The Army's Come On Board

Wes Clark Endorses John Kerry. His Wisconsin speech, February 13, 2004:

Thank you for that wonderful introduction. It's great to be back in Wisconsin! And it's great to be standing here today with my friend, our leader, and the next president of the United States - John Kerry.

I also want to recognize all the veterans here and all the others who rallied to my campaign and to our cause. Thank you for your faith in me and your devotion to our country.

Now, I ask you to join me in standing up for a true American hero - John Kerry.

Senator Kerry, it is with great pride that I stand here and say, "The Army's come on board."

I will work with you to do everything I can to help you take back the White House for its rightful owners - the American people.

I will do everything I can to help you win back a future of opportunity and prosperity for all Americans. Of jobs, health care, and education for all Americans.

I will do everything I can to help make sure George W. Bush doesn't play politics with national security.

George Bush has compromised America's leadership around the world.

And the American people should know the truth: that President Bush hasn't led America, he's misled America time and time again -- and we have to put a stop to it.

George Bush has had three long years to keep our country moving forward.

But instead, he's done nothing but set us back.

3 million lost jobs.

Exploding deficits.

44 million uninsured.

And the wrong war at the wrong time.

Senator, as you've made clear, America simply can't afford three more years of George W. Bush. So I join you in saying three words that we all know George Bush will understand - "bring it on!"

Working together, we can build a better America.

An America where we don't just talk about family values, but where we actually value families.

And where a job, an education, and health care aren't just luxuries for the chosen few.

An America where we don't just preach our faith - we practice it.

And those that have the most reach out to those with the least.

An America where everyone has a shot at the American dream, no matter where they're from. And where we include everyone, recognizing that diversity is our greatest strength.

An America where we understand that debate and dissent - that questioning your leaders and holding them accountable - is the highest form of patriotism.

And where being patriotic means using force as a last resort, not as a political tool.

An America where we look up to our leaders, and trust our commander in chief.

An America that the world listens to and admires again.

I'm here today because John Kerry has the right experience to beat George W. Bush -- and because he has the right message to bring back jobs and prosperity, provide affordable health care for all, and make America safer and stronger in the world.

And he is the one candidate with the experience and the background in foreign policy to go toe-to-toe with George Bush on national security and win

Both John and I served in Vietnam - and know what it is to be tested on the battlefield, fighting for your country.

John Kerry never quit fighting for his country. From a young DA sending criminals away for life to a courageous Senator standing up for what's right, John Kerry has been the kind of leader America needs.

He will stand up to the Republican attack dogs and send them home licking their wounds.

John Kerry is the leader of our party and our needs for the 21st century. And that is why I am so proud to endorse him as our next President of the United States.

Ladies and gentleman, our leader, the next president, John Kerry!