Ezra Klein: But Kaine He Do It?*

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January 21, 2006

But Kaine He Do It?*

The decision to have Tim Kaine deliver the SOTU response just looks weirder and weirder. Setting aside the ideological objections raised by Shakes and Arianna, the guy just lacks the technical talents for the role. Were he a new face with the rhetorical abilities of, say, Barack Obama, I'd be more sanguine. But Kaine is, at best, a functional speaker, not an orator for the history books. And nor is he a good looking dude who could put an attractive, fresh face on the party. He's a squat, squinty, pug-nosed fellow who just won an election that largely revolved around retail politics and the endorsement of his predecessor. I realize the leadership has read their Wallis and resolved to convince voters that Democrats really do adore the Baby Jesus, but the SOTU-response really isn't the time or the place for straining demonstrations of religiosity.

*Apologies about the pun -- I don't know what came over me.

January 21, 2006 | Permalink

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Comments

Don't apologize, I like the pun.

Posted by: MarvyT | Jan 20, 2006 10:27:53 PM

In other words, is Kaine able?

Posted by: shingles | Jan 20, 2006 10:30:47 PM

Puns are not cool.

MarvyT, Shingles, please don't encourage him.

Posted by: Stephen | Jan 20, 2006 11:47:22 PM

While scratching my butt wondering who makes these decisions on which person speaks for the Democrats, it occurs to me that the obvious answer is that noone does. Reid, Pelosi, Dean? Hardly. And a trio would just be ridiculous, right?

They can't choose any other possible candidates for the Presidentcy in 08 - that would be favoritism. They can't choose Gore or Kerry because they are losers (in someone's mind, for sure).

The choice, by whoever made the choice, does send a message however. The message seems to say here's a guy with no record of executive governance who just got elected in a purplish/red state so well choose him to get mauled by the traditional media and the wingnuts. It can't hurt him too much.

Posted by: JimPortandOR | Jan 21, 2006 3:43:16 AM

If one were a real conspiracy theorist, this would be a set-up for Mark Warner, wherein Kaine turns in a Gary Lock-esque performance and dampens enthusiasm for Virginia Democrats.

Though, I really think this is just about giving the guy a leg up in his home state. The only other option is to maybe have one or all the Mountain West governors up there.

Posted by: Nicholas Beaudrot | Jan 21, 2006 7:18:13 AM

Nyuk-Nyuk.

Although I remember last year's response, which was hardly anything special. The highlight was Harry Reid's crazy-grandpaesque reference to Bill Murray's "Groundhog Day." Whatever Kaine does will shine in comparison.

Posted by: Pepper | Jan 21, 2006 4:19:03 PM

don't you mean "I don't know what kaine over me?"

Posted by: Dan | Jan 22, 2006 4:50:26 PM

I googled Kaine, and Ezra is right he is butt ugly. :)

Posted by: Sonny | Jan 27, 2006 5:19:49 PM

Tim Kaine is an exceptional person. The pundits who are screaming so loudly don't have a clue what it takes to get elected in the real world.

If Dems don't learn the importance of having candidates who are capable of speaking clearly and directly to regular people, they can give up hopes of becoming the majority party.

Posted by: Jerry Gray | Jan 27, 2006 10:55:16 PM

"...And nor is he a good looking dude who could put an attractive, fresh face on the party. He's a squat, squinty, pug-nosed fellow..."

Nice. Are you speaking for the Democratic Party or the After Party? Moron.

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