Decision 2008: Wesley Clark

Here is today's presidential candidate briefing. Today our candidate is Retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark. Wesley Clark has served throughout the U.S. Army and has been a candidate once before in 2004. He has no elected office, however he is slowly climbing in numbers. For being 62 he has alot of charisma and that could be enough to help him win the nomination. Wesley Kanne "Wes" Clark was born on December 23, 1944 in Chicago, Illionis. Clark suffered a terrible trgedy at only 4 years old. His father Benjamin died in 1948. The family then moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. His mother later married again and Clark took the famil name of Clark. Clark later was accepted to West Point, the U.S. Military Academy. Clark was a top student at West Point. He became a leader among leaders. He earned a distinguished cadet patch on his uniform. He was considered in the top 5% in the entire academy. He graduated valedictorian of his class. Clark asside from his military career he entered the PPE program and finally earned his degree form the University of Oxford. He was promoted to captain and given charge of the 4th battalion 68th armor, 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Riley Kansas. Clark was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1969. He was an assistant in charge of operation planning ans awarded the Bronze star for his work with the staff. Clark was given command of a company and during this time he was shot 4 times in the shoulder, right hand, right hip and Right leg. He was awarded the silver star for his actions in this encounter. After returning to command a company in Kentucky he was assigned to work with the Army Cheif of Staff in his office. After he was a social studies instructor and teacher at West Point. He graduated form the CGSC earning a Master of Arts degree. he took commands later in the 1st Armored division in Germany. Clark in the late 1970's became a special assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Alexander Haig. After Clark was promoted to Lt. Colonel. He then took commands in brigades across the country and worked his way through the ranks. After study in the National War College he became a full colonel. Clark worked in Washington for awhile in the Cheif of Staff's office and into more brigades. After more study he was promaoted to Brigadier General. After more and more posts he was promoted to Major General. Clark worked in the planning of the war in Bosnia. Clark became a military representative there. Later president Clinton appointed him to NATO. He was made Supreme Allied Commander of NATo and continued to serve his countr until he was forced into retirement in 200o. Clark began his civilian life interested in politics. After engaging in many enterpizes and forming Clark and Assoicates he became a millionaire. Many encouraged him not to enter politics and to pursue a business career, however he decided to pursue public office. Clark met with some big NY democrats and told them he was considering running for president in 2004, becuas eof his disagreement int he U.S. involvement in Iraq. Clark wasn't considered a member of any party and often supported some members of the GOP. He later stated he liked the Democratic Party. In April 2003 his info. that he was considering a pres. run was leaked and a DraftClark movement began. Then in mid 2003 he stated he was seriously considering running. Finally later than the other presidential candidates, in Sept. Clark announced he was running for president. Early numbers showed he passed frontrunner Howard Dean in NH polls and had a chance at the White House. A big endorsement swung his way when fmr. Sen. and Dem. Nominee George McGovern endosed him for president. He decided in Dec. of 2003 he wouldn't run in Iowa and would concentrate on New Hampshire. Clark's plan back fired and the two Iowa winners John Kerry and John Edwards took the media's attention. His plan to become the serius challenger to the frontrunner Dean slipped away when he barely placed 3rd nstead of 2nd in NH. Instead of immediately quiting he decided to stay for another round of primaries when 8 and many form the south would be held. 2 wins could could of got him back into the race, however he only won the Oklahoma primary. He won the most 2nd place finishes to Kerry and was the serious challenger to Kerry. Clark remained in the race until he lost both Virginia and Tennessee giving Edwards the momentum to challenge Kerry. He droppped out of the race on Feb. 11th leaving Edwards to challenge Kerry. He endorsed Kerry ony a few days later. Clark was mentioned to be Kerry's running mate, however he picked Edwards. Clark campaigned for the ticket even after his loss, however they loss in November. In 2005 he founded WesPAC a political action committee and many felt he would run again in 2008. Clark actively campaigned for Democrats in 2006 and has stated "I never said I won't run." Clark has yet to state whether he will run or not. He garners only 1-4% among party leaders in the race. Clark is expected to announce soon so stay tuned. Next briefing is on Hillary.