Democratic Convention Theme Taken From Wes Clark's PAC

My colleague Sam Stein reported earlier today that Barack Obama's VP choice will speak on the veteran-themed third night of the Democratic convention. As he noted, top Obama officials immediately poured water on any speculation that this coincidence necessarily signals a VP with military experience.

But here's one more interesting connection that hints ever-so-slightly toward the selection of a veteran veep, submitted by a sharp reader.

According to USA Today, the theme for Wednesday, Aug. 27 is "Securing America's Future," which just also happens to be the name of Gen. Wesley Clark's political action committee. (The URL for its website is simply "SecuringAmerica.com," but FEC filings list the full name.)

For what it's worth, an aide to Gen. Clark could not restrain near-riotous laughter when asked if there was anything behind the connection.

"I don't think it's anything more than an interesting coincidence," the aide said in between convulsions. "It's just because his PAC was named so well!"

Still, it's not as though the party is randomly naming each day of the convention. The theme for Thursday, when Obama will speak, is the familiar-sounding "Change You Can Believe In."

Comments

[kennedy]

Lets see.......­..........­...... either Obama stole from Clark or Clark is the VP.

Hum.......­..........­.....

[AgathaX]

Most recently Clark took the unnecessary swipe at McCain's military service that Obama promptly distanced himself from. If anyone wants to put down some money on Clark, I'd be happy to bet against him.

[blueskybigstar]

Obama is a little skittish. After reaction and the fact that Clark did not and does not back down is a plus, a counter balance for Obama, who is analytical, but is very considerate and does honorably, unselfishly, doubts and reflects things about himself. He needs a Clark who is always self-assured, who is extremely analytical, some people would call arrogant and others complex, but the truth is he is the rare person who does naturally think out of the box and as well only sees things as black and white, and there is where he finds his confidence. There is logical and not logical with Clark. He says things as he sees it. It might disturb some, even anger some, but it is precisely what this country needs to hear and what Obama needs to hear. Everything has settled after Wes spoke up and answered that darn question directly like a good general should and it has left him looking pretty. So, Agatha, I would gladly take you up on that bet.

[Peter Brown]

Why do you consider Clark's assertions unnecessary? Is it that you feel the general public understands and agrees with them but just considers it unseemly to confront McCain and the media hacks who support him because McCain endured the horrible but largely irrelevant experience of being a prisoner of war? I believe Clark was speaking truth--and truth to power and the myth makers who help put people like Bush and now McCain in power.....­......... I agree that Obama may not have the oomph to overcome the political blowback that would follow the selection of Clark as VP--but I think choosing Clark as the VP would be the right thing to do.......a­nd would serve this country best if indeed the ticket is able to win.

[RRK70]

It was not unnecessary, Clark spoke truth to power, or rather called the media on hype and spin. Clark respectfully pointed out that McCain does not have any sort of command experience from his service as well as the fact that while his service was distinguished, having been a POW does not automatically qualify you to be POTUS.

What's wrong with that? I can guarantee you that if the candidates roles were reversed, the SwiftBoaters would be referring to Obama as a coward for surrendering or allowing himself to be captured. Look what they did to Kerry.

[Ms. MJ]

I have just looked at Wes Clark's biographical video; I agree he is the total package: he is brillant, he has morals, he respects others, he is well respected, he is southern, he knows the world from many perspectives, he can hold his own with anyone. Additionally, he has vision. If he is Obama's choice, they will be well matched!! I know my opinion is one in a million, but I think he is the one!!!!!!!

[Frenchy9]

You are not alone! Many think like you. I like Clark, but the main thing is that he is so good to complement Obama and leave Mcwarmonger way behind in the dust.

[DebbieinPhx]

Yeah! I have always been a Clark fan! Never more than when he bitch-slapped McCain about overuse of the "war hero" status and then pointing to Obama's lack of military expterience as an indicater of Obama's unsuitablity to lead. Gen Clark waded into that one with both feet , and although he was trounced by the media he just shrugged it off. Obama's folks were squeezed to kind of back off it a bit in public. But you've just gotta know they loved how he waded into that all guns blazing. He left a Gen. Clark sized hole in McCain's ego!!

[GooeyButter]

Yeah two Chicagoans on the ticket!

[mexicanamerican1948]

Wes Clark, He was most famous or infamous for bombing the Chinese embassy in the Bosnian war, then Bill Clinton fired him Best thing Bill Clinton did. Why is this so called general still around?? There has to be better ones, incompetence is not a virtue...

[blueskybigstar]

Bill Clinton fired anybody and everybody that he could at the first hint of any blemish because he had so many of his own. That is not good business. And, mind my words, this is what will bring the Clinton's disgrace.

[applespider]

I still don't believe that was an accident.

Bottom line, General Clark WON his war. In doing so, he ended a genocide.

McCain's experience qualifies him to do what? Lose a war? We're already doing that. We don't need him.

