Posted on 02/03/2004 11:38:08 AM PST by NorCoGOP
HANOVER, NH -- The morning of Wednesday, Nov. 12 started out like any other Wednesday. My alarm went off at 5:50 a.m., I hit the snooze button, and then heard that dreaded chirping sound 5 minutes later. I dragged myself out of bed, threw my clothes on, and headed to morning swim workout expecting to hear a familiar "you're late" from Coach Jim Wilson.
Instead, as we lifted weights that morning, our coach announced that General Wesley Clark would be joining us in the pool in a little less than an hour. Excited, but confused as to why a presidential candidate would want to join us in a 7 a.m. practice, we continued our workout, suspecting a publicity stunt. Just as we were finishing up our first set, out of the locker room walked General Wesley Clark.
Much to our astonishment, there were no cameras or reporters, just a middle-aged man hoping to get some exercise in a sport that has been a part of his life since childhood. Coach Wilson asked the General if he would like one of the swimmers to join him in a set. Clark said yes, and aware of my interest in the presidential race, my coach asked me to swim with Clark. The next 45 minutes were quite possibly the most inspiring time of my college years.
We swam laps side by side, giving each other occasional tips on technique and stopping to chat every minute or two. I saw a compassionate, inspirational, and ambitious man who did not fit the media description that he had been given. Sure he was a General, but did that mean that he supported the War in Iraq? No. As a military leader, would he be a disciplined, unapproachable president, hardened by his years in the army? Not even close. Clark was extremely personable, warm, and intelligent. He put me at ease right away, and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. I could sense his integrity just in the short time I got to know him.
We've all heard the facts and statistics that suggest Clark would make a great leader. He was a Four Star General, he graduated first in his class at Westpoint, and was a Rhodes Scholar. As Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, he commanded NATO forces during the war in Kosovo, holding together a coalition of 10 nations and helping to save 1.5 million Albanians. But what doesn't come across from the long list of accomplishments is his caring and compassion for people.
When Clark returned to campus in January to campaign in the Upper Valley, I had the opportunity to see him again. Prior to his arrival, Clark had emailed the Upper Valley intern wanting to know how my season was going and how the team had faired in the past meets. The intern shared this information with me and the next morning when I saw Clark at the Sig Ep Pancake breakfast he greeted me personally.
The fact that he remembered me amid all of the chaos of the campaign, and took the time to check up on the Dartmouth Swim Team was amazing. Despite all of his lofty accomplishments, Clark is down to earth and humble. He has not been scarred by a life of politics like all of the other candidates. On the contrary, he represents an accomplished person with common sense, and above all, integrity. Wesley Clark would bring a higher standard of leadership to the White House.
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