A lot of democrats seem quite enamored of General Clark. Personally, I am not so sure. While I’m no fan of Dean either, I feel even more uncomfortable with a general as president. Maybe because it reminds me of other presidents who bore that title: General Musharraf, General Pinochet, General Idi Amin Dada … I know that is unfair; Clark is clearly an intelligent man with generally liberal views, who supports democracy. But still, when I read this in today’s Guardian it did give me pause:
As the Republicans trawl for chinks in his armour should Gen Clark run, they might want to seize on an incident during the Kosovo war that calls into question his judgment. As allied troops moved into Kosovo, 200 Russian troops made a surprise dash from Bosnia and occupied Pristina airport, where General Sir Mike Jackson, the commander of the international K-For peacekeeping force, was to make his headquarters.
Gen Clark ordered Gen Jackson to storm the airport at which point the British commander was reported to have said: “I’m not going to start the third world war for you.” You can just imagine the Republican asking whether the American people want such a hothead in the White House, despite all his talk of allies and consultations.
Certainly is enough to make me think twice …
UPDATE: The Clarksphere casts some doubts on Jackson’s version of events. But also see Clark’s slightly different account in this BBC documentary on the airport, which seems to be more in line with Jackson’s version. Maybe we’ll have to wait for Spinsanity to sort this all out, like they did with all the flak about the false reports of Clark receiving a phone call from the White House — something he never said.
UPDATE: Michael Moore likes the general.
UPDATE: This Nation editorial looks as if it came right out of this page…
