The
latest word from the Virginia's gubernatorial race.
Kaine's ad attacks Kilgore on abortion, saying that the Republican wants to ban abortions unless a woman reports a rape or incest within seven days of the assault.
"Seven days," an announcer says while the screen shows a distraught woman sitting in a darkened kitchen. " Jerry Kilgore would outlaw abortion and victimize victims yet again."
Kilgore has consistently said he does not want to criminalize women who have abortions. But he has refused to say whether he would sign a bill outlawing abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. And he has reaffirmed previous statements saying the only exceptions to a ban should be for rape and incest victims who report the crimes promptly.
Kilgore's attack ad calls Kaine a liberal who would raise taxes if elected.
So, if you don't report incest that leads to pregnancy promptly, BEFORE you find out that you're pregnant, then no abortion for you? Sorry, too slow? Bastard.
Conclusions below the fold.
I have not actually seen this ad yet, and I have been unable to uncover an active link for it. If anyone can provide me with one, I'll be happy to add it. It's very hard to determine the negativity of an ad without seeing it. For example, the "slice" video isn't negative in the same sense that the Hitler ad was.
I find this little tidbit fascinating, in part because of my diary yesterday that delt with cases of rape and incest and what the requirements for an exemption were. And in part because Kilgore is the one who is in tough waters in regard to abortion, and everyone always says that it's Democrats who have a battle on their hands regarding the big A___ question.
And why is this? Kaine's position is not very different at its heart than John Kerry's is. Just articulated better, clearer, and earlier. And he didn't run away from his religion or discussing how religion has influenced his beliefs. Specifically, how religion has made him a Democrat. If you do this early, and with sincerity, before you're defined by Republican and faith is seen as a dodge, then you take away all the ammunition the right can throw at you.
After all, most people believe in God. Most people are pro-choice. So why in hell is it that politicians can't share that rather popular belief?
I am not sure Tim Kaine will win. I don't share the confidence that many on this board do. Frankly, Kilgore has had a distinct advantage since the second they were both elected, it's always been his to lose, despite Warner's popularity. The state's dynamics just work that way. Warner had years and wealth to make in-roads with the Southwestern rural counties. Kaine didn't, and Kilgore was a favored son. But though during the summer the campaign seemed dormant and lacking punch, I have been nothing but impressed with Kaine's campaign since crunch-time began.
And I think that a lot of the payback is coming from those early radio spots touting his missionary work that nobody heard up in Northern Virignia. I think he quietly and resolutely established his credibility and integrity with voters. Everyone always knew Kilgore was a loose cannon. They knew Republicans were bound to go negative. Hell, anyone who has payed attention to Richmond in the past few years can tell you two truths.
- The environment there is toxic.
- Republicans feel like Mark Warner stole their rightful property, and they intend to take it back by force.
Add to the equation these truths about Virginia:
- People like Mark Warner. Even Republicans.
- The reason they like him is because he followed through on his word to come through for the state economy despite Richmond.
And its easy to see where the election was going. So I think they just played their cards right, responded quickly to every criticism, outperformed on the debate, hunkered down, and waited for Kilgore to crack and let loose the venom that has been looking for an outlet for the past few years. And then the second they did, smack them down simply and succintly with, To set the record straight, you're wrong. Then attack and put him on his guard.
I'm fascinated by this strategy, as I think it is sorta similar to the way I see Reid function in the Senate. Quiet, unassuming, and effective. Dancing over fighting. Competance v. Hysteria. I think it might finally be the right environment for this comparison.
We shall see. In the meantime, the Virginia elections have quickly gone from a sleeper cycle to mudcity. I'm loving it.
And, as of tonight, I can guarantee at least 1 vote for Kaine, Byrne, and Deeds. Plus one vote for Lucy the Springer Spaniel, as my Republican delegate remains unopposed.