I wasn’t taken to the funeral.
I later learned that when Benjamin Kanne died of a heart attack at age 51, he left his good name, a diamond ring, a 1940 Buick, and about $400 in cash. But that was about it. There was no insurance, no trusts, and no other property.
My dad had died and left my mom and me pretty much alone. At the age of 42, my mom was a widow with a 4-year-old son to support. She got back her old job as a secretary in the bank, and I was shuttled off to a nursery school for eight hours a day.
I was Jewish! Well, not really, my cousins explained, because to be Jewish by descent your mother has to be Jewish. But still... I rolled the idea around in my mind, and it was
stunning. I had a family with a past, at last. And a family to be proud of, a family that had courage and determination, a family that had made its way in a new land.
I was proud of them. And I was proud of my ethnic heritage, too, as I thought about
the gallant soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force & how they consistently won, outnumbered by hostile neighbors. I thought about the ethic of kibbutz & what I knew of Israel. Yes, it felt right to me. I felt complete, somehow, in a way I hadn’t before.
Francine Busby CA50In addition, WesPAC endorsed 28 “Fighting Dem” candidates.
Source: PAC website, www.SecuringAmerica.com, “WesPAC Endorsed”
Nov 7, 2006
WesPAC endorses 28 “Fighting Dem” candidates for House
“Fighting Dem” Candidates for US House endorsed by Clark’s WesPAC:- Ted Ankrum (TX-10)
- David Harris (TX-06)
- Hal Spake (OK-04)
- John Courage (TX-21)
- Bob Shamansky (OH-12)
- Richard Siferd (OH-04)
- Jim Brandt (CA-46)
- Herb
Paine (AZ-03)
- Rev. Jim Nelson (GA-01)
- Phil Hare (IL-17)
- John Laesch (IL-14)
- Bill Morrison (TN-07)
- Al Weed (VA-05)
- John Salazar (CO-03)
- Patrick Murphy (PA-08)
- Andrew
Duck (MD-06)
- Tim Walz (MN-1)
- Charlie Brown (CA-4)
- Joe Sestak (PA-7)
- Mike Weaver (KY 2)
- Phil Kellam (VA-2)
- Bill Durston (CA-3)
- Bill Winter (CO-6)
-
Chris Carney (PA-10)
- Woodrow Anderson (AR-3)
- Dan Dodd (TX-3)
- Jay Fawcett (CO 5)
- Tammy Duckworth (IL-06)
In addition, WesPAC endorsed 41 other candidates for US House.
Source: PAC website, www.SecuringAmerica.com, “WesPAC Endorsed”
Nov 7, 2006
Preserve the separation of church and state
Q: Should there be, in your judgment, some kind of a compromise so people who believe in the Ten Commandments, or people of the Jewish faith who want to put something out there that reflects their faith?
A: We need to preserve the separation of church and state. Kids in school should have the opportunity to pray voluntarily. We have to be sensitive to other people in this country.
Source: Democratic 2004 primary Debate in Greenville SC
Jan 29, 2004
Day 1: Implementation five-point Turnaround Plan for America
Q: After the inauguration, what would be your first action as president?A: I will begin immediate implementation of my five-point ‘Turnaround Plan for America.’ The plan consists of five specific policies that will reverse the disastrous course
President Bush has set for America on the economy, education, health care and the environment. The plan also establishes five concrete ‘accountability benchmarks’ that the American people can use to hold me accountable for my promises.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “DAY 1”
Jan 25, 2004
I’m in the party now and I want to bring in new people
Q: Your Democratic Party credentials in this race do matter to many within the partyCLARK: I voted for Bill Clinton & Al Gore. When I got out of the military, I looked at both parties. I’m pro-choice, pro-affirmative action, pro-environment, pro-labor
I was either going to be the loneliest Republican in America or I was going to be a happy Democrat. My wife & I spent our entire time in the uniform taking care of people. That’s what the Democratic Party does. And that’s what I want to do as president.
I’m in this party now, and I’ll bring a lot of other people into this party, too. That’s what we need to do to win in November.
Q: Do you look, then, at your lack of experience within the party itself as an asset?
CLARK: Well, I’ve got a lot of
experience in leadership. I’ve never run for elective office before, and in the military, most of us were never members of a political party. But I think what matters in this party is the clarity of your ideas and the strength of your convictions.
