Though officially undeclared, Clark has been behaving like a candidate for the 2004 presidential bid, making frequent trips to Iowa and New Hampshire to offer his thoughts on the war on terrorism. His candidacy may be just what the Democrats need to effectively counter the perception that the party is anti-military while simultaneously undermining the president's military posturing.
But Clark is avoiding the muss and fuss of the early jockeying. He hasn't even yet declared himself a Democrat. It's unclear how much he is doing behind the scenes to further his candidacy, but by seeming the reluctant candidate, he is hearkening back to history, to the days of George Washington, who affected the persona of a reluctant candidate above the fray. Prediction: Clark has the real stuff, and public dissatisfaction with those who don't may propel him into the Oval Office. |