Trying to figure out Virginia ex-governors

[SpacemanSpiff]

One of the more puzzling things (at least to me) is how not one but two ex-governors of Virginia were running for President.

I know Virginia is dubbed "The Mother of Presidents" (although the most recent of them was a century ago, and he didn't stay here very long), but does this lead to an entitlement mentality?

On the Democrat's side, we had the now-not-running Jim Webb. And, to be honest, until the Democratic debate the other week, I'd totally forgotten he was running.

And, on the Republican side, there's Jim Gilmore. Like Webb, he seems to be running a stealth campaign. I mean, in a double-digit crowd, he's nowhere to be seen. No rallies, no pressers, no nothing.

So, why run for President if not only you don't have a chance, but you seemingly don't even try?!? Is there some kind of money or other benefit I don't know about?

[Ritterskoop]

Everything I know about American politics I learned from The West Wing (not really). But from that show I did learn that one reason you run even if you know you won't get elected is that it is a chance to get your message heard, even if for only a few months.

So some candidates run just to be able to say out loud what it is they care about.

I know a guy in Charlotte who is running for City Council even though he knows he won't win, because he wants to get some things changed in that district. He is using the campaign as a way to draw attention to some injustices he thinks could be repaired or at least improved.

I admire him.

[Pastor Fireball]

One of the more puzzling things (at least to me) is how not one but two ex-governors of Virginia were running for President.

On the Democrat's side, we had the now-not-running Jim Webb. And, to be honest, until the Democratic debate the other week, I'd totally forgotten he was running.

Not to be pedantic, but Jim Webb was a senator, not a governor.

[thguy65]

I think some of these candidates actual goal is to show themselves as potential VPs.

- Tim H.

[SpacemanSpiff]

One of the more puzzling things (at least to me) is how not one but two ex-governors of Virginia were running for President.

On the Democrat's side, we had the now-not-running Jim Webb. And, to be honest, until the Democratic debate the other week, I'd totally forgotten he was running.

Not to be pedantic, but Jim Webb was a senator, not a governor.

Sorry, my error.

But I'm still scratching my head. If they have a message, they sure aren't/weren't communicating it. And in Gilmore's case, his message is the same as half of the candidates in his party. And as far as lining up for veep consideration -- again, if they aren't even trying, how is that going to position themselves for that?

I mean, does it look that good to have "former Presidential candidate" on your resume? Does it help sell more books?