Clark closes on Dean in Democratic race

All I can say is that I think that both Clark and Dean look like excellent candidates. Were I a US citizen I would find it difficult to choose between them.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=477913

General Wesley Clark, the former Nato commander who entered the presidential race only four months ago, is emerging as the candidate most likely to upset Howard Dean's hitherto unstoppable drive towards the Democratic nomination in November.

Gen Clark's appeal was underlined by the $11m (£6m) he raised in the fourth quarter of 2003, putting him second only to the former Vermont governor in the vital "invisible primary" of fundraising. Mr Dean collected $14m in the same period.

But armed with $3.7m of additional matching funds from the federal government, Gen Clark is now able to finance a vigorous campaign well beyond the crucial early contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Party strategists believe that after 3 February, when South Carolina and five other states hold primaries, opposition to Mr Dean will crystalise around one candidate. Gen Clark, with his background in national security and links to the party's centrist establishment, led by ex-president Bill Clinton, fits the bill perfectly. In a back-handed compliment to Gen Clark's progress, other candidates are starting to turn their fire on him as well as Mr Dean. They point to his lack of experience in politics and accuse him of leaning too heavily on his military record.

We have a great field of candidates!! No matter who wins the nomination they will be able to beat bush*.

They smell another rat in Dean. Sometimes we should listen to those not so wrapped up in our way of life.

I haven't seen any more negativity about Dean coming from European press than I've seen from our press.

We smell a rat in Bush. Although Dean does come across as uptight he does also come across as quite honest for a politician IMHO. Most of us over here would much rather see Dean kick the living daylights out of the GOP.

I have been invited to a Dean meetup in London, but I still can't choose between Dean & Clark. My original first choice whom I would have liked to see do well was Bob Graham. Make of that what you will.