BRISTOW
His historic nomination secured, Barack Obama turned to the general election campaign on Thursday with Virginia appearances that showcased a pair of potential running mates and underscored his willingness to compete in states that Republicans have considered their strongholds.
"If you will vote for me, I will win Virginia and I will win this election and we will change history," he told perhaps 8,000 roaring supporters at a suppertime rally in the Washington suburbs.
The crowd at Nissan Pavilion, a sprawling amphitheater, gave Obama a rock-star welcome befitting a venue that routinely hosts rock acts. The candidate responded with a 30-minute oration, asserting that his success in gaining the Democratic presidential nod demonstrates that voters are "tired of being divided - by race, by religion, by region, by red states, blue states."
The Illinois senator was flanked by the state's two top Democratic officeholders, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, both of whom have been mentioned as potential nominees for vice president. He lavished praise on both men, calling them "two of the finest public servants in our country."
Kaine, an old friend and early endorser, stepped up to back him when most other Democratic officeholders were worried that he was too young or too inexperienced to seek the presidency, Obama said. Webb withheld his endorsement until the rally, but Obama said, "I'm going to be proud fighting with him, alongside him."
As winners of statewide office in a state that has voted Republican in the last 10 presidential elections, Kaine and Webb have been touted as the kind of moderate Democrats whom Obama needs to woo undecided voters in swing states.
Both men are white Southerners, a constituency considered problematic for Obama, the first black candidate to capture a major party's presidential nomination. Obama carried white voters decisively in the state's primary in February but was outpolled among whites by New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in most later contests.
Webb, a former Navy secretary and much-decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, has drawn particular attention as a possible Obama running mate; his military background could be especially valuable to Obama, who did not serve in the military.
Webb also has been riding a wave of national publicity thanks to his sponsorship of landmark legislation to extend World War II-style GI bill college aid benefits to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Introducing Obama at the Nissan event, Webb recalled that Thursday was the 40th anniversary of his swearing-in as a Marine officer. Hours before that ceremony, Sen. Robert Kennedy was assassinated in the midst of a presidential campaign; weeks before that, the slaying of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. shocked the country and triggered riots in black communities.
"The United States of 2008 is also a troubled place, in a quieter but equally disturbing way," Webb said. He said Obama has shown "the steadiness that we want to see in a commander in chief" and called him "a man of great intellect who over the past 16 months has impressed all of us as he stood up to unprecedented attacks... with unstoppable composure."
Earlier in the day, Obama appeared at an event in Bristol in southwest Virginia.
Hours before Thursday evening's rally, Webb told reporters he had opted to remain neutral through the primaries out of respect for both Obama and Clinton, both of whom campaigned on his behalf in 2006.
Webb predicted that Obama will carry the Old Dominion this fall and promised to "get behind him with everything I have."
Kaine marveled Thursday that recent Democratic victories like his in 2005 and Webb's a year later have made Virginia a presidential battleground. Early polls show Obama and Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, essentially deadlocked in the state.
"Who would have thought this, the opening day... and the campaign starts in Virginia?" Kaine said.
The governor told reporters earlier this week that he's not interested in the vice presidency but would accept the nomination if Obama offered it. Webb deflected questions Thursday about what he'd say to a similar request, telling reporters that the choice of a running mate is "Sen. Obama's show in every sense of the word."
Webb said he expects Obama's choice to be influenced both by politics - who will help the ticket - and by "who he is going to want in that position in terms of putting a government together."
Obama campaigned Thursday in two corners of Virginia that he'll need to carry decisively if he is to break the GOP's presidential winning streak. Kaine and Webb each claimed upwards of 60 percent of the vote in Northern Virginia, the state's most populous region, and cut into Republican margins in rural areas like the far southwestern region Obama visited earlier in the day.
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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brigitte
Sorry you don't understand what a gut feeling is. I honestly don't think we have heard all we will hear about BO being a racist. Nothing goofy about that, I fear it's a reality.
Georges61555
I have no clue what's wrong with your "gut feeling". I do know you did not use your brain when you said you are afraid of Senator Obama. Equally "goofy" is your question "is Senator Obama a racist".
P.S. This is my last post to this column!
Brigitte
Have you ever had a gut feeling? My gut tellme that I am afraid of BO. I am not a racist, but is BO one?
Right to vote
Phrong and falcanski, I beg to differ. The ability to vote is a right as well as a responsibility. Because the Constitution may not specifically mention a “right to vote”, that doesn’t preclude it as a right. Per the 9th amendment “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” See also the 12th, 15th,19th and 26th amendments.
And while we do not directly elect the president (the electoral college does) we elect the electors. If a majority of Virginians vote for any particular presidential candidate, they receive all of our electoral votes.
So it is possible that a candidate will receive more actual votes, but not enough Electoral College votes, but this is rare. It just happens to have had happened recently. Thus far it has happened 4 times, 1824, 1876, 1888, and 2000. I doubt there’s any guarantee that Virginias votes will go to JM. There’s a good chance they will not.
