Centerfield

Clark Should Run

I am a firm Dean supporter but I really like Clark's style. I believe that Clark should run for the nomination of the Democratic Party. It can only help the debate and season the eventual Nominee.

News is everywhere today. First, he was asked to be Dean's VP, then he is reported to be running, and now he's the Headline on Drudge reportedly definitely entering the race. Bill Clinton called him a "star" and Terry McAuliff has a podium waiting for him in NYC for the 25th. We even have a term forming to describe the campaign, countering the Dean Machine, meet Wes Mania.

Clark will do a number of important things in this race, in my own humble pundit opinion. As I see it, he will cause the immediate widdling of the field. If Graham, Edwards and Kerry don't drop out by Christmas, they would definitely fall far behind Clark who would become the Southern DLC Miliatary Background Candidate. He would also challenge Joe Lieberman for the mantle of 'centrist', and his charm will quickly win over many who never got a chance to warm up to Joe. Gephardt will remain strong in his base, the Unions, and Dean will likely remain strong with his supporters, though the steam will be dramatically spread around as Clark steals a Hurricane's worth of Thunder. The dynamic I see forming is a three headed race between Clark, Dean, and Gephardt. This basically is the DLC vs. the Dean Nation vs. the Party Establishment. Kerry and Edwards have had their chance, which they blew, and Lieberman is the sacrificial lamb served up to halt the Dean momentum.

This battle will also elevate beyond a shouting match, which sums up the level of debate at this point. I would hope that all of the candidates quickly move to better pronounce their policies, as simply shouting loud (Gephardt) at the debates will look goofy compaired to Clark's cool and statesman like presence. Additionally, Clark's pounding of the Bush record in foreign policy will provide credible substance to this pivotal criticism, something the eventual candidate cannot do without.

Personally, my three favorite guys are Dean, Clark, and Gephardt in that order. I'd love to see it come down to these three following Iowa and New Hampshire, though that is not to count out Lieberman totally. This will only groom the eventual candidate to take up the challenge of Bush, and interject a credible centrist/Iraq critic into the fray.

May the best candidate win.