General Wes Clark - Issue Briefs - Abortion and Choice

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Issue Briefs - Abortion and Choice

All quotes are by General Wesley Clark unless otherwise identified

Excerpt from Slate,
“Generalities: The virtues and shortcomings of Wes Clark's earnestness.” October 7, 2003

Watching Clark answer questions, you almost can't believe he's running for president. Does he support equal rights for gays?
	"Yes."
Has ultrasound affected his view of abortion?
	"I'm pro-choice."
It's hard to convey the artlessness of his responses. You don't see his eyes, jaws, or hands working over the question, probing for threats and opportunities, the way John Kerry or John Edwards does. One hand grips the mike; the other hangs in his pocket. He stares at the questioner, unblinking. His eyebrows never rise. Neither does his voice.

Comments at Senator Harkin’s “Hear it from the Heartland” forum at Iowa Central Community College
October 5, 2003.

Excerpt from The Daily Texan,
“Candidate Wesley Clark criticizes Bush: Retired general visits, speaks in Austin on Monday”
September 30, 2003.

Clark, who is pro-choice and believes it is time to revisit the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, concluded his liberal positions would either make him the loneliest Republican in politics or a successful Democrat.

Speech in Austin Texas, September 29, 2003.

Excerpt from Reuters,
“Democrat Clark, in Iowa, Calls for New U.S. Vision;”
Monday October 6, 2003

In response to another question, Clark said he had studied the issue of abortion and prayed about it, and supported a woman's right to choose an abortion. "It's a decision the woman has to make ... it's her choice."

Comments at Senator Harkin’s “Hear it from the Heartland” forum at Iowa Central Community College
October 5, 2003.

Excerpt from Dallas Morning News (From Washington Post),
“Clark demands special scrutiny as a candidate;” September 18, 2003

Much about Mr. Clark is both intriguing and exciting. On paper, he is almost a perfect general election candidate for the Democrats – a Southerner (Arkansas), a moderate, pro-choice, smart as a whip and inoculated against talk-radio demagoguery that equates thought with treason.

Excerpt from Abilene Reporter News,
“Clark Ideal Democratic candidate?” September 14, 2003

Clark is firmly pro-choice and supports a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her body without government regulation. As a commander, he also took strong stands to address issues of spousal abuse on military bases.