I like that ticket. Senator Webb has shown a great amount of care concerning our military AND I believe he has a son who is active military.
Bobby_Sambang
· 1 year ago
After 8 weeks of thinking hard about Obama's Veep, I rested last week on Webb. For those doing this type of analysis, something is helpful to remember: there is never a perfect choice. Webb kept coming in first place in my work, and I have even considered total outliers like Steve Jobs, Jack Welch (former GE), Colin Powell--along with all the obvious names Like Claire McKaskil, Sam Nunn, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, and so on. I've considered them all. Webb comes in first everytime.
There is only one draw-back to Webb--he doesn't smile enough. That's why he wins. Because his drawbacks are too minor.
Bottom line: the USA is still not in touch with the reality that Iraq is the ground zero of the next President's problems. Iraq and everything about Iraq goes to the heart of Oil, Deficit Spending, and our position in the world. The electorate will figure this out as the Election nears, and that's why you need Webb.
sherifffruitfly
· 1 year ago
1) Schweitzer 2) Richardson 3) Clark
I see no pressing need to take another senator for VP.
EDIT: The primary function of VP selection is to deliver something electorally to the Presidential nominee that he or she wouldn't be able to deliver on his or her own.
AdrianBrowne
· 1 year ago
Sam Seder pointed out that Jim Webb, besides all of his other great credentials, is a true Progressive in terms of economics -- that is, he wants a strong Middle Class.
Barb_in_DC
· 1 year ago
1. Webb HATES campaigning and, especially, asking people for money. He does not suffer fools gladly.
2. He used to be a Rethug.
3. He is on his THIRD marriage and the latest wife is more than 20 years younger than he is.
4. He is an Alpha dog who will not subjugate himself to another.
no
· 1 year ago
okay, so because he doesn't want to ask hard working americans to throw their money at him, that's your #1 issue? that's stupid... #2 a lot of people "used to be" rethugs and #2a -- he was a DEMOCRAT before that -- #3 and so what that he's on his 3rd marriage, his wife is a beautiful, intelligent asian-american and his previous wives still have very close relationships with him and he has a beautiful and loving family. and #4 webb has been a leader from day 1 of his life, it's how he was born and raised, he led on the battle field, he led at quantico, he led in the literary field (his books still required reading by the navy and marines as one of THE foremost authorities on the military...he was secretary of navy, where he opened up more job billets for women than any other branch.... go back to reading those talking points barb....but you're wrong wrong wrong!
grandma
· 1 year ago
I like both Webb and Biden for V.P choices.
1billinnj2
· 1 year ago
i like senator jim webb also but i do not know where he stands on issues. i hope that hillary does not force her way on to the vice ticket. oy vey.
mountainhigh
· 1 year ago
OT
Bill losing his cool with a woman on the campaign trail. One of the few times you see Bill angry
Webb's always great in interviews. He'd do good communicating how McCombovernomics has destroyed the average person
gwnorthy
· 1 year ago
I really think Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is the way to go. Female, Baby Boomer, Catholic, Red Stater, likable, popular, Ohio connections, really really reflects Obama's message
lynn47
· 1 year ago
Webb is for immunity for the Telecoms. He is to far right on the issues.
cmpnwtr
· 1 year ago
Webb is a loose cannon. He has been an enabler of the continuing Iraq war. The most important ingredient in a VP choice is trust and integrity. Bill Richardson has demonstrated that in spades. He defied the Clinton intimidation to do the right thing. He has been unequivocal about Iraq and he has excellent credentials to be the prez in the event it's needed. Right now he's my choice. And I think Barack and Bill R. genuinely like and respect each other.
no
· 1 year ago
are you insane? webb wrote a year before the iraq war all the problems there would be and no one listened to him. The guy has the most solid foreign policy skills than just about anybody. He's got tremendous experience in the middle east and asia. he is not an enabler of anything especially the war!
grandma
· 1 year ago
I think Webb is good too....but had thought Biden might be a good draw for older voters vs Obama and younger voters....plus Biden's experience in foreign relations.
