Poll Finds Clark Frontrunner in Democratic Race
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: In presidential politics, a new poll finds the former General Wesley Clark is the new frontrunner in the Democratic race for the White House. The "Newsweek" survey gives Clark 16 percent, followed by Howard Dean at 12 percent, and John Kerry and Dick Gephardt at 10 percent. The six other candidates are all in the single digits. But Clark is trailing John Kerry and Howard Dean in the latest poll in New Hampshire. CNN's Dan Lothian reports Clark spent his Saturday in the Granite State watching the general try to command an audience.</s>DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's the town where the draft Wesley Clark campaign was born, where 800 so-called finders of the movement pitched in their own money.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully concerned citizens can change the world.</s>LOTHIAN: Dover, New Hampshire, the most enthusiastic crowd on Clark's two day trip to this key presidential primary state.</s>WESLEY CLARK, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: OK, you said you wanted me. Well, you got me!</s>LOTHIAN: Before hundreds of supporters, Clark again attacked what he called a failed Bush administration, pushed his economic plan, and promised a better future for Americans. But this late comer to the presidential race, by his own admission, has a lot of ground to make up, even as he fleshes out his position on many key issues. (on camera): One only has to walk a few steps down the sidewalk from draft Clark headquarters to understand the challenges facing his campaign. Right next door, John Kerry's local office. And down on the corner, Howard Dean's, two candidates ahead in the polls with a big headstart campaigning in the Granite State. (voice-over): Political experts say Clark needs a convincing argument to cast the attention of New Hampshire voters, to set himself apart from Dean and Kerry. But already, his entrance into the race, says the state's Democratic chairperson, has shaken things up.</s>KATHLEEN SULLIVAN, N.H. DEMOCRATIC PARTY: This is his first trip up here as a declared candidate. So I think it'll be a couple of weeks before we really know how much of an impact it is, and where the impact is with respect to the rest of the field.</s>LOTHIAN: A tough battle for the hearts of voters, who will play a key role on the road to the White House. Dan Lothian, CNN, Dover, New Hampshire.