Folks, Warner is a winner!

I'm now convinced that a Warner/Clark ticket in '08 would be the salvation of this country. Warner's only drawback is that he doesn't have the national security credentials that a possible sitting senator may have. Enter: Wesley Clark. He'd be to Warner what Cheney was to Bush. Plus, the added bonus of being a southener from a winnable red state. With Warner at the top, Kentucky and West Virginia are back in play too. If we flip Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Arkansas, it's game-set-match in 2008.

but I'm not convinced that a single term governor would be considered experience enough. I would much prefer that he run for the Senate against Allen, he would certainly win and it would be a big pick up. On the other hand, Warner might be a good choice for VP with a term as governor and two years as a Senator.

but Warner has done such a tremendous job in his one term, much more than most governors. I mean, 70% approval rating...VA is the best managed state, etc., etc. Those are things that can't be ignored really.

Many who have been in public service longer than him don't have the accomplishments.

Senators don't make good presidential candidates. The nature of their voting leaves too much contradiction which confuses the simple minded.

That would be a great day!!!

Ford in '76, Carter in '80, and Bush in '92. There are many more examples, but these make my point.

...Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004.

a senator. While Bush is a terrible president, he has "experience" that Kerry didn't have.

is a "SHITTING president."

....currently Mayor of Richmond.

I read somewhere that Wilder did not work for the other Dems on the ticket in Virginia. They lost.

He's behind by 1,000 votes. I have hope that after a recount Creigh Deeds will win.

I just don't see him as a visionary or passionate in his beliefs. Look, yes, he is popular in his state and the state happens to be red,and with his help we got another Dem elected to take his place. I just don't see where that is enough to reccomend him for President.
I think Kerry would still be a more knowledgeable, passionate, wiser choice. Kerry/Clark doesn't sound bad.

Politics has a lot to do with the person. Kerry would've been a great president, but he was a poor campaigner and could put people to sleep. Like in 1992, we need a winner. I'm all about winning.

candidate who will effectively pull off a political revolution. The fact of the matter is that ain't gonna happen.

Someone who is a centrist is alright with me.

I would like him to be sitting in the WH RIGHT NOW. However, I don't want him running again in 2008. We need some people with the HARDCORE fighting spirit, people who are going to hit back and HARD.

I'm sorry, Senator Kerry wasn't TOUGH enough, he thought you could beat the Repukes by using the Gentlemen's Rules and it just doesn't work that way.

Clark is a fighter, Edwards is a fighter and I think Warner would be a fighter. Senator Kerry HAD his chance.

so I don't know if that helps him in the south, but you're right as a moderate it's not like he has any real beliefs.

WaPo ~ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/08/AR2005110802241.html

Victory Raises Profile of Virginia's Democratic Governor ~ Mercury News (Bay Area)
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/13124876.htm

Election's Biggest Winner is Mark Warner, non-candidate of Virginia ~ Philly News
https://registration.philly.com/reg/login.do?url=http://www.philly.com%2Fmld%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fspecial_packages%2Felection2004%2F13125361.htm

Mark Warner's Election Victory ~ Yahoo News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20051109/cm_thenation/135136;_ylt=A86.I2H4eHJDDIUA2wP9wxIF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--

(There's a TON more articles today about Warner! :o :o )

Wonder if Tim Kaine was right on his blog this summer that Warner and Clark will run together?? (He should have the inside scoop) ;)

~~

I have just one test for him,and if he passes I'm on board.

WHY ARE YOU A DEMOCRAT!

The fact is he IS a Democrat and he doesn't have to EXPLAIN that to ANYBODY...the majority mainstream of the nation DO NOT CARE about this sort of stuff.

And by insisting on asking things like that, is NOT the way to WIN. And we ALL want to WIN in 2008.

I think that it's the least you can ask of someone who is potentially running for President. Why are you a member of this party?

Frankly, if more national Democrats answered that question, we'd be in a lot better place than we are right now. If 2006 is about WHY we're Democrats, we'll win.

I misinterpreted RDANGELO's comments, I thought that the "Why are you a Democrat?" thing meant that RDANGELO thought that Governor Warner was a DINO...which of course he ISN'T.

I said "Not this again", because I thought it was going to be about, well like when General Clark entered the Primaries and people were saying that he wasn't really a Democrat, which of course he IS.

So, sorry for the confusion, the misunderstanding was ENTIRELY on my part.

Edwards/Warner or Warner/Edwards or Warner/Clark

Because America deserves better than failed fiscal policy. America deserves better than an economy that leaves millions of people and whole communities behind.

And Democrats offer better. We offer optimism, and we offer hope for the future.

Now as you might guess, a lot of Republicans and Independents supported us. And since then, a lot of them have asked me, Mark - Why exactly are you a Democrat?

