Governor Warner: A Principled Leader.
One of the more talked about criticisms of recent Democratic presidential contenders has been a perception that they suffered from a lack of core beliefs and convictions. I’m sure we all painfully remember the “flip-flop” chants during the Republican National Convention. Both liberal and conservative pundits alike consistently claim that national Democratic candidates have an unpleasant habit of swaying with political winds. This false perception has unfortunately stuck, with even some Democrats believing such propaganda. Indeed, conventional wisdom says that the Republicans have cornered the market on principled candidates that reject decisions based on politics in favor of simply “doing the right thing.”
If Democrats want to take back the White House, they must overcome this perception. Democratic presidential candidates must convince voters that they are guided by principles, morals, and simple core beliefs that will not change in a political thunderstorm. Democrats must speak simply and pointedly about what makes them the best party to lead the country in an uncertain but very bright and hopeful future.
Governor Mark Warner is that candidate. Governor Warner will explode the insidious perception that the Democratic Party is comprised of insipid candidates answering only to their greater political ambitions. Take his commencement address to the George Washington University Class of 2003 where he said “everyone needs a few simple beliefs, because they are what allow us to find our way in a world that rarely makes sense.” He went on to give a few of his own simple beliefs. They bear telling here because they, I think, represent the essence of Governor Warner and why he should be our next President.
Governor Warner first said, “[d]on’t be afraid to fail. We learn through failure.” Next he said “it matters how you treat other people.” He then asked the new graduates to thank their families. He cautioned the graduates to reject the false choice of intolerance. And finally, and maybe most importantly, he said “[w]hen you have the choice between surrendering to a sound bite and wrestling with the nuances of a complex issue, I hope you’ll choose reflection.” These beliefs struck me as truly American, honest, and straightforward. They also revealed a man of principle and intellectual honesty who can cut through nonsense to find what Graham Greene called “the heart of the matter.”
Governor Warner’s belief in hard work, respect for others, the value of family, and courage in the face of uncertainty is exactly what we need in a leader and what the Democratic Party represents. Such beliefs will help America regain its reputation as a beacon of freedom, tolerance, and fairness to the world. And Mark Warner is the man to put those beliefs to work as President of United States.
If Democrats want to take back the White House, they must overcome this perception. Democratic presidential candidates must convince voters that they are guided by principles, morals, and simple core beliefs that will not change in a political thunderstorm. Democrats must speak simply and pointedly about what makes them the best party to lead the country in an uncertain but very bright and hopeful future.
Governor Mark Warner is that candidate. Governor Warner will explode the insidious perception that the Democratic Party is comprised of insipid candidates answering only to their greater political ambitions. Take his commencement address to the George Washington University Class of 2003 where he said “everyone needs a few simple beliefs, because they are what allow us to find our way in a world that rarely makes sense.” He went on to give a few of his own simple beliefs. They bear telling here because they, I think, represent the essence of Governor Warner and why he should be our next President.
Governor Warner first said, “[d]on’t be afraid to fail. We learn through failure.” Next he said “it matters how you treat other people.” He then asked the new graduates to thank their families. He cautioned the graduates to reject the false choice of intolerance. And finally, and maybe most importantly, he said “[w]hen you have the choice between surrendering to a sound bite and wrestling with the nuances of a complex issue, I hope you’ll choose reflection.” These beliefs struck me as truly American, honest, and straightforward. They also revealed a man of principle and intellectual honesty who can cut through nonsense to find what Graham Greene called “the heart of the matter.”
Governor Warner’s belief in hard work, respect for others, the value of family, and courage in the face of uncertainty is exactly what we need in a leader and what the Democratic Party represents. Such beliefs will help America regain its reputation as a beacon of freedom, tolerance, and fairness to the world. And Mark Warner is the man to put those beliefs to work as President of United States.
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