Webb's big plus I think is his military experience and he is a good and forceful speaker.
mountainhigh
· 1 year ago
Wow, lots of really good names being listed here. The "short list" is very impressive, a far cry from the Dick Cheney's of this world.
grandma
· 1 year ago
I don't know about Richardson....I liked him but then heard there is concern about his 'skirt chasing' past that could surface.......don't know if that is true or not.
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 1 year ago
I like Kathleen Sebelius but I think Bill Richardson is the stronger candidate and would turn out the Hispanic vote big time. Richardson had his famous mistake at the Human Rights Campaign debate but he has made up for that mistake in my eyes. He is the best qualified man for the job.
redjb
· 1 year ago
NO NOT HILLARY
I like Webb...
maye
· 1 year ago
Webb would be great, but let's not take a red state Dem senator out of the Senate.
Clark would be just as good as Webb, and his selection would help heal the rift with the Clinton camp.
MarvinPrinzmetal
· 1 year ago
Virginia has a Democratic governor who would, presumably, replace Webb with a Democrat.
maye
· 1 year ago
yes, but could he win reelection?
Ken Clark
· 1 year ago
I like Jim Webb and as a former Virginian that still has most of his family living there I was pulling for his election in '06. However I don't think he's the right choice. One of the things the GOP will attack Obama for is his "lack of experience" so he needs to balance that concern with his VP choice. Webb has even less experience than Obama.
grandma
· 1 year ago
Kathleen Sebelius gave the Dem reply to the State of the Union address this year.... I was not impressed by her...in fact, very disappointed. Maybe I just need to know more about her.
eddy_from_dayton
· 1 year ago
Type your comment here.You know, my first choice was for Sen. Russ Feingold because he was and is one of the first and most outspoken against the Iraq war from day one. Sadly, he pulled his name out and for a very good reason.
But Jim Webb was next on my list and I am glad his name is being brought forth on the table because his career as a Senator may be short, but his experience and personal insight into the war (via his son) brings both a strong and capable message to the world we get the big picture of our huge error and we are ready to do the hard work to bring some semblance of stablity back for the Iraq people.
This is a great choice if Sen. Obama takes him and I'd run with this ticket to election day if this comes together.
kipper
· 1 year ago
It's over , why do we have to keep with the Hillary bashing?
Edwards apparently stopped just short of an Obama endorsement.
OlderAndWiser
· 1 year ago
Obama himself said it's too early...wait until he gets the nomination. But you can be sure he's thinking and pondering the question. And don't forget...do we really want a pretty conservative Dem in line for the prez office? Yes, yes, I know conventional wisdom is to have a "balanced ticket." But does it have to be a former Rethug?
But, I've never trusted having a military officer in a position of such power. I also wouldn't want to see another big ego do to the VP's office what Cheney has done, either.
beb
· 1 year ago
I like Rep. Jon Testor from Montana. He's a plain speaking farmer who said of the Patriot Act that he didn't want to reform it, he wanted to kill it. When I read that I knew he was my kinda guy.
Sage24
· 1 year ago
Obama needs to pick someone moderate, and who can attract Hillary's base. Someone with years of experience in Congress, and who will be against the war.
I hope he NEVER picks Hillary, after all the damage she has caused, and the kitchen sink she has thrown at him.
smiling_dog
· 1 year ago
I like Webb, but I don't think he is a good second fiddle. He is an actual "maverick." The most obvios choice is Bill Richardson, if for no other reason than Obama needs to bolster his hispanic vote. He is a solid all-around choice.
smiling_dog
· 1 year ago
How about Secretary of Defense for Webb? That would be a very interesting choice.
OlderAndWiser
· 1 year ago
Oh, and OT, but another Rethug scandal...bless those cops, heh heh.
