The contrast between my Governor and our President in the past 72 hours could not be starker. The reactions and responses to the tragedies which will define their administrations could not be more different. Today, I saw a President, and his name wasn't George Bush.
I sit this evening and stir with pride through my sadness, because our Governor has not only risen to the occasion, he has done so with grace and humility.
Yesterday, at the convocation at Virginia Tech, Tim Kaine graciously thanked President Bush for expediting his return to Virginia, and in doing so showed he was the governor of all Virginians. Since yesterday, he has been deeply involved in the recovery and assessment of the tragedy, but as a facilitator and a helper. He has sought to ensure that the people in the best position to take care of business have the tools and support they need, even while holding his government and their authorities accountable.
Governor Kaine has already taken steps that would be unthinkable to President Bush. Immediately upon receiving word of the tragedy he cancelled a trade mission and started the long trip back from Japan to Virginia. He has not taken the time and resources of a bruised community so he could get a photo-op in front of Norris Hall, but rather he has sought to console, heal and help in whatever manner possible. From appointing an independent commission to hold the system accountable to asking those affected what they need and providing it to them in a timely fashion, his actions have shown considered and responsive leadership in the face of tragedy.
Today I sit and wonder what the country may have been like if Governor Kaine had been president during Katrina, or even 9/11.
Both 9/11 and the Virginia Tech Massacre were senseless acts of violence and rage, spawned by people who felt alienated from the world around them. Both tragedies brought the communities in which they happened together, and for a moment, or a month, everyone felt more connected to everyone else, and more kind. For a time, we are willing to put aside our assumptions about our enemies and seek understanding
On a personal note, I am a graduate of the University of Virginia. I remember well my undergraduate days, and the visceral distain we had for the Hokies. After April 16, 2007, I can never feel that way again. Underneath that distain was a brotherly love, a love I had never realized was there. The rivalry between UVA and Virginia Tech was revealed not to be a family feud, but a sibling rivalry, the kind of rivalry that inspires each to be better, and achieve more, because of it. And like siblings, the collegiate community in Virginia and the academic community around the world has banded together, to console, help and protect their wounded brother. Lest anyone think differently in the heat of March Madness, at the bottom, we are all brothers.
And when I saw my alma mater's Beta Bridge, painted in Virginia Tech's colors, it was all I could to do keep from crying.
Here in Virginia, I have faith that we will channel these energies into a commitment to a better commonwealth. I feel my home to be a strong state, and one which will only grow stronger out of the horrors of this tragedy. After all, Virginia is the home of leaders like Governor Kaine, Governor Warner, Senator Webb and many other unsung heroes.
"We need in Virginia that spirit of community that you have here. We are bold enough to call ourselves, not a state, but a Commonwealth. A state is a dotted line, a state is a political subdivision - but Commonwealth has a meaning. The meaning is what we have, the god-given and man-made resources that we have, we hold in common for a community. And you at Virginia Tech can be that community and demonstrate that community for us in a way that will benefit the entirety of Virginia." - Governor Tim Kaine, speaking at the Convocation on April 17th
And so I will ask: Why not President Kaine?
Yes, I would love to have him serve a full term as my governor, but I am not greedy, Virginia is not greedy. If the country aches for leadership, look no further south than Richmond. In my imagination, a new Virginia Dynasty - a Democratic Virginia Dynasty - has been born, and is growing up before our eyes. Led by Governors Warner and Kaine, and Senator Webb, we have three, proud, visionary and inspirational leaders, all from the state that is the birthplace of Presidents. In my eyes, Virginia is called once again to lead the way, and the nation, through a dark time of fear and tragedy. I dare to hope that in my lifetime, I am witnessing the heirs to Washington, Jefferson and Madison.
But in the harsh light of day, I understand that my dream may be inspiration, but the reality is the stuff of hard work and practical politics. And so I will work my two hours at the Loudoun County Democratic Committee offices on Saturday during the Leesburg Garden Festival, and I will plant my party's roots deep, deep in red Virginia clay. And I will do so knowing that the men and women for whom I donate my time and words are worthy of my dedication, because they have honored Virginia when she has called. Because they have shown America what leadership means.
Great diary.
My diary isn't intended to take away from any of the excellent candidates we have in the field. I really feel that we have an incredible set of folks running for the Democratic nomination and we'll be well served by any and all of them.
The presidential run is an interesting idea long-term. But it strikes me as being well before its time. Especially with the prospect of making some inroads in 2007 in both the House of Delegates and the Senate.
Honestly, Kaine has more going for him and much, much less going against him than Guiliani.
The time isn't right. He still has a lot of time to do good for the Commonwealth, but Kaine is a great leader and he's not going away anytime soon.
Just another example of true leadership.