Conventional media is owned by those who sell conventional wisdom, so it is no surprise to see them use it promote their conventional spin. Until Wes Clark actually joins the presidential race and shows through his actions that there's more than ample time from that moment until the first 2008 contest for him to build a strong and winning campaign, conventional wisdom will push a flawed rear view mirror conclusion that since Clark entered the 2004 race too late, he must be entering the 2008 race too late also. That's their conventional meme and I think they'll be sticking to it, until facts on the ground start to prove them wrong, which they will.
Even if Clark waited until mid March to announce, that would still be six months earlier than last time, and this time he HAS position papers, this time he HAS an existing organization, this time he HAS paid his dues as a Democrat, this time he HAS experience on the campaign trail. This tine he WILL have time to campaign in Iowa and Nevada AND New Hampshire, etc. etc.
It is conventional for early conventional wisdom about a Presidential race that is shaping up to be wrong, and it is conventional for conventional wisdom never to admit that. I expect we will face a pattern of dismissal until Clark actually enters the race. Count on it, factor that in, and don't get discouraged by it. Clark and his supporters will show the conventional pundits exactly what an effective surge really looks like, after Clark announces.
