It’s a simple truth that Democrats can’t get much done if they can’t convince at least 9 Republican senators to agree with what they intend to do. And that won’t change just because we suddenly have a Democratic president. We need 60 seats in the Senate or we’ll have to water down every initiative. Want single-payer health care? It’ll never happen without a Democratic president and a filibuster-proof Senate. It’s so unlikely in the current climate that the front-running Democrats aren’t even advocating it. I’m of two minds about that. I hate it when politicians grandstand by advocating policies which are popular among the base but will never happen in reality. But, I’m also a firm believer that you rarely get something you want if you don’t ask for it. In any case, Sen. John Warner is probably going to announce his retirement tomorrow in Richmond. And his seat will get us closer to sixty.
The key to victory is for Mark Warner to forego his ambition to be vice-president, and run for the seat. The Democrats will quickly unite behind Warner, while the Republicans will engage in an internecine bloddbath between Rep. Tom Davis and Fmr. Gov. Jim Gilmore.
Virginia is trending Democratic and this is a seat that we can take and hold. If you know of any other good candidates beyond Mark Warner, put ’em in the comments. Because, it’s unlikely that Warner will easily give up his ambition for the Vice-Presidency.
I really like Mark Warner running for JW’s seat. I really think he could get that seat. Well thought of throughout the state.
Jeff
So, where do you get the idea that Mark Warner’s ambition is to be vice president? It doesn’t make sense to me, since he would have had a good shot at the nomination for the presidency, but decided not to run. Not many politicians of any stature aspire to the vice presidency. (Although perhaps things have changed since Cheney turned it into the most powerful post in the land.)
Warner being VP would set him up for a presidential run in 2016.
Many people think that he decided not to run because he’s going to be on the short list for VP, especially for Hillary Clinton.
Who’s VP does he think he is going to be? I guess I can see Hilary picking him, but it would be a poor choice for her. Edward’s can’t pick him, Obama… doesn’t seem like a fit.
Besides whatever stopped him from running for president will likely stop him from VP. I say this as someone who liked the Idea of a Warner run for president.