Wilder for Webb?

Raising Kaine has an interesting quote up from Doug Wilder:

Wilder told the Free Press that "he would keep searching for [Virginia State] Sen. Lambert's justification for backing Sen. Allen, who has voted for the policies of Republican President George W. Bush 97 percent of the time."  Wilder added that he was "mystified" and "wanted to know the reason."

Ouch.  Good questions Mr. Mayor.

Comments

Doug Wilder will get some answers when he reads the morning RTD.

I certainly disagree with Lambert’s decision to endorse Allen, but reading the below article does provide me with a better understanding of why he crossed over. This is a very well written column, and the Webb campaign will have to spend time on Friday to deal with it:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&%09s=1045855935174&c=MGArticle&cid=1149190632147&path=!news!columnists

Michael Paul Mitchell of RTD writes:

Webb has hardly embraced -- or been embraced by -- the black voter base so crucial to his election. Invoking the name and words of former President Ronald Reagan in an advertisement, which Webb did to the consternation of Nancy Reagan, is hardly the move to energize black voters.

and

Still, many assumed that the disaffected would fall into (party) line. Why did Lambert cross that line instead? "Money," he replied. "Not for me, but historically black institutions throughout America." According to Lambert, Allen has committed to obtaining $450 million in federal funds for historically black colleges and universities. The prospect resonates with Lambert, who in 1959 earned a degree in math from Virginia Union University and now sits on the school's board of trustees. The incumbent, he says, has the clout to get that money. Webb, he says, does not.

and

But wasn't Lambert concerned about Allen's well-burnished reputation for racial insensitivity? "I've really had conversations about everything he's said and everything he's done," he replied. "I think he's in a position now that he's got to really show he's respectable, and he's not going to do those things again, and he's going to support good causes."

and

Lambert's move was made easier by a clumsy Democratic challenger who blind to the truism that Real Republican trumps Lite Republican -- seems intent on ignoring his base. "You've got two people running," Lambert said. "One is a Reaganite and one is a Bushite. I mean, what is the difference?"

Oops, sorry.

Should read Michael Paul Williams. I’m embarrassed.

In the same article, Wilder explicitly said he wasn't endorsing anyone - yet.

So, what'll push him over the edge? I for one suggest a deluge of phone calls and emails from overenthusiastic white bloggers breathlessly telling him what to do.

Why did Lambert cross that line instead?

"Money," he replied. "Not for me, but historically black institutions throughout America."

[plunge]

"I for one suggest a deluge of phone calls and emails from overenthusiastic white bloggers breathlessly telling him what to do."

Ha, now THAT'S an amusing thought. Of course, those nuts at RK might actually take it seriously. If so, I shall only have to shake my head...

[t]

Just curious, should all bloggers now start identifying themselves by their race? What an insensitive and offensive suggestion - it's no wonder you did not post your name.

[Poli-Carp]

t,

I think Anon 1:57 meant it as a joke. He never said they were to identify themselves as white. He implied that Wilder wasn't going to pay any attention to a bunch of frantic emails. Maybe we need sense of humor lessons?

Indeed - the point was that the lefty blogosphere seems to have convinced itself that the only way to win elections is to "fight back" relentlessly whenever you're slighted. I guess this attitude dates back to the Swift Boat ad; you often hear "oh, if Kerry had just fought back he would have been fine, Republicans have a 'noise machine,' etc."

Well, no. Republicans don't win because they fight loud, they win because they fight smart. They have a more sophisticated voter file and they're better at turning out their voters.

At this point, Lowell and co. just attack anything Allen says, which is a waste of both time and resources.

When someone slights Jim Webb, you won't win them over by harrassing them, as Lowell suggested folks do to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.

[UVA08]

"Why did Lambert cross that line instead?

"Money," he replied. "Not for me, but historically black institutions throughout America.""

Yeah Lambert, but what exactly do we have to give up in return for that money? More judges who will curtail civil rights like Alito and Roberts? More of the same in Iraq? More Bush-Economics that have resulted in more and more people dropping into poverty? Afterall research shows that when the economy tanks Blacks are disproportionately affected. Or how about the elimination of affirmative action Mr. Lambert being that Allen is opposed to it in all forms? That way Black enrollment in colleges can drop across the nation the way it has in California schools. How about a soaring deficit for our children (myself included being that I am only 20) to pay off? How about cuts in student loans and financial aid? The list goes on and on. Lambert's endorsement is a disgrace, period. That money Allen voted to appropriate to HBCUs hardly compensates for where he stands on everything else.

[Not John S. Mosby]

So my read of this is that Lambert thinks that G. Felix has done a bunch of racially offensive things, but since he's been in the Senate for 6 years he won't do them anymore and can finagle $450m of federal money for black colleges?

I guess if you want to completely sell out, $450m is a decent figure to do so. Of course, what will that dollar amount really be, if any, once and if legislation is approved, and how much will end up going to black Virginia universities?

[Dannyboy]

It's jumping the gun to say if Wilder backs Webb or not. All that this quote shows is that Webb seems to be ahead in that particular race. Wilder can always decide that he supports Allen, but this quote sure makes it seem like he doesn't. Remember, though, that Doug doesn't have to endorse anybody.

