With guys like Wes Clark hitting the trail for him, no wonder Obama's seeing a surge in the Florida polls. After being roundly criticized and kinda maybe sorta half thrown under the bus, there's no doubt Clark's Florida trip has put him back in the saddle.
The good General has been swinging through the state the last several days drawing some good crowds of several hundred and good media coverage to various speeches and conversations with local voters.
Here are snippets from some of the local press coverage and video of Clark speaking to a crowd of 200 in Destin, FL.
From "Wesley Clark Thrills Crowds at Harbor Docks"
The rally drew a mix of white and black, old and young, veterans and civilians, women in business pantsuits, men in blazers and retirees in sweatshirts and sandals. Some sported Veterans for Obama buttons, while a few wore a Draft Wesley Clark shirt or button from 2004.
"I’m here to see Wes Clark," David Smith, in one of the Clark shirts, said. "And because of the fact I’m supporting Obama."
...
One man told Clark that this would be the first year he’d voted for a Democrat since Harry Truman in 1948.
Camille Morgan, the mother of Harbor Docks owner Charles Morgan, said the crowd that morning was a good start to changing local politics: "All those people who are afraid to say they’re for Obama, now they’ll look around and see all these other people (support Obama)."
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Clark said respecting McCain didn’t mean supporting his candidacy: "He’s just not my top pick for president — and in this race, you’re either number one or number bottom."
And then there's more from "General Wesley Clark Visits Destin"
Clark's message was well received.
Democratic supporters chanted hopeful words in reaction to Gen. Clark's speech. He began his morning talk addressing Obama's plans to change the way the healthcare system treats veterans.
Gen Wesley Clark said, "It's like going into a restaurant and seeing a great menu, ordering the filet mignon and being served ramen noodles. We've got a great group of men and women who are taking care of our veterans, but they're not adequately resourced. He means it, and he will put the resources behind it."
Veteran Fred Hoole says this issue alone is enough for him to change his vote from Republican to Democrat.
And here's the video of Wes firing up the crowd for your viewing pleasure...
And another local story in the Pensacola News Journal, "Wes Clark Sumps for Obama Locally"
Wes was also at the Florida Air Academy and spoke with another good sized crowd. From FlordidaToday.com, "Clark Praises Obama at FAA"
Former Democratic presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark said Monday that he supports Sen. Barack Obama's plan for handling the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Obama has said he would withdraw forces slowly from Iraq and build up forces in Afghanistan.
"He was right all along in saying it's the withdrawal of military forces that's needed to spark the political reconciliation (in Iraq)," said Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. "Without that, all the generals will tell you, you can't win by military force alone."
Clark, valedictorian at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a Rhodes scholar, spoke to about 150 students Monday at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne. The retired Army general is on a swing for the Obama campaign through Central Florida, where polls show the presidential race is tight.
Clark favors Obama's view of using all forms of U.S. power.
Obama's "always said we had to improve the use of our nonmilitary means of power -- economic, diplomacy, international law -- to supplement the military," Clark said. "What we need is a leader who has the vision to call on all the elements of U.S. power, not just call on the military to go and bomb things."
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Clark also touched on veterans' affairs, saying Obama, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, has worked to improve healthcare for veterans, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
And a small collection of photos from the campaign swing...
The crowd at the FAA...
Taking questions...
Cracking some jokes...
Making the case for Obama in Destin...
Mingling with the locals...
Jabbing our dear leader, GWB...
The crowd loves Wes!
One more tidbit from Northwest Florida Daily News on Clark's stop in Crestview before over 100 supporters, "Wesley Clark Fires Up Democrats"
Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark was brought in to fire up Democrats in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama. Clark urged the crowd to encourage their neighbors and friends to vote for Obama.
One woman asked the general about McCain choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. "He hasn't done anything for women in 26 years in Congress," the woman opined. "I think you've said everything," Clark answered.
Clark deftly deflected questions about his own place in an Obama administration. However, longtime Democrat Larry Anchors said he thought Clark would make a great Secretary of State.
"I'm just a military guy up here giving you the ammunition," Clark told about 100 Obama supporters.
He capped his 20-minute address by leading a cheer of "Yes we can!" - the rallying cry of Obama's campaign.
Veterans such as George Stakley of Crestview made up most of the audience.
"As you can see, I'm a veteran," Stakley said, noting his Army hat, "and I'm interested in things about veterans. I want to hear Gen. Clark's views how the government will respond to the current situation. I want to hear the truth, and I believe he will give us the truth."
Clark left the party faithful enthused and inspired.
There were four Florida polls released today and all of them showed Obama leading in this once strong McCain state anywhere from 3 to 8 points. No doubt sending a four star General and former Supreme Allied Commander to make the case for Obama on foreign policy and supporting veterans is going to help keep the Obama trend going in Florida. Thanks General! It's great to see you back out there on the trail!
Wes Clark quote of the day...
After eight years of this, we need new ideas and new leadership in Washington! At the top of the ticket we have a guy with great integrity, with great insight, with a unique background to be able to see into the issues, with the kind of temperment where he...he reads books. He thinks about things! He asks penetrating questions!