I came to YKOS as a representative of the Draft Mark Warner PAC. Like everyone here, I was excited about the opportunity to meet folks and attend some of the workshops as well.
I have read some posts about the event concerning the governor and wanted to provide a different perspective.
Let's start with the party Friday night. If Warner would have provided pizza and beer he would have been blasted for being cheap. I was there taking pictures all night. There were over 500 people present at any given time. They were standing 6 deep to get a picture with Warner or to shake his hand and talk to him. He never did make it all the way around the stratosphere platform. Everyone was having a great time. There was no complaining about the food or drink while you were there.
This was his way of saying THANK YOU to a community he is no doubt courting.
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His speech Saturday was an introduction. As he said, a first date. He stood up there and told you who he was, how he lifted Virginia up and where he wants to see the Democratic Party go in the future. He touched on issues that are so important to so many of us. Educating ourselves and our kids, competitiveness with the rest of the world and less dependence on foreign oil supplies. Getting it right in Iraq in a short period of time or getting out.
Does he need to work on his foreign policy? Yes, he does. He has been doing this by traveling and meeting world leaders. He understands we cannot go it alone and we need to bring back our traditional allies. He said some things some people didn't like. But here is the point..HE SAID THEM. He could have left it out but I believe it was important for him to let you know where he stands.
Does he understand domestic issues? You bet your ass he does, like very few others out there . Children's healthcare, acknowledging science like global warming and stem cell research, net neutrality, clean water, competitiveness with the rest of the world
He is not a traditional DLC triangulator. He is not a From clone who simply spouts the pro-corporate garbage we hear so often from DLC members. This is a guy who can sit down with labor and management and work it out with an understanding of both sides.
The Reid vs Warner comparisons are pure bunk. They are at completely different stages of their political careers.. Warner will continue to support Democratic candidates as he had this year, contributing over $350K from him Leadership PAC.
Not only was Warner an effective governor. He has been an effective voice for other Democrats. Virginia Democrats have picked up 9 seats in the General Assembly since 2001 and every single winner has identified themselves as a `Warner Democrats'.
So, before a few of you vilify this guy for trying to reach out, take a moment to learn more about him.
Steve Deak
Southern Regional Director
Draft Mark Warner PAC