Republicans and Democrats alike are rallying around Warner...that says something.  We need someone to bring the country together, Warner's the man to do it.

But I'm preaching to the choir here ;-)

...but what will the key issue(s) be in 2006?  If the main issue is foreign policy, does Warner have what it takes?  Or is someone like Wes Clark more the right kind of candidate?  Would a Clark/Warner ticket be as powerful as I think it might be, or is this just an idle fantasy of mine?  Can anyone beat Hillary?

This is because of her money and name ID.  Of course, that could easily change - and Warner looks like the most likely person to unseat Hillary.

Now, I think foriegn affairs is a bit overrated as a topic for '08 - it's important but likely not the #1 issue.  And, I think he'll be well served to stress his "homeland security" experience - which is considerable as the former Governor of Virginia (Pentagon, CIA, Norfolk shipyards, Dulles and National airports, etc.)

I'll add that a Clark/Warner ticket would be strong - not sure if Clark is running though.  I just don't see him making the same trips and efforts that others are making - or have I just not noticed.

Most polled Dems on the blogosphere can't stand the thought of Hillary winning the primary--myself included.

blogosphere dems are a very small subset of the Dems who will vote in the primaries.

See here for lots more on Clark.

I like Mark Warner a lot. He is a lion-tamer...he brought unprecendented productivity I think to the Va General Assembly...pushing through vital tax increases to fund education and other investments in people for the state's future.

Unlike other so-called "centrists" and DLC-sympathizers, Warner's idea of bridging the gap and being productive rather than just obstructive means real reforms that save the state money and accomplish good things.

His record on the environment, my favorite issue, is unimpressive.

But I think Warner could really cut into the South and make inroads where no other candidate could, by stressing economic renewal and taking rural strategy seriously. He could even put Virginia into the Democratic column, IMO.

He is not my favorite candidate--Feingold is. But I think Warner stands a much better chance in the general election and is, despite his faults, a solid Democrat. An innovative Democrat.

He could be the ant-Hillary we're looking for.

And call me sick and twisted, but Biden and feingold are pretty darn cute for older politicians.

Isn't it conventional wisdom that a Governor beats a Senator for the office of POTUS usually? Only, Allen has also been a Governor, and he'll have the megabucks and the "alternative media" so beloved of the neo-cons to help him along. Hard to tell what the issues will be in 2008, and that's a long time to keep yourself in the public eye in any effective manner, which puts  Mark W. at a certain disadvantage, terrific as he may be. He needs sustained charisma for over two years.

And, what about Gore, who seems to arising like Lazarus from out of his political tomb? Have you heard him speak lately? He's been dynamite... almost as if he's finally found his true voice, now that he's out from under Clinton's shadow.

and I would vote for him, but I doubt it will happen.