Wesley Clark on Fox's "American Election Headquarters"

August 17, 2008
transcript to follow