Politicians Know Nothing about China
Yesterday I was listening to Real Time with Bill Maher when I heard former Democratic Presidential candidate, and ardent Hillary Clinton supporter, General Wesley Clark, make one of the weirdest statements I have ever heard about China. The panelists were discussing whether non-US born American citizens should be able to run for the White House or not when Clark made this statement:
I’m sorry, I think Schwarzenegger should not be able to run [for president]…It’s very simple. Forty, fifty years from now when China’s the greatest power on earth and we’re just one of their satellites, let’s say that happens, I’m not saying it will happen, but let’s say it does, someone comes over here and becomes the Chinese candidate for president. Is that what we want in this country?…No I’m really serious. I think it’s a great thing in this country that we’re a nation of immigrants, but I think it was a sound purpose in the Constitution that native born [are the only people eligible to run]
If you don’t believe me you can listen to it here. The comment begins at the 47:40 mark of episode 113.
So let’s recap this: General Wesley Clark, possible Vice Presidential candidate, is concerned that the Chinese will rule the world, one of their citizens will come to the US, and ultimately be elected president. How could this possibly make any sense. Let’s begin with the fact that–you know what? There is nowhere to begin. In order to win an election you have to convince people you are the best for the job. It has nothing to do with being a world power. How many Americans are running for president of Poland? Why is there a big concern that Chinese nationals would potentially run for US President? How could a rational human actually have this idea?
I’m totally speechless.
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John Guise responds:
Posted: November 5th, 2007 at 5:50 pm →
I heard that and I was shocked by it as well. The comment sounded pretty racist to me. I think if a Chinese person was going to run for US president I think he/she would love the country enough to become a citizen first so Clarke’s comment is moot.
J.
Josh responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2007 at 9:02 pm →
Like this kind of comment…Higher level? Well-intentioned, perhaps, but misinformed.
And your title is silly.
Josh responds:
Posted: December 13th, 2007 at 9:22 am →
@ (peer-see) Josh:
You’re 100% right. The title was a big mistake, but once it was up I couldn’t change it. I stand by the fact that the general’s remarks were bizarre at best.