If Clark runs, he will shine a spotlight on military experience. Let's face it, that's where his credibility is, and that's what he talks about, almost exclusively.
Seems to me that will both hurt and help Kerry so it's a wash. He will hurt Dean because they would then be two DC outsiders (or three if you include Sharpton) but Dean has no military experience. It will hurt Edwards and Graham as another southerner gets in and crowds that field. Finally, it will hurt Lieberman as some hawkish voters will prefer Clark. But the main minds in the party will still prefer Kerry to beat Bush. Kerry-Clark? Yes, possible if Clark proves himself the preimminent Bush-basher with a heart of gold. Otherwise Kerry-Graham to nail Florida.
Will Clark get enough support from any of those quarters to really change the balance of powers? He will probably just make the field more crowded and interesting. As a Kerry supporter, I don't fear Clark, because military experience will be focused on more and that helps Kerry. Kerry has a Silver and a Bronze star just like Clark. That makes it a qualification for President which wasn't there before.
Clark could be a contender, up in the top four. He could help knock off Lieberman, Edwards, Graham and make Kerry the preferable choice to Dean. I admit though, could make the nominating process longer. Possible this could go all the way into the summer which means the American people will be paying attention and ten voices will be slamming Bush every single day, including an ex-general. Most of all, it hurts Bush.
Remember though, Clark is not running yet and would be making a huge committment if he decides to run. In fact, he might get less media coverage not more if he runs. As it is, he is the darling of the talkshows. If he runs, he'd have to share more media time as the networks all have equal time policies. |
