So we know the news. Rice is out. It is what it is and I'm not going to stride into details on that issue. There are plenty of places brewing about that. However, lets proceed along and find the next appropriate candidate.
As the title preludes, you already know whom I believe to be a fine candidate. So lets figure out why.
Well, one sentence ought to sum it up. Scott Brown is the next in line (realistically speaking) in Massachussettes and Richard Lugar is not a Democrat.
Wesley Clark is an exceptional man. I have admired the fellow ever since his primary run in 2004. I had heard of the man, but really had not known too much about him before that year. But what I found out was that the man is remarkable.
General Wesley Clark may have been the most efficient combat leader in our history with a campaign of that magnitude when he dealt with Kosovo. It can be summed up as clean, swift and successful. The man is calm, well spoken, and extremely genuine. These are all reasons why I was pulling for him in that year.
People since then have brought up his "gaffe" directed at McCain when he was running for presidency against Obama. However, it wasn't really a gaffe. Maybe unarticulate, but was true. And that really is all you got on him, an extremely successful, no bullshit leader. A man who has proven that he knows how to make the tough decisions under pressure when they count the most.
Of course, Secretary of State does not require these accomplishments that General Clark has as much as they could be of use for Secretary of Defense or President. However, those positions are filled, and will be filled for a while as Pannetta is still a bit fresh on the post and Obama now has another 4 years ahead of him.
I am not sure if General Clark would want such a position as I do remember well how quick he simmered any rumors of any desire to be Vice President in 2004. A man you may say that scoffs at any thing less than the real deal. And why not, he's earned it. However, Secretary of State IS a big deal. It may even put him in good position for the presidency in 2016. If he still ganders at the idea of leader of the Free World, again, I don't know. Maybe he's moved on. However, SoS is still a very respectable position for a man even of his stature and we need a man like General Clark as the face of our nation abroad.
The last point above may be the most important point of all. General Clark is an impeccable man. He is a very likeable man. And that is exactly the kind of person we need in contact with our neighbors abroad. Gen. Clarks's well received intellect may be the best serenade for the world scene as he interacts with the leaders and men and women of other nations. When he travels abroad, I hunch that our neighbors will be delighted to know that they are dealing with someone with not only real experience, but with someone with no bulshit, let's get it done mentality with no alterier motives. I already since a more pleasant world after the successful nomination of General Wesley Clark.
Obama's adversarial components in the Senate have argued that they were absolutely not going to accept Rice, but would probably accept just about anyone else. Well, we know Republicans, and we can just about boil down the real reason why. The next two believed to be in line either adds up to an extra pick up in the Senate that will align their (Republican's) Toe the Line agenda, or the alternative which puts one of their guys at the post.
Republicans would love either of these outcomes. The Kerry nomination is obvious as they are almost certain to pick up that seat. The Lugar nomation however, would cement the widely accepted, but false "common knowledge" that Republicans are the best on Defense and Foreign affairs. They can lay claim that when it comes to these two very important areas, they are still the boss since even a Democratic President had to look across the aisle to find a competent applicant to fill the spot. That, my friends is a devastating outcome for the Democrats and their future. And worse of all, if Obama extends this olive branch to the Republicans, rest assured it will not be appreciated. I hope Obama has learned that lesson by now for CRYIN' OUT LOUD!.
Another imortant reason Obama should not nominate a sitting Senator while he has other if not better otions, is because it is extremely incensitive of the citizens of that state where the nominated Sentator resides. Obama will force these innocent citizens through another stressful round of what has recently become notoriously negative and pschycologically draining attack ads and media blitzes just shortly after they have just finished enduring them already. Not only will this be emotionally stressful and draining to these citizens, but they unnecessarily expensive as well.
As for the man himself--General Clark, I have no idea. Maybe Obama and he have already had this discussion. Being it SoS, and not Secretary of Defense, maybe it's possible this convesation hasn't taken place. However, I am hopeful that this conversation will take place as I see it as the best plausible outcome for our country and even for the world as a whole. The man is well respected everywhere and if nominated, I see absolutely no reason his nomination shouldn't sail through.