*On corruption in Washington, Kerry noted pointedly that "we need someone who gets it," "someone who was born fighting and will take that fight to the Senate."
Today, I witnessed an amazing rally to close off the Democrats' 2006 U.S. Senate primary campaign. John Kerry and Jim Webb, in front of 300 people, together on stage in Arlington, speaking about taking back our country. And what speeches these guys gave; the best I've heard either one give. Wow. You know, for a Democrat, it don't get no better than that!Here are the highlights from the program:
*Leslie Byrne introduced John Kerry as a man who has spent his life fighting the Republicans, and who should have been President.
*John Kerry joked about how, when Jim Webb writes fiction, it's a best selling book, while when George Allen writes fiction, it's his campaign platform! :) Ha.
*Kerry extolled Webb as a "man of integrity" and of "independent thinking" who "can speak across party lines" and "tell the truth to America."
*Kerry noted that, "even when I disagreed with Jim Webb, I respected him greatly" as a person who thinks for himself.
*Kerry half-jokingly pointed out that, unlike George Allen, Jim Webb won't be BORED in the Senate. And, unlike George Allen, Jim Webb "gets what's at stake" and will "stand up for...American values."
*Kerry praised Webb as someone who "understands what's happening to the average worker in America," who knows that prices are going up but wages aren't, and who realizes that "there's another war [going on] here in America."
*On foreign policy, according to Kerry, "Jim Webb understands that the real war on terror wasn't in Iraq," but in Afghanistan and against Al Qaeda.
*On trade policy, Kerry agreed with Webb that "we ought to be exporting PRODUCTS not JOBS from the United States of America." This was an obvious (sharp) jab at Harris Miller for his pro-outsourcing record.
*On corruption in Washington, Kerry noted pointedly that "we need someone who gets it," "someone who was born fighting and will take that fight to the Senate."
*Webb proudly asserted that "this has been a bottom up campaign," and added, "you work for me, I will work for you!"
*Webb thanked John Kerry and, movingly, pointed out that "john Kerry and I more than 35 years ago went to battle in [Vietnam]" and came back to a "bitterly divided nation." But, according to Webb, "that is no longer true" - the Vietnam War and its divisions are over.
*Webb asked, incredulous, WHY in 2004 the Republicans tried to "manipulate these issues," to "keep trying to nitpick the service of someone 35 years ago when we are not holding people accountable for what they are doing today?"
*Webb stated, point blank, "we need to bring an end to the Iraq War." He added that we need to "fight the war on terror smartly."
*On the domestic front, Webb said that "we need to focus on conomic fairness for all Americans," on "keeping the government out of our private lives," and on "standing up to a Presidency that has abused its power."
*Webb took a jab at Harris Miller, and specifically the accusation that Webb opposed diversity. In a moment that had the crowd roaring its approval, Webb said, "let me introduce my wife, Hong, and my daughter's long-time boyfriend, Jose Ramirez." Then, Webb pointed his finger and said, "Mr. Miller, I understand diversity!"
*Finally, Webb said that "tomorrow will be a test," one that "we need to win." He asked for all our votes. Let's all go out there and win this for Jim Webb, American Hero.
Just curious, from an academic/political standpoint, which is more valuable.
$400,000+ of funding from grassroots - a good start
A Kerry endorsement and rally - priceless.
On the flip side...
$1,000,000 of your own lobbyist money to purchase election - pathetic
Being told by Virginia voters what they think of dirty tactics - just deserts
So it took three years to pay off? Were you paying interest on the debt all that time? That's rough if so.
I really feel that we grassroots need to dig deeper into our own pockets so that our candidates have a sporting chance against those backed by corporations. Not to mention all the other things wrong with campaign financing.
It's hard on us because money doesn't come easy...but democracy doesn't come easy either. It can be a painful process - but worth it.
Campaign finance reform NOW.
Not that I spent a great deal of time analyzing a solution to the problem - that's my straw-man view. I wonder how it compares to a more informed view on that topic. I am relatively certain that corporations will fight strongly against that, so I surmise that will fix the problem ;-)
What ever corporations fight against the most should solve it.
Regarding the error...
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I have made my decision, and that is to vote for Jim Webb. I think that the story of a Reagan Democrat coming home to the Democratic party is a compelling one that we can hopefully export to all the other 49 states. I do respect Harris Miller, and if he wins I will wholeheartedly support him in the general, but I do feel that Webb is the better candidate against Allen.
The Kerry/Webb story is simply amazing. It's a lesson to all of us of what forgiveness and healing can do.
Thanks again for the story.
Thanks for this grassroot effort and to all those who helped you. this is what Democrats are about. I am happily announcing that Newport News is ready with Webb Campaign signs at every precinct in town( all 42 precincts). Thank Sharon Kitchen-Miller, Charlie Stanton, co-chair city committee and myself for getting Newport News ready to hopefully rock for Webb. Corey, by the way you missed the rain it felt like sunshine. On to Victory Raising Kaine.
Here are a couple of excerpts from the Hotline blog's story:
"It's great to be here, back in Fairfax County," Sen. John Kerry greeted a crowd of well over 100 standing in a parking lot in the shadows of the Arlington County courthouse and gov't center. ARLINGTON," the audience shouted back at their party's '04 standard bearer. Realizing his gaffe, Kerry quickly noted that he had Fairfax on the mind," the Hotline blog said.
The Hotline also talked about the long-time feud between Kerry and Webb, noting: "When Webb bounded onto the stage, it was clear in their body language that the ice had not totally melted between them."
The National Journal Hotline blog also noted that Webb's prediction for tomorrow's primary result was also lukewarm when Webb told the crowd: "'In a little more than 24 hours, we'll see how this all works out.' Not exactly the sort of election eve promise of victory to encourage those volunteers to make that extra phone call and put up that last sign."
There were some good parts for Webb, as well. But don't take my word for it. Read the entire Hotline blog story at: http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/06/virginia_is_for.html
He was pretty cool.
I like my research and people skills/hanging out like a normal person better than your cut and paste mentality.
I am not going to discredit him for saying that Webb and Kerry "had a weird thing" but I don't agree at the same time. I was there, and I didn't see it.
Incidently, wre you there, VAdEM4eVA?
I felt that everyone was charged inside the voting area, I know I was. We had a Miller rep and a Webb rep at our location. Both were full of smiles.
Voting is such a neat way to express youself.
As I left the Rally yesterday for Webb, I recall seeing a young man skateboarding over and over and over, must have been 20 min., for I was lost getting out of Clarendon from the Rally and needed to go to Staples off Glebe Road.
I just wanted to say to this skateboarder if he wanted to join us in GOTV, he could!!
We all have our purpose in life, and mine is helping a super candidate to win. Webb is that man.
Back to the skateboarder, hope he voted or is having fun on his board this a.m. Joys come in many forms. I should try skateboarding, maybe I will AFTER THE PRIMARY.
Can you see me in my button jacket, heading down door to door for Webb? Well, it's just a thought!
kevin c.
