For as many positive reactions to Brian Moran’s speech at the 2009 Jefferson-Jackson dinner of the Democratic Party of Virginia, one would think every Moran supporter was pleased with his performance. Moran has been credited with taking his speech to a “new level“, and being “passionate” about grassroots politics.

But as a Moran supporter, I was not impressed.

In the Moran campaign’s quest to separate themselves from the ostentatious efforts of Terry McAuliffe (more on that later), they’ve set Moran up as the level headed, noble, calm, and experienced candidate in the race. However, while not pursuing a glitzy strategy, they also launched a less than energetic video introduction of the candidate and rather flat speech from Moran himself.

Beyond not taking advantage of the energy of the 3,000 Democrats assembled, Moran completely sidestepped a positive atmosphere of party unity created by Bill Clinton down to Terry McAuliffe, who spoke before Moran. Every speaker seemed to call for unity. McAuliffe pledged to never say anything negative about either Creigh Deeds or Brian Moran. Then, from Moran’s video and throughout his speech, he couldn’t resist throwing punches at McAuliffe. Eventually, Moran won the vocal ire of McAuliffe supporters after declaring that Virginia “needs a fighter, not a fundraiser”. I heard a lot more negative reaction to this statement than positive, and this effectively caused Moran to have to pause before continuing his speech.

It’s my opinion that Moran’s performance at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner trailed behind both Terry McAuliffe and Creigh Deeds. Don’t get me wrong, the content was good. His video and speech were the most substantial as far as information about Moran’s accomplishments and his positions as a candidate, but it was far too easy for that content to get lost. The presentation missed the mark, and the negativity was off base for the event.

I’ve read that Brian Moran did much better at his breakfast the morning following, receiving standing ovations to a shorter, more passionate, and more inspiring speech. If that’s the case, I wish this had been the Brian Moran who spoke before 3,000 people at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner, instead of the 200 supporters who attended his breakfast.

Image Souce: Josh

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