I am not sure where to even start with this.
As some of you may know, I have been a huge supporter of Wesley Clark since the days he first announced his candidacy in fall 2003. I was registered as an independent at the time, didn't know what a caucus was, didn't know there was such a thing as a "Central Committee" and had only voted (to my recollection) in the 2000 race (for Gore of course). I was interested primarily in foreign policy and was a Democrat at heart but liked to think of myself as too independently minded to affiliate with one particular party. I hated Bush like any reasonable young man would, was against the war in Iraq, and could see that Bush was going to destroy any credibility we had left in the world.
I had listened to Clark speak on CNN a few times, and somehow or another I learned he was going to speak about foreign policy and US leadership in the world at the U of I campus and new immediately that I wanted to go. It was on a weekday and during the day, but I managed to get the time off and talked my girlfriend into coming along with me. It was a little bewildering at first for someone never before involved in politics. Clark had just announced 2 days prior that he was in the running for the nomination and CNN, FOX, and others were all there - along with what felt like all of IC. We waited through the lines (fortunately we were near the front of them!) and were able to get a good seat with a clear view and waited in anticipation to hear our first speech given by a Presidential hopeful.
Now I don't know if it was all in what he said, or how he said it, but whatever the case may be...I was inspired. He inspired me to change parties. He inspired me to get involved. He inspired me to give back to the community with some type of public service. He inspired me to work hard to get him elected as the next President of the United States.
Unfortunately (for all of us I believe), Clark wasn't able to overcome his late start and the poor decision-making his campaign staff made. After an impressive showing in a few states he dropped out of the race.
The story doesn't end there. I did get involved. I did become an official Democrat, I caucused, I joined the Central Committee, I joined the CC finance committee, I co-chaired a group that helped coordinate volunteer efforts for all of the Dems and brought new blood to our party. I served my community on the Fifteen in 5 community planning project, and continue to do so. To put it simply, his speech that day awakened the activist in me, and for that I will always appreciate Wesley Clark.
Still further, although Clark's campaign for the nomination was done, he wasn't finished. He campaigned long and hard for Kerry, and has since formed a pac and website (
www.securingamerica.com ) to keep his volunteers involved. He has campaigned all across the US on behalf of Democrats so that we can take back control of our country and finally set things right. He continues to be an inspiration to thousands of supporters.
Ok, so that brings me to this weekend.
On Saturday Clark was in Cedar Rapids to do his weekly "Clarkcast", a podcast he does for his website wherein he discusses issues of the week, etc. Saturday afternoon he was to do this broadcast from Brewed Awakenings, a local coffee shop (that kicks ass by the way, if you are ever in town, stop by
www.brewedawakeningscr.com ). A local Democrat, who served with me on the Fifteen in 5 committee and was involved in Iowa's Draft Clark movement, invited me to a private meeting with General Clark before his podcast began, to review his 2004 campaign and talk about strategies for getting the right people in place in 2006. It was amazing. I was able to talk to him on a personal level and was able to express my gratitude for all he has done for me, and for our party. He shared his personal feelings and stories about his campaign, and more over, really showed how passionate he was about getting Democrats elected this year.
After the meeting, he discussed the Middle East and touched on General Hayden's ability to lead the CIA during his podcast. That night his speech to the Hawkeye Labor Council was interrupted repeatedly by applause as he laid out each of Bush's failures and reinforced what we should be doing as Democrats in 06. Walking among the crowd I was able to overhear several people who had never heard Clark speak, and all of them seemed very impressed. I hope that at least one person who was hearing him speak for the first time is as moved as I was in 03.
Will he run in 08? I really do hope so, but I really think he could live without it. I think he truly cares more about the party, and about our country, than holding any elected office. 2006 is what seems to be on his mind and in his heart!