You'd think a Lt. Colonel would know how to use birth control...
fostert
· 1 year ago
Bad idea. The price of Jim Webb being VP is a Republican grabbing his Senate seat. The margin in the Senate is way too close to allow that. Especially when you consider that Lieberman will probably caucus with the Republicans in the next session.
BoiseNick
· 1 year ago
Obama's running mate Must be a military vet to blunt that obvious line of attack but Webb seems too strong willed .
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
From the Dittoheads: B-b-but! No!!! Webb would be unelectable because of his dirty, filthy, violent anti-Viet Nam War books! The War was a good war but the media wouldn't let us win it. McCain is a true hero who would fight the war over again; this time, the right way!
cspan2
· 1 year ago
I agree that somebody with military experience would be a big plus. But why choose someone where the Dems could lose a seat in Congress? That's why I think Wesley Clark would be a better choice. He's got the military goods, isn't as outwardly outspoken as Webb (which blends better with Obama), plus he is presently a Clinton supporter, which could be the olive branch that avid Clinton supporters would be looking for.
jescot
· 1 year ago
Great Choice
ponchoinparadise
· 1 year ago
I have always liked Webb. There,s a great story out there in which he basically told Bush to stick it were the sun don't shine when Bush tried to play chummy with him. I am a little taken aback that he his leaning towards the right with the whole telecom fiasco. That is a huge issue with me. He does have what it would take to bring "HARD WORKING AMERICAN" Voter or as I like to call them the "NIMROD REDNECK" voter back to the middle were they would feel a more comfortable and possibly come back to a political party which HONESTLY looks out for the working men and women and is not only interested in harvesting there children as military booty
OlderAndWiser
· 1 year ago
Don't forget...Webb served as Secy of the Navy under a Rethug president, Reagan, and resigned when Reagan wanted to downsize the fleet. Also wrote an article in 1979 against women in the military.
However, here's Webb on recent issues, seems he's mellowing somewhat, although he describes affirmative action as only for Afro-Americans, and how much is political expediency? Described as a moderate. But, moderate what?
SteveW
· 1 year ago
Obama and Webb disagree on Don't Ask Don't Tell. Obama wants to repeal DADT, and Webb thinks it's "a policy that's working."
osage
· 1 year ago
We're talking about electability here people, not about who might be ideal in "every" policy area. Frankly, I doubt that such a person exists. We're talking about off-setting Obama's "perceived" weaknesses and McCains "perceived" strengths with conservative and independent voters. Webb's greatest asset to Obama's ticket is that he was a Purple Heart winning career military man who served his country in Vietnam as a combat Marine and rose through the ranks to become the Sceretary of the Navy. He is a personally knowledgeable and experienced military expert who can go toe-to-toe with McCain as well as embarass all of McCain's non-military serving sycophants. McCain's perpetuation of Bush's Iraq fiasco and his destruction of our nation's military preparedness is a huge vulnerability that Webb can authoritatively exploit. A female VP could not bring those capabilities to the table. A liberal and or non-military serving VP would drive voters to McCain. Webb would add an unparalled degree of military expertise and credibility that no Democratic governors, representatives or other senators currently possess. There are other advantages that Webb would provide, but eliminating the advantage that McCain's entire political career is based on, could only be accomplished by someone who has had the successful and respected military career that Jim Webb has had.
pcvirginiabeach
· 1 year ago
Osage- I believe Webb has two purple heart... several Bronze Stars... and I know he has the Navy Cross. The Navy Cross is the nations second highest military award. It is a big deal. Webb is a true american hero. He has a better jacket than McCain, and commands a ton of respect. He can be a loose cannon, and very agressive... but his assets would add to Obama. He would be a very good advosor for Barack. A great number 2... no doubt about it!
osage
· 1 year ago
I couldn't agree more. I think the loose cannon thing is overplayed in that he's had to deal with cluelessly destructive politicians, and being a member of the military's leadership often required compromise that wasn't in the best interests of the military. But I think Webb has evolved to the point of being more politically realistic, and the fact that he'll be in a policy making position rather than just executing half-assed orders will eliminate his need for venting against politices he disagrees with. If you're referring to Webbs words with George W. Bush, I wish Webb would have punched the draft-dodging coward in his fat lying mouth.
