The Nation -" Liberal Bloggers --Tim Kaine isn't the problem"

[Catchawave]

Katrina vanden Heuvel
Sun Jan 29, 11:34 AM ET



The Nation -- Why are so many liberal bloggers up in arms about Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine being picked to give the Democrat's reply to Bush's State of the Union? There's been fury in the blogosphere about everything from Kaine's looks, style, obscurity, his open talk about his faith and his inexperience in national security. Liberal writer Ezra Klein (no Brad Pitt, last time I checked him out) vented that Kaine is "a squat, squinty, pug-nosed fellow."

Even the invariably smart and strategic Arianna (Huffington) weighed in: "What the hell are they thinking?" She accused Democrats of picking "someone whose only claim to fame is that he carried a red state" when they need to make the case that "the GOP is not the party that can best keep us safe."

But, let's get real here.

1. It doesn't really matter who gives the reply, since no one listens and it's an impossible task.

2. This is slightly less important than whether House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi chooses to wear blue or red to listen to the speech.

Cont'd.....http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20060129/cm_thenation/754053;_ylt=AqlIS3xOxX2IU7RT5hFsppg__8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBidHQxYjh2BHNlYwN5bnN0b3J5

[joemurphy]

1. I haven't seen anyone knocking Kaine here. Get real. n/t

[Catchawave]

4. I haven't seen many....

but there are a few negative comments scattered through the threads.

I think he'll DU us proud :hi:

[Virginia Dare]

2. I think he will silence the critics after the speach...eom

[NMDemDist2]

6. Welcome to DU Virginia Dare

:hi:

[FSogol]

3. Kaine is a good guy. I'm sure he will do well.

Why not give the Nation some new Democratic faces? Its easy for the right and Moderates to ignore Kennedy, Clinton, Kerry, etc.

[catabryna]

5. I didn't see any personal attacks...

but, I did see a lot of posts from those who believed John Murtha would have been more appropriate. However, now that the "script" is out, perhaps Kaine is a better choice since it appears that, while Iraq will certainly be an issue, this will be an "election year" rally fest and will include more domestic issues like the economy, health care, etc. If this is indeed the case then, perhaps, it is a good idea to have a very successful Dem from a red state on hand to really hammer at these issues. I may not agree with all of his positions, but we are looking at someone who seems to be able to talk to the folks who seem to vote against their own best interests.

[Catchawave]

7. Here ya go....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2426939

Glad I'm not the only one worried :hi:

[catabryna]

9. Well, ya don't look at the board for one day...

Arghhhhh... but, isn't it fortunate that our tent is big enough for all of us! I still think that he has a better than average chance of reaching some of those people who would turn off the tv at the sight of Clinton or Kerry. Were it to have been my personal choice, I would probably have chosen John Edwards, but who cares what I think anyway??? :P I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say and I'm one of those who is taking a wait-and-see approach. I've been in the minority before, I can handle it!

[Catchawave]

8. ...and again

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2424930&mesg_id=2424930

...geesh.

[Skittles]

10. I think IndianaGreen is asking a legitimate question

yes INDEED