For Immediate Release
October 13, 2003

General Clark Attends Meetup; Makes Personal Connection with Movement

General Wesley Clark appeared virtually at Meetups all over the country Monday night and in person in Miami. At his first appearance at a Meetup, Clark energized the enthusiastic crowd of supporters, many of whom helped draft him into the campaign for president.

"We were blown away by his presence," said Andy Correa, a Miami Meetup member. "He spoke for a little bit, but then he worked the room. He talked to people, addressed their concerns, he looked them in the eye and made them feel important."

Clark made a connection with Meetups around the country via a personal message on a webcast at Clark04.com.

In New York City, Meetup member Alex Rodriguez said watching the webcast was a "spiritual experience -- we realized we had a winner." Rodriguez continued, "the message affirmed the centrality of the draft movement. It includes all of us. New York in all its diversity came out tonight to help Clark win New York state, and the presidency."

Members of the Tulsa movement are searching for a new venue for next month's meetup because they've outgrown the current one.

"We had a 300 percent increase in attendance over out last Meetup," said Dan Collins, Tulsa Meetup host. "We had mostly democrats, but also republicans and independents there."

In Austin, a woman who lived in Kosovo spoke to Meetup members, describing how General Clark liberated her country and her family. Later, after moving to Texas, she was able to meet the General in person and now supports his run for the presidency.

"People left here really wanting to get involved," said Kay Gourley, a Meetup host in Austin. "We all have obligations, but people left here asking 'How can I help? What can I do to donate my time to get this man elected?'"

The next Clark Meetup is scheduled for Monday, November 10.