And I just smile. Because if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.

Amy Tuck clearly wouldn't understand.

I am a Democrat because since Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence - and since Jackson spoke for the common man - our party has never been the party of the status quo.

Instead, we have been the ones to see a challenge - and do something about it. Let's be honest - it hasn't always worked perfectly. Sometimes it has gotten us in trouble. Sometimes it has split us apart. But sometimes, those are the wages of progress.

And yet, I am a Democrat because the greatest and most noble political experiments of our time had their birth in our party.

I am a Democrat because the New Deal literally saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans.

I am a Democrat because a generation after a Democratic president started the Peace Corps, you can still find faded photographs of John F. Kennedy on the walls of homes from South Africa to South America.

I am a Democrat because fighting for working men and women is always the right fight.

I am a Democrat because our party led the struggle for civil rights - in the tough places like Virginia and Mississippi - and because we recognize that discrimination and bigotry are not dead - and that we must continue to seek equal opportunity for all.

I am a Democrat because despite our failures, our missteps, and our excesses - we know that waging a war on poverty does not mean fighting the individuals who are poor.

I am a Democrat because we know that today's battle is about the future versus the past - and it's time to put aside yesterday's battles of us versus them.

I am a Democrat because we know that criticizing success won't create a single job.

And most of all, I am a Democrat because when my three daughters go out into the world to make their lives, I want them to find a world where there's less hopelessness - less selfishness - and less violence.

I want them to find a world where there is more opportunity - more understanding - and more hope.

That is the mission of this party.

That is what we work for.

That is why we get up every morning.

That is why we're here tonight.

And our work is not done.

---
The entire speech is on Daily Kos. You have to go to Google, type in Mark Warner "Why I am a Democrat" and pull it up through cached articles on Daily Kos. (Remarks to Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson-Hamer Dinner by Governor Mark Warner of Virginia.
Jackson, Mississippi - May 31, 2003)

I'm just too lazy I suppose :)

This is what they said on Daily Kos about his speech-

This speech has a very astute assessment of where the Democratic party is at the moment and how we can widen our appeal without compromising our values. I especially love it when he says that we seem to have forgotten that TV commercials don't win elections. The last bit where he talks about why he is a Democrat is incredible and inspiring.

