Always on the search for good news for my guy, General Clark, I find this. And whatever it means for Clark, I'm happy that Kerry is again picking up this theme - the War Hero/Vet Bio -
From WaPo -
"Reviving a political tactic that helped turn around his campaign during the Democratic primaries, John F. Kerry is increasingly surrounding himself with crewmates from Vietnam and veterans of other wars to highlight his patriotism and provide a contrast with President Bush on military service.
In an election colored by Iraq, terrorism and other national security issues, the senator from Massachusetts is trying to show that he and his party are more committed to national defense, veterans and patriotism than Bush and the GOP. Since Vietnam, the war that brought Kerry to prominence, first as a war hero and later as a war critic, Democrats have suffered politically from perceptions of weakness on national security issues, polls have shown.
With voters consistently telling pollsters Iraq and terrorism are among their top concerns this year, Kerry is calculating that only by shedding this image can Democrats win the White House in wartime, according to advisers. To do this, Kerry has adopted tough rhetoric when talking about Iraq, al Qaeda and homeland defense and has wrapped himself in red-white-and-blue symbolism. He also touts his military service: Kerry was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts in Vietnam; Bush served stateside in the National Guard. Vice President Cheney, who was also eligible during the Vietnam era, did not serve, after receiving several draft deferments.
Kerry has narrowed Bush's advantage on defense issues, polls show, but voters still express reservations about the Democrat's record. Kerry has voted both for and against weapons systems, military engagements and changes to the military. Kerry supports increasing the size of the military, at least temporarily, and spending more money on homeland defense. The campaign said he will provide greater details on his plans next week . . . ."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64376-2004May28.html
Good for Kerry. I love the campaign theme. There is no downside whatsoever on this. I'll go further. Kerry should be shameless about this. Use it at every stop. Make people sick of it. Have Leno joke about how Kerry is a walking VFW Hall. I'm telling you - IF Leno makes that joke, Kerry wins by at least 5 - and he can pick Edwards too.
But, I think this bodes well for Clark - who brings this reinforcement quality plus the creds on Iraq/WOT. Let's see how it plays.