Source: Democratic 2004 Primary Debate at St. Anselm College
Jan 22, 2004
I’ve praised Republicans-I hope they praise me when elected
Q: You said in an article in the Times of London as the war ended, “Liberation is at hand. Liberation, the powerful balm that justifies painful sacrifice, erases lingering doubt and reinforces bold actions.” As to the president, you wrote, “Pres. Bush &
Tony Blair should be proud of their resolve in the face of so much doubt.” Could not a reader conclude that you did indeed support this war and were pleased by its outcome? CLARK: No. If you look at the whole article, I lay out a whole series of tasks
that have to be done later on. And it’s written in a foreign publication. I’m not going to take US policy and my differences with the administration directly into a foreign publication. But I made it clear in the article that they’ve got to focus now on
the peacekeeping, the occupation, the provision of order. I did not support this war. I would not have voted for the resolution. But once American soldiers are on the battlefield, then I want them to be successful and I want them to come home safely.
Source: Democratic 2004 Primary Debate at St. Anselm College
Jan 22, 2004
West Point taught practical leadership
Q: Please describe your West Point experience. A: West Point was a challenging experience! I did bring a lot to the experience in terms of academic preparations, leadership, and attitude, but I was also given a lot.
We had wonderful role models in our assistant professors, great classmates who were capable, smart and idealistic, and the entire West Point experience taught practical leadership. I don’t think I could have had a better start in my professional life!
Source: Concord Monitor / WashingtonPost.com on-line Q&A
Nov 5, 2003
Abandoned Iowa primary because of late entry
Q: Many of my fellow Iowans are upset with your decision to “abandon” Iowa. A: I regret that there wasn’t time to compete in Iowa caucuses. Please don’t forget about me. I’ll be there in Iowa, and very much want your support.
I just couldn’t put in the time to be there personally that the other candidates have invested, because I started so late. I just ask for your support, and will be coming from time to time.
Source: Concord Monitor / WashingtonPost.com on-line Q&A
Nov 5, 2003
As a southerner, can bring the country together
Q: Why do you think Democrats from outside the South are no longer elected president, do you think of yourself as a Southerner? A: The Republican Party has had a long record of using fear and divisive policies to gain support from many in the south.
I am a southerner, and I can bring the country together in a way that no one else can. The south is patriotic-so am I. The south respects people who like the outdoors-I do. And the south respects its native sons. I am one.
Source: Concord Monitor / WashingtonPost.com on-line Q&A
Nov 5, 2003
Incredible journey from Bush supporter to Democrat
Q: On May 11, 2001, you addressed the Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner in Arkansas. You expressed your support for Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, his staff and Cabinet, and indicated they were needed in place. Do you believe it now?
CLARK: I think it’s been an incredible journey for me and for this country since early 2001. We elected a president we thought was a compassionate conservative. Instead we got neither conservatism or compassion. We got a man who recklessly cut taxes.
We got a man who recklessly took us into war with Iraq.
I was never partisan in the military. I served under Democratic presidents, I served under Republican presidents. But as I looked at this country and looked which way we were headed, I knew that
I needed to speak out. And when I needed to speak out, there was only party to come to. I am pro-choice, I am pro-affirmative action, I’m pro-environment, pro-health. I believe the US should engage with allies. That’s why I’m proud to be a Democrat.
Source: Debate at Pace University in Lower Manhattan
Sep 25, 2003
Different kind of Democrat-without strong partisanship
Clark portrayed himself as a different kind of Democrat, one without strong partisan impulses. He said he “probably” voted for Richard M. Nixon in 1972 and backed Ronald Reagan. He did not start considering himself a Democrat until 1992, when he backed
fellow Arkansan Bill Clinton. “He moved me,” Clark said. “I didn’t consider it party, I considered I was voting for the man.” Clark said the country “will not function well” with one party controlling the White House and Congress.
Source: Jim VandeHei, Washington Post, p. A5
Sep 19, 2003
Would not rule out vice presidency
Clark said that as recently as last week, former president Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) both encouraged him to run, as did many of their close friends. He said the former president initially was cool to the idea but warmed to it as
the draft-Clark movement grew. Clark said he never discussed running with Sen. Clinton on the same ticket, however. Clark, who discussed the vice presidency with Dean at a recent meeting, said he would not rule out taking the No. 2 slot on a ticket.
Source: Jim VandeHei, Washington Post, p. A5
Sep 19, 2003
Bush abuses executive power as much as Nixon did
Clark compared Bush to Nixon in abusing his power to bully Congress and US allies.
“This is an administration which has moved in a way we have not seen any administration since Nixon to abuse executive authority to scheme, manipulate, intimidate and maneuver,” Clark said.
Source: Jim VandeHei, Washington Post, p. A5
Sep 19, 2003
The 100 Year Vision: physical and legal environment
Looking ahead 100 years, the US will be defined by our environment, both our physical environment and our legal, Constitutional environment.
America needs to remain the most desirable country in the world, attracting talent and investment with the best physical and institutional environment in the world. But achieving our goals in these areas means we need to begin now.
Environmentally, it means that we must do more to protect our natural resources, enabling us to extend their economic value indefinitely.
