A Wes Clark Democrat

Guantanamo: Changing of the Guardian

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:54:31 -0600

Gen. Wesley Clark at the Inauguration

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:22:30 -0600

Inaugural Ceremony

I was on the West Lawn of the Capitol in the ticketed area just behind the seated section. I had a clear view of the podium for the ceremony (although the protective glass made it difficult to see the people on stage). Happily, there was a Jumbotron just off to the right side. I was right up by the fence, so I got to gawk at the celebrities as they filed into the seated area. These included General Wesley Clark, Larry David, Spike Lee and Bruce Springsteen.

Disciple's World

Stars, stars, everywhere. For this little Okie from Muskogee, it was kind of thrilling, though not as thrilling as the main event, of course! But I saw Bruce Springsteen and Stephen Baldwin and some other actors whose names I can�??t remember �?� yet. Actress Ellen Burstyn was in my row! Such fun. Wesley Clark passed me at one point. And Supreme Court Justice John Roberts�?? family sat in front of me.

Hot Shots' Dinner

Daily News-Los Angeles

A large contingent of Angelenos are in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, but none will shine quite as brightly as Eli Broad.

The billionaire philanthropist and his wife, Edythe, are hosting what is perhaps the most exclusive dinner of the week to salute their friends who are members of the new president's cabinet.

And, it is a long list of influential friends, starting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and extending to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Daschle, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack and economic advisers Paul Volcker, Larry Summers and Eric Lander.

The dinner will be held at a Georgetown hotel and will include 250 invited guests, all of whom are equally well-known in Washington circles.

Among those are former President Bill Clinton, Obama adviser David Axelrod, retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, opera's Placido Domingo, CNN's Larry King, talent agent Ari Emanuel, artist Jeff Koons and Villaraigosa.

Forbes

A private, pre-ball dinner hosted by philanthropists Eli and Edye Broad on inauguration night is expected to include former President Bill Clinton, Obama senior adviser David Axelrod, Gen. Wesley Clark and Larry King. Don't expect to crash it. You're likely to have better luck at other hot events, such as parties thrown by Moveon.org, the Huffington Post and MySpace.

Orlando Sentinel

One of the inaugural's most exclusive events was the "intimate" dinner for 250 that L.A.'s philanthropist in chief, billionaire Eli Broad, and his wife, Edythe, hosted at their Georgetown hotel. It was an eclectic crowd, reflecting the couple's diverse interests. Political guests included Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton and retired Gen. Wesley Clark.

Environmental and Clean Energy Ball

Big Green Breakthrough

I�??m usually not one for hobnobbing with the hoi poloi. But it was hard not to get into the groove last night at the Environmental and Clean Energy Ball in Washington, D.C., where many Obama cabinet appointees dropped by to dance, savor chocolate truffles and talk about their hopes in Obama-nation.
-snip

Then there was a surprise. General Wesley Clark, former Republican [sic] presidential candidate and former Supreme Commander of Allied Forces for NATO, stepped on to the podium. Anyone who�??s been following the debate on energy and national security knows that Clark has become a vocal advocate for reducing American dependence on petroleum. He made it clear that he sees the next four years as an opportunity to craft new energy policy that could help restore America�??s economy as well as our standing in the world.

Tampa Ethanol

New Mexico Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and several current and former members of Congress were also on hand to reiterate the support of Congress for aggressive clean energy programs. General Wesley Clark also joined the celebration, reminding the audience of the importance of domestically produced energy.
With a crowd of close to one thousand people from the energy and environmental communities on hand, Dr. Chu and Ms. Jackson addressed the cheering crowd with promises to take on and win the battle to limit greenhouse gas emissions while creating domestic jobs in new green energy industries.

�??This was a sensational event and with all the competing balls going on, for Dr. Chu and Ms. Jackson to take the time to recognize and attend our event speaks volumes,�?? said Douglas Durante of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, Co-Chairman of the Ball. �??Senator Udall also thrilled the crowd given his lifetime of environmental leadership that he will continue in the Senate. And, General Wesley Clark is taking an active role in biofuels and other issues so we were delighted to have him with us.�??

High Fives

HIGH-FIVE INAUGURATION! - watch more funny videos

Greenwich Time

Travelers

Tina Brown, who needs no introduction: "It's been an astonishing three days. As a British person, I'm in awe of this great ritual of renewal. I was standing right by Wesley Clark; and I greeted Jesse Jackson, who is an old friend and he and his family looked so joyful. It's an epic moment in American History."

Gen. Clark joins board of Minnesota community-based wind energy firm

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:08:03 -0600

Trading Markets

Juhl Wind is an established leader in Community Based Wind Power development and management, focused on wind farm projects throughout the United States and Canada. Juhl Wind pioneered community-based wind farms, developing the currently accepted financial, operational and legal structure providing local ownership of medium-to-large scale wind farms. To date, the Company has completed 11 wind farm projects and provides operations management and oversight across the portfolio. Juhl Wind services every aspect of wind farm development from full development and ownership, general consultation and construction management to operations and maintenance.
JUHL News Yesterday, Juhl Wind announced that retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark has joined its board of directors and has agreed to chair the board of the entity Juhl Wind is planning to form its first wind farm asset fund. "We are truly honored to have General Clark join the Juhl Wind team," stated Dan Juhl, CEO of Juhl Wind, Inc. "We are very excited about the focus the General has placed on the renewable energy sector and wind energy in particular since his retirement from the Army. He has become a recognized leader in the field and someone who can bring enhanced visibility to Juhl Wind as a company."

Juhl Wind

Historically, landowners in rural areas had only one option to benefit from the development of wind farms in their community and that was to lease their land to large wind developers. These large and usually foreign-based developers would then sell the wind energy to the utility company and retain a majority of the project's profits.Juhl Wind Inc. provides a better alternative for local communities by specifically concentrating on C-BED projects that are locally owned by farmers, investors, businesses, schools, utilities, or other public or private local entities. As a result, the C-BED or Community wind projects keep more dollars in local communities, preserve local energy independence, and protect the environment. Community wind projects average 10 - 20 turbines and can produce enough energy to power over 6,000 homes. C_BED has picked up considerable traction and growth as legislation is adopted in more states, making it possible for the local communities to not only lease their land but to take ownership in the projects.
The key feature of community wind is that local community members own and have a significant financial stake in the project beyond just land lease payments and tax revenue. Community wind projects can be any size, ranging from a single turbine to more than twenty, yet typically serve local communities or consumers. The key feature is that local community members have a significant, direct financial stake in the project beyond land lease payments and tax revenue.

NA Wind Power

Retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark has joined the board of directors for Woodstock, Minn.-based Juhl Wind, a community wind project developer.
"I believe that green energy is not only important to our environment, but it is a matter of national security as we work to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," says Clark. "Community wind development takes both goals to the next level by keeping the ownership of our wind farms in the hands of the people of America and, specifically, the farmers we work with on these projects."

Wes Clark keynote at wind energy conference

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:48:20 -0600

Clark, the keynote speaker at the American Wind Energy Association's 2008 Fall Symposium at Marriott Desert Springs Resort, told the audience the nation's economic woes, the country's growing sentiment toward ending dependence on foreign oil and the pro-renewable energy government is the perfect opportunity to grow the industry.

�??We are, in this business, in an ideal position,�?? Clark said. �??We have the ability to expand and we will receive the backing to do so. You can't find a better time,�?? to be in wind energy, he said.

Clark, a four-star general and former presidential candidate, now is president of Wesley K. Clark & Associates LLC, a strategic consulting firm, and chairman of the board of Emergya Wind Technologies, a North American wind turbine manufacturing company, both in Little Rock, Ark.

He said the election of Barack Obama as president, the gains in Democratic House and Senate seats and the unseating of Rep. John Dingell as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce committee by Rep. Henry Waxman create a favorable climate.

The renewable energy production tax credit, a credit of 2.1 cents per kilowatt hour, is the primary federal incentive for wind energy and has been essential to the industry's growth, according to the association's report, �??Wind Energy for a New Era: An Agenda for the New President and Congress.�??

Clark noted President-elect Obama's support of a minimum five-year production tax credit extension.

Desert Sun

Gen. Clark speaks favorably of Jones appointment to NSA

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:04:05 -0600

-snip
The Jones appointment would put the one-time Marine Corps commandant and NATO commander in charge of managing an interagency process that many Democratic foreign policy experts contend has been broken under the Bush administration.

With many officials expecting Robert Gates to remain as defense secretary, at least during the first part of Obama's term, the emerging national security team appears to be centrist in orientation, with deep experience in many of the areas likely to be the focus of his foreign policy. This includes wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, instability in Pakistan and the Middle East, where Obama advisers have been signaling they want to make an early mark in the stalled peace process.

In picking Jones to coordinate his team, Obama would be sending a powerful sign of a desire to conduct a non-partisan national security policy. Jones is also close to Sen. John McCain, his colleague as a military liaison to Capitol Hill in the 1970s, and stayed publicly neutral during the campaign, but quietly provided advice to Obama in telephone conversations, according to someone who knows both men. He is one of the few individuals in public life who likely would have been courted for government service regardless of the election's outcome.

"He would bring a lot of the military dimension to the job," said Wesley Clark, the retired four-star general who was one of Jones' predecessors as NATO commander. "And his non- partisanship at this juncture is really important. He provides a nonpartisan standard for the national interest--that would be the presumption given his previous experience."

WaPo

Massa's post-election lead increasing in NY-29

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:49:43 -0600

SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. -- New numbers in the race for Congress in New York's 29th district show Democrat Eric Massa increasing his lead over Republican Congressman Randy Kuhl.

Election night put Massa ahead of Kuhl by about 4,400 votes. Election officials started and finished counting absentee ballots in Monroe County on Friday. The campaigns say those votes added about a thousand to Massa's lead and they say recounts in Monroe and Chemung counties put Massa up by another 300. In total, Massa now leads Kuhl by more than 5,700 votes, with about that many expected left to be counted.

The campaigns say they're going to let the process keep moving forward, with absentee ballot counts in the 29th district's other seven counting starting Monday. Meanwhile, Massa is heading to congressional orientation in Washington Sunday.

News 10

78% support removing troops from Iraq by 2010

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:22:55 -0600

Poll Shows Wide Support For Liberal Agenda
A new AP/GfK poll suggests a broad mandate for Barack Obama pursuing liberal policies after he is sworn in. The poll shows 78% saying that removing U.S. troops from Iraq by 2010 should be an important or top priority, compared to only 10% who say it shouldn't be done at all, and 59% say it should be an important or top priority to eliminate the previous tax cuts on families making over $250,000, compared to only 18% who say it shouldn't be done.

TPM Election Central

Gen. Clark on Afghanistan

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:28:40 -0600

On CNN

Veterans Day

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:02:33 -0600

Big Tête à Big Tête

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:48:38 -0600

Only they know what they were talking about recently in Pueblo, but with the fevered speculation about Obama's cabinet, Clark is mentioned by Reuters for Energy Secretary. The General is multi-talented and experienced in more than military, national security and foreign policy, people forget. From electric cars to green housing to wind technology, Clark has been a business and civic leader in energy economics since his retirement from the Army. My preference would have been Defense, NSA or Homeland Security, but I know the General will be happy to serve the nation again in whatever capacity he is needed.

Wes Clark still raising money for Charlie Brown

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:34:41 -0600

And of course, if there�??s still elections, there�??s still fund-raising. Democrat Charlie Brown, who is trailing by about 700 votes for the seat of retiring Rep. John Doolittle, raised $6,000 this morning from an email appeal sent by Wesley Clark�??s political action committee. �??Charlie�??s opponent, Tom McClintock, has hired an election attorney and brought in a team of lawyers to �??watch�?? the locations where absentee and provisional ballots are being counted,�?? the email said, directing recipients toward the Democratic fund-raising Web site ActBlue.
-Washington Wire

Donate here.

Gen. Clark's email:

Our friend Charlie Brown needs our help. The margin in California's 4th Congressional District is razor thin, and they're still counting votes. After more than 300,000 ballots were cast in CA-04, the race is tied. The current difference stands at less than half of 1% (less than 500 votes).
With 40,000 vote-by-mail and provisional ballots still to be counted, the race is way too close to call. That's why it's critical for us to make sure all the votes are counted in CA-04.

Please contribute to Charlie Brown's Election Protection Fund today!

Charlie's opponent, Tom McClintock, has hired an election attorney and brought in a team of lawyers to "watch" the locations where absentee and provisional ballots are being counted. McClintock's team is doing everything they can to challenge the votes of thousands of people who faithfully cast their ballots.

Charlie needs our help to fight back.

Please contribute to Charlie Brown's Election Protection Fund today!

In 2006, the WesPAC community's support carried Charlie to within 3 points of victory. Charlie, a 26-year military veteran who served from Vietnam to the Gulf War, will be a strong advocate for our veterans and an important voice to end the war in Iraq.

His opponent never served, has accumulated the worst voting record on military and veterans issues in the California legislature, and yet had the gall to attack Charlie's patriotism with blatant lies and innuendo.

There's too much at stake. It's critical we ensure all the votes are counted in CA-04.

