With Friends Like This....

By: Lowell
Published On: 9/13/2007 10:18:53 AM

...who needs enemies? 

Warner's a centrist, not a partisan, and my guess is that this will turn a lot of people off who had previously 'loved' Mark Warner.  If the Republicans can find a candidate, I think he's going to have a bumpier ride than expected.  He'll still win, in all likelihood, but he's going to be a bad Senator.

But those were delicious chocolate fountains, Jerome.

Just a few quick points.

1. "Warner's a centrist, not a partisan" - that's not an insult here in Virginia, that's a compliment.  And it's why Mark Warner is BY FAR the most popular politician in Virginia.  Because he cares about Virginia above party and ideological purity.  Unfortunately, certain bloggers seem to have their priorities a bit confused.

2. We really DO love Mark Warner here in Virginia. Perhaps if people like Matt Stoller would spend less time bashing fellow Democrats and demanding ideological purity, we'd all be better off.  Recall that Stoller also bashed candidate Jim Webb, writing "James Webb should be ashamed today.  He acted without honor, without decency, and without courage.  For shame."  Verrry nice.

3. Republicans are going to find a candidate, and Mark Warner is going to crush him whether it's Jim "No Car Tax" Gilmore, Tom "DeLay" Davis or Pat "Better in the Original German" Buchanan.

4. Mark Warner is going to be a great U.S. Senator for Virginia and for the nation, teaming up to create one of the best -- if not the best -- Senate duos in America.  It's too bad that certain bloggers not only can't recognize that fact, but choose instead to piss on Mark Warner's announcement day.  Classy.

5. Why is Stoller bringing up the Yearly Kos "chocolate fountain" (and dragging Jerome Armstrong into this) again?  And why now?  And why Jerome?  The fountain was always a bullshit issue -- simply part of the standard package at a typical Las Vegas over-the-top hotel, nothing more.   What, Stoller would have preferred acai juice and wheatberry sprouts?  Whatever.

Comments



In contrast, here's Dickie Cranwell (Lowell - 9/13/2007 10:26:03 AM)
Democratic Party of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 13, 2007  

CONTACT:
Danae Jones 804-433-0071

DPVA Chairman C. Richard Cranwell on Mark Warner's Announcement

Richmond- Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman C. Richard Cranwell released the following statement upon Mark Warner's decision to run for U.S. Senate in 2008:

"It's great news that Mark Warner plans to run for the U.S. Senate. Governor Warner's commonsense, mainstream values match the vast majority of Virginians.  He has proven himself to be an effective leader who will work across party lines - putting partisan politics aside for the good of Virginians and all of America. Under his leadership, we managed to save Virginia's AAA bond rating by turning $6 billion in budget shortfalls into a surplus, we invested more in education, gave teachers and other state employees raises, cut back on waste and bureaucracy while providing more responsive government, and became known as the best-managed state in country.

I can't think of a better candidate - on either side of the political aisle - for this seat.  Mark Warner is just the kind of leader who can help bring much-needed change to the U.S. Senate for the good of America just like he brought much-needed change to the Commonwealth. I look forward to calling our former Governor Mark Warner Senator Mark Warner."

###

Paid for by the Democratic Party of Virginia



And Brian Moran (Lowell - 9/13/2007 10:28:12 AM)
STATEMENT ON MARK WARNER ANNOUNCEMENT

~responsible leadership for Virginia's future~

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian J. Moran made the following statement about former Governor Mark R. Warner's decision to run for the United States Senate in 2008.

"Our Commonwealth and our country will be fortunate to have Mark Warner as the next US Senator from Virginia. He has a proven track record ranging from unprecedented investments in education to unqualified success managing Government. His results-oriented approach was vital in governing Virginia and is sorely needed in our nation's capitol.

I was fortunate to partner with Governor Warner on a number of his major achievements and am confident in his unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the 21st century global economy.  We need a leader with his type of positive vision for our nation's future on capitol hill.

At a time of challenge and turmoil in our country, we need the steady hand of responsible leadership that his election will provide. I am very proud to endorse Mark Warner as our next Senator from Virginia and look forward to campaigning for him over the next year."

