Taking Command
Actually, Democrats and the military can get along. Here's how.

By Wesley K. Clark
Sunday, December 21, 2008; B01

Op-Ed Contributor
What's Good for G.M. Is Good for the Army

By WESLEY K. CLARK
Published: November 16, 2008
Little Rock, Ark.

Last night, I was in Chicago when our country made history -- electing Barack Obama President of the United States.

As I walked onto the field in Grant Park -- there were thousands of us around the podium -- a couple of reporters asked me what I thought of this. "Transformational," I said, "but, ask Ernest Green, right here, who was one of the original young people at Central High who broke segregation in the South. Ask him!"

It was a humbling and deeply moving experience to be there with Ernest and with former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, Ambassador Sam Brown and his wife, and so many others who have shared our passion to set this country on the right course. And to see the faces of all around us, representing all the diversity that Barack cited in his remarks. Some were jubilant, some were softly sobbing, some were joyous, a couple were watching others in the crowd. Cell phones and cameras were everywhere as people called friends and families to share the experience.

This was, truly, a transformational event. And I can't thank you enough for making it happen and for stepping up and helping to elect candidates in critical House and Senate races down the ballot.

After we left Grant Park, we found ourselves walking back to the hotel, a couple of miles north. Celebration was still in the air, along Michigan Avenue and Wacker: groups of young people high-fiving, and shouts of "Yes, we can." I was surrounded by electric smiles and energy...so alive.

There is no doubt -- the challenges confronting our nation are great. We are engaged in two wars abroad and facing an economic crisis at home. Our nation will require great sacrifices from all of us to overcome them. However, with these challenges come tremendous opportunities, and I know we will come together to carry this great nation forward. As Barack said last night:

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there."

The sight of Barack, and Joe Biden, and their families on that platform, the warmth of the crowd, and its diversity will long linger as I reflect on how America has changed, and how we have changed ourselves. And as I looked at his expression, I could see Barack's seriousness of purpose, and his recognition that far greater challenges lie ahead. But I'm proud, and so hopeful for our country.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

In Colorado, Clark primarily did volunteer-focused activities but also attended Obama's rally in Pueblo, where a press photographer captured this photo:

He also had a chance to talk personally with Obama:

More images are available at WesPAC.

In New Mexico, Clark held campaign events in Roswell and Las Cruces. There is not a lot of in-depth news coverage, but some pictures:

Clark: 'Time For Change'
Posted 2008-10-23

Retired General Says Obama's 'New Ideas' Will Work For America

By Jeremy Hunt

Retired general stumps for Obama

By Mike Hixenbaugh
Rocky Mount Telegram

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

(via WesPAC)

News coverage includes:

• Wesley Clark fires up Democrats
• Wes Clark stumps for Obama locally
• Gen. Wesley Clark visits Destin
• Wesley Clark thrills crowd at Harbor Docks

Links via Daily Kos diary

Update: Florida Today cover the Melbourne event.

Webcam chat at Ustream

Personal accounts: 1, 2

From the Brown campaign: 1, 2

A parade of generals walk out on stage, including Wesley Clark, to sand behind Maj. Gen. Scott Gration, USAF (Ret.) who is up there to talk about why they support Obama as commander-in-chief.

Friday morning, Clark appeared on Morning Joe although he didn't get much time to speak. Highlight (intervening comments by Scarborough removed for clarity):

That's what Americans are going to ask, and they're going to expect people like Joe Biden in the Vice Presidential debate to be able to handle those questions. I just can't imagine who's going to go up against Joe Biden based on the discussion we're having right now, because what you saw from the Democrats last night is a really strong team. You saw Barack Obama who's talking about judgment. He's talking about the important judgment calls the President has to make. He's saying if there's going to be a debate about who's ready to be Commander in Chief and who's got the judgment and temperament, let's have it. And then you've got Joe Biden right behind him who's very experienced and savvy, just returned from Georgia. It's a heck of a line-up, and I think it's the kind of line-up that's going to reassure Middle America that Democrats are a party that can take care of this country's national security.

Update: Could this item on the convention schedule be why he's going to Denver?

Retired Generals Tribute Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret) Accompanied by additional generals

--

I'm in Munich right now, but I can't tell you how ready I am to head to Denver and join my fellow Democrats.

The Democratic Party is ready to lead and address the many challenges ahead, and Barack Obama is the leader we need for our country and to help humanity meet today's global challenges.

We're a party loaded with talent. Like many of you, I've been thrilled by the speeches at the Democratic National Convention so far. Hillary Clinton was great last night. Her strength, her character, her call for unity. Her speech just proves once again that she is a great American and has many years of distinguished public service ahead of her.

And what an inspiration Ted Kennedy was, as was Nancy Pelosi, our Speaker of the House. Brian Schweitzer, the history-making Governor of Montana and Mark Warner, a business executive, distinguished former Governor and soon-to-be a remarkable U.S. Senator.

Tonight, I'm looking forward to catching the speeches of our honored former President Bill Clinton and our vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden. We are so fortunate that these two outstanding men are Democrats.

And then there's tomorrow. Our Party is so fortunate at this time in history to be nominating Barack Obama. After Michelle's incredibly warm and personal speech on Monday, any American can see the strength of character in their family. It's clear that when the Obamas become first family, they'll definitely bring change to America.

I can't wait to hear Senator Obama's words in person. He's warned us not to expect that he can duplicate the electricity from his memorable speech in 2004, but I think he's just being wise to play down expectations. He has proven to be a remarkable human being with incredible judgment, an outstanding sense of direction, and unmatched communication skills. I fully expect to be inspired, as I was in 2004.

I'm proud to be a Democrat, and I'm proud to ask you to pull together with me. It's time to help elect our candidates to every office. From mayors to governors, from state legislators to Congress. And especially to come together behind Barack Obama.

Barack is going to be the leader of a great team of Democrats in this election campaign. And he's going to become a great American President.

I believe he has the skills and resolve to strengthen America's security, rebuild America's economy, and restore Americans' faith in the future.

Our challenge is clear. We must win in November.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

Meanwhile, Tom Baer hopes Obama is listening and will take heed.

CNN appearance below:

Update: Later Clark appeared on Fox and the Ed Schultz radio show, which also covered Pakistan.

Video of Fox appearance:

Later still, the Jon Elliott radio show.

Clark to help Tuke raise cash for race
Dem Senate candidate hopes to narrow Alexander's $3M lead
By Tom Humphrey
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Later: A report on the day

WesPAC has the transcript. A highlight:

And so, the result is that you've got a split emerging in Europe and this is what the United States has to work with. If we're going really to check Russian aggression, we, we best do it not with force but with unity and resolve, and that requires leadership. And I think Barack Obama's the right person to provide that leadership.

Update: Later, Clark appeared on Fox to promote his view about how to resolve the Georgia crisis through strengthening U.S.-European unity and NATO. Cavuto seemed more interested in trying to trap Clark into saying that Obama was "weak" (i.e., not sufficiently warmongering), and looks to have cut him off at the end!