http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx From NBC's Elizabeth WilnerAfter former Gov. Mark Warner (D) abandoned his fledgling bid and Sen. George Allen (R) lost his seat on election day, it looked like Virginia wasn't going to be represented in the 2008 presidential field, after all. But formeren-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21716Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:21:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21716Seattle SueI'am real happy that the (MACACA)man is going and hopefully will never be seen or heard again.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21742Wed, 20 Dec 2006 18:10:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21742Robert Catalano, Salem, ORVirginia is for lovers, not good Republican politicians.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21756Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:42:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21756J. Merle Stanley, Westchester NYGilmore stands about as much of a chance of getting elected President as Giulliani, Romney, McCain, and Scooby Doo. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21766Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:05:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21766Ron MayAs a Virginian who survived "Governor" Gilmore, let's hope we have more sense than to consider him as "President" Gilmore. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21775Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:44:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21775Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaYou know, having a Virgin in the field might be a good thing for America. Too much experience isn't always a good thing. Virgins bring a positive attitude to things and besides that, a lack of disease. Good things for a President and the taxpayers who pay the White House Doctor Bill. I'm for it, and I think it would be a first for an American President, so to speak.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21782Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:03:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21782WM B DISNEY As a native Virginian I thought he was so much nicer than Allen. Garden variety conservative but not smug or spiteful mean. As Attorney General when black churches were being fire bombed around the South he headed a task force that targetted hate crimes when other Southern AG's investigated the churches for insurance fraud and arsonhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21792Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:27:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21792Still Crazy After All These Yearsi used to watch a TV show called "The Virginain." Is that guy the "Virginian.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21793Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:34:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21793DesmondI have asked a number of people on this blog if they would like to meet me at the Vietnam Memorial. I can comb through the book, and find my cousin's name. so far, I have not received any response. So, I turn my attention to those of you who have been in Vietnam. I do not know if you have been to the Vietnam Memorial. I have been there. do you want to meet up with me? Or is it too painful to even think about now? My question to Vietnam Vets.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21819Thu, 21 Dec 2006 02:09:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21819Robert Catalano, Salem, ORDesmond, thanks for the invite but I visited many years ago and I said my "good-byes" then. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21832Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:52:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21832Barbara, Tullahoma, TNDesmond, we buried my father (a WWII Vet) in Arlington last year. I am not quite ready to go back to Washington this quickly; however, if I were, then my husband (a Vietnam Vet) and I would be honored to meet you at the Wall. Good luck with your continued quest.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21843Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:40:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21843Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaDesmond. I lived in Baltimore during the mid-eighties and remember the turmoil surrounding the choice of the memorial. I knew the spot chosen, but I haven't been there since it's been built. I always felt it would be a very sad moment, should I ever see it. I have come to the conclusion that it isn't so much for me, there when it happened, as it is for the families and friends of the people named there. It makes the loss (literally in some cases, when no body was found) palpable, final if you will. Those I knew who ended up there, were lost to me first, before eventually being lost to their kin. I think, therefore, it is for them, for you, Desmond. Those of you who still can't completely fathom what happened, but know it did, by the presence of that name you go to the Wall, searching for. That is my view. If I was there, I'd go with you if you wished, but if you go alone, you'll feel the same.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21897Thu, 21 Dec 2006 05:19:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21897Constantine Onassis, Des MoinesCedar Falls has suffered a rent in the cerebral hymen of intellectual pursuits.