Brian J. Moran is Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a delegate representing Alexandria City and Fairfax County. He is a former Arlington County prosecutor and a member of the Virginia Crime Commission. Governor Warner appointed Brian to serve on the 'Secure Virginia Panel' after the attacks of September 11, 2001.



Markos has (Lowell - 9/13/2007 10:48:36 AM)
a very different perspective than Stoller.


Stoller's an ass (True Blue - 9/13/2007 10:52:32 AM)
Ever seen his interview on Bloggingheads.tv?  What a jerk!


Wow! (jmnyc - 9/13/2007 10:58:21 PM)
Stoller comes off terribly in this interview.  Arrogant and defensive with lots of strawmen when it comes to Tim Russert and Meet the Press. 

I was blown away to learn he supported the decision to go to war in 2002.  And he constantly criticizes Obama on the war (for the record I am not supporting anyone for Pres yet).  Of course, what everyone forgets is the biggest single decision was whether or not to go to war and Obama had it right and Stoller, Clinton, Edwards, etc had it wrong.  Everything we are doing now is to reverse that wrong headed decision and while that is important, those who had it right deserve more than a little credit.



Personally (Sui Juris - 9/13/2007 11:24:22 AM)
I enjoyed the martinis . . .


For Sure (Donkey Hotay - 9/13/2007 4:27:19 PM)
Agreed, Mark through a great party and invited not only the Yearly Kos crowd but also the Young Democrats that were in Vegas for their annual meeting, class act.


COMMENT HIDDEN (Matt Stoller - 9/13/2007 11:29:26 AM)


I don't really (Sui Juris - 9/13/2007 11:55:56 AM)
give a shit about the Sweet Valley Junior High sniping, but Stoller does raise some important criticisms of Warner's foreign policy views that should be addressed.  On the other hand, as the potentially most junior one of one hundred, it's not as important as when he was a potential White House occupant.

On the whole, I think Warner will be a fine Senator.  Would still rather have him as a Governor, though.



Ugh (DanG - 9/13/2007 12:03:30 PM)
Stoller, let me get this one thing out really quick: I think you have no idea what you're talking about.  I still am laughing to this day about how you criticized Jim Webb for taking the high ground in a race rather than jumping on the "Allen is racist" train, calling it shameful and cowardly.  Hey, once you take a frag grenade to the chest for another human being, THEN you can call Jim Webb a coward, okay? 

As for Warner, it's quite obvious that even if you do live in Virginia (I honestly don't know), your grasp on Virginia Politics is on a first grade level.  Warner is our ONLY chance of keeping this seat against Davis.  And Warner isn't going to the Senate to deal with Foreign Policy.  That's why Webb is there.  Warner is there to deal with fiscal policies and domestic issues.  You know, the same things he dealt with as Governor that made him #1 in the nation?  His foreign policy beliefs as a Junior Senator would be small potatoes compared to Webb's, the Democrats go-to-guy on Foreign Policy.

Anyways, there's my response.  My big, blue dog, DINO-ass, party impure response.  Enjoy.



I'm not sure I follow (JScott - 9/13/2007 4:20:05 PM)
So we elected Jim Webb to be our foriegn policymaker maker and we will elect Mark Warner as our domestic policymaker. I give both men alot more credit than that and what does it say that after only one year Jim Webbb "is the go to h=guy" on Foriegn policy speaks volumes for him but also say alot about the other Senators form have been there for three or more terms. Whats the learning curve for these guys anyway?


That would be nice, but you didn't respond to (Jeremiahthemessiah - 9/13/2007 2:03:34 PM)
any of my criticisms of your post, posted in the comments section.  I am starting to think you aren't going to back up your position, which would only add to the humor here. 


What "crazy ideas?" (Lowell - 9/13/2007 2:07:59 PM)
That Ahmedinejad is a Holocaust denying nutjob who wants to destroy Israel?  That Chavez is a dictatorial thug?  Yeah, that must be it! *snark*


yes (Matt Stoller - 9/13/2007 2:39:04 PM)
The framing of foreign policy in terms of cartoonish villains and resource wars is what I'm worried about. 


Well, in my opinion Ahmedinejad IS (Lowell - 9/13/2007 3:20:15 PM)
a cartoonish villain. I'm just waiting for him to announce that he's got a new "laser" that will destroy the world, and he's going to start with Israel...bwahahahahahahaha.

