Will Wes Clark be Hillary’s VP?
Jeralyn at TalkLeft reports Gen. Wesley Clark has endorsed Hillary Clinton. She was in a conference call with Clark this morning and was able to get Clark’s perception of Hillary’s plans on Iraq and other things. Her post is here.
Big Tent Democrat asks a good question with respect to Clark’s endorsement. What role might Gen. Clark have in Hillary’s administration? Who knows, maybe she is considering Clark for the Veep slot. If not Veep, Clark would obviously be an excellent choice for Secretary of Defense, but I have a sense (sounds like Chertoff doesn’t it), that Secretary of Defense is not Clark’s objective. (see update below)
Hillary is probably doing as well as anyone can in establishing herself. That notwithstanding, can anyone really not consider the Bill factor? I can’t. In fact, I think Bill Clinton is her best asset and seriously question how electable she is without Bill Clinton at her side. However, a Clinton-Clark ticket may be a powerful counter-offensive to Hillary’s high negative factor in the polls, which was around 48% if I remember correctly.
If there was any doubt the Iraq war would be passed to the next president, George Bush removed it Thursday evening. Bush’s failure to deal with the matter ensures Iraq will be the issue of the 2008 elections, therefore, I have a hard time seeing how Clark as a VP candidate would do anything but significantly bolster any presidential candidate’s position.
I don’t believe Clark’s endorsement alone will make a substantial difference in the primaries or general — if Hillary is able to get that far — but announcing Clark as her VP early would be entirely different. It very well may make her unbeatable.
Late Update: I did not know this until today and thought I should update this post accordingly. Apparently there is a rule prohibiting retired/former military personnel from holding the position of Secretary of Defense until 10 years after leaving service, which would preclude Gen. Clark from serving as Secretary of Defense until 2010.
I agree, announcing him early (although unorthodox) would solidly put the Clark people — there are a lot of them — behind her. So many on the left hate Hillary for being part of the “corporate wing” but a move like that would make her victory much easier to swallow for many democrats.
Chris - Although the polls reflect otherwise, I am not convinced the nomination is Hillary’s for the taking. The early primary states (e.g. Iowa) could change everything as it did in 2004. But announcing Wes Clark as VP prior to the Iowa caucuses, I believe, would give a serious boost to Hillary or any other candidate. From a personal perspective and at this juncture, Hillary is not my first choice simply because I think Hillary will have a harder time winning the general election — the right-wing will rise against her more than, say, Edwards or Obama.
Unfortunately, retroactive wishing doesn’t work, but we would be far better off if the General had been successful in 2004.
Clark can’t be Secretary of Defense.You have to have been out of the military 10 years to hold that post. Clark wouldn’t Qualify till 2010.
That being said, If she were to choose Clark for Veep it would put to rest the notions that her adminstration might not be able to handle the war. Clark is also one of the finest diplomats in the world. he is respected by most all the democratic party as well as independents and even some republicans because of his military background.
I’m partial. I admit that, but I don’t think that there is anybody better suited for the position especially at wartime.
Rick - I didn’t know about the SECDEF rule. Glad you clarified that.
I have to agree with you on the VP slot. I’ve had a high opinion of the General for quite some time and believe he would be an excellent candidate. So much to offer and wants to do so I presume (with respect to VP role).
And on a bit of a selfish note, I think putting Clark on the ticket would seal the Republicans fate in ‘08. How could they possibly counter?
Senator Evan Bayh would be 1000x better choice. If she choice Clark, that would be pathetic. She should just try to put him in her cabinet. Evan Bayh is way cooler, and much more well rounded experience-wise.
It’s funny, I typed in google, Hillary’s VP? and Wes Clark came up. It’s nice to see other people thinking about the smartest combination just like me. Clark is by far the smartest, most caring, intelligent, thought provoking Democrat out there along with Hillary Clinton and I believe he is the winning combination to Hillary’s ticket.
Hillary should absolutely pick Wes Clark as her running-mate. I became a big fan of Clark in the 2004 primaries and I thought he would make a logical VP choice for Hillary given his Clinton connections and Military credentials.
Clark is just a good man. He’s the real-deal. And incredibly bright too. Clinton-Clark is just what this country needs to get back on track.
I think he’s a much, much better pick for VP than Obama or Edwards or any of the other names I’ve heard floated for the post.
As much as I’d like to see a woman president, I don’t trust Hillary as far as I can throw her.