Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP?

by Will Graham, Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:07:11 AM EST

General Wesley Clark had a very curious response recently when asked by Alan Colmes on his radio show about possibly becoming Barack Obama's VP.  Here's my rough transcript:

Colmes: You know there's a lot of people who would like to see Barack Obama choose you as his running-mate.  Any chance of that happening?

Clark: You know I just I don't have a thing to say about it honestly.

Colmes: Ha ha.  Have you been vetted?

Clark: I just...I have no idea.  I have no knowledge of any of it.

Colmes: Really?  It would be a pretty good job right?

Clark: Well, I think it would be wonderful to be vice-president of the United States in principle.

Then Clark quickly changes the subject to the Georgia-Russia situation.  Does this mean anything?  I have no idea whatsoever.  It's interesting though, and I thought I would throw it out there.  I mean, Clark could have easily swatted down this VP speculation but he didn't.  Combine this with the Wednesday night theme of the Democratic Convention (honoring veterans, securing America, etc.) and there could be a discernible pattern here.

Hmmmm....




Tags: Clark Obama Colmes (all tags)

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Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Many people like Clark and I'm sure he's on the "short list"  I heard today that some "high level" democrats have been told to ignore the names being talked about.


by Politicalslave on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:18:33 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

I heard today that some "high level" democrats have been told to ignore the names being talked about.

Interesting.  Where did you hear this?


by Will Graham on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:23:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Right. What does that even mean? Nothing, right now. I can "hear" a lot of things that aren't true.


by Addison on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 01:48:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Of course who knows? I think both campaigns are spreading rumours and floating names. cheers


by Politicalslave on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:08:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Sorry for the late reply. I read it today but I can't for the life of me remember which site.


by Politicalslave on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:06:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

My number one pick by far, here's hoping.  The other milquetoast dems, except maybe Biden are just so wishy washy.


by ReillyDiefenbach on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:21:42 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

I don't see what Clark really does for Obama electorally
 
Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:24:53 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 2)

As far as being a geographic pick, he does nothing.  

But as far as McCain trying to create a "win or surrender" theme on Iraq, Clark offers a great example of when and how to use force...and I DARE McCain to call Wes Clark one of the "cut and run" crowd.

That and he's very smart on foreign policy, especially in areas where Russia has ethnic ties...which just happens to come in mighty handy right now.


No way. No how. No McCain.
by freedom78 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:38:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Mccain is going to be calling Obama part of the cut and run crowd right through election day , I don't see how Clark stops that .

Clark is an American hero and he showed gallantry on the battlefield but he is a poor politician in my view.

He might as well go for Sam Nunn , who is widely respected on foreign policy / national security issues and might pick off Georgia with Barr contesting in there.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:45:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 2)

Clark is a military expert (obviously), so he has a unique ability to change the game on Iraq.  He and Obama can say the same things, but coming from Clark it carries a different sort of weight, and one that might hit home with people who aren't crazy about the war but don't want to feel "weak."  I think having Clark on the ticket makes any criticisms that this is a surrender oriented, military weakening Democratic ticket seem silly.  I could be wrong.  I don't have numbers or anything, but that's my take.  He isn't a great politician, but he doesn't have to be.  Obama can be the politician, and Clark can be the symbol of how we SHOULD be conducting ourselves in the world.  


No way. No how. No McCain.
by freedom78 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:51:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 1)

nunn would alienate glbt voters


Saxby Chambliss: Asshat
by mikeinsf on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 03:18:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

GLBT voters aren't going anywhere (none / 0)

They'd have to be idiots to vote McCain, and Obama himself is very solid on GLBT stuff.


The pebbles have voted and the avalanche has begun.

President-Elect "That One"

by Dracomicron on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:41:30 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: GLBT voters aren't going anywhere (2.00 / 1)

Of course we have nowhere else to go, but I would regard Nunn as a real slap in the face.


Saxby Chambliss: Asshat
by mikeinsf on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 06:32:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nobody helps him electorally. (2.00 / 1)

no matter who he chooses, at best electorally, they're a wash.


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 01:00:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 1)

Frankly no VP option does much for Obama electorally. That rationale for a VP is dead. Kaine wouldn't get Obama much in VA, and he's the best option (among those ever mentioned) as far as an electorally based choice.


by Addison on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 01:45:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Arkansas is the only state (none / 0)

in the continential United States that Obama hasn't visited this election cycle.  Obama's schedule is open on Wednesday and Friday.  Perhaps a celebration in Little Rock with HRC looking proudly upon her disciple getting the VP offer?

Here's another nugget, Clark "moderated" his stance on the Russia/Georgia conflict and he mentioned how he supported a proposal Obama offered about peacekeeping forces (he mentioned Obama's name unsolicited) in an interview posted by Armando on Talkleft.


by Blazers Edge on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 01:03:31 AM EST

He did that same thing (none / 0)

on CNN yesterday with the guy (can't remember his name; somebody Foreman maybe?) who's filling in for Wolfe Blitzer in the Situation Room. He only mentioned Sen. Obama once, but it was unprompted and it was about the response to the situation in Georgia.


by Liberal Monk on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:30:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 2)

Every VP candidate out there has both positives and negatives. In the end Obama has to choose the one he can work with the best. It's fun playing this VP speculation game, but we need to get behind whoever Obama picks as his running mate.


The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations. -- David Friedman
by pollbuster on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 01:40:08 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 1)

Right.

More weirdness from Clark.

I actually don't think he'll be VP.

