Stephanie
Diamond Member
- Jul 11, 2004
- 70,230
- 10,864
- 2,040
DAVE KOLPACK 
Associated Press
FARGO, N.D. - Democrats put their distinguished soldiers on stage at their state convention with messages of patriotism and a strong national defense.
Four-star Gen. Wesley Clark and decorated Vietnam veteran Max Cleland, a former Georgia senator, told delegates Saturday that the administration has botched the war in Iraq and Democrats would be better at handling national security.
"We're strong on defense. That's the message that I want people to hear," Clark said, during one of the few times he raised his voice during the keynote speech. "We've got to talk it up."
Clark, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2004, said the war on terror has been marked by "macho slogans" and "incredible failures." He said the world has become more dangerous under the Bush administration.
"Our conduct has made more enemies than friends around the world," Clark said.
Cleland, who lost both legs and an arm while serving in Vietnam, said supporting the troops is "not just a magnet on your car and warm spot in your heart." Republicans aren't the only patriots, he said.
"Being a soldier, fighting for this country, is neither Republican nor Democrat," Cleland said.
Both men criticized the Republican administration for sending troops to Iraq without a strategy to win. Clark called it "tragic incompetence." Cleland called it "immoral."
Clark touted a Democratic plan on national security that was released earlier in the week. He said it includes strategy to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq and better equipment for the military.
"This is bigger than North Dakota. It's bigger than our communities," Clark said. "This is about the future of the United States of America and we need to start now."
Harold Larson, a delegate from West Fargo, said Clark supplied key information and Cleland provided inspiration.
"Max Cleland touched the soul of every one of the delegates," Larson said.
http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/state/14242053.htm
Associated Press
FARGO, N.D. - Democrats put their distinguished soldiers on stage at their state convention with messages of patriotism and a strong national defense.
Four-star Gen. Wesley Clark and decorated Vietnam veteran Max Cleland, a former Georgia senator, told delegates Saturday that the administration has botched the war in Iraq and Democrats would be better at handling national security.
"We're strong on defense. That's the message that I want people to hear," Clark said, during one of the few times he raised his voice during the keynote speech. "We've got to talk it up."
Clark, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2004, said the war on terror has been marked by "macho slogans" and "incredible failures." He said the world has become more dangerous under the Bush administration.
"Our conduct has made more enemies than friends around the world," Clark said.
Cleland, who lost both legs and an arm while serving in Vietnam, said supporting the troops is "not just a magnet on your car and warm spot in your heart." Republicans aren't the only patriots, he said.
"Being a soldier, fighting for this country, is neither Republican nor Democrat," Cleland said.
Both men criticized the Republican administration for sending troops to Iraq without a strategy to win. Clark called it "tragic incompetence." Cleland called it "immoral."
Clark touted a Democratic plan on national security that was released earlier in the week. He said it includes strategy to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq and better equipment for the military.
"This is bigger than North Dakota. It's bigger than our communities," Clark said. "This is about the future of the United States of America and we need to start now."
Harold Larson, a delegate from West Fargo, said Clark supplied key information and Cleland provided inspiration.
"Max Cleland touched the soul of every one of the delegates," Larson said.
http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/state/14242053.htm
