Clark Allies Himself With Democrats
By Will Lester
The Associated Press
Wednesday, September 3, 2003; 5:16 PM
URL:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21064-2003Sep3.html
Wesley Clark still won't say definitively whether he will seek the presidency, but the retired Army general finally revealed his political affiliation Wednesday: Democrat.
"As I looked at where the country is now domestically and look at our policies abroad, I have to say that I'm aligned with the Democratic Party, I like the message the party has. I like what it stands for," Clark said in an interview on CNN's "Inside Politics."
For months, the former NATO commander has said he belongs to no political party and is not raising money, though many expected him to enter the Democratic presidential primary. In recent days, Clark has said he is getting closer to a decision and will make his intentions clear before a speech in Iowa Sept. 19.
"I'm closer to working my way through it, I'm closer to understanding what partisan politics is about," he said Wednesday. "My family and I are moving toward closure on this issue."
If Clark enters the race, he would be the 10th Democratic candidate. He would be far behind his rivals in organization and fund raising at this stage in the process, although he would bring an extensive military background and national security credentials.
The 58-year-old Clark is a Rhodes scholar who graduated first in his class at West Point and served as NATO commander during the 1999 campaign in Kosovo. Clark now works as a businessman and consultant in Arkansas.
Clark said he has talked to potential staffers and held discussions about money, but has not made a final decision.
He said said he hopes his announcement on party loyalty "helps clarify the situation," adding: "I am proud to be a Democrat."
© 2003 The Associated Press |
