[Mr. Bird]

but I don't think a man becomes SACEUR without the career to back it up

A general doesn't become POTUS without the career to back it up, and Clark doesn't have it. I've mentioned this on other threads: Clark is an unknown outside of DC. The press and the flacks don't understand this, because they do know him. The public will tolerate an unknown with a proven political track record (see: Clinton, Slick). They won't throw a general who commanded essentially an air raid on Kosovo into the White House.

[joesnuffy]

which is why he will slide into the #2 spot...
he is definitely a number 2 kinda guy

[Husker8877]

You mean blowing up those cardboard boxes that the enemy tanks came in doesn't qualify Clark for liberal hero status?

[van_erwin]

I totally agree that Clark is an unknown outside of DC, and outside of news junkies. I disagree that the public won't vote in a POTUS without the career to back it up, however. Bush x41 was the last President with a truly stellar political record to run on. GW has a great record to run on now, but before he came into office, his political career was only 6 years old. The voting public can easily have the wool pulled over their eyes when it comes to a candidate's career - just look at x42.

I don't think it's possible to win a race without focusing on the issues first and foremost. Everyone knew what kind of candidate x42 was when he was running - remember, the Gennifer Flowers rape charge came up during the first campaign. GW Bush beat Gore because he ran on the issues. The media and the RATS did everything in their power to smear GW's reputation, but in the end it was the American people's desire to see a conservative in power that won the election.

[pabianice]

Hard to say. Read his biography on the web. He's the quinessential ticket-puncher: took every job possible for promotion based upon administrative skill, but shows no leadership ability. He's reported to be short-tempered and generally cranky. In asking "Gail" for permission to talk to the press he likely just committed political suicide. The reporters are going to have picked his bones clean by January.