February 10, 2006
Warner In NH, Dayside
During his first trip to NH since leaving the VA gov's office, Mark Warner has found a new way to introduce himself.
"My name is Mark Warner. And I'm unemployed," he quipped this afternoon at Stonyfield Farm, his first stop during a daylong visit to NH that will also include private meetings with Gov. John Lynch (D) George Bruno, the state's '92 Clinton/Gore co-chair; and ex-Rep. Dick Swett (D).
Actually, he explains, "until 30 days ago, I was a state government employee in Virginia. I was the governor."
Here are a few highlights from Warner's visit to Stonyfield (we'll post more following his keynote speech to the sold-out crowd of NH Dems at tonight's 100 Club Dinner):
* In response to a NH Dem's question about what kind of president he would be, Warner came as close as ever to acknowledging he's running. "Well, first of all I have to decide if I'm gonna be a job applicant," he said. "But yes, if you're putting forward ideas, in a way, you are a job applicant."
* Two Warner-esque catch words: Competence and competitiveness. "Competence is important. I never thought that would be such an applause line. But After Katrina, just getting the job done right is so important. Some of the old answers aren't gonna work."
* To no one's surprise, Warner seemed least comfortable talking about Iraq. "OK, let's go back to talking about that Stonyfield stuff," he joked in response to a question about how he would lead the war effort. He then elaborated generally about the need to (a) force more countries to contribute (b) focus on the end game and (c) help Iraqis build a workable govt. Warner: "What we need to hear from the president is what his measure of success is going to be in Iraq. And he has not provided it."
* On whether he would support NH's traditional role as the first-in-the-nation presidential primary: "Let's first cross that bridge, if and when I become a candidate. New Hampshire has a very special role of stewardship. New Hampshire should remain the first primary. Being first has been something that folks here have earned and they have handled that responsibility pretty darn well for more than 100 years. I'm clearly on the record saying that."
* And finally, last but not least, on how he views a race against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: "Senator Clinton is an extraordinarily good senator and a great leader. Whatever she decides to do will have a great impact on the race. But this right now isn't about what anybody decides to do. This is about ideas and a focus on results and how we're gonna compete with those countries that aren't playing for second place. We need to be competitive."
Hmmmmm, in that last sentence, did Warner mean to say countries or candidates?
Posted at 03:05 PM
Comments
Lets go Mark Warner!
NoVADemocrat | 02.10.06 10:13 PM
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no one is comfortable about Iraq. It would be nice if democrat talk about a plan to get out of there. I mission ( if there was such thing ) was over 2 years ago ,it is hi time we get the hell out . The problem is to save face and make it sound like victory
rene levy | 02.11.06 03:27 PM
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I love that word "competence".
It solves many lingering problems that will be left by this incompetent administration
james mancherian | 02.13.06 02:06 PM
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Iraq is again a minefield for all Democrats. Once Bush/Cheney made the horrendous mistake, there simply could be no good way out. Only bad ways and worse ways. Insane as it seems, Iraq could still spell trouble for Democrats. Warner knows this. He's smart.
Bruce Borgerson | 02.13.06 06:39 PM
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Iraq is as big a problem for the republicans as it is for the democrats. Warner doesn't have to spout his own "strategy for sucess" just yet.
Let Bush hang his own hat on the biggest foreign policy mistake in modern American history; it will be what his presidency becomes synonymous with.
Charles | 02.16.06 10:05 AM
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