Georges61555
I don't believe in miracles, I am a realist. However, there is no doubt in my mind that America will be so much better off with a President Obama than a President McCain. I don't want to change your mind nor anyone else. I just want people to do their homework and inform themselves as much as they can about both candidates. I also believe there is only ONE way to change the corrupt political way of Washington, and that is mandatory term limits!
Bridgette
The war did happen and continues to happen. We cannot wish it away. No one will be able to end it immediately not even BO. Yes, the economy has suffered as well as lives because of it. The economy is my main concern add to that Health Care, and we have BO who won't do any more than McCain because of our Senate.
Hammer away about BO all you want to, but I see empty words, cult hype generated by the news media. The golden darling boy, messiah, rock star or whatever else you or the media wants to call BO is entirely up to you, but let me assure you, you will not change my mind.
Wasting your vote!
If you cast a vote for Barack
Turn the hands ahead on the clock
You will wish that your brain
Had told you McCain
Or to write in a crusty old sock.
LOL.
Georges61555
Please, go to "www.congressmerge.com" to read Sen.Obama's voting history.
Imagine, if McCain and H. Clinton and the other Senators would have had the good judgment of Sen. Obama and realized that the illegal invasion of Iraq was wrong! Just how many innocent lives would have been saved! Just how many lives would have been spared the pain and agony of this horrible catastrophe. Imagine, the financial situation of the country without the "war" in Iraq. Imagine, America's position and image as World leader, if the "war" had not happened. I truly believe, that after 8 years of incompetent and dishonest "leadership", enough Americans see the light and will vote for the right candidate. By the way, I am and always have been an INDEPENDENT voter.
Lores you have been fined
There should be a comma after "post" and you forgot an apostrophe in "arent"
I kid I kid. Im a Obama supporter and must say I cannot stand it when someone responds to a substantive comment with: well you are wrong because you omitted pressing a key on your keyboard
**Grammar police: I made at least 5 mistakes in my comment above, can you find them?? Just trying to keep your little minds entertained**
CAN AN GEORGE McCAIN SUPPORTER HELP ME OUT
Since George McCain has been a senator since 1986 I’m looking for someone to list for me 5 accomplishments he has made while in the Senate. I know there are thousands to choose from but I’m only looking for 5 and if you get real desperate I’ll take 3. Surely since he has been in the Senate for over 30 years and he is full of experience listing 5 accomplishments will not be a hard thing to do. Also I would like for someone to list for me a few of his current policy proposals and how they will benefit Americans. John McCain is a war hero and no one will deny that he is a true patriot, but I need someone to give me a listing of accomplishments he made while in the senate and future policies he will put in place as President. I here a lot of people talk about experience and I need to see examples that show what he has done with all his years of experience
Go ahead vote for McCain
I noticed several McCain supporters here. I think every vote for McCain should come with a contract to be conscripted in to military service. So the minute McCain starts attacking every country on the globe, you can go ahead and die for the cause. I will bet my last dollar McCain will have pushed us into wars with Iran and North Korea, and possibly even Venezuela, given enough time in office, and enough initial support, which as Bush has proven, is simple, given the ease of which false intellegence and fiery rhetoric can incite the average congressional member to a frenzy level.
Im no Obama supporter, and would normally vote for the Green Party faced with this situation, however, I will likely vote for Obama simply to keep John McCain as far away from any position of incredible power as possible.
best of 2 evils
our county is going to have to decided the best of the 2 evils running. No matter who wins the election someone is going to lose. it will be the people who lose no dought. what a shame it has come to this. what a shame.
Ira
This race is about choices. This is one of many legislative initiatives that Obama has sponsored or backed. In this case, Obama chose to support the families of soldiers suffering from combat-related injuries. This initiative, by supporting their families, also supports the injured soldiers as well. Some people think this is a good idea. You obviously do not. That is your choice, and a choice that i suspect is in the minority. Those soldiers are fighting over there so that you can sit on this board and complain about legislation that helps them and their families. Nice.
I really need to learn to
I really need to learn to re-read before I post for grammar and spelling. I hope the spelling police arent trolling.
Sad fact is a true
Sad fact is a true conservative we have seen in many years. I think liberals and moderates would be happy with Mc Cain. Obama and I fall on different ends of the spectrum.
JM or BO..
Stop wasting time arguing which liberal candidate wins but concentrate on who can deal effectively with the likes of Iran's wacko president whose determined to build nuclear weapons and all the other middle eastern countries that have hated the U.S. long before Bush. If y'all are so concerned about your children's future, health and welfare, then put some thought into your vote! Appeasement will gain nothing!
Thanks TR
"Sponsored amendment to the State Children's Health Insurance Program providing 1 year of job protection for family members caring for soldiers with combat-related injuries."
