Election still up in the air

By Nate Delesline III

Published: September 7, 2008

Regions of Virginia traditionally seen as Republican strongholds and independent voters will help decide the November presidential election, say two noteworthy players on the national political scene.

Virginia Democratic Senator Jim Webb and Susan Eisenhower, an author, political consultant, and expert on foreign policy and energy issues, visited the Culpeper area Sunday afternoon to attend a Democratic fundraiser. Both took time out after the event to share their thoughts on this year’s race to the White House.

Sen. Webb embraces change
“I believe that this country is going through a real key change in terms of how we view the issues that are confronting us and who we believe can bring forward the answers to solve the problems,” Webb said.

Although Virginia has long been seen as a Republican dominated area, Webb said he senses a tangible shift away from a dogmatic adherence to traditional party lines.

“If you look at the Democratic party in Virginia in recent years, I think people tend to believe that leaders who really want to solve problems, leaders who really want to solve issues, are the leaders that people are voting for regardless of party,” said Webb. “People want answers, people want leaders who are going to work toward finding answers rather than stirring resentment.”

Webb also said that Virginia residents, not leaders, will determine if the state shifts from Republican red to Democratic blue and elects the Democratic party’s nominee, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

“The last three statewide races have gone to the Democrats, said Webb. “This year, I think if the people in South Central and South Side Virginia — where manufacturing bases have been hit so hard — will step up and trust Obama, I think that’s mainly the battleground area as to whether Virginia will move toward Obama.”

Webb also praised Obama’s selection of Delaware Senator Joe Biden as the vice-presidential pick.

“I think Obama’s choice of Joe Biden is a good signal to this country about how important he believes governing is — not just campaigning, but governing.”

Webb also cited surveys that indicate that as many as 80 percent of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and said the current political climate is fueling the fire.

“I think you see a greater emphasis on personal attacks and character assassinations rather than differences in issues,” Webb said.

“A big challenge for any administration is how you move legislation through the congress. That was the great weakness of (President Jimmy) Carter’s administration,” said Webb. “Biden knows the legislative process as well as anyone alive.”

Eisenhower an independent leaning Democratic
Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also agreed that the focus in this election seems at times to be misdirected.

A longtime Republican, Eisenhower recently left the party, identified herself as an independent, and addressed the Democratic National Convention on the last night of the convention.

“It’s interesting that we’re now back focused on experience only,” she said. “I think judgment is a huge part of this. And Sen. Obama has shown exceptional judgment to choose somebody of Sen. Biden’s background. He is a heavyweight in the foreign policy-national security realm and it also shows that Sen. Obama is comfortable with having powerful people around him. This is absolutely critical.

Voters who haven’t made up their minds will also be key players this November, said Eisenhower.

“I think independents are going to be very important. What you see going on is everybody is making a real effort to try and persuade the Republicans and the Democrats who are in play and of course to bring online this very large group of Americans who’ve opted not to be with one party or another.”

Eisenhower also noted that this is the first election in decades that doesn’t have an incumbent in the race.

“You can see people coming into this political season who have been apathetic, indifferent or alienated. I think frankly not only exciting, but really very heartening,” Eisenhower said. “This shows that our democracy has some vibrancy and all of us need to see that.”

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or .