Institutionally, our Constitution remains the wellspring of American freedom & prosperity. We must retain a pluralistic democracy, with institutional checks and balances that reflect the will of the majority while safeguarding the rights of the minority.
Source: Campaign website, AmericansForClark.com, “100 Year Vision”
Sep 18, 2003
30-year challenges: provide social framework
If we are to remain competitive we will have to do more to develop our “human potential.” To put it in a more familiar way, we should help every American to “be all he or she can be.”
For some this means only providing a framework of opportunities - for others it means more direct assistance in areas such as education, health care, and retirement security. And these are thirty year challenges.
Source: Campaign website, AmericansForClark.com, “100 Year Vision”
Sep 18, 2003
Ask questions to hold Bush accountable
We’ll ask questions and hold this administration accountable Why has America lost jobs? [Why has the budget] surplus turned to a deficit that deepens every day? Why has our country lost our sense of security? Why are so many here in America hesitant to
speak out and ask questions? We’re going to ask those hard questions. And in a time of war, we’re going to ask those questions in the highest sense of patriotism. We are going to hold the administration accountable for its policies and results.
Source: Candidacy announcement speech, Little Rock AR
Sep 17, 2003
Americans need straight talk, not fear and divisiveness
I intend to seek the presidency of the United States of America. You [in the Draft Clark movement] took an unconceivable idea and made it conceivable. But many things are possible today because we do live in historic times.
Since Hoover’s presidency our economy has cost us more jobs For the first time since 60s, Americans are concerned about civil liberties, fighting overseas. For the first time since the Cold War Americans don’t feel safe in their homes and workplaces.
We are going to run a campaign that will move this country forward, not back. And we’re gonna talk straight to the American people because in times of great change, the people should be able to hear the truth in plain and simple language.
We are gonna bring people together in the great tradition of the Democratic party. I mean all people, not just Democrats, but independents and Republicans too. And especially those who have never participated before.
Source: Candidacy announcement speech, Little Rock AR
Sep 17, 2003
Talk straight to the people in times of great change
I intend to seek the presidency of the United States of America. You [in the Draft Clark movement] took an unconceivable idea and made it conceivable. But many things are possible today because we do
live in historic times. Since Hoover’s presidency our economy has cost us more jobs For the first time since 60s, Americans are concerned about civil liberties, fighting overseas. For the first time since the Cold War Americans don’t feel safe in their
homes and workplaces. We are going to run a campaign that will move this country forward, not back. And we’re gonna talk straight to the American people because in times of great change, the people should be able to hear the truth in plain and simple
language. We are gonna bring people together in the great tradition of the Democratic party. I mean all people, not just Democrats, but independents and Republicans too. And especially those who have never participated before.
Source: Candidacy announcement speech, Little Rock AR
Sep 17, 2003
Neither party has a monopoly on strong leadership
Q: Is the country more comfortable in times of crisis with a Republican president? A: I think that’s a Republican party mantra. The Democratic party has been the more internationalist party. We led US engagement abroad. But neither party has a
monopoly on strong leadership. It’s time to put the ghost of Viet Nam behind us and be part of the world. We’re at a turning point and I don’t want to see a clash of civilizations. We need to create allies instead of creating enemies.
Source: The Connection with Dick Gordon, NPR radio
Sep 8, 2003
Leadership based on experience & fighting for little people
Q: How would you differentiate your leadership from the other 9 candidates? A: All the other candidates are fine people. My leadership background is: 1) I’ve got experience. 2) I make tough decisions. 3) I fight not only for the big people but for the
little people. We looked after families, school systems, and everything for our troops. I’ve got a good combination of skills in foreign policy as well as in the issues that affect everyday lives. But it’s up to the American people to judge.
Source: The Connection with Dick Gordon, NPR radio
Sep 8, 2003
Candidacy about national security going wrong
I’m considering this candidacy because a lot of people have asked me to consider it. It’s about the issues. I saw it starting to go wrong before the 2000 election. [The Bush national security team] didn’t support our engagement in Europe-US troops were
the only ones who could kill people and conquer countries [instead of] keeping the peace. So I saw it going wrong from there. Then, as the administration took office, I saw more and more what I believed were misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
Source: Newsweek, “The Last Word” interview
Jul 9, 2003
Considered 2002 AR gubernatorial run against GOP incumbent
Clark votes Democratic. In Arkansas most voters enroll with no party affiliation; you show up on primary day and select the ballot of whichever party you want to support.
Clark told me he voted in the Democratic primary in last year’s state elections. He seriously considered seeking the Democratic nomination for governor of Arkansas in 2002, challenging Republican incumbent Mike Huckabee.
Source: The American Prospect, “Meet Mr. Credibility”
Mar 1, 2003
Page last updated: Feb 25, 2011
