« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
Wes Clark for Obama's VP
How about
General Wes Clark for Vice-President? Clark has the military background
and the diplomatic experience that Obama is perceived to lack. Clark was first in his class at West Point, while McCain was
fourth from the bottom at Annapolis. He was a Rhodes Scholar. He was the
Commander of NATO. He’s been against the Iran war since its inception.
Wes Clark has other advantages: He’s never stopped contact with those of us who worked for him in his campaign, keeping in touch, pushing other candidates for national and state offices through his WesPac. He’s from Arkansas. He’s been a strong supporter of Hillary. I really can’t think of a better V-P. He’s a man without baggage. And he would really enrich the ticket.
Comments (3)
No! Wes Clark is actually overqualified for VP. The problem with the VP slot is the relative powerlessness of it. That has changed in recent years, but Clark's intelligence and experience in foreign policy actually make him much more suited for a different position: Secretary of State.
The Secreatary of State is actually a much tougher position than VP. Only the President (and with the current administration, not even him) has a more hectic and nerve-fraying job. The Sec. of State post should be filled by someone with exceptional intelligence and tremendous diplomatic experience as well as an insanely strong work ethic. Clark fits that bill perfectly.
The other reason he'd make a better Sec. of State is that he doesn't help electorally as much as you seem to think he does. He's from Arkansas, yes, but he hasn't shown much ability to rally up southerners, and though he's an excellent speaker, his campaigning skills aren't as good as some other contenders
May 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Catherine--I was just going to respond in agreement with you, but I've been persuaded by CampaignTactician. SecDec probably is the best position for Clarke. Anyway, I guess we can all agree there should be a place for him in the coming administration!
May 23, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been thinkin' Clark since I first entertained voting for Obama.
For the exact reasons you stated & he just would ad a lot of balance & experience. He's served under both Republican & Democratic administrations & he really has never engaged in any political Tom foolery. I'm still pullin' for him...
May 23, 2008 7:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment