This Week Poses Big Political Test For Clark
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Longtime New Hampshire primary observers say
political neophyte Wesley Clark of Little Rock has potential to
improve as a campaigner. But they also say the retired Army general
has the most to lose from a newcomer`s missteps before the primary
vote.
Several experts in New Hampshire pointed to a heated exchange on
C-N-N`s "Larry King Live" Monday night between the retired Army
general, who has never run for any elective office, and former U-S
senator and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole.
Charles Brereton, an author and expert for decades on New
Hampshire`s first-in-the-nation primary, says Clark can`t afford to
respond to challenges with a military commander`s demeanor. He also
noted that the two big Democratic winners in Iowa, Senators John
Kerry and John Edwards, are well polished politicians.
Matt Bennett, Clark`s campaign manager, acknowledged that the
general`s learning curve is steep when it comes to handling hostile
questions on live television, but said the campaign was proud of
how he responded to what Bennett called a political "baiting" by
Dole.
Posted by Mike Hellgren
