Executive Experience
General Clark is the only potential running mate with experience of leading our nation’s armed forces into war. As NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, General Clark led Operation Allied Force, which saved 1.5 million Albanians from genocide, without losing a single American soldier.
Military Background
During thirty-four years of service in the United States Army Wesley K. Clark rose to the rank of four-star general as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. In previous duty, General Clark was the Commander-in-Chief, US Southern Command, where he was responsible for all US military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.
General Clark's awards and honors include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, The State Department Distinguished Service Award; the US Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal;(five awards), The US Army Distinguished Service Medal(two awards), The Silver Star, the Bronze Star (two awards), the Purple Heart, and Honorary Knighthoods from the British and Dutch governments.
Foreign Policy Experience
There is not greater authority on foreign policy in the Democratic Party than General Wesley Clark. As a senior adviser to the International Crisis Group, he has traveled and worked in the Balkans, Northern Ireland, and Africa to bring peace treaties and stability to countries in their time of need.
He is the author of the best selling book Waging Modern War: Bosnia, Kosovo and the Future of Combat (Public Affairs, New York, NY 2001) and Winning Modern War: Iraq, Terrorism and the American Empire (Public Affairs, New York, NY 2003).
Against the War From the Start – Iraq and Iran
General Wesley Clark is one of the few potential running mates and national leaders who, like Senator Barack Obama, opposed the Iraq war from the start. Having a running mate who was clearly against the war provides a strong contrast to John McCain, and gives the ticket credibility in fighting to change the mindset that led us into the war in Iraq.
In 2006, Clark launched StopIranWar.com to help frame the debate and stop the mindset that led us into Iraq, from leading us into a war with Iran. Senator Obama and General Wesley Clark have been outspoken in leading the fight together on this effort.
Helping Down Ballot Tickets
In 2006, General Clark was one of the top 3 most requested surrogates of the DCCC and was able to campaign effectively everywhere in the country. He helped steer candidates to victory such as Admiral Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania, Tim Walz in Minnesota, Nick Lampson in Texas, Carol Shea Porter in New Hampshire, and future Congressman Charlie Brown in California, and Eric Massa in New York, just to name a few.
A True Progressive Without Bush Dog Votes
While many potential running mates have long lists of voting records that include votes to authorize war in Iraq, support trade agreements without the labor and environmental protections needed, and support of bankruptcy bills that hurt working class America, General Clark has no record of support for such legislation and has been outspoken in his opposition to such proposals.
Southern Roots
Wesley Clark was raised and still lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. An Obama-Clark ticket will be in a unique position to compete in the South, especially in Clark’s home state of Arkansas, where polling shows the ticket will be in a strong position to defeat John McCain. Clark will also strengthen the ticket in southern states with large veteran populations that are now competitive such as North Carolina.
Appeal In Latino Community and Southwest
General Clark ran a strong second to John Kerry in Arizona and New Mexico in 2004, even after Kerry wrapped up Iowa and New Hampshire. This is in large part because of Clark’s popularity in the Latino community. His grandchildren and daughter-in-law are Hispanic, and Clark is a fluent Spanish speaker. He is a strong supporter of comprehensive immigration reform and has been an advocate on behalf of the Hispanic community.
A Man of Faith
Although General Clark has never been one to impose his own faith on others, and has close friends and family of several different faiths, his background as a practicing Catholic allows him to discuss issues of faith and connect with voters on levels unique to many Democratic candidates.
Reconciliation with the Clinton Camp
General Clark is the one person who can unite the Clinton and Obama wings of the Democratic Party. As a longtime admirer of Senator Obama, there will be no greater and more loyal advocate for his candidacy than General Wesley Clark. In addition, as a longtime personal friend and neighbor of the Clinton’s in Little Rock, Arkansas, General Clark is in a unique position to consolidate Hillary Clinton’s supporters around Barack Obama’s candidacy for President.
National Grassroots Operation In Place
In 2004, General Wesley Clark was drafted into the race for President of the United States by the Draft Clark movement that had activists working in all 50 states. Hundreds of thousands of these supporters are still active on General Clark’s email network and through WesPac. This network will quickly be able to rally with the Obama grassroots operation to provide an even more potent field mobilization effort in all 50 states.
Widespread Netroots Appeal
As evident from his 2007 keynote speech at the Yearly Kos Conference in Chicago, Illinois, there is no more popular figure in the netroots community than General Wesley Clark. He has been a longtime supporter of the 50 state strategy, and along with DNC Chairman Howard Dean, General Clark has helped develop plans to support candidates and travel to campaign with them all over the United States. He frequently posts on blogs, as well as his own blog on the Clark Community Network (CCN).