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21965Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:13:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21965Dirk, Brunswick, GeorgiaDesmond- I'm not a Vietnam vet, but I do express my dismay at the absence of a GW Bush-type candidate in '08. The GOP should stand proud for GW Bush, not abandon him. What happened to that much touted GOP quality called party-loyalty? Various GOPers are echoing Reagan, rather than GW Bush. Where is the GOP pres. candidate in the Bush-mold? You know, the aristocratic wayward son of a famous man, but is friendly with a downhome, country-boy quality, and suddenly everyone realizes he outta be President (a'la' Spring of '99)---where is that GOP candidate? Where? I am astounded that the GOP isn't touting Bush for a third (3rd) term--or backing a candidate just like him.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#21993Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:14:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:21993kim , Crofton, MdThe only Republican I could support out of Virginia would be John Warner, and at 80-something, he is just too old to run. Warner has served his state and country well, and is a gentleman of integrity. Gilmore will be at the bottom of the GOP's slate of candidates. He's not well-known nationally, and even Virginia might not elect him today, as the state has become more progressive-especially Northern Virginia.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22011Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:43:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22011The Edge, Macon GADirk...surely you jest?? It would be easy for the GOP to find a 'Bush-like' candidate...just look under a dumpster trash can lid, there will be plenty of maggots there.. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22017Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:52:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22017Craig, ArlingtonGilmore did *not* campaign "famously on cutting the state's car tax." He campaigned on *eliminating* the car tax. And we're still paying it. He can't be trusted.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22032Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:21:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22032Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaDesmond. I don't think you'll have to worry about running into Dirk at the Memorial, he's too busy hijacking subjects to derail into Dubyatalk. And you won't see Dubya there, either, unless it's a must-have photo-op. The name Vietnam, let alone Vietnam War Memorial, still scares the crap out of him. Why d'ya think, at the Hanoi Airport, he had Laura step off the plane steps, first? "Land mines, y'know...cain't be too careful, podner." Although I must admit, seeing him in his lttle Cholon Mandarin outfit, gave me a new slant on the "American Napoleon", or as the Vietnamese might say in French, "Le Napoleon' Amerique". If he shaved his head, he could be another Yul Brynner...well, sort of.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22081Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:31:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22081kim, Crofton, MdDirk wrote The GOP should stand proud for GW Bush, not abandon him. What happened to that much touted GOP quality called party-loyalty? It dissolved as the rats deserted the sinking ship, LOL! The GOP was only loyal when Bush and Rove had something to hold over their heads- which was Bush/Cheney support in the '06 elections. Or did you forget that each made over 100 trips in support of GOP candidates. They often didn't actually appear with the candidates, but held private fundraisers for them. Other factors- anger at Bushco for failure in Iraq and choosing to dump Rumsfeld after the election instead of before when it would have done them some good.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22088Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:50:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22088DesmondTo those who answered my post, I want to thank you. I do have oportunies to visit D.C. as a tourist, in the past several years, more that in the past. It is a lovely Capital and I do enjoy the trips. so, the next time I do go, I will remember all of you Vietnam Vets who have posted on this blog, and those who read it but do not post. I agree Steve that the memorial was for the families of those 58,000. but I also see it as a sign for our nation, to remind us of who sacrificed their lives, for "peace with honor", and the ablility we now have to have trade agreements with Communist vietnam. It lifts the "fog of war", for me completly. I feel totally alone when I visit my cousin's gravesite. At the Memorial, I feel the suffering of all those families. So, I will take all of you in spirit with me the next time I visit. My cousin would have aproved. He will always be the guiding spirit for his 73 cousins. We owe him much. thanks for responding.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22107Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:20:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22107Army Vet ( Desert Storm,Kosovo, Iraq and Afghan); Nashville TNDesmond: My father died in Nam, as a Cav officer. We have visited three tiomes, w/ his friends and others. As in this war, those who serve will always be proud of the service they rendered for this nation, no matter the political fallout. As you know, Vietnam was not popular, was battled in the press, the halls of government and marked by protests. Same goes for today. Many often get tied up in the parameters and policies and fail to remember that Americans will serve their flag and their nation and do it willingly. Nothing will ever tarnish the service our Veterans have given for this country. Thank you Desmond; and all others on this site, who have gallantly served this grateful nation.