February 12, 2008
Field Report: McCain goes to Richmond
With the Virginia primary just one day away, Sen. McCain ventured into the heart of the Old Dominion today in order to make his case to Commonwealth voters. The event took place at the Virginia Aviation Museum in Richmond, which was packed to the brim with McCainiacs of all ages. I can’t speak to this observation with any precision, but it did seem that the majority of attendants were either older folks or young people. Seniors and college students abounded, while middle aged Virginians seemed underrepresented. Perhaps it was due to the timing of the event; Mac was to arrive at 5:30 pm. Still, I’d like to think that the McCain groundswell represents the Greatest Generation coming together with my own Generation X to take back the country from the Baby Boomers. And who can blame us?
The Virginia Republican establishment was present and accounted for. Jerry Kilgore, Jim Gilmore, George Allen, and John Warner were all on stage with McCain. Even Lawrence Eagleburger, former Secretary of State under Reagan, was in attendance. As former Sen. Allen spoke to the crowd, I began to understand why so many conservatives supported his fledgling presidential run before his Senate loss. While it doesn’t translate well over the airwaves, George Allen brings with him a very strong presence when he enters a room, and when he speaks, he’s sort of a combination of Dr. Phil and a football coach, uplifting and therapeutic all at once. Again, you sort of have to see him in person to experience his charisma, which seems lacking on television. John Warner spoke briefly as well, and was dignified and to the point.
Then came the man of the hour. Sen. McCain looked alive and vibrant. He is clearly running a distinctly conservative campaign. He touched on the broad conservative themes of keeping taxes low, cutting spending, defending life, appointing conservative judges, and winning the war on terror and the war in Iraq. He pointed out the difference between what he will do and what the Democrats will do on these issues. He seemed most passionate when he talked about spending and about the war, which is to be expected. But make no mistake about it, John McCain is running to lead the Republican Party, and he demonstrated that once again tonight, both by his words and through the company he keeps.
http://race42008.com/2008/02/12/field-report-mccain-goes-to-richmond/trackback/
February 12th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Its interesting who he chose to be by his side in VA as opposed to just a few days ago. Of course it makes sense to have the eminent John Warner and Sec Eagleburger there (Gilmore and Kilgore are a different story), but where are the Graham/Gramm twins and Lieberman? Is this just a VA show or is it a conservative campaign from now on? I also wonder if its a bit dicey to be with George Allen.
February 12th, 2008 at 1:33 am
He wants the local talent there with him while he campaigns in the state. Here in Florida, Senator Martinez and Comrade Crist were both campaigning with McCain up until the primary date.
February 12th, 2008 at 1:35 am
Different dog and pony show for each state.
February 12th, 2008 at 2:10 am
That has not been the case thus far. There was Giuliani in CA, Lieberman in NH and in FL, Crist in NY, etc. In other words, he dropped the jew and gays when he went dixie.
February 12th, 2008 at 2:10 am
“Sen. McCain looked alive and vibrant.”
The fact this needs mentioning is rather telling.
February 12th, 2008 at 3:22 am
#4. . . A politician playing identity politics? I’m shocked. Just. . .shocked.
February 12th, 2008 at 4:14 am
Will Huck finally concede?
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTBhYjhmYmEyZjZmMTM1MDNkN2RmYWM3Njc1NTQ2NjA=
February 12th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Alaska # 4
It actually happens a lot, maybe more than you think. It is really nothing to be surprised about.
February 12th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Another photo of a bunch of grey hairs?
February 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Word on the Ground alot of Republicans crossing over to vote for Hillary thinking she be easy to beat.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Paul8148,
Anyone who thinks Hillary’s going to be an easy opponent needs to have their head examined. One should never underestimate a Clinton… EVER. That said, its not surprising; I’ve heard like minded Republicans talk about supporting her during the primary season.
Travis
February 12th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Oh I agree, she has the best chance to win AK and Maybe Tenn. But that not what this people think
February 12th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
wow - interesting group of people
February 12th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
#8. . . I know. I was being sarcastic.
#12. . . Obama could win Alaska. Hillary most certainly cannot. Unless by AK you meant Arkansas, which is AR.