The Hiller Instinct: Clark's Charge

At eight this morning, it wasn't too cold, too windy or too early to keep a crowd of Clark's supporters from welcoming him to the New Hampshire State House. Inside, he officially signed up for the primary and, following tradition, added a personal note that reflects his military background…

Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"And I said, ‘let's help America be all we can be.’"

Clark is all he can be in a new national poll, leading the democratic presidential candidates.

Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark
"All I can tell you is this if those polls keep up like that, George W. Bush is going to need brothers in 49 other states to win the election."

Unlike Howard Dean, who will use only contributions to pay for his campaign, Clark has just decided to accept public funds…

Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark
"I'm staying within it. It's a pragmatic decision for me at this point, but I do believe in public finance."

Clark does not believe he must the New Hampshire Primary to win the White House.

Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark
"I've never thought that. I mean this is a region that has a long history of normally going for people, who are from the region, but on the other hand I've represented the United States."

After the filing, a rally…

Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark (Rally)
"Knock on every door in New Hampshire... and spread the word. We're going to change the country… Let's go do it. Come on, let's do it."

Wesley Clark's future is tough to figure. He's not a natural politician and his strength is still more potential than actual. But polls show the general can be a star. The question is shooting star or falling star?