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22114Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:42:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22114DesmondTo all of you Vietnam Vets, I had many oppourtinies to join a march, back then. I could have joined the anti-war, or the pro war. I joined neither. The death of my cousin took alot of our breathes away in our extended family. Out of respect for him, I took a neutral path. To this day, I do not know if that was the right thing to do. Since then, I have come to realize that it is very important to vote. Since then, I have gone back to read about our history as a nation, not the history I was taught in school. So, for me, my cousin's death, has taken me on a path of new knowledge. And yes, I am reading about the history of Europe also. A different point of view is always good. But when the point of view, is based solely on a religious point of view, I must admit, I can't get past that. I really do want religion out of our politics. That is what the Founding fathers said. Guess what, a lot of them could read Latin and Greek. Amazing.Our President constantly brings up his idea of God. Is that who is ruling our country? His vision of God? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22142Thu, 21 Dec 2006 21:54:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22142DesmondArmy Vet , the next time I visit the Vietnam Memorial, I will think of your Dad. My cousin was drafted. I am sure you know what that meant at the time. He was just a guy who got caught up in the draft. After that, the men between 18-26, learned they were going by LOTTERY. Your dad chose his job. My cousin did not. In the end they are both dead.I am sure your Dad chose his Profession . My cousin did not. The end result was the same. When you vote, I hope you will not choose a leader that says god is on their side.Our current President says that is so. We need a mission.And we desperatly need a result. Where is Osama bin Laden? Trust me, the next time I visit the Vietnam Memorial, I will just say "Dad". I think that will say it all. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22196Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:40:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22196DesmondTo the Ruplican Party, when you "swift boated ' Max Clellan.(Senator), when you swift boated John Kerry (Senator), you swift boated my cousin. To Senator McCain, Veitnam Vet, you allowed your Republican Party to do this to your fellow Vietnam Vets. All in the name of embracing and hugging George W. Bush in the 2004 elections. When, you did that Mr. McCain, you lost my vote. I try to learn a new fact every day. Watching you during the 2004 elections, taught me , once again, to not go on appearances. Shame on you, Sir, you swift boated my cousin when you allowed your fellow Americans, to be swift boated. And shame on you, Mr. President, your party, the Republicans, embraced this idealogy as a new step forward.And shame on all of you who voted for the Republican Party and this President in 2004. Hope you are happy. I do not think the New Year will bring you fellow voters much joy.But, then, what do I know?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22253Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:30:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22253Seattle SueDesmond I too would have voted for John McCain but over the past few years he has FLIP-FLOPPED. I feel he will do anything to get elected. He has slipped to a new low in my eyes. The last straw for me was when McCain said he beleived John Kerry didn't screw up the punch line on a joke, but he beleived Kerry called our troops stupid intentionally. Anyone with half a brain would know a politician wouldn't say something like that in public even if they actually thought it. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22288Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:27:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22288Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaDesmond. I would never frag a fellow VNVet but I too, couldn't figure McCain's actions you pointed out, concerning Dubya. Maybe Bush became the Hanoi Hilton Guard and the Stockholm Syndrome kicked in, who knows? I would not vote for him either, after that. But the torturing he took over there, for being an American, that I cannot forget, and that part of him, I honor.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22308Fri, 22 Dec 2006 19:45:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22308Deborah LoveThe Bush says to "go shopping". WITH WHAT???? I gave all of my money to the oil company. As a Federal employee, he can't even determine if I will get a raise until sometime after February. Have not had any overtime since October, and Man, let me tell you, that Medicare stuff has slammed us hard! My hair is falling out because of the stress of explaining it all. I have no presents under my tree. Go shopping. Hah! Tell that to people in New Orleans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22438Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:28:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22438Jane, Southern MississippiDesmond, the Vietnam Memorial isn't in memory of "peace with honor." Those are just words politicians made up to sound good after we left Vietnam. They don't amount to a hill of beans. It's in memory of the soldiers who fought and died. They should be remembered, not our failed policy there or the political "leaders" of the time. