Perhaps, perhaps Wesley Clark's long deliberation can be explained by the distinction between him and the other candidates. The other democratic candidates run on the hope of winning, and the belief that they might be worthy of running the country, and at least are better than the current alternative. But none of them can be truly confidente he will be President in 04. For Gen. Clark, however, the choice isn't to run in the hopes that he can pull it off, but is much closer to the direct question of "Do I want to be President?" Because if he runs, I don't think he doubts that is eactly what will happen. That certainty is a little more daunting than hope.
Plausable? The best leaders are the ones afraid of leading. I guess what i really do know are two things; he has certainly been increasing his media visibility for months, and if he runs I will vote for him and tell everyone I know to do the same.
Aha!
if he runs I will vote for him and tell everyone I know to do the same.
I have the feeling many people feel that way. So tell me why you do.
That's a good question, because, honestly, I can't remember that much of his poltical views. However, I know I have read a few accounts, though rather general ones, of what he believes in, and I know I've always found myself in agreement with him. But I think what we're getting at is that Wesley Clark isn't simply an intellectual choice. Without the choice of Clark, I supported Dean mainly because I opposed everyone else, exhept perhaps Kucinich, but, c'mon, no point in supporting him. However, with Clark, I feel actual support of the candidate. Why? I'm not going to say that I haven't perhaps cast the image of Wesley Clark too ideally. Those compelling military stories, his reluctance to enter the race, and his personal life make it seem that he really is a role model, that he really has built a life that is an example of arete [loosely, virtue]. So, yes, mine, and I presume others', desire to see Clark in the White House is based largely upon what we percieve as hise character. It also seems from all accounts he is very intelligent. So, our image is a very intelligent, self-disciplined, brave, hard-working man who is reluctant to lead but feels that, in light of the present situation, it is his duty. The President right now has horrible character, is lazy when it comes to intellecutal pursuits, and, relatedly, is a true fool, a bully, a liar, and has no integrity. Wesley Clark seems, I don't wont to set our hopes too high but how can I not say it, perfect. He holds Democratic views, and even the Republicans I think are going to find it hard to dislike him. And I'll admit that while I have a staunch tradition of nonpatriotic attitude (not unpartriotic, just nonpatriotic) the thought that, after Bush, Clark may be our next President makes me something close to giddy. And of course, it might not hurt things that I'm originally from Arkansas.