Warner likely to give speech lacking in attacks

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: August 26, 2008

Many of the political analysts have said the first night of the Democratic Convention in Denver was a mixed bag. It was successful at painting a portrait of Barack Obama as a normal person and family man. It filled in some of the holes in his personal biography. But, those same analysts as well as Republican and even some Democratic strategists complained that the first night did not successfully draw distinct contrasts between the Democrats and the Republicans.

I heard over and over this morning on all of the morning talk shows that the Democrats must start attacking John McCain and George Bush if this convention is going to help Obama. The convention is only four nights, meaning there are only three nights left to draw those contrasts.

Well, don’t expect it to happen on night two… at least from the convention’s keynote speaker. Mark Warner will deliver that address tonight. Yesterday, over the phone Warner told the Virginia press corps that his speech will be “typical Warner.” That means it will be bipartisan, bland, and likely congenial.

Warner’s term in office was marked by his ability to work with Republicans and his hesitancy to openly attack the opposition. It has become the central theme of his campaign for the US Senate. We have all heard Warner say his goal in the Senate will be to create a “radical band of centrist senators.” He says it in almost EVERY speech.

All of that means that Warner is likely to give a speech that will highlight his bipartisan approach to governing and how it has helped turn Virginia from a deep red state to a state that is currently purple and possibly leaning blue. He’ll likely talk about competence in governing, how government can help people and how we can more wisely spend taxpayer money.

All of that is “typical” Warner and it means there will not likely be any red meat for the convention goers tonight. So, if you’re tuning in tonight ready to hear Mark Warner blast John McCain or tear apart the Bush record, you may leave disappointed.