There are better accounts of it out there,, but I wanted to share a short account of my own experience with Thursday night’s Wesley Clark/Michael J. Fox/Jim Webb rally in Arlington. To start – this is a long way from March 7th, when I first met Jim Webb at the announcement of his candidacy for the United States Senate. Considered a longshot, there was much hope in the room, but that was about it. Confidence wasn’t exactly permeating the air. Closer to the primary, at an event with Gen. Clark, Jim was gaining steam, but still a little awkward. It would be a hard fought battle, uncertain of victory.
Fast forward through a well-earned primary victory, endless criss-crossing of the commonwealth, and attacks on his fundamental character to this night. Now, on stage, I saw a Senator. Not the Hollywood caricature of a Man in Full (of himself), but of someone who absolutely wants to work for his state and country, and is committed to delivering on his promises. Here was a man I could vote for, and not just as an act against someone else.
Michael J. Fox’s endorsement was ringing – Jim Webb is someone who recognizes the importance of sound science. Someone who realizes that, in order to help our country achieve its hopes and dreams, we need to ensure that science can retake its rightful place among the endeavors we engage in to make that happen. It was an entirely positive and non-partisan endorsement. Before an enormous room of people and stage of television cameras, Fox again brought our attention to how important a role in our future, as individuals and as a society, that science plays. The cheers that followed came from a room full of people who were honestly moving forward, and not just fighting back.
I was proud, really. Proud of Jim Webb, proud of the folks at the rally, and proud of the netroots, for providing the support when no one else would. I look forward to joining everyone next Tuesday night in celebrating the fruits of his, their, and our commitment, support, and labor.