Discussion:
Wesley Clark: Still Not a registered Democrat
(too old to reply)
Sarah
2003-10-02 00:27:22 UTC
Permalink
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.htm

It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but Democratic
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a registered
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.

A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the discrepancy,
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.

He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."

COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other states,
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party affiliation.

Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest revelation
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.

When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
--
"When our children fail competency tests the schools lose funding.
When our missiles fail tests, we increase funding." ---Dennis
Kucinich
Mitchell Holman
2003-10-02 01:40:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
So what? I don't recall any conservative
objections to prior party affiliations and
voter registration when high profile Democrats
switched parties.
Post by Sarah
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.
htm
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but Democratic
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a registered
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the discrepancy,
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other states,
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party affiliation.
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest revelation
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
Mr. N
2003-10-02 01:46:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mitchell Holman
So what? I don't recall any conservative
objections to prior party affiliations and
voter registration when high profile Democrats
switched parties.
That *is* the point here. Clark has yet to "switch parties".
--
*My Real Name
Dan Listermann
2003-10-02 02:02:56 UTC
Permalink
Cheney switched states after being named VP candidate.
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
So what? I don't recall any conservative
objections to prior party affiliations and
voter registration when high profile Democrats
switched parties.
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
htm
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but Democratic
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a registered
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the discrepancy,
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other states,
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party affiliation.
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest revelation
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
Mitchell Holman
2003-10-02 03:47:21 UTC
Permalink
Post by Dan Listermann
Cheney switched states after being named VP candidate.
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
So what? I don't recall any conservative
objections to prior party affiliations and
voter registration when high profile Democrats
switched parties.
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
htm
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but Democratic
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a registered
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the discrepancy,
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other states,
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party affiliation.
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest revelation
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
Dan Listermann
2003-10-02 12:22:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Dan Listermann
Cheney switched states after being named VP candidate.
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
I always admired that observation. He later denied saying it despite the
video tape.
LawsonE
2003-10-02 13:07:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Dan Listermann
Cheney switched states after being named VP candidate.
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
I always admired that observation. He later denied saying it despite the
video tape.
Well, as the former head of the CIA, he was well aware of how easy it was to
doctor video tapes, so why should he take one that showed him lying
seriously?
Dan Listermann
2003-10-02 13:13:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Mitchell Holman
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
I always admired that observation. He later denied saying it despite the
video tape.
Well, as the former head of the CIA, he was well aware of how easy it was to
doctor video tapes, so why should he take one that showed him lying
seriously?
Isn't that just cute? You gotta love the wishful thinking that goes on
here.
LawsonE
2003-10-02 13:17:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Mitchell Holman
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
I always admired that observation. He later denied saying it despite
the
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
video tape.
Well, as the former head of the CIA, he was well aware of how easy it
was
Post by Dan Listermann
to
Post by LawsonE
doctor video tapes, so why should he take one that showed him lying
seriously?
Isn't that just cute? You gotta love the wishful thinking that goes on
here.
Why is it that so few people have a sense of humor?
Dan Listermann
2003-10-02 13:38:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Mitchell Holman
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
I always admired that observation. He later denied saying it despite
the
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
video tape.
Well, as the former head of the CIA, he was well aware of how easy it
was
Post by Dan Listermann
to
Post by LawsonE
doctor video tapes, so why should he take one that showed him lying
seriously?
Isn't that just cute? You gotta love the wishful thinking that goes on
here.
Why is it that so few people have a sense of humor?
I could not agree more.
Michael Higgins
2003-10-02 13:45:48 UTC
Permalink
What is funny, Lawson, is that none of this makes a bit of difference except
to the handful of folks who take part in these battles. The first Democratic
caucuses and primaries are months away, and there is no way of knowing what
will be the issue of importance when that day comes.

Maybe it'll be Iraq, maybe the economy, maybe Wilson-gate will still be
going on, whatever, nothing said here will have any effect on it one way or
another.

If you really want to do something, go out and join a party and get active
in it.

Trading shots across each other's bows can be a lot of fun--where else do
you get to call someone a dittohead ass-for-brains moron without worrying
about getting sued, or punched in the mouth--but it is essentially sterile
and pointless.

Usenet was supposed to facilitate the exchange of information and data.
Instead it has become a place where nitwits on both sides get to parade
their shortcomings in front of the world.

Well, it was fun, but I have other things to do, now that the Clark campaign
in underway.

