Is Walter Dalton Dull? is That Bad?
2012-03-01 - by
In almost every any conversation about the Democratic governor’s race, somebody says something like: “Walter Dalton is a nice guy, but …. “
What follows “but…” is generally a variation of, well … “dull.” Not “dull” as in “not bright.” But “dull” as in “not exciting.” You’d think his name is Walter Dullton.
I rise in defense of “dull.” During my 16 years working with Governor Hunt, I went to many governors conferences – national, regional, policy-centered, you name it. I probably met and saw in action more than 200 governors.
I assure you: These are not the most exciting people in the world. Oh, there are a few exceptions – the stars like a Bill Clinton or the oddballs like Jesse Ventura. But, for every Jerry Brown and Sarah Palin, there are 10 Mitch Danielses (Indiana) and Jack Markells (Delaware). You could drop them into a convention of Rotarians or insurance salesmen and not notice a bit of difference.
See for yourself. Glance through the National Governors Association roster of current governors.
There’s a reason for this. Governors are executives. They have big jobs that affect a lot of people. They exercise a lot of individual power. Voters might go for flash and dash in a Senator or Congressman. But they figure: “How much harm can one nut do? There are 99 other Senators and 434 other Congressman to straighten things out.”
But in a governor, being safe, a bit cautious and, yes, even dull can go a long way.
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats
Is Walter Dalton Dull? is That Bad?
2012-03-01/
In almost every any conversation about the Democratic governor’s race, somebody says something like: “Walter Dalton is a nice guy, but …. “
What follows “but…” is generally a variation of, well … “dull.” Not “dull” as in “not bright.” But “dull” as in “not exciting.” You’d think his name is Walter Dullton.
I rise in defense of “dull.” During my 16 years working with Governor Hunt, I went to many governors conferences – national, regional, policy-centered, you name it. I probably met and saw in action more than 200 governors.
I assure you: These are not the most exciting people in the world. Oh, there are a few exceptions – the stars like a Bill Clinton or the oddballs like Jesse Ventura. But, for every Jerry Brown and Sarah Palin, there are 10 Mitch Danielses (Indiana) and Jack Markells (Delaware). You could drop them into a convention of Rotarians or insurance salesmen and not notice a bit of difference.
See for yourself. Glance through the National Governors Association roster of current governors.
There’s a reason for this. Governors are executives. They have big jobs that affect a lot of people. They exercise a lot of individual power. Voters might go for flash and dash in a Senator or Congressman. But they figure: “How much harm can one nut do? There are 99 other Senators and 434 other Congressman to straighten things out.”
But in a governor, being safe, a bit cautious and, yes, even dull can go a long way.
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats