A would-be presidential candidate edges closer to decision
WASHINGTON -- The Democratic Party roiled with speculation yesterday about Wesley Clark's potential impact on the party's presidential nomination race, amid word that Howard Dean and other current candidates have been seeking the retired Army general's political support and reports that he could announce his presidential intentions as early as tomorrow.
Both Clark and Dean's campaign denied a newspaper story saying that the former Vermont governor discussed the vice presidency with Clark when the two met last weekend in California, at least the fourth such session between the two.
"There is only one decision, and that is to run for the presidency or to remain in private life," Clark said in a telephone interview. He would not, however, rule out accepting the number two spot on the Democratic ticket in the future.
Clark said that if he decides to run, his candidacy would set new goals for America, but would also be about preventing the consequences of what he worries has been a wrong turn in foreign and domestic policy over the past 2 1/2 years.
"In the United States military, what I learned about goals is you have to have things you want to have happen, you work for, and things you want to prevent," said the former NATO supreme allied commander. "The thing I am working for is a foreign policy that brings us support around the world and restores a sense of security at home. . . . In preventing another terrorist attack, we want to ensure we don't compromise our rights and liberties."
If Clark, a native of Arkansas, jumps into the Democratic field, it would have myriad of effects on the party's current nine candidates. For Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, Clark's entry into the race would undercut his claim that he is the candidate most qualified to stand up to President Bush on national security matters because he is the only one to have fought in a war. Another candidate from the South could dilute support for two others, Senators John Edwards of North Carolina and Bob Graham of Florida. And word of Dean's purported courtship of Clark highlighted the former governor's relative inexperience in national security and foreign affairs.
Kerry said in an interview that he had met as recently as two weeks ago with Clark, seeking his backing and discussing national security matters. "I have great respect for Wes Clark. He's a friend," Kerry said. "He's a very smart guy. He has great experience in military matters."
Clark aides said they expect a decision before next Friday, when Clark delivers a speech at the University of Iowa. Some Clark associates said there could be an announcement as early as tomorrow, when he gives a previously scheduled speech in Knoxville, Tenn. Associates said that in recent days Clark has been aggressively recruiting a potential campaign staff, including former officials from Senator John McCain's bid for the Republican nomination in 2000 and Democrat Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign.
Clark also met in the past week with two of the organizations that have raised more than $1.3 million in pledges to draft him for the presidency. The groups have pledged the money to him if he runs.
Bender reported from Washington; Johnson from Boston. Johnson can be reached at johnson@globe.com.