If this lifts your spirits, or gives you hope for the future, recommend. We have to take solace in the fact that we are growing an amazing group of leaders who will make it hard for the Republicans to compete on the national level.

~~~~~ :bounce:

He'd have to impress me quite a bit since he's only a one term Governor, but I'm quite undecided at the moment, so I am quite open to being swayed.

They're not allowed to run for re-election, bizarre as that seems.

Why I'm a Democrat: As you might guess in Virginia, a lot of Republicans and Independents supported my candidacy. And since then, a lot of them have asked me, Mark - Why exactly are you a Democrat? And I just smile. Because if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. I am a Democrat because since Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence - and since Jackson spoke for the common man - our party has never been the party of the status quo. Instead, we have been the ones to see a challenge - and do something about it. Let's be honest - it hasn't always worked perfectly. Sometimes it has gotten us in trouble. Sometimes it has split us apart. But sometimes, those are the wages of progress. And yet, I am a Democrat because the greatest and most noble political experiments of our time had their birth in our party.

I am a Democrat because the New Deal literally saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans.

I am a Democrat because a generation after a Democratic president started the Peace Corps, you can still find faded photographs of John F. Kennedy on the walls of homes from South Africa to South America.

I am a Democrat because fighting for working men and women is always the right fight.

I am a Democrat because many in our party led the struggle for civil rights - in the tough places like Virginia and Mississippi - and because we recognize that discrimination and bigotry are not dead - and that we must continue to seek equal opportunity for all.

I am a Democrat because despite our failures, our missteps, and our excesses - we know that waging a war on poverty does not mean fighting the individuals who are poor.

I am a Democrat because we know that today's battle is about the future versus the past - and it's time to put aside yesterday's battles of us versus them.

I am a Democrat because we know that criticizing success won't create a single job.

In fact, I think the Democratic Party is the party of the American Dream. Every child ought to have limitless opportunity in our great nation.

Would give us a good, appealing and Centrist/Populist platform. Also every time we've nominated two Southerners to the same ticket we've won...well every time since 1960 (and LBJ played a big part by pulling in Texas):

1968 - Humphrey/(can't remember his Veep choice) - Lost.
1972 - McGovern/Shriver (?) - Lost.
1976 - Carter/Mondale - Won...and the only exception to two Southerner rule. But Carter was the last Democrat to sweep the South completely.
1980 - Carter/Mondale - Lost.
1984 - Mondale/Ferraro - Lost.
1988 - Dukakis/Bentsen - Lost.
1992 - Clinton/Gore - Won.
1996 - Clinton/Gore - Won.
2000 - Gore/Lieberman - 'Um Lost (but we know they won)
2004 - Kerry/Edwards - 'Um Lost (but I feel they won)

Warner/Clark or Edwards/Warner or Warner/Edwards would win all the states that Gore/Lieberman won - EXCEPT for Florida and they'd pick up:

Virginia (yes they would, it's trending Democratic very well)

West Virginia (this IS a LONGTIME Democratic state, that unfortunately went GOP in 2000 and 2004, the firstime it went GOP for DECADES. It's also a VERY poor state, and Edwards would play VERY well here)

Kentucky (features some the POOREST counties in the nation, I think it also features THE number one poorest county, Clay County. Clay County voted GOP in 2000 and 2004, and this is simply ABSURD. Again, Edwards would play VERY well here)

Tennessee (very Populist, Democratic Governor and Harold Ford Jr. is very popular)

Arkansas

Louisiana (VERY Populist and was President Clinton's second best state TWICE in electoral percentage terms outside of Arkansas)

I have NO hope for Georgia, I KNOW Georgia is actually a Democratic state and that we WOULD win Georgia...but the state is 100% DIEBOLD, so...

Blah.

Let me know when he gives a speech or goes to an event or something.

It's too early for cheerleading, at least for me. Event-related, fine. But free-standing "We gotta have" whoever... it's just too early.

Number one, it's a false analogy. Do you really think Americans are going to elect Clark so he can (following your analogy) tell Warner what to do?

Number two, Clark has far better ways to serve his country.

STOP THINKING LIKE AN ELEPHANT!

He's criticized Bush/Cheney for exactly that reason, that you don't vote for the VP to give the Commander in Chief the experience or judgment HE should have on his own.

VP is the most overrated position in politics. Bush/Cheney is an aberration, just like the whole admin is an aberration. It's all image and trying to create what seems like a "balance" even though in normal times (which it isn't right now) the VP doesn't "complete" or think for the POTUS, he's regulated to the sidelines once in office. And no one really votes for the ticket, they vote for the candidate. A person with Clark's experience and energy isn't interested in that sort of role. It's a grooming position at best.

Foreign policy experience, diplomatic experience, experience with head-of-state status, etc. all needs to be in the role of president.

For Head of Senate, a governor would be great.

These people in office must be removed before then. They are too much of a threat to our democracy and future to remain in power until then.

Warner is a leader first, businessman second, and a politican last. Great record all the way around. Well respected by people on both sides of the aisle. 74% Approval in VA. The highest of any departing governor, ever...

His lack of foreign policy cred. could be overcome by selecting a solid VP like Biden, Richardson, Clark, etc... and presenting himself as a strong leader.

Warner is the real deal folks.

I heard it from you first!

Warner is impressive. So is Clark, and Clark has much more seasoning than Warner in dealing with international issues and national security, the chinks in Democrats armor that Republicans ALWAYS exploit. Clark has been a player on the World stage and Warner is beginning to be a player on the National stage.

It's early but Warner is looking like a rising star, agreed. He doesn't have much experience though, however good a man and Governor he may be. One four year term is not a lot of experience. Warner would balance out Clark perhaps because Warner's area of demonstrated expertise is domestic at the State level. Put Warner on the ticket as VP and you still put Virginia solidly in play. Both Clark and Warner can campaign well in the South overall.

And here is the kicker, even if I did give it away already in the post title. We win with Clark/Warner in 2008. We win with Clark/Warner in 2012. Then we win with Warner/? in 2016 and 2020. Maybe Warner/Obama, it's still early. Eight years as Vice President will fill out Warner's resume making him a very formidable candidate for President in 2016. I think Clark/Warner might be the ticket to sixteen years or more of Democratic control of the White House.

Either way.. Clark/Warner ~~ Warner/Clark ..Either way.. :)


~~

I think Obama should be the top candidate for VP in 2008. Experience really isn't a must -- people were ready to give John Edwards the Vice Presidency. We would elevate the most eloquent voice in our party, someone who has pretty broad appeal already. He has already said that he won't run for President in 2008. And I know he's a pretty hyped figure in the party. My thought is, whoever wins the nomination should choose him.

Warner would be fine in that aspect; however, I think he's still a bit too moderate for my tastes

I don't know enough about Warner to comment on THAT...but I can say that the Christopher Walken Cowbell skit is my absolute #1 favorite
SNL bit.

c-span sunday night and i like what he had to say. as far as experience he's been involved in politics most of his life. even in college he worked for a politician (i forgot which one) just opening mail and then worked his way up to answering mail.