Seriously, though, the guy's so crazy that even Ayotollah Khamenei is reining him in and many Iranians are sick of his ravings.

As far as Chavez is concerned, please let's hear the progressive for leading a coup d'etat (failed) and for consolidating power as an authoritarian dictator.  That's a good thing...how exactly?



Iran (Matt Stoller - 9/13/2007 3:38:12 PM)
He's a buffoon.  There are other elements in Iran, and taking the President seriously strengthens the hardliners.

In terms of Venezuela, I'm no fan of Chavez, but the only reason he's a concern is because of oil.  And that's obvious.  He has a popular base of support in large part because of our policies.



And (Sui Juris - 9/13/2007 5:13:11 PM)
while the US has all of its resources focused on Iraq & Co., Venezuela's growing influence in Latin and South America is something worth paying attention to.  A more involved and intelligent engagement with Chavez over the past 8 years could have resulted in another strategic energy partner, instead of what we've got now.


Planning to travel? (Chris Guy - 9/13/2007 3:22:55 PM)
Because if you go to Venezuela and criticize Chavez he'll kick you out. What is that? Democracy?

The word "evil" gets thrown around a lot in cartoons. But if that adjective doesn't describe the President of Iran, I don't know what does.



really, now? (Sui Juris - 9/13/2007 5:15:23 PM)
Tell us about your experience.


Right on Lowell! (blue dawg - 9/13/2007 11:54:16 AM)
n/t


AMEN (icebergslim - 9/13/2007 12:26:53 PM)
And then he writes a bullshit frontpage article on Obama dead, based on snippets of leaked info from his speech, without listening or reading the final TEXT of his speech.  And then he states Obama is going to invade Iran!!  But that is not what he said.  I don't know what interprets what a person interprets, but it would be nice to stick with fact, once in a while.


Gov. Kaine on Gov .Warner (Lowell - 9/13/2007 1:55:08 PM)
"I am excited and pleased that Mark Warner has decided to seek election as Virginia's next United States Senator.

"As a friend, colleague, and as a Virginian, I am confident that there is no better leader to help move our nation forward at a time when we face real challenges. Mark's experience, record of bipartisan accomplishment, and results-oriented focus will make a real difference in Washington at a time when our country needs it most."



Chuck Schumer on Mark Warner (Lowell - 9/13/2007 1:56:39 PM)
"I have come to know Mark in the last six months and have seen he is an outstanding American leader who will run a great campaign and be a tremendous asset to his state and his country. We're excited about his campaign and even more excited about him joining us in the Senate"


An endorsement to toss (JScott - 9/13/2007 4:25:20 PM)
Whoever runs Warners campaign please do not ever refer to Schumer, ever. Schumer is one of those on the learning curve mentioned up thread. Webb has so surpassed that smock on policy matters. Thats all we need is for that guy to come down to Va and speak...I can feel the middle crumbling already before the weight of the BS.


Creigh Deeds on Mark Warner (Lowell - 9/13/2007 2:11:51 PM)
When Mark Warner took office as Virginia's 69th Governor he faced unprecedented challenges in our budget, a divided legislature and partisan gridlock. We all know the story of how he turned our state around and made Virginia one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.

The next United States Senator from Virginia will face very similar challenges on the national level. I can think of no better public servant than Mark Warner to bridge the partisan divide and put an end to the bickering and divisiveness that keep us from moving forward together.



What Gives With Matt? (jmnyc - 9/13/2007 2:51:14 PM)
Lowell - well said.  I am getting really tired of the idealogical purity Matt is trying to enforce.  You can't be a majority party by appealing only to a narrow base.  I think Karl Rove has proved the base strategy is a short term strategy, not a long term one.

I am former Arlington resident who now lives in NYC.  I voted for and did a little volunteer work for Mark Warner in 1996.  I really like him and think he will make a fine Senator.  I am disappointed he isn't running for President but am hopeful he will have a chance to serve VA and the nation as a Senator.



He likes bash Ohioans too (2010 Buckeye - 9/13/2007 3:19:55 PM)
Specifically going after freshman Rep. Zack Space in OH-18. Anyways blogged about his attack on Warner at Buckeye State Blog today as part of our ongoing narrative on why Open Left probably shouldn't be in charge of ideological enforcement, despite how warm and tingly it makes them feel.
http://www.buckeyest...


