The fact is that Clark likely is going to spend so much time trying to persuade core Democrats that he is one of them, and that his lack of political experience isn't an operational deadweight around his neck, that he will have little opportunity remaining to showcase the characteristics that supposedly make him a potential savior for his party. Again, paradoxically, those selling points are that he isn't a Washington insider and that he in fact is guilty of having past close ties to the GOP. Both of those attributes would make him more appealing in a showdown with Bush than anything his fellow Democratic hopefuls could muster.
For Clark, the real test will be his ability or inability to avoid the trap the other Democrats are falling into. None seems able to offer a detailed plan to spur economic growth. Apparently that's at least partly because they are too focused on the alluring but flawed strategy of trying to create some sort of overarching "Iraq-gate" scandal with which to destroy President Bush. Clark and his fellow Democratic contenders would do well to remember that the last Republican to face accusations of foreign policy scandal was then-Vice President George H.W. Bush during the Iran-Contra affair. He became president not long thereafter.
Not that a scandal couldn't prevent George W. from winning re-election. For example, if it emerges that White House officials indeed revealed the identity of a covert intelligence operative in order to embarrass the operative's spouse, as has been alleged, the president would have to react forcefully and quickly to repair the damage. But few believe Bush himself would condone such behavior. Only a Nixon-like cover-up is likely to harm the president's long-term political health.
As with most presidential contests, this one will hinge on the economy. If things improve over the next year, no number of stars on Wesley Clark's uniform is going to defeat Bush. But if corporate tills, government coffers and private pocketbooks don't start filling up, then a fresh face with a determined air about it -- a la Clark -- might pose a legitimate threat to the administration.
General Clark needs a brilliant battle plan. He must first persuade Democrats that he's not a Republican, then persuade Republicans and independents that he leans at least a little to the right of center. And all the while, he must hope the president's economic plan stalls like an old tank in the desert sand.