Keynoters Off Key This Year

Mark Warner gave a very successful campaign speech in his almost certainly successful race for the U.S. Senate---as the keynoter at the Democratic Convention. While consistent with the message that made him a popular, successful Virginia Governor, this speech was ill suited to the needs of his party. Though not accustomed to quoting Nora O'Donnell, I credit her with recognizing the problem: his speech was about governing, not winning elections. Ironically, the brief speech by Governor Schweitzer of Montana that followed was a real stemwinder, and much needed just prior to Hillary Clinton.

But, how, pray tell, can we pre-judge the upcoming keynote turn by Rudy Guiliani at the GOP Convention? First, I find it astounding that he would be chosen after running the most spectacularly unsuccessful campaign for President of any Republican in modern history. Second, he has already stepped in it this week by proclaiming loudly that no one should occupy the Oval Office with prior executive experience....here that, Senator McCain. And third, Rudy Guiliani's track record both in and out of office mark him as first and foremost a self-serving opportunist, replete with all the shady connections that almost always go hand-in-hand with such opportunism. Other than that, I have no opinion.

- Richard Holcomb