Reply #6: Warner has the potential to really surge in the minds of Dems...

[jackbourassa]

...who want anybody but Clinton.

But he has to do more than promote modest gains in his state if he expects to have any real traction.

If Warner came out against the war, and offered a smart plan for withdrawl - my prediction is that he would win. Also, he has to change the dynamics of the Democratic Party by removing those "corporatists" that think they are in charge.

Otherwise, he won't get past Hillary.

That's being realistic.

There will be two candidates standing after the first couple of primaries (there always are):

1) Hillary Clinton, who will have the total backing of the Washington Establishment (the 'consultants,' the 'strategists,' the Senators, the DLC, the Clintonistas, etc).

2) The grass roots candidate, who is yet to be determined at this point. Whose backing will come from the people, the states, local associations, etc.

Warner has the potential to be this candidate. But i'm not sure he isn't pulling an Edwards and running for number two. Because unless he is willing to make some waves and not play it safe, I can't see him moving beyond number two at best.