But he seems to be playing some game with it one way or another.


by Addison on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 01:43:44 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 2)

Or more likely he's on a narrow list, but has been asked to keep radio silence as is Obama's modus operandi when it comes to campaign messaging. The point is attributing nefariousness to it is well odd. It's a little like saying that someone who is asked to keep information confidential is doing something nefarious by honoring their promise. It maybe nothing. It maybe something. Who knows. I am guessing, but then so are you. Maybe you shouldn't be quite so your guessing is right.


by bruh3 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:11:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 2)

If he IS on the list and knows it, I think he might have won simply on the merits of not letting ANYBODY know about it. Call it the Willy Wonka selection method. It isn't about what you do, it's what you DON'T do, and ultimately how you react.


"Hey, check it out. You just had yourself a glue OD. So you're learning another lesson. Don't do too much glue, or your night sucks."
by vcalzone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:47:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

who knows. maybe a duck is just a duck. I don't know. I know what I prefer- that;s about it.


by bruh3 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:57:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 1)

I think Clark would be a very good pick - way better than Kaine or Bayh.  He provides some balance with his experience and knowledge of international issues and military affairs, yet, as a non elected official he can credibly reinforce the Obama's message of change.  He's kind of a Cheney pick (don't get snarky - you know what I mean!)that assures some voters that Obama will pick people that will help him govern.  

Of course, Cheney drove the country into a ditch, but I would expect a better result in this case.


by danielj on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:10:59 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

He's exactly like a Cheneey pick. And I think we are all mature enough here (snark) to realize that analogies are analogies. In all seriousness, I agree with your comparison. I think what we see in the numbers right now are people wanting to seal the deal with Obama rather than wanting McCain, and the right VP choice can start to do this.


by bruh3 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:13:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (2.00 / 2)

Clark would be a good choice.

1) He's clearly Presidential material.

2) He would be good at attacking McCain, especially on national security issues. Attacking your opponent's strength and turning it into a weakness is a recipe for victory. (See Swiftboat Veterans in '04 and this year's attempt to make Obama's "celebrity" into a weakness.)

3) While I do not know how much he would do for unity, as a Clintonite he would do no harm.


Your attempt to change the subject to "the issues" is irrelevant.
by itsthemedia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 03:04:27 AM EST

Clark would never lie (2.00 / 1)

If your transcript is accurate and he was asked if he had ben vetted, he would not say he had no idea. he would have said all of that is being coordinated or deciding upon by Obama, etc. He would also not trash the office of VP despite his serious lack of agreement with almost everything that Cheney has done. He changed the subject because he knows hearing from a military discipline about Russia/Georgia is actually of great interest to the people who want to hear his perspective. In over 12 years of knowing the guy, I have never heard him lie, and he cares about offering his expertise and experience in a prioritized manner. The fact that the guy is also a top notch economist doesn't exactly put him on the bottom of any list, but Wes don't play at what you are suggesting.He doesn't know anything about the selection process for VP. It's not like it would take more than a few hours to vet Clark as well. His role will not be as VP.


by Jeter on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 04:31:01 AM EST

Re: Clark would never lie (none / 0)

I don't know Clark, but I know carefully parsed language. He says he doesn't know. He could have submitted info to the campaign and still not know if they were really vetting him. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that the campaign asked for info from individuals as a courtesy or a head fake with no intention of vetting them for VP. I thought the more telling comment was the qualifier "in principle."

I have no reason to believe that Clark is being considered for VP, I just know I'd love it if he were the pick. I've got a gut feeling that Clark and Obama would complement each other very well in a working relationship. And Clark is probably the number one guy I'd trust a heartbeat away from the presidency. But I'm not getting my hopes up.


by Mobar on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:10:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Are there people who lose sleep over this Veep bizniz? Get obsessive? Worry? Hyperventilate? Lose weight? Gain weight?


"But not me personally were those cheers for"
by QTG on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:19:50 AM EST

i like wesley clark more and more (2.00 / 1)

everytime i see him on TV.


by highgrade on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:03:00 AM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

I personally feel that if my girl Hil had the nomination she would have picked Clark unless she were sort of forced to go with Obama.  The Clintons and Clarks have been friends for years (both from Arkansas) and Clark generally comes across very well on TV.  He's got those matinee idol looks and easy charm. He obviously would add a military connection to a female potential commander in chief.  The other one I had my eye for as  apotential Clinton running mate was Joe Sestak.  Anyway I don't think Obama will pick Clark.  I think he'll pick either Bayh or Kaine, probably the former. But who knows, if his poll numbers continue to slide (like in Florida recently) then he may just has to pick Hil. Kissing and making up always looks good.


by handsomegent on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 12:57:05 PM EST

Then again, Gephardt was soaring on Intrade (2.00 / 1)

as of a couple of days ago, and there really hasn't been any discussion of him. So could someone with inside info be running up the price on Gephardt?

If it is an "out of the blue" choice, then Gephardt seems the most sensible. Obama is showing a lot of pro-unionism lately, and picking Gephardt could help strengthen him in the middle class midwest.

I still think it will be Biden though.


by Davidsfr on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 02:26:59 PM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

Doesn't appear to be happening, much to my dismay:

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archive s/2008/08/obama_to_genera/


by pradeep on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 03:55:09 PM EST

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

That's kind of a shame. Wes Clark is a much more effective surrogate for Obama minus Hillary, I hope this doesn't signal that Obama is going to push him out of the picture.


Hillary supporter for Barack Obama in 2008
by zcflint05 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 04:17:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some Evidence Clark Might be the VP? (none / 0)

read the update at the bottom of that.


by mtndewrob on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 05:57:39 PM EST


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