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22469Sat, 23 Dec 2006 23:52:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22469DesmondSeatle Sue and Steve Turner, one of the facts I have always known about Senator McCain is his seven years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. When my cousin was MIA for 30 days, it was a thought that I am sure crossed all of our minds. there are still MIA"S in Vietnam to this day, and yet we just signed a trade treaty with Communist Vietnam. I have read, watched and listened to Senator McCain for the last 6 years. I do know Senaotr Kerry, also a Vietnam Vet, considered him a friend. The Senator allowed his friend to be "swift-baoted", by the President and the Republican Party, and was the first to come out a few weeks ago to, once again, tell his "friend " , that he had to bash him on the head because he misspoke. Unfortunately, Senatopr McCain did not misspeak. Instead he told me who he was, once again. With friends like that, who needs enemies.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22508Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:39:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22508Jason GersonWhat about Giuliani'?! When talking about very possible Presidential candidate Giuliani, you could look at the primary states or the polls, but I think Giuliani's ideological differences than fellow party pundits may his worst enemy. Giuliani might not be able to have a chance to woo the nation if he can't woo his party. However, his party dislikes social liberalism almost as much as flip-floppery. So, how does Giuliani win his base? For starters, it will certainly not come from a philosophical recalibration to the right. Actually, this move has become so associated with John Kerry that it would be electorally destructive on a swift-boat scale. I think his only salvation will come in smartly convincing a disoriented and disappointed base that social liberalism is not poisonous to religion. I do think there is a pitchable argument to be made that it is acceptable for both the religious and the secular that people should be able to make socially controversial choices, whether a religious person considers it sinful or not. Giuliani can win this huge bloc of voters by proposing that social liberalism also means you have the right not to have an abortion or not to engage in gay marriage. I don't think he will be able to be supported by institutional mainstays like Billy Graham, but Giuliani must not forget that religious conservatism is not devoid of sensibility or openness. But, once in for all, I do think the Giuliani of 2001 and the Giuliani of today will be rejected by polarized Republicans. Remember that these Republicans with significant electoral losses are looking for electability over ideology. Along with his other New Yorker Presidential candidate, he shouldn't be counted out. Giuliani will win America if he gets a chance, I think looking at the political map so far. But I think Giuliani can win Red America, too. And he can win it while sticking to his beliefs.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22689Tue, 26 Dec 2006 16:33:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22689Citizen of Rome"The Bush says to "go shopping". WITH WHAT???? "....you're missing half the message: "Just say 'NO!' to not having enough money." If you can't do that, GWB doesn't give a damn about you.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22749Tue, 26 Dec 2006 22:57:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22749TIMMERFORMER GOV. M. WARNER MUST BE A WEST VIRGINIAN AT HEART, A TRUE VIRGINIAN WILL NOT LEAVE THE BATTLEFIELD UNTIL THE BATTLE IN DONE. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22787Wed, 27 Dec 2006 04:29:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22787Cincinnatus, Mt Vernon VaNo American is safe from ANY politican who seeks earmarks for perks in home district. No American is safe from politicans afraid of the line item veto. No American is safe from politicans who illegally raisde election cash and keep it stashed to spend under the table later on. No american is safe from a govt agency that holds the power to tax, spend, give away cash w/o oversight as they seem wanting too; plus the power to give themselves rasies and nbenefits. Rag, rip, slander, malign any President, anytime, but Congress is just as corrupt, with power, perks that CEOs envy.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#22823Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:32:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:22823Pete Caloger Bushkill, PAEnough with these mindless battlefield metaphors. The election of national leaders is serious business that requires careful consideration of the candidates, their stands on the issues, and the likelihood that what you see will be what you get. Please save your rah-rah, kick-ass jabber for college football games and WWF bouts.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#23033Thu, 28 Dec 2006 03:55:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:23033Stuart Alley, Richmond, VAIt's true that Jim Gilmore cut taxes but he also in doing so jeopardized our bond rating and put our state in an enormous deficit. Sure he has "the record" for most tax cuts in our states history, but in turn the great Mark Warner had to raise taxes to fix Gilmore's mess. Gilmore is a zero and stands about as much chance getting the nomination or being elected as Al Sharpton :) thanks for the good laugh Jim-bohttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/12/20/21705.aspx#23067Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:00:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:23067Cheryl, Roanoke VAIn my opinion, Gilmore couldn't even get the majority of the Republican vote in Virginia, much less win his own state or run for President. He was irresponsible in his tax cuts and Virginia has only recently recovered from the financial state in which he left our Commonwealth.