Who Should be VP? (Pat Says Wes Clark, for a Dozen Reasons)
By Pat Racimora on August 17, 2008 at 7:30 AM in Barack Obama, Vice President
Besides Hillary Clinton herself, who would be the wisest choice for Obama to pick for VP, assuming he and his handlers have their brains lined up?
It’s actually a no-brainer for me and my good friends who have also worked for General Wesley Clark for 5 years now. Here’s why.
1. Wes Clark has the National Security and Foreign Relations creds that Obama totally lacks and apparently not that interested in because he has never called a meeting of his the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs, of which he is chair. Oh, and, hello? We have a lot of foreign affairs problems perched on our deck.
2. Wes Clark is also a war hero who was gravely wounded in Viet Nam (a year in the hospital and rehab), neutralizing McCain’s huge advantage here.
3. Wes Clark’s Grassroots and Netroots minions remain strong, involved, and loyal, and are overseen by talented organizers.
4. Wes Clark has the gravitas (nationally as well as internationally) that Obama totally lacks. Check out International Honors, Civilian Honors, and US Military, Individual & Unit Decorations (see left-hand menu on main page) HERE and be prepared to be mighty impressed! (One of the pleasures of my life was researching and helping to put these pages together.)
5. Wes Clark is an exciting figure and an excellent speaker (and brilliant—first in his class at West Point). Bill Richardson and Tim Kaine, not so much.
6. Wes Clark has the leadership experience that Obama totally lacks. Many do not realize that being in charge of bases is like running a small government. One of my favorite stories is about his wonderful wife, Gert, informing him that there were potholes needing repair. So Clark is not only about leading armies.
7. Wes Clark is from Arkansas. A Southerner is badly needed to balance the ticket. At least hat is what they always say.
8. Clark is “outside the beltway,” and therefore not part of the old establishment that Obama claims has to be “changed” (which, by the way, would let Biden, Bayh, and Dodd out of the mix as well).
9. Wes Clark was also against invading Iraq from the beginning, believing that time was on our side with regards to Saddam. See his 2002 speech before the House Armed Services Committee
here.
10. Obama would be stupid to pick any other woman besides Hillary Clinton as that would send HRC supporters over to McCain by the hordes.
11. Wes Clark’s so-called “McCain gaffe” really wasn’t one, and Clark got a lot of support afterwards because the statement, even taken out of the context of Clark’s praise for McCain’s service and sacrifice, is factually correct. Getting shot down is not a sign of competence to be president. BO can figure out how to deal with personally tossing Clark under the bus afterwards. (How about an apology?)
12. Wes Clark is really good looking. Also very Presidential. OK—maybe that sounds shallow, but the fact is that better-looking candidates, all else being equal, also have a better chance of being elected. (Check with the social persuasion scientific literature.) 
(Photo by Dion)
Alas, it looks like the Obama campaign may be not only missing the boat, but also disrespectful (and perhaps scared of such an enormous talent). It appears that the good General was tossed under the bus for a second time.
So, unless Hillary is somehow pulled out of the hat, I think we had better prepare for another 4 years of Republican rule.
Who is your pick and why?
by Ronald Scott
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