Before I start my rant, I'll disclose that I am (1) a big Mark Warner fan, and (2) leaning heavily for James Webb (though holding out to learn more about how the candidates stand on the issues).Mark Warner is helping out Harris Miller with a fundraising event. A Warner spokesperson stated: "Harris is a longtime friend of the governor's and he promised to help with a fundraiser before Jim Webb got in the race . . . . It should not be considered a formal endorsement."
One Virginia blogger (linked by Josh below) blasted Warner, somehow equating this to being "for politics as usual" and showing a preference for "a lobbyist who 'pays to play' rather than a REAL AMERICAN HERO famous for speaking truth to power." Somehow, the blogger leaps to questioning Warner's sincerity and wonders about his support for veterans.
I've never seen more twisted logic in my life. Mark Warner made a commitment to Miller well before Webb entered the race. For all we know, this commitment may have been made during the week when it appeared that Webb was passing on the race. In any event, it would be more politically expedient for Warner to renege on this commitment to stay 100% neutral and wait for a winner to emerge - but he's sticking by his promise (e.g., not being insincere).
Even setting aside this promise and explanation that this is not an endorsement of Miller over Webb, equating his alleged preference to turning his back on veterans is ludicrous. If Warner endorsed Hillary Clinton over John McCain in a hypothetical 2008 presidential race, would he be turning his back on veterans? Of course not; Warner's decision to support a candidate is wholly unrelated to supporting veterans in general.
Anyway, I had to get that off my chest. Warner should be applauded for keeping his word. He should be encouraged to even the playing field by doing an event for Webb as well. But he shouldn't be bashed in illogical and hurtful blog posts that stretch the bounds of common sense.