Now that Kerry’s secured the nomination, everyone is running potential VP picks for the Dem ticket. At this point, it seems clear that Wesley Clark is, at a minimum, in the running.
I’ve noticed, however, that Clark may have taken some steps recently that will improve his chances. I don’t want to read too much into recent developments, but it seems the Kerry campaign has been anxious to get Clark on the road on Kerry’s behalf.
Is this Kerry testing Clark to see if he can deliver? Is Clark helping out because he suddenly has a lot of free time on his hands? At this point, it’s hard to say.
I can report, however, that Clark, if he is being tested, is doing pretty well.
For example, in the week leading up to the Georgia primary, Edwards was focusing a lot of attention on the state to demonstrate his ability to win votes in the South. Kerry dispatched Clark for a number of events in the state and Kerry ended up with a narrow Super Tuesday victory.
Does Clark deserve all the credit? Of course not, but if this was an exam to see if Clark could help out, he passed.
In fact, the Kansas Democratic Party is hosting its annual banquet this week. Kerry was invited but can’t attend, so — you guessed it — he’s asked Clark to appear on his behalf.
Does this point to something bigger? Maybe, maybe not. I can’t help but notice, however, that Dick Gephardt and Bob Graham are former presidential campaign rivals that have endorsed Kerry, but he’s not dispatching either of them to help out this way.
Something to keep an eye on.