Chris Bowers (Chris Guy - 9/13/2007 3:26:27 PM)
is getting into the act now as well.

Also, someone should tell Stoller that Mitt Romney was never reelected in MA. Poll numbers clearly indicate he would have lost.



attacking hippies (Matt Stoller - 9/13/2007 3:35:54 PM)
What, Stoller would have preferred acai juice and wheatberry sprouts?  Whatever.

Though I appreciate the nasty cultural slur, here's a video of me shooting trap in Virginia. 



Real Virginia Democrats don't shoot skeet (True Blue - 9/13/2007 4:19:33 PM)
They shoot game.  You have failed my purity test and I cast you out.


Wow (JScott - 9/13/2007 4:27:52 PM)
I was always told Dems didn't own guns. jk


Are you kidding? We love guns! (DanG - 9/15/2007 10:57:59 AM)
If it wasn't for the JK, I'd be laughing my ass off.  USA!  USA!  USA!


while this is all petty noise (Donkey Hotay - 9/13/2007 4:33:17 PM)
That was a pretty F'ing funny response.

Touche!



damn! (Matt Stoller - 9/14/2007 2:56:10 PM)
I can't win.


Matt Stoller Is HooooooooT Stuff (Lee Diamond - 9/13/2007 4:33:20 PM)
Matty thinks the world of his bad self and for damn good reason.  He is so full of knowledge and insight........he is the master TV pundit for the young set who don't watch the boob tube.  He is a real comer.

If you've ever met Mr. Stoller, then you can appreciate what a huge celebrity he is.  Meeting the real life Matt Stoller is like, so cool, man.  I am still trying to get over it.

When Matt Stoller says something, David Axelrod, Mark Penn and Howard Woflson et al are listening.  The guy is freaking brilliant.  We need more know it alls like Matty.  That is the problem with the Dem Universe.  We DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH KNOW IT ALLS!



Stoller, In Other Words (Knownothing - 9/13/2007 4:59:54 PM)
Stoller: As a matter of fact, I have indeed been to "Virginia" where I engaged in a nice spot of sport shooting amongst the common man. I was quite pleased, in fact, as I hadn't had a good day of shooting since the time Papa and I went on safari in old Zim. Those were the days! Still, I believe the attached video footage is more than ample evidence of both my manhood and my understanding of those rural fellows down in "Ole Virginny," I believe they call it. Yaw-yaw-yaw. Right-O.

Remind me why I care what a self-important Harvard trust fund baby thinks?



Stoller shoots from the lip, I've noticed (Craig - 9/13/2007 7:29:15 PM)
He doesn't seem to really consider what he says before he starts typing.  And woe betide the one who isn't partisan enough for him.  He's probably the most inflammatory of the MyDD bunch.


Not About Stoller (Matusleo - 9/14/2007 6:26:05 AM)
I don't want to say anything about Stoller personally, because I do not know him personally.

However, two points on ideological purity.  First, we do need to have a broad consensus of opinions that the party can coalesce around, otherwise we'll just end up bickering all day long and getting nothing done (some would say that's the true purpose of government, but they're somewhat more cynical than I am).  Secondly, if you have 100 people who always agree on everything, then you really only need 1 of them there; it is fully appropriate for some of our members to have disagreements on issues, ANY particular issue, so that they can engage the rest of the party in a healthy debate.

Healthy debate incidentally is what keeps the party from driving off the ideological cliff.  It is why I have always been happy to support folks like Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, Creigh Deeds, John Edwards (of Roanoke, not NC), Jim Shuler, and Rick Boucher.  And it's why I am also happy to support Bob Casey of PA.  These guys are not slaves to ideological purity, and I can trust them to vote for what they believe is right, not what the party tells them to believe.  I know I certainly could never serve in the party if ideological purity was enforced (pro-life over here)!

Now, the converse of this is also true.  Anyone can go around campaigning and trying to convince people that their position is right.  But when they demonstrate they don't know how Virginia works, we maintain the right to ignore them too. ;-)

Matusleo
Ut Prosim