The Wright Words: Demos chances are good

The recent announcement by retired General Wesley Clark that he is entering the run for the presidency has added some spice to the Democratic primary race. The 58-year-old Clark has a sparkling academic record, including being first in his class at West Point and a Rhodes Scholar. His military background will be a plus in his attempt to win the nomination. With the continued slide in the popularity of President Bush, the odds for a Democratic candidate to win the White House are improving. There is a multitude of issues that candidates can choose from to help the cause of defeating Bush. The ongoing conflict in Iraq, a weak economy, Bush’s pitiful environmental record, and high unemployment are but a few of those issues to which I refer. The fact that no Democratic hopeful has gained any momentum, other than possibly Howard Dean, has given hope to Gen. Clark in his bid. Some observers speculated that Albert Gore of Tennessee would change his mind and join the race. Mr. Gore, who won the popular vote in the 2000 election, has repeatedly said he won’t run, but it may be too tempting for him to pass up. Bush has consistently shown he is vulnerable by getting the U.S. into the Iraq quagmire, and by plunging the country deeper into debt. More and more citizens are becoming disenchanted with his foreign and domestic policies. The time is definitely right for a Democratic candidate to take control, and lead the party to victory in November, 2004.