Interesting read: "Feingold, Warner: A Study in Democratic Contrasts"

[flpoljunkie]

Excerpt from:

Feingold, Warner: A study in Democratic contrasts

BY CRAIG GILBERT

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/nation/14416028.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MILWAUKEE -

Both Warner and Feingold are unknown to most voters outside their own states. Both have created an early stir among activists. And both have invited contrasts with the dominant figure in the Democrat field, Sen. Hillary Clinton. One magazine cover last fall labeled Feingold "the Hillary slayer." Another last month called Warner the "anti-Hillary."

But if a competition looms to be the "Clinton alternative," Feingold and Warner will be taking very different paths to get there.

In Feingold's case, it means running as a Senate rebel who'll take bold stands (presidential censure, legalizing gay marriage, a timetable for an Iraq pullout) and who opposed Bush policies that others in his party voted for (the war, the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind). When "The New Republic" put Feingold on its Nov. 21 cover as a "David" figure taking on Clinton's "Goliath," it had in mind Feingold's opposition to the Iraq war. Clinton voted for the use of force in 2002 and opposes setting a withdrawal date.

"It is not only all right but necessary to stand up to George Bush," Feingold told the audience at the April 8 dinner where he and Warner both spoke.

In Warner's case, it means running as a moderate from a red state who can compete in parts of the country where (the implicit argument goes) Hillary Clinton can't. Putting Warner on its cover last month, the New York Times Magazine offered this caption: "Meet Mark Warner: Centrist Democrat, Southern Governor, National Unknown. Can he be the Bill Clinton of 2008?"

more...

[jbnow]

1. Thanks for the link

I still don't really know Warner but nothing has impressed me when I have heard or read of him (except that he was a popular gov) The next Clinton? He lacks the charisma but I guess he is centrist. He seems way too soft on this administration. Maybe he will impress me later.

Feingold does impress me.

[bluem]

2. I agree

100%

[Awsi Dooger]

3. Good read

Warner isn't Clinton but he doesn't have to be. It's such a polarized era you're going to get 45-47% minimum on either side. The idea is to secure 270 electoral votes and Virginia is massive in that regard. If this were 2004 I wouldn't be pushing Warner because personal qualities are vital in ousting an incumbent. An open race and the math to 270 makes Warner the best option, IMO.

[Sparkly]

4. Interesting -- thanks. nt