The Hiller Instinct: Clark’s Rise

The big applause... and big crowds when Wesley Clark campaigns prove he has the big "mo" in New Hampshire. The former four-star general turned presidential candidate is a shooting star, even if he denies it.

Andy Hiller
"Feel like a shooting star right now?"

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"No, I just feel like a normal person out here."

Clark has surged into second place in the New Hampshire democratic primary, but he's always made it clear he's aiming higher.

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate, Oct. 22, 2003
"I grew up in the United States armed forces where they said if you finish second on the battlefield, you're in last place and you're dead."

Our exclusive poll shows Clark is already the first choice of likely primary voters to be vice president…

Andy Hiller
"Are there any circumstances under which you'd take that job?"

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"No."

Andy Hiller
"How would you like Howard Dean to be your vice president?"

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"I'd consider Howard Dean to be my vice president."

John Kerry is the democrat hurt most by Clark's climb, because Clark can trump Kerry's war experience…

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"I like John Kerry a lot. He's a terrific guy and, you know..."

Andy Hiller
"You're taking his voters, sir."

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"I'm taking everybody's voters..."

Inexperienced as a candidate, Clark initially seemed stiff, ill-at-ease in a suit... But just as Al Gore changed his wardrobe in 2000 from business to casual clothes, Clark has softened his look with sweaters, and loosened up on the stump, at ease even when interrupted by a crying baby…

General Wesley Clark (D) Presidential Candidate
"I'll focus our resources on going after the network and the people...(crying baby) Family values. (laughter, mother begins to leave room) You can come back honey (laughter)."

Before a single vote is cast, Wesley Clark has already won. A few months ago, he was just another former general on TV commenting about the news. Now he is news! Clark could finish first in New Hampshire, but no matter how this election ends, he'd be a formidable candidate in any future campaign.