Blueflash
· 1 year ago
I've always thought Webb would be the best choice. He's an ex-marine Southerner who looks like he could outwrestle a Rottweiler. That should help with the white blue-collar vote. Maybe they could even win Virginia.
KISSman
· 1 year ago
I'm not a Virginian or any person who has long known of Jim Webb, but he's been my one and only choice for VP for a few months now.
Webb is perfect for the job. He came from the Regan administration, he is popular in Virginia, he has a military background, he's moderate and he's youngish. The last thing I want to see is Hillary or any Clinton-picked person like Wesley Clark. It's time to purge the Clintons once and for all.
The ticket of Obama/Webb will be a stark difference in age compared to McCain and I think that will be pretty appealing to many people. It reminds me of the freshness that the Clinton/Gore ticket presented back in '92.
JoyP
· 1 year ago
I have always thought Jim Webb was a good idea. He is a little conservative for me, but one that I can go with. He has the military experience and could help win back some of those "white guys" that Hillary laid claim to. Plus he doesn't take crap from anybody. He would lay waste to John McCain.
ericgoldman
· 1 year ago
Yes, Jim Webb should be on everybody's short list. The one concern I would have is that his footprint may be too big for the VP slot -- doesn't strike me as a second-fiddle kind of guy. But he's smart and articulate and extremely impressive.
pcvirginiabeach
· 1 year ago
Webb is very tough, and right on the war. He has the Navy Cross from Vietnam, and stacks up well against McCain on military service. Also, Virginia is in play. Webb brings a lot to the table if he wants the job, no doubt. I still think it should be Richardson... for the Hispanic vote. I really worry about the Hispanic vote.
ndtovent
· 1 year ago
Geeeeebus! 50 comments, and NO one has brought up John Edwards. Remember him? I think he's the best choice, and I'd bet $$ that he is definitely on Obama's short list. Remember that secret meeting they had back in March shortly after Edwards dropped out of the prez. campaign?
pcvirginiabeach
· 1 year ago
WEBB, JAMES H., JR. Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James H. Webb, Jr. (106180), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex which appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade which detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search which yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
caphillprof
· 1 year ago
Gov. Sebelius of Kansas
tlsintx
· 1 year ago
i second or third or fourth Kathleen Sebelius.
unless he could get Ellen....
tomfodw
· 1 year ago
One thing about Webb - I'd love to see the Swiftboat vermin try to take him on. To quote Bill James, you'd want them to reserve their hospital rooms in advance.
OneManComotion
· 1 year ago
Obama/ Webb or Obama/Feingold? Both should be up for consideration.
MorgaineSwann
· 1 year ago
My first choice would be Wes Clark. He's got tons of miltary experience, his soft-spoken style would compliment Obama's, he's used to handling logistics on a large scale, which will be needed to straighten out the mess in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Second choice would be Gov. Sebelius. Women who wanted Hillary to make history would be pleased and she's well-liked.
Webb is good if you want an attack dog - I think he'd be more effective where he is. Obama will need allies in the Congress.
nikto
· 1 year ago
I could go for OBAMA/WEBB, for sure.
The only better ticket would be: OBAMA/DEAN
Oh, and by the way, HILLARY SUCKS!!
nikto
· 1 year ago
There's more to like about Webb besides just foreign policy/Iraq.
For a sense of JIM WEBB'S *economic* Progressivism, check out this 2006 editorial:
My friends who are active in VA Democratic politics say "No way." Webb's considered a loose canon, not a team player, and his personal life may not stand up to a lot of scrutiny.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Me too, like Jon Tester!
mirth
· 1 year ago
Richardson, my gov, has a history of "inappropriate touching" and he has been called out for various lies, including about his resume. He is also notorious for financial favors for his pals and for sketchy fundraising. Only recently has he used his Hispanic heritage for political advantage. He's a Dem fatcat and not a good choice for the change that Obama promises.
