"We're moving out"

Apparently without reference to 2000, Clark returns to the scene of the crime and receives a warm welcome. Interesting choice, Florida, for the first stop. One would assume he'd have made a beeline to New Hampshire, Iowa or South Carolina. Still time for that.

Supporters Mob Gen. Clark on First Campaign Stop
Thu September 18, 2003 07:55 PM ET
By Kristin Roberts

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Reuters) - Hundreds of Florida well-wishers mobbed Gen. Wesley Clark on Thursday when he made his first campaign stop since declaring that he was joining nine other Democrats in the 2004 race for the White House.

Clark, standing on a chair in the middle of an overflowing restaurant in this city north of Miami, criticized President Bush on the economy and Iraq and told supporters he needed money.

"We're the envy of the whole world but we are trapped in a jobless economy and an endless occupation and that is the problem we have to address," Clark said.

"I'm running for president because this country needs leadership. It needs honest leadership, it needs visionary leadership, it needs leadership with experience," he said to cheers from the crowd.

Clark, a former NATO commander, announced his candidacy on Wednesday. Late to the race, the political novice was candid about his need for financial support.

"This is America. We operate on the greenback. I need your support," he said.
...

"Bush has the whole national security aura, but he does not have that over Gen. Clark," said Aaron Dickerson, 26, who drove 500 miles from his Tallahassee home to meet Clark.

One of many World War II veterans in uniform told Clark that his candidacy was his "greatest public service."

Clark did not discuss what pushed him to make Florida his first campaign stop, other than to say he thought it was a beautiful state and that there was "no better place to start."...