Daily News Record, Harrisonburg VA

Clark: ‘Time For Change' Retired General Says Obama's ‘New Ideas' Will Work For America

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Clark said there have been four crises involving the United States while President Bush has been in office.

The first one, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, could have been prevented, Clark said, but the administration did not heed the warning signs.

Clark also criticized the Republican president's handling of three other crises: the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, and the current economic situation.

Clark said Obama has a "responsible" plan for getting out of Iraq and a better understanding of dealing with terrorism abroad.

Obama's economic plan, including a promise to invest $150 billion in alternative energy resources over 10 years, would help the economy grow and create new jobs, Clark said.

‘Re-Energized'

On Wednesday, Clark said Obama can win the election, but supporters need to "go out and speak with people in a nonpartisan way."

Stephen McDonnell, who attended the event, said he was glad Clark advocated nonpartisan campaigning.

"You don't get people to change by telling them they're wrong," he said. "It's about pointing out things that don't work."

Kevin Wilborn said Clark's speech reinforced his trust in the Democratic candidate.

"It re-energized me," he said "why I feel Barack Obama is ready to be commander in chief."