About a year and half ago RaisingKaine was born. An idea conceived by Lowell in the metaphoric and literal winter that followed the still painful re-election of the worst President in our nation's history. RaisingKaine was a fun play on words but also had very significant meaning. Despite the fact that many Democratic candidates were (and are) very good people and politicians, many of these candidates didn't inspire enough passion, didn't take enough risks, and tended to be part of the establishment. And against the Republican machine they didn't stand much of a chance.
While RaisingKaine's immediate purpose was about Tim Kaine's run for governor, the bigger picture was about Raising Cain. It was about shaking up the establishment. It was about looking for someone different. It was about finding candidates who inspire the passion necessary to win against the Republican machine.
And that candidate was found in Jim Webb.
A special thanks to Lowell, Josh, Lee, Greg, and Corey for the pivotal role they played in drafting Jim. We will never know what would have happened if they had not stepped up, but we do know that their efforts were very important. Even Jim Webb, during his victory speech, gave credit to the bloggers and the special role they played in this primary. Needless to say, it was well received by the audience.
It struck me as ironic that it was Webb who was backed by the Democratic establishment. This backing is in no doubt one of the reasons he won yesterday. But Jim is just the sort of anti-establishment candidate who could really shake things up within the party and redefine how Democrats operate. That's not to say that he's gunning for these people, it's that he represents and embodies change. And that change could very well tear down the establishment as we know it.
But that same party establishment certainly feels the ecstasy that the rest of us do. A political newcomer who entered the race late in the game and was far outspent was victorious because of the passion and efforts of the people. Money didn't win this race, people did. And these same people, and the same passion, gives the Democrats a fighting chance against George Allen this November. We know it. The Democratic party knows it. And George Allen knows it.
Webb's opponent, Harris Miller, took a real beating on this site and many others. Some people liked Webb more, some people really hated Miller, and for some it was a combination. But, following a gracious concession speech, Miller has a shot at redemption by truly throwing his passion, money, and efforts behind Jim Webb. And especially by making amends for the inappropriate use of racism and anti-semitism that George Allen will no doubt try to exploit. Harris is by far the strongest weapon against Allen's attack and if he steps up he will have redeemed himself in the eyes of many. I hope he does so.
Since those dark days a year and a half ago, we've seen RaisingKaine change from a simple website, to a blog, and now to a community blog. Lowell and I were quickly joined by Brian Patton after kicking it off, and over the next six months many of the writers you've come to know came on board. Since we've moved to the community blog many more people have started contributing, helping to create a fantastic and dynamic site all of us can be proud of. Thanks to everyone for their contributions and participation!
And now the real work begins. It'll be an uphill battle but during the past few months we've shown that Webb supporters have the passion to make it happen. And we have a candidate who will Raise Cain.
Go Jim!