The e-mail was from an old friend who expressed support for Miller based on his substance and command of the issues, versus Webb's "exclusive" focus on national security.
I wanted to share my reply, as well as "Old Friend's" original e-mail. I hope y'all enjoy.
"Old Friend",
Appreciate your perspective, however what is Harris Miller's "substance" on the issue that is THE elephant in the room, Iraq?
He supported this invasion and occupation, and Jim Webb actively opposed it. To me, that says not quite all, but enough.
Harris has changed positions on the Iraq debacle, voting machines, GLBT rights, job outsourcing, tax policy, and being "An Old Testament Kind of Guy" to name a few, since this campaign began. What guides Miller? What are these substantive principles of which you speak?
As a former Republican, I highly resent the "real Democrat" crap that Miller is spewing. It is ungracious, unwelcoming, and makes me feel like someone would challenge my credentials as a good Democrat because I used to support Reagan. How dare they. I don't care how long Webb's been a Democrat, he's gotten here via a real & integrous change of heart.
I appreciate Miller's participation in this race. He's actually been a good Democrat in tossing his hat in the ring, making a race, and his case. It's just a damn tragedy for us that his case consists mainly of trashing Jim Webb. For as much substance that you claim he has, what has been the thrust of his message to voters?
Webb is not as experienced and nuanced at many issues as is Miller, but he is an incredibly thoughtful man, and he has provided, over and over, many answers to the issues that people have. To say his platform is "empty" or "vapid" (as you used in relation to Kerry's endorsement) is simply overstating his lack of detail. If you listen to Jim Webb on most major themes and issues, you're going to have a good idea on where he stands. Incidentally, I don't agree with Jim on every issue, but I know I can count on where he stands when he says it. Miller, unfortunately, has not given me much reason to believe he is sincere in almost any position, as much as he's changed course on issues since beginning his campaign.
The ideological purity we seem to try to apply to candidates in our primary battle is suicidal. Can we not agree that honesty, integrity, and earnest desire to serve the PEOPLE is not paramount in this political environment? If so, it's Jim Webb all the way--even though we may not agree with him on every issue.
That's my perspective. Regardless of who ends up the nominee on June 14th, we must pledge to work for that nominee to unseat Allen. I am not happy about supporters of either side who say they will absolutely not support the other if their favorite doesn't win. That is a grossly misplaced lack of recognition of how poor a Senator George Allen has been, and the threat he poses to the nation if he were to be the Republican nominee in 2008.
Best of wishes, and I'll see you on the campaign trail after June 13th.
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"Old Friend's" Original E-mail:
We just returned from three weeks in China and I am just catching up on my DND fixes. Surprised at how the primary campaign seems to have gone thus far. From my sketchy reading, it seems that Webb is focussing exclusively on his national security (Republican) and literary backgrounds to support his would-be celebrity status while not taking the time to educate himself and formulate/sharply articulate his positions on the broader range of public policy concerns seizing our country. He is rolling up endorsements by big name national Democrats all focussing on this celebrity status and national security "experience". (I thought John Kerry's endorsement was particularly vapid!).
Meanwhile, it seems, at least according to the Washington Post, that Miller is winning the one-on-one debates (like the one I witnessed over a month ago) where Webb has a hard time defending his deep conservative Republican record and articulating positions on tax policy, health, education, etc. I interviewed Harris Miller at length on my local TV program and found him to be well-versed in all areas and articulating clear, powerful positions which were moderate to solidly progressive. While the Washington Post strong endorsement of Harris Miller is thin on its assessment of Harris's strengths, it comes down pretty hard on Webb's weaknesses which are huge. Am surprised that DND group has spent no time noting endorsements by most leading VA Democrats and by the Washington Post. I am delighted to have two strong candidates in a primary, but tend to lean to the one made of substance through and through, not the inadequate
celebrity!
Good to be back. I include the Post editorial endorsement for those of you who may not have seen it!
John
June 2: Mr. Miller's Advantage (Wash. Post Endorsement)
Washington Post June 02, 2006
Our choice in Virginia's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Friday, June 2, 2006; A18
THE CONTEST in Virginia between the two candidates seeking the Democratic
I think Virginians ee what you see: namely, that Miller's entire campaign consists of trashing Webb, and that the remainer of his positions are essentially Democratic boilerplate, which could have been said by any Democrat running for any Seenate seat.
Plus, I can't say this enough, Webb has charisma. This is important. Especially since Miller has very little, if any, charisma.