Any employers out there? I am sure you feel good and warm about this legislation TR, but some of us end up with multiple people in a position we cannot afford. Thanks for pointing out his socialist position in a righ tto work state.
Now get to explaining the benefits of ILLEGAL ALIENS getting drivers licenses. Since this Obama supports it, perhaps one of you can step up and tell us why he backs this idea?
Just to say
Jan. 2009: "End of an error". Bush leaves such a mess for all of us and our great, great, great grandchildren to clean up and pay for. It is time for a change. I fully support Obama. More power to him. And good luck writing in someone.
Scoops88...
Saddly, you are right again. JM or BO will be president. But my conscience will be clear when the country goes down to third world status I can stand up and say "see, I told you so". When we, the American people, actually discover that the RNC and the DNC have highjacked this country we will be able to make a stand against their system. Face it folks, most Americans are nothing more than marionettes. The RNC and the DNC have you all on a string and you do their bidding. Cut the strings, declare your independance, and live free.
three little socialists...
Who cares what these three goobers think. They want to take us down the terrible road of socialism (like any of Obama's expansive promises would ever be passed). Webb has a chip on his shoulder after being fired in the 1980's. He's just simply an odd cut man.
This war, oops, I mean police action, was necessary now or later. Should've been 10 years ago. If we don't quit sticking our proverbial heads in the sand and pretenting the outside world can't touch us, we are in for five times the trauma to us, our way of life, and our young warriors. Why when it comes to politics does everyone develop short memeories? 2007/8 has been extemely successful effort over there. Let's see it to the end, and let's stay the course with capitalism. And let's be prepared for the next tragedy within our borders that wil surely come with this naive, recordless, radical, racist appeasing Senator in office. Personally I don't think he stands a chance. It's John Kerry all over again. The Dems lost their best chance (thanks to the Mich & Fla primary debacles) in Hillary Clinton...NBot that she much better.....GO JOHN MCCAIN!!! DRILL OFFSHORE & ALASKA NOW!!!
Electoral College
To further Phrog's point, the electoral college elects the president, not any of us, which has been proven in the last two elections by the current president. Bush was the third president to be elected without the popular vote. Additonally, you can count on the fact that the Virginia electoral college votes will go to JM, so casting your ballot here will be for moral fulfillment only. Don't get me wrong, I vote, but that's the way it works.
Choices......
JM or BO??? JM: More deaths of our service men and women needlessly. More deaths of innocent foreigners that, (if they haven't figured out how to get along in the last 5000 years without killing each other,like we have in the last 200), won't solve a thing. Bigger deficit. Larger government. Remember, if you vote for JM, or the past administration of GWB, all those deaths are counted against your soul and are never wiped clean. St Peter will be turning you away.
BO: Unknown. Change. Hmmmm?? I am not afraid. I choose change...unless, of course Kaine is chosen as VP, then I will have to vote for Ron Paul. We must retain a sense of humor.
Brigitte
"It's not about agreeing with me. It's about cutting off your nose to spite your face. It's about flip-flopping. It's about being childish, not getting your way. As for me, I'm happy to vote for Senator Obama. He is an intelligent, hardworking, patriotic, Christian American. His sound judgment about the illegal invasion of Iraq is but one reason that America needs him desperately."
The only thing BO has going for him is his position on Iraq, and nothing else. The man has no voting recored to dispute or agree with. He is filled with nonsubstance words and no actual plan. If I'm cutting off my nose to spite my face it's my nose and it's not childish either. You can vote for whomever you want to, I really don't care, but you will never convince anyone to vote for BO by calling them names. If BO starts to walk on water then I may reconsider. Are you sure you arean't a Republican?
Obama's VP
Barack Obama will pick retired general Wesley Clark for vice president. (if he's smart)
My life...
Joyce, you are day dreamming, what you speak of only happens in movies. I will bet my life and my families that either McCain or Obama will be Prez. Does anyone want to take that bet. Phrog, I will agree that voting does give you the right to say "I didn't vote for him" when things are bad and "Thats my man" when things are good. So with that said I see a reason to wait in line.
So Skoop
Are you saying that an election is useless. Folks won't get stirred up enough to derail the system. If that is true, then this country deserves what it gets.
Voting is not a right.
I forgot to mention something that very few people realize. Voting for President of the United States is NOT a right. There is nothing in the Cunstitution that grants the RIGHT to vote for President of the United States. We are only guarenteed the right to vote for our representatives.
All votes count
There is no such thing as a wasted vote except for the vote that did not get cast.
I figure that by writing in either Duncan Hunter or Ron Paul, at least when this country is handed over to the UN or Iran, I still have a right to complain. Anyone who does not vote will not have a dog in this fight and should kindly shut the heck up.
Skoops is right again!!!!!
Write in's don't work. Either Obama or McCain is going to be president.
It may be hot as blazes here...
but it's still feezing in the antarctic. So, the global part of it is not all together accurate.
I'll try not to make it a habit of agreeing with you if it will make you feel better.