First is the ability to beat George Bush and keep from giving the Repugs a filibuster-proof senate. Most people still think the Iraq war was a good idea and they don't want a president whose main campaign theme is "I was against the Iraq war from the very start and I never trusted George Bush." Anyone who has not seen reality yet on this issue just needs to go look at any national poll where support for the war was a question. Since Saddam's capture the support numbers have gone even higher than before.
General Clark has the necessary credentials to take on George Bush on the war. Did I mention that even Dean admits he has a hole in his resume at just this spot?
Like it or not, Democrats have to do well in the south this next year. They have to defend open seats in the Senate. There are polls out there that show Dean has some support in the South but even if he does manage to beat other Dems there, which he will not, he cannot beat George Bush in the South. If we lose even 2 or 3 of the five or so open seats it could spell disaster in the Senate. If it isn't already apparent it will become so soon that Clark is the best chance in the South.
I do not like Howard Dean's record in VT on taxes. He balanced the budget by raising taxes through the roof in a state that does not resemble the rest of America. VT is more affluent and has less minorities and children. Furthermore, Dean's stance on taxes shows he is oblivious to the struggle of middle class Americans. Tax cuts for the middle class were put in by Democrats not BushCo. I want a president who understands middle class America and protects it. Balancing the budget in VT deserves some credit, but it is virtually meaningless when considering how different VT is from the US as a whole.
I support General Clark because he understands the struggles of middle class America because he has been there. Anyone who ever had to live on an Army salary has been there. He also has a masters degree in economics and has taught it at the college level. On top of all that he has worked as a White House fellow in the Office of Budget Management. That combined experience means much more to me than balancing the budget in VT.
Some say Clark is not a loyal Democrat. Anyone who put his 34 year career on the line, and eventually had it ended early by enemies who still spread lies about his character, to help drag the pentagon and the republicans in congress along kicking and screaming to prevent genocide in Kosovo has proven his Democrat mettle and paid his dues in my book. No other Democrat running has paid so high a price for his democratic values.