The Democrats’ New Hope?
by Matt Margolis @ 12:45 am on November 16, 2004
What's next for the Democratic party? Who is going to step up to the plate in 2008? The Washington Post reports that Democratic Underground visitors think Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner could be their party's next presidential candidate.
Three years ago, Warner persuaded voters in an overwhelmingly red state to put him in office with a NASCAR-loving, pro-death penalty, pro-gun rights, fiscally conservative campaign. Since then, he has backed some restrictions on abortion, signed more than a dozen gun rights bills, balanced the state's books and persuaded a Republican legislature to help him pass a $1.5 billion tax increase.
Placing strategy over policy, the belief is that nominating Warner would be "providing the party a presidential candidate who could appeal to the conservative, heartland voters who helped reelect President Bush."
Even Joe Trippi, Howard Dean's former campaign manager said that Warner has been able to relate to rural voters – something Democrats have had trouble with.
The only problem is, he'd have to survive the primaries first... and let's face it, no Democrat would make it through the Democrat primaries campaigning as a centrist.
The potential candidacy of Warner would fit will with the forthcoming makeover of Democratic Party – but it seems like the Democrats think they make themselves over by looking increasingly similar to Republicans.
So, is the key to Democrats' hopes a donkey in elephant's clothing?
Don't count on it. Republicans make better Republicans any day. When it comes down to it, the Democratic Party will nominate a liberal. |
