Two interesting pseudo-endorsements over the weekend

John Kerry and Wesley Clark got some very strong words of encouragement over the weekend from two fairly unlikely sources.

First up was Clark getting support from the most important Democrat in the land: Bill Clinton.

Clinton, who has said very little about specific Democratic presidential candidates, rarely even mentioning one by name for fear that his comments would be misinterpreted, nevertheless spoke highly of Gen. Clark.

Clinton told the AP that Clark “has always exceeded in every endeavor,” noting that he’s been impressed with Clark’s entire career, including his service as NATO commander in 1999 when Clinton ordered an air war in Kosovo.

“While I cannot take sides in the Democratic primary, I believe Wes, if he runs, would make a valuable contribution because he understands America’s security challenges and domestic priorities,” Clinton said. “I believe he would make a good president.”

Few — or more accurately, no one — packs the political punch that Clinton does, at least for Democratic voters. His respect and support for Clark are music to the ears of those who want Clark to throw his hat in the ring.

Meanwhile, Kerry also enjoyed some welcome warm words over the weekend from an even less likely source.

Guess who said yesterday that Kerry is “smart, he’s tough, and he’s experienced. He has the capability.”

A Democratic member of Congress? A Massachusetts ally? An old war buddy?

Nope. It was Republican Senator John McCain.

McCain, who generated tremendous enthusiasm in his 2000 run, was asked if Kerry was capable of generating the same kind of excitement in 2004. “He certainly can,” McCain said, adding, “It’s hard to know what the atmosphere is out there, but I’m confident John Kerry can connect with people in the same way.”

Despite coming from different parties, Kerry and McCain have been close friends for many years, forging a bond after working together on the POW-MIA issue. (Both are decorated veterans of Vietnam.)

It doesn’t hurt that McCain’s dislike for Bush is now legendary, and despite being a life-long Republican, one gets the feeling McCain would shed no tears if Bush lost next year, especially at the hands of a close friend like Kerry.