[RRK70]

Let me get this straight:
-tragic mistake targeting one building, 3 dead, 5 wounded: UNFORGIVABLE

-targeting the wrong NATION, killing tens of thousands: NO BIG DEAL

-You DO realize that innocent people die in EVERY war, and the Bush has set a record level of incompetence that will be difficult to ever match?

-Do you think any of the bombs John McCain dropped killed any civilians?

[CRUSADER]

This would be one of the greatest steps our future president could possibly take. Especially,with these lilly-livered Repubs running around acting and talking like they're so much more American than us Democrats.
They truly believe that their puppet generals are the only ones that can protect our country Gen. Clark would be as fine a VP choice as Barack Obama could pick. Thanks to all these comments, I've learned so much more about a truly brave and intelligent American. I pray he's picked.

[LJMinOKC]

Wesley Clark would be an excellent choice for V.P. He's as smart as a whip, and says it like it is! Graduated 1st in his class at West Point (McCain graduated 5th from the bottom of his 899 Annapolis class!) and was a Rhodes scholar. I don't know about the rest of you, but I desire smart, capable, well spoken people leading our government -- not the opposite! So, please Barack Obama, choose Clark!

[ESerafina42]

Amen! And he doesn't back down when he's smeared.

[chronic5]

And he's handsome as all get out! Seriously, though he was my first for president in 2004 and I've always liked his policies and have total respect for him. Full disclosure, I come from army and State department family so maybe I'm a bit biased.

[TheSoldiersPal]

Wesley Clark, a great choice. Jim Webb or Bill Richardson would also be outstanding picks. General Clark in addition to serving as Supreme Allied Commander, also served as CG for USASOUTHCOM, thus familiar with military and political issues of all Central and South American countries. He caught 3 bullets in Viet Nam and was a Silver Star recipient, among other awards. A most worthy and capable individual, should Barack Obama choose to make him his Vice President. The entire U.S. would win, not just the Democrats.

[Frenchy9]

"The entire U.S. would win, not just the Democrats.­"

Yes!

[DebbieinPhx]

Well, gee Mister!!!! If Obama picks a genuine war hero of VP does that mean Capt. McNutty has to climb off his high horse and cede the field to a more expereinced, higher ranking commander with hands on executive command experience?? hmmmmmm, I dunno, the Capt. is gonna get aweful cranky!

Makes you almost feel sorry for poor ol' John I-graduate­d-894-outt­a-899 McCain... almost.

[GooeyButter]

Clark would just say "Get on your knees, soldier!" and Mcsame would have to obey like the grunt he is.

[peaceplez]

What a TERRIFIC choice that would be!! Like many here I figured Gen. Clark was out after he spoke the truth about McCain. How nice it would be for some gravitas to compliment the ticket instead of going for bland.

[DallasNE]

I have long admired Wes Clark. He graduated number one in his class at West Point, not 3rd from bottom at Annopolis like John McCain. He knows how to win wars, if it comes to that, because he has actually done that -- unlike John McCain, who likes to talk a big game but never provides answers to back up the claims.

Clark has been off the radar screen so I have pretty much dismissed him as the VP pick. It would indeed be a pleasant surprise to see Obama nab his as his VP choice.

[purplepatriot]

Wesley Clark has as impressive a resume' as anyone in the country, but he isn't a natural politician. I'm not sure he will be an effective campaigner but he is very smart and would learn quickly just like Obama did. Tthere are only three months between the convention and the election - He would have to learn fast.

[GooeyButter]

that could be a strength though. not being entrenched in the washington games is what this movement is all about. we've got to move forward for progress!

[Siren]

I think its General Zinni.

[publanski]

Obama/Clark would be a winner. Unlike McCain, Clark has real, executive military experience, and could close off one of McCain's biggest offensive moves on Obama. I hope it's true.

But I doubt it.

[hudsuckerproxy]

Gen. Clark was always my first choice, but I gave up hope after the media hysteria occasioned by his comments about McCain on "Face the Nation." It's great to hear that his name may still be in play. Of course, nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the VP sweepstakes.

[Peter Brown]

As a left leaning progressive, I would LOVE this speculation about Wes Clark as Obama's VP choice to be true---one of the few moves by BO that would get me to start contributing to his campaign again....

[Mildmannered]

I like biden; he would be more of a pit bull

[Peter Brown]

Are you old enough to remember how to spell plagiarism? The Repubs would eat Biden alive---and not without good reason. He is a nice enough guy who has high aspirations but who overshoots and over estimates his abilities.­........He would make a a better Assistant Secretary of State.....­..........­...

[ESerafina42]

Well he could win the VP debate - by putting everyone to sleep. He may have good qualities, but he has logorrhea. And didn't be give Anita Hill the third degree during the Clarence Thomas hearings? That certainly wouldn't win over any of those older women who may be on the fence.

[blueskybigstar]

Your dead on, Peter Brown. A perfect summation of Biden. We also have to say he started to get a bit wacky and then got that brain tumor. What's up with all the brain tumors that everybody's getting?