Please contribute to Charlie Brown's Election Protection Fund today!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

Clark in Grant Park for Election Night

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:14:21 -0600

Last night, I was in Chicago when our country made history -- electing Barack Obama President of the United States.
As I walked onto the field in Grant Park -- there were thousands of us around the podium -- a couple of reporters asked me what I thought of this. "Transformational," I said, "but, ask Ernest Green, right here, who was one of the original young people at Central High who broke segregation in the South. Ask him!"

It was a humbling and deeply moving experience to be there with Ernest and with former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, Ambassador Sam Brown and his wife, and so many others who have shared our passion to set this country on the right course. And to see the faces of all around us, representing all the diversity that Barack cited in his remarks. Some were jubilant, some were softly sobbing, some were joyous, a couple were watching others in the crowd. Cell phones and cameras were everywhere as people called friends and families to share the experience.

This was, truly, a transformational event. And I can't thank you enough for making it happen and for stepping up and helping to elect candidates in critical House and Senate races down the ballot.

After we left Grant Park, we found ourselves walking back to the hotel, a couple of miles north. Celebration was still in the air, along Michigan Avenue and Wacker: groups of young people high-fiving, and shouts of "Yes, we can." I was surrounded by electric smiles and energy...so alive.

There is no doubt -- the challenges confronting our nation are great. We are engaged in two wars abroad and facing an economic crisis at home. Our nation will require great sacrifices from all of us to overcome them. However, with these challenges come tremendous opportunities, and I know we will come together to carry this great nation forward. As Barack said last night:

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there."

The sight of Barack, and Joe Biden, and their families on that platform, the warmth of the crowd, and its diversity will long linger as I reflect on how America has changed, and how we have changed ourselves. And as I looked at his expression, I could see Barack's seriousness of purpose, and his recognition that far greater challenges lie ahead. But I'm proud, and so hopeful for our country.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

The General's tears at this historic moment were caught by a Huffington Post blogger.

Next to us among the crowds in front of the podium was Ernest Green, one of the Little Rock Nine who first integrated Central High School. Beside him, was General Wes Clark. I told Clark how much I admired him and his campaign and with tears streaming down his face, he said, "That was just a lucky moment in time for me. This, this is history."

Wes Clark with Barack Obama in Pueblo, Colorado

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:15:38 -0600

And with Sen. Ken Salazar

Clark expects military issue to return in prominence in next administration

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:00:23 -0600

Newsday

Democrats have also invested heavily in Eric Massa, who is making his second attempt to unseat Republican Rep. Randy Kuhl in the Southern Tier section of the state.
The driving issue of the race last time was the Iraq war, and Massa leaned heavily on his resume as a retired Navy commander in seeking crossover votes.

Now, with the economy as the top concern, those credentials may not matter as much.

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, a longtime Massa supporter, said Friday that he thought the U.S. military still matters with voters.

"Even though the Iraq issue's not as prominent as it was, I can tell you once Congress reconvenes in January, the military issue's going to be front and center," said Clark.

Clark rallies Obama volunteers in surprise visit

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:49:27 -0600

Gen. Clark made an unscheduled, encouraging stop at Obama Headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado yesterday.

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark rallied the troops one more time Saturday, doing his best to inspire about 100 Barack Obama campaign volunteers who gathered at the presidential candidate's Fort Collins headquarters for the final weekend of neighborhood canvassing.
Clark gave a short stump speech for Obama, emphasizing the importance of electing a president capable of reuniting the country after crises such as the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and the recent economic downturn.

"We need new ideas and a new leader," said Clark, who retired as a four-star general after 38 years in the U.S. Army. "And Obama says we can win this election by bringing people together."

Comparing some voters to baseball fans who wait until the World Series to get excited about the sport, Clark said the final weekend before the election was a crucial time to reach undecided voters.

-snip

One canvasser, Fort Collins resident Judy Barksdale, 55, said she didn't even know Clark was speaking until she showed up. She also said it's not too late to influence some undecided voters.

"If people haven't made up their mind by now, maybe they will be influenced by someone coming up and asking them some questions," Barksdale said.

Like Barksdale, David Shurna and Gina Curler, both Obama supporters, were shocked to find out Clark was in Fort Collins. Clark knocked on the door of their home west of Old Town as their infant daughter, Clara, was finishing her breakfast.

"It was certainly unexpected, and it's great to see him out here in Fort Collins," Shurna said. "When people with experience like Wesley Clark and Colin Powell are supporting Obama, it makes us fell like we made the right choice."

Today he will join Obama supporters in canvassing in Roswell, New Mexico.