One has to wonder, though, what the full story is.

Did the former governor recognize he can’t defeat Godzillary? Is there some family issue that takes precedence over political ambitions – or perhaps a potentially embarrassing revelation Warner wants to forestall. Or should we take his statement at face value?

Former Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) announced this morning that he will not seek the presidency in 2008, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.

In a statement released shortly before his 11 a.m. press conference here, Warner said, "This has been a difficult decision, but for me, it's the right decision." He said he made up his mind after celebrating this father's 81st birthday in Connecticut and touring colleges with his oldest daughter.

"I know these moments are never going to come again. This weekend made clear what I'd been thinking about for many weeks -- that while politically this appears to be the right time for me to take the plunge -- at this point, I want to have a real life.

"And while the chance may never come again, I shouldn't move forward unless I'm willing to put everything else in my life on the back burner."

Maybe I’m a cynic, but I’m guessing that this is not all there is. After all, “spending more time with my family” is often a euphemism for “I’m trying to avoid a scandal.” But I hope that isn’t the case, because even while I disagree with Mark Warner on many issues, I have always had the impression that he was a decent guy – and I’m not so cynical that I wouldn’t like to see him be every bit as clean as he appears at first glance.

Posted by: Greg at 09:06 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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