Warner's keynote speech to carry a bipartisan tone even if rabid Democrats don't like it

Warner's bipartisan tone could rankle Democrats

Warner's keynote speech to carry a bipartisan tone even if rabid Democrats don't like it

BOB LEWIS
AP News

Aug 26, 2008 08:45 EST


Former Gov. Mark Warner plans to offer a lesson in Virginia-style bipartisanship to thousands of hardcore Democrats in his convention keynote speech Tuesday night.

"There may be parts of the speech that aren't going to get a lot of applause," Warner said Monday, "but I've got to say what I believe will get our country back on the right path."

Some Democrats were already complaining, saying that Warner's job is to put a dent in Republican John McCain's image.

"This isn't the Richmond Chamber of Commerce," said Democratic consultant Paul Begala.

For Mark Warner, who is seeking the Senate seat of retiring Republican John Warner, a red-meat speech that would bring the party's most passionate warriors to their feet in Denver would undermine a carefully cultivated image at home that has given him a strong lead in statewide polls and a lopsided fundraising advantage.

Nothing about the presidential campaign indicates that either side is willing to speak kindly of the other or its nominee. Rhetoric and advertising from both Democrat Barack Obama and McCain turned caustic early.

Warner's election as governor in 2001 revived a moribund Democratic Party in a state where Republicans controlled every statewide office or elected institution of government. For Warner to work with a General Assembly that was overwhelmingly Republican when he took office, bipartisanship was not optional.

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Warner better come with it! As Hillary once said, "Enough of the nice speeches and big rallies!" :evilgrin:

for Obama, then that's a good thing. Virginia could be the state that determines the election.

I am not at all happy. Do you expect to see any conciliatory speeches at the Repub convention? Not on your life. Why are we always kissing elephant ass?:mad:

No one wants to see a repeat of something like Pat Buchanan's 92 speech, for example, on either side.

I thought Obama stood for bridging partisan divisiveness by emphasizing common values.

Did we somehow stop liking that message, or are we just ignoring it?

There was a time when this WAS McCain's message as well. Until McCain the maverick disappeared and McCain the Bush Hugger hit the campaign trail.

Jim Leach from the Republican Party spoke on Monday. I guess people selectively ignored him too.

I'm a Democrat, doesn't mean I'm dense. The rethugs who will vote for Obama could make the difference. I want their votes!

People are frighteningly easy to manipulate.

I probably would have ignored him, if I am honest about it. Fortunately I didn't have to decide- fell asleep right after Ted Kennedy and will have to watch Michelle today on the web site.

I never had a problem with partisan divisiveness either. It's one of the areas in which Obama and I part ways. It would be OK if the repukes would meet half way or be even a tiny bit honorable but they don't and they ain't.

The convention is for two things - introduce and and nominate a candidate and to kick the shit out of our opposition. I can appreciate that he's running in a red state and cannot appear too partisan but then he shouldn't have gotten keynote. It's going to be up to Hillary to spill some blood tonight against mccain - I certainly haven't seen it anywhere else. Conventions are not for bipartisan nonsense.

You do realize that of course.

I just think this convention has been very short of the kind of red meat that the base is looking for (I know it has been for me). I don't care who spills puke blood - I'm ready for this party to take on mccain and party and kick the shit out of them.

Can the base not discern the difference between Obama and McCain?

Warner's appearance is aimed at the base. Its aimed at that portion of the audience tuning in that is less progressive, more moderate, more likely to be on the fence than the base.

was all about unity in its many forms. He did okay.

On that we agree. How did the party do in 2004? How did that bi-partisan speech get received? With a kick in the teeth.

not just Dems.

they just want to fuck somebody up.