2/2/06: Citizen Kaine: Discovering a Rosebud for the Democratic Party?

Under normal circumstances the minority party response to the President’s State of the Union Address (SOTU) is the last thing people talk about. Most recently Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s commentary or House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s vetting left a lot to be desired. This week, however, the minority party response was given by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Remember this one.

Tim Kaine is a Democrat. Tim Kaine is a recently elected Democratic governor from a southern state, Virginia. Tim Kaine is a recently elected Democratic governor from a southern state, Virginia which has consistently voted for George W. Bush, Bob Dole, George H.W. Bush. . .all Republicans. Democrats see an opportunity.

Politics is about winning. Democrats want to win back the White House in 2008. They will need to win a southern state to do so. Tim Kaine’s name has been mentioned as that possible candidate. The first rule in politics - get mentioned. Next rule?

Gain a personal following. And how do you do that? Make public appearances and be likeable. Enter Governor Tim Kaine on Tuesday night. Listen carefully, however, he did not sound like your ordinary Democrat.

“Hello I’m Tim Kaine and I was a missionary.”

“Hello I’m Tim Kaine and I favor tax cuts.”

“Hello I’m Tim Kaine and I have received a higher calling, . . . to be a servant, . . . to advocate for family values. . . all of which are based upon my faith . . . because remember I was a missionary.”

“Hello I’m Tim Kaine and my wife is the daughter of former Republican Governor of Virginia Linwood Holton.”

“Hello I’m Tim Kaine and I was awarded for my Project Exile program as mayor of Richmond which dramatically lowered crime rates.”

“Hello I’m Tim Kaine and I sound a lot like a Republican because that is the only way we Democrats have a chance in 2008 to win back the White House.”

Democrats, after this year’s SOTU, have discovered their Rosebud - Citizen Kaine. It may be the Democrat’s greatest show ever.

You heard it here first.