Hasta la vista, baby!
--
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TELL NO TALES
A story of life in an Age of Terrorism
http://www.tellnotales.info
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Mitchell Holman
Just like Bush 41 switched his positions
on abortion and economics. He WAS the original
source of the "voodoo economics" label for the
silly supply side theory.......
I always admired that observation. He later denied saying it despite
the
Post by LawsonE
Post by Dan Listermann
video tape.
Well, as the former head of the CIA, he was well aware of how easy it
was
Post by Dan Listermann
to
Post by LawsonE
doctor video tapes, so why should he take one that showed him lying
seriously?
Isn't that just cute? You gotta love the wishful thinking that goes on
here.
Why is it that so few people have a sense of humor?
Sarah
2003-10-02 03:03:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
So what? I don't recall any conservative
objections to prior party affiliations and
voter registration when high profile Democrats
switched parties.
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
htm
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but
Democratic
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a
registered
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the
discrepancy,
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other
states,
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party
affiliation.
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest
revelation
Post by Mitchell Holman
Post by Sarah
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
I think we have to watch for and consider that he might be a GOP
plant. There were weeks when there was all this gossip about whether
or not he was going to run and one would think he would have had time
to actually register in the party he was going to run in. So if not
a GOP plant, then possibly a corporate military industrial complex
plant based on their fears of what the public may stomach after the
Bush Iraq mess and the related cost - not everyone is in favor of
taxing their grandkids up the wazoo.
Dan Listermann
2003-10-02 12:25:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by Sarah
I think we have to watch for and consider that he (Clark) might be a GOP
plant.
I think a GOP nightmare would have been Clark challanging Little Bush for
the GOP nomination. Again, Clark sharply focuses Little Bush's baggage.
Brooks Gregory
2003-10-02 12:49:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by Dan Listermann
Post by Sarah
I think we have to watch for and consider that he (Clark) might be a GOP
plant.
I think a GOP nightmare would have been Clark challanging Little Bush for
the GOP nomination. Again, Clark sharply focuses Little Bush's baggage.
Weaseley Clark is done.
--
If you can't protest with a voter registration card
what makes you think you have any clout with
your opinions?

Brooks Gregory
Dan Listermann
2003-10-02 12:59:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Brooks Gregory
Weaseley Clark is done.
A little wishful thinking is harmless. Just don't invest any money in it.
eastiee
2003-10-02 16:34:08 UTC
Permalink
Who cares? Republicans apparently are running "SCARED." Why else are they
so concerned about him?

At least your research confirms that he was registered "Independent" and not
a "Republican" up until 25 days ago.

So much for the Republican propaganda. You know you wanted him to be a
Republican, but the facts remain he's really a "DEMOCRAT" on his issues. He
just finally made a choice after being non-partisan (United States military
officer sworn to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. no matter who's in
the White House) for 38 years.

