Looks Like It's all About '08, Obama, and Turning Virginia Blue
By: dsvabeachdems
Published On: 8/9/2008 11:56:08 PM
Sadly for the red guys, two of the most influential Virginia Democrats, Senator Deeds and Delegate Moran have deferred their personal aspirations for the loftier objective of ensuring Virginia plays a key role putting Senator Obama in the White House. Happily for the blue guys, this outreach is immensely effective. When the backbone of the electorate in an heretofore (at least until Senator Webb started the ball rolling) unlikely location is drawn to hear these two emphasize the importance of this election and joins in the enthusiasm for a change they can believe in, trust that a watershed election is at hand.
Mathews County turned out for an array of distinguished guests drawing a crowd of almost 140 steamed crab devouring enthusiasts to listen to a message that continued the theme begun earlier in the day in Virginia Beach. Joining the chorus was the Democrat who made major inroads in turning Mathews County blue, Senator Ralph Northam, along with Bill Day, the Democratic candidate for Virginia's first congressional district. Directing the event was the local committee's own Jen Little (elected member of the local school board). Interestingly, this event has grown enough by word of mouth that attendees came from as far away as Luray, Midlothian, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News.
Delegate Moran reiterated the message delivered at this morning's Virginia Beach breakfast and once again was warmly embraced by the audience. This delivery elicited concerns from local residents that were different from those of the urban group. It underlined the complex challenges facing Virginia. Delegate Moran offered no bumper sticker solutions and acknowledged that rural Virginia will not benefit from solutions that work well in the cities. The tax base is different. Access to broadband often does not exist to enhance education. All these are issues that Virginians must face together as members of a Commonwealth.
Senator Deeds offered additional insight into the reasons that Obama must be elected. Seven and a half years ago, he pointed out, we had a balanced budget in this country. Americans are less secure today than they were then. Today we are facing billions and billions of dollars of deficit that will be inherited by our children and their children's children. The good news he offered is this: we have a candidate for president who inspires like no one on the national scene since Bobby Kennedy. He captures people's imaginations and can restore hope and promise to so many people who feel like they have lost everything. "We have a candidate that can break race barriers and change this country forever." And the best news about all of this, he pointed out, is that for the first time since 1964, we have a Presidential candidate that can carry Virginia. The Obama campaign is committed to win in Virginia. It has opened 33 offices. They have 84 full time employees.
Senator Deeds went on to emphasize that politics is a personal thing and we have to take personal responsibility to change this country this year. This will be accomplished by talking to people at church and in our neighborhoods, he suggested. "We have to enter the uncomfortable conversation with our friends and neighbors as we approach November." We the people are the boss. We have to take charge this fall. He went on to rail about electing Mark Warner to the Senate for reasons of which this audience here is acutely aware.
Good news Virginia Democrats, we are all united in this endeavor. There is no conflict of interest. This is change we can believe in.
Cross posted at VBDems - Blogging our way to Democratic wins in Virginia Beach! Go RK!
Comments
Mathews County turned out for an array of distinguished guests drawing a crowd of almost 140 steamed crab devouring enthusiasts to listen to a message that continued the theme begun earlier in the day in Virginia Beach. Joining the chorus was the Democrat who made major inroads in turning Mathews County blue, Senator Ralph Northam, along with Bill Day, the Democratic candidate for Virginia's first congressional district. Directing the event was the local committee's own Jen Little (elected member of the local school board). Interestingly, this event has grown enough by word of mouth that attendees came from as far away as Luray, Midlothian, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News.