General Wesley K. Clark, in his first debate as a Democratic candidate for president, strongly argued for his economic plan and attacked George W. Bush for his failed policies. Clark set out both the vision and the policies that can unite the Democratic Party and win back the White House.

• Gen. Clark has been in the race for only a few days, and already he has a more specific plan for jobs than George Bush has had in three years. Clark's plan would cancel the tax cut for those earning over $200,000 - and redirect those resources for a $100 billion jobs plan. He would devote $40 billion to homeland security $40 billion to help states and localities meet their needs...and $20 billion for new incentives so small and medium sized businesses can create jobs.
• Gen. Clark has a broad, inclusive vision for the party and the country, without attacking his opponents. He defended his support for the Democratic Party - after a career in the military he looked at both parties - and it was clear the Democratic party was the best for America. This election is about the future, not the past, and he is determined to focus on the vision and policies that will create jobs and strengthen the nation.
• Gen. Clark made the strong arguments that he can take against George W. Bush in the general election. Bush has no economic strategy - his answer for any economic problem is a tax cut for the rich. As a result the country is poorer, he said.
• Gen. Clark set out the principles for his health care plan, focused on preventive care, extending child health care and other existing programs. In the Army, Clark noted, preventive health care was called the Executive Health Care plan - that should be the American health care plan.
• He made clear that he would not turn to private investment in the stock market as a means of saving Social Security. Instead, he said, we need a return to fiscal discipline.