Thanks for the confirmation!
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.htm
Post by Sarah
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but Democratic
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a registered
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the discrepancy,
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other states,
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party affiliation.
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest revelation
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
--
"When our children fail competency tests the schools lose funding.
When our missiles fail tests, we increase funding." ---Dennis
Kucinich
Sarah
2003-10-13 05:30:33 UTC
Permalink
I still don't trust him.
Post by eastiee
Who cares? Republicans apparently are running "SCARED." Why else are they
so concerned about him?
At least your research confirms that he was registered "Independent" and not
a "Republican" up until 25 days ago.
So much for the Republican propaganda. You know you wanted him to be a
Republican, but the facts remain he's really a "DEMOCRAT" on his issues. He
just finally made a choice after being non-partisan (United States military
officer sworn to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. no matter who's in
the White House) for 38 years.
Thanks for the confirmation!
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.htm
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but
Democratic
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a
registered
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the Dem
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the former
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County Voter
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the
discrepancy,
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This has
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of things
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other
states,
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party
affiliation.
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the upcoming
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still more
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for Reagan
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest
revelation
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes from
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much use
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
--
"When our children fail competency tests the schools lose funding.
When our missiles fail tests, we increase funding." ---Dennis
Kucinich
The Pretzel
2003-10-13 17:05:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Sarah
I still don't trust him.
....and that's what the looney right want you to believe..
Post by Sarah
Post by eastiee
Who cares? Republicans apparently are running "SCARED." Why else
are they
Post by eastiee
so concerned about him?
At least your research confirms that he was registered "Independent"
and not
Post by eastiee
a "Republican" up until 25 days ago.
So much for the Republican propaganda. You know you wanted him to
be a
Post by eastiee
Republican, but the facts remain he's really a "DEMOCRAT" on his
issues. He
Post by eastiee
just finally made a choice after being non-partisan (United States
military
Post by eastiee
officer sworn to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. no matter
who's in
Post by eastiee
the White House) for 38 years.
Thanks for the confirmation!
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.htm
Post by Sarah
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
It may come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but
Democratic
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
Presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark still hasn't joined the
Democratic Party. According to the Pulaski County (Ark.) Voter
Registrar's office, the former four-star general remains a
registered
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
independent. Even though he has been a declared candidate for the
Dem
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
nomination for two weeks now, he has yet to officially change his
party affiliation.
A Clark campaign spokesman at first told BusinessWeek that the
former
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
general had in fact updated his voter registration to reflect his
newfound status as a Democrat. But a call to the Pulaski County
Voter
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
Registrar indicated otherwise. When asked to explain the
discrepancy,
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
campaign consultant Mark Fabiani says Clark hadn't yet had time to
register as a Democrat.
He adds that the fledgling White House seeker plans to make his
Democratic status official as soon as he gets a breather. "This
has
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
been a whirlwind two weeks," says Fabiani. "There are a lot of
things
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
we have to do, and that's one of them."
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could
boost
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark
doesn't
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other
states,
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party
affiliation.
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
Of course, Clark must first win over Democratic voters in the
upcoming
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
primaries if he's to take on Bush in a general election -- still
more
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
than a year away. And on top of disclosures that he voted for
Reagan
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
and possibly Richard Nixon for President and lavishly praised Team
Bush in some post-September 11 public speeches, this latest
revelation
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
can only come as cold comfort to party stalwarts.
When the Iowa and New Hampshire primary contests roll around, core
Democrats may respond better to Howard Dean's boast that he comes
from
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
"the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" and not have much
use
Post by eastiee
Post by Sarah
for a candidate for whom that doesn't seem to matter much.
--
"When our children fail competency tests the schools lose funding.
When our missiles fail tests, we increase funding." ---Dennis
Kucinich
piddock
2003-10-14 03:12:51 UTC
Permalink
Dumb question here:
today (13 October 2003) Dennis Kucinich announced his candidacy
for US President. I do not understand: he has been debating Democrats
on C-span for MONTHS now. I thought those were debates among Democratic
presidential contenders. Did he not already have to announce his
candidacy for president to be ON those debates?

No slur against Kucinich, here. I am asking only about the process.
Erik Aronesty
2003-10-14 14:48:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by piddock
No slur against Kucinich, here. I am asking only about the process.
I don't know, but his speech was the most inspiring of all the
candidates I've heard. That man is clearly working very hard to come
up with solutions to the economic and international problems that
plague this country.
Sarah
2003-10-14 23:44:56 UTC
Permalink
Post by piddock
today (13 October 2003) Dennis Kucinich announced his candidacy
for US President. I do not understand: he has been debating
Democrats
Post by piddock
on C-span for MONTHS now. I thought those were debates among
Democratic
Post by piddock
presidential contenders. Did he not already have to announce his
candidacy for president to be ON those debates?
No slur against Kucinich, here. I am asking only about the process.
It is a formality.. In case you did not notice some of the other
candidates "officially announced" at the end of Sept. and first of
this month.

Bob Lancaster
2003-10-14 21:12:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by Sarah
Wesley Clark: Still Not a Democrat
Turns out the Presidential candidate hasn't yet changed his party
affiliation as a registered independent in Arkansas
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2003/nf2003101_0874_db038.htm
[snip]
Post by Sarah
COLD COMFORT? Fabiani notes that Clark's independent record --
coupled with the fact that he voted for Ronald Reagan -- could boost
his bipartisan appeal in a general election. And even if Clark doesn't
get around to updating his registration, he'll be able to vote for
himself in the Democratic primary. Arkansas, like many other states,
allows everyone to vote in primaries regardless of party affiliation.
[snip]

I used to live in Arkansas. In those days one couldn't register with
a party. I've checked the new form on the internet, and one can
register with a party these days. The party registration is optional,
and it doesn't matter at all, because of the open primaries.

It could be that Gen. Clark registered to vote in Arkansas back when
one couldn't register with a party, and never bothered to reregister.
It wouldn't make any difference at all.

Really, a non-issue. In some states folks will register with a party
in order to vote in the primaries, in other states it doesn't matter
at all.

As the article mentions, in the part I didn't snip, it could even help
him in the long run. It fits in with the "independent General,
disgusted with the inept President, answers supporters' call to run"
motif.

Political campaigns are all about selling a product.

-Bob
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