Wes Clark is quietly, but forcefully, putting some teeth behind the Democratic leadership's criticism of Republican strategy--and helping to unify the team going into the 2006 Midterm elections. He appeared at a Real Security press conference with Senators Reid and Durbin yesterday, and had some
strong words to back up Democratic strategy:
I spent 38 years in uniform. I fought in Vietnam, came home on a stretcher, stayed on in uniform to help rebuild the American Army and to help make national security policy. I've helped negotiate peace agreements. I've lead alliance military forces in successful military campaigns. So, I've got a background in diplomacy, war and the use of military force, and it's from that basis that I'd like to speak today.
In plain language, invading Iraq was a mistake, a strategic blunder, a step- a major step in the wrong direction for winning the War on Terror. It's time for America to face the facts. Invading Iraq was an unnecessary war. It distracted us from what we were trying to accomplish in Afghanistan, and it's been counterproductive in winning the War on Terror.
Also yesterday, Clark appeared on Fox News' "Your World" with Neil Cavuto,
knocking the Fox business show's host around. and reminding his viewers point-blank that "9/11 happened on the President's watch."
Unlike others who have also recently courted the Kos crowd (Mark Warner), Clark is not only electable but is speaking from a position of strength. He is putting himself on the line out there to provide the teeth the Democrats need to forcefully challenge the politics of fear being played by the other side (yet again).
It's Clark--not Gore, not Kerry--who should be getting the attention. Clark may not match Gore's enthusiasm for the environment and climate change, but he can harness that within his own campaign in framing the climate change issue as a matter of national security. He's out there fighting, taking high profile stances with strong words--looking like he's learned a lot from his failed 2004 campaign.
At the very least, keep your eye on Wes.