UVA08 and NJSM,

I understand your frustration with Lambert, but I think you are missing a key point:

Williams wrote: Lambert's move was made easier by a clumsy Democratic challenger who blind to the truism that Real Republican trumps Lite Republican -- seems intent on ignoring his base. "You've got two people running," Lambert said. "One is a Reaganite and one is a Bushite. I mean, what is the difference?"

Lambert characterized the situation as Reaganite v. Bushite. Webb did not successfully convince Lambert that he will hold true to the Democratic cause and steadfastly support minority concerns in Virginia. Even Dwight Jones has said in public (and screamed in private) that Webb has given black elected leaders little confidence in his future leadership and stewardship of Democratic values. Even Williams points this out in today’s RTD column, bashing Webb for the Reagan advertisement campaign.

Webb had all summer to secure his base. At this point, it is really up to Jim Webb and only Jim Webb. Any of Webb’s surrogates (even Gov. Kaine) may not be able to ease these concerns. That is very frustrating because we are in mid-September—Webb should have taken care of this in June and July.

Whether Webb wins or loses, this episode should be a reminder to all future political candidates to never risk alienating a part of your base during an election campaign, under any circumstances. Just read Williams, who infers that Webb campaign is going down the wrong road at night without headlights.

Misgivings about Webb? Sure there are reasons.

But who honestly believes that Allen and his party are better for the African American community?

[Not Ken Plum]

"But who honestly believes that Allen and his party are better for the African American community?"

Senator Lambert, apparently.

[Bobby]

This quotation shows that Wilder will not endorse Allen. It however is not an endorsement of Webb, who knows if that will come. If it does and if Bobby Scott endorses Webb as well the Lambert endorsement of Allen will have little or no impact.

[Dannyboy]

Bobby is right on. If Webb can get both Wilder and Scott to campaign heavily for him, he'll easily win that demograhpic. The question is...will they? Will give Webb the time of day? Will Wilder endorse anybody this year? Only time will tell.

I only have one question for Senator Lambert: did you vote for George W. Bush? Because, really, George Allen and Bush are pretty much the same politician. Same views, same stances, same strengths/weaknesses.

[Bergdorf Brunette]

Anon 10:15 & Not Ken Plum - how has Webb shown the African American community that HE is better for them??

[Webb Defeats Allen]

There are many statues on the National Mall in Washington DC, but only one statue of a black man. Jim Webb fought for the inclusion of that statue in the Viet Nam memorial and the boots on the statue were crafted directly from Jim Webb's own combat boots.

Jim Webb fought for 7 years to clear the name of a wrongly convicted African American Marine. Even after that marine's untimely death, Webb continued the fight for 3 years, reportedly to bring his mother peace.

What's George Allen done?

[Not Huey Long]

I'll tell ya what George Allen has done...he's hung a noose in his office, wore the rebel flag, campaigned against MLK day, and uttered racial slurs. I dunno...maybe Mr. Lambert should be a little sensitive about these issues, but obviously not!

[Doug in Mount Vernon]

African Americans have been sent to Iraq to die.

African Americans are suffering the consequences of the Bush budget cuts to the poor so the rich can have tax cuts.

African Americans are suffering because the for-profit American health care system is raping the disadvantaged's access to world-class medical care and preventitive services.

African Americans are suffering because NCLB will close their neighborhood schools and abandon the 100-year American promise (a most JEFFERSONIAN promise) to educate ALL children with adequate resources and provide all good opportunities regardless of socioeconomic origin.

African Americans are suffering because of the Bush adminstrations gutting of environmental protections, protections that more often than not affect their neighborhoods.

I could go on.

But you know what, these issues adversely affect ALL Americans.

And a vote for George Allen is a vote for the agenda of George W Bush. Lambert is mistaken, and the Paid Allen Trolls are mistaken to ploy the African American community like they are, because they can think for themselves, and they KNOW who ACTUALLY gives a shit about them (and everyone, for that matter).

And that's why I will tell you that anyone who values progress in America and justice around the World, regardless of their race, will choose to elect the soldier and statesman Jim Webb over the rubber-stamper Senator George "Bush-Man" Allen.

It's as simple as that.

Dannyboy,

Funny thing is, Lambert just told the RTD that he believes that Webb is in that same group as Bush and Allen! That is what is so troubling about the endorsement and this RTD article: We have the first elected Democrat, a long-time black leader who experienced some of the worst episodes of segregation, to come out after the primary and publicly complain that Webb is more of a Republican than anything else. That is a tough pill to swallow.

If Doug Wilder and Bobby Scott remain on the sidelines, it could be perceived that they are unwilling to retort Lambert's claim.

[Poli-Carp]

And remember, Wilder has done some strange things. Scott and Wilder don't need to endorse anyone.

[UVA08]

"Webb did not successfully convince Lambert that he will hold true to the Democratic cause and steadfastly support minority concerns in Virginia."

So he endorses a Republican who has a long record of NOT supporting minority concerns? I still don't get it. Refusing to endorse anyone, I could understand. Endorsing Allen baffles the hell out of me.

Lambert is done in the democratic party. McEachin will primary him and beat his ass.

[Poli-Carp]

Lambert maybe dead in the rest of the state party, but McEachin won't beat him for the Senate. Lambert wouldn't have made this move if he didn't know full well he could hold his seat.