As much as I would like to have one, I don't think Barack should choose a female VP. In this critical race, a female on the ticket could be a negative with a large segment of the population. Better that he appoint strong females to cabinet positions.
I do not like Biden or Richardson. Wesley Clark is a much better choice, imo.
Jim Webb brings many positives to the ticket, but his gun issue (that he carries, or has an aide carry, a loaded revolver which, if I remember correctly from the Capitol security incident, was unregistered) is a negative but probably not much of one. If Webb is in favor of telecom immunity...not good.
All Comments
There is only one draw-back to Webb--he doesn't smile enough. That's why he wins. Because his drawbacks are too minor.
Bottom line: the USA is still not in touch with the reality that Iraq is the ground zero of the next President's problems. Iraq and everything about Iraq goes to the heart of Oil, Deficit Spending, and our position in the world. The electorate will figure this out as the Election nears, and that's why you need Webb.
2) Richardson
3) Clark
I see no pressing need to take another senator for VP.
EDIT: The primary function of VP selection is to deliver something electorally to the Presidential nominee that he or she wouldn't be able to deliver on his or her own.
2. He used to be a Rethug.
3. He is on his THIRD marriage and the latest wife is more than 20 years younger than he is.
4. He is an Alpha dog who will not subjugate himself to another.
Bill losing his cool with a woman on the campaign trail. One of the few times you see Bill angry
http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/?p=1017
Female, Baby Boomer, Catholic, Red Stater, likable, popular, Ohio connections, really really reflects Obama's message
Webb's big plus I think is his military experience and he is a good and forceful speaker.
I like Webb...
Clark would be just as good as Webb, and his selection would help heal the rift with the Clinton camp.
I was not impressed by her...in fact, very disappointed. Maybe I just need to know more about her.
But Jim Webb was next on my list and I am glad his name is being brought forth on the table because his career as a Senator may be short, but his experience and personal insight into the war (via his son) brings both a strong and capable message to the world we get the big picture of our huge error and we are ready to do the hard work to bring some semblance of stablity back for the Iraq people.
This is a great choice if Sen. Obama takes him and I'd run with this ticket to election day if this comes together.
Edwards apparently stopped just short of an Obama endorsement.
But, I've never trusted having a military officer in a position of such power. I also wouldn't want to see another big ego do to the VP's office what Cheney has done, either.
Someone with years of experience in Congress, and who will be against the war.
I hope he NEVER picks Hillary, after all the damage she has caused, and the kitchen sink she has thrown at him.
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/congressman-admits...
You'd think a Lt. Colonel would know how to use birth control...
in which he basically told Bush to stick it were the sun don't shine
when Bush tried to play chummy with him.
I am a little taken aback that he his leaning towards the right
with the whole telecom fiasco. That is a huge issue with me.
He does have what it would take to bring "HARD WORKING
AMERICAN" Voter or as I like to call them the "NIMROD REDNECK"
voter back to the middle were they would feel a more comfortable
and possibly come back to a political party which HONESTLY looks
out for the working men and women and is not only interested in
harvesting there children as military booty
However, here's Webb on recent issues, seems he's mellowing somewhat, although he describes affirmative action as only for Afro-Americans, and how much is political expediency? Described as a moderate. But, moderate what?
Webb is perfect for the job. He came from the Regan administration, he is popular in Virginia, he has a military background, he's moderate and he's youngish. The last thing I want to see is Hillary or any Clinton-picked person like Wesley Clark. It's time to purge the Clintons once and for all.
The ticket of Obama/Webb will be a stark difference in age compared to McCain and I think that will be pretty appealing to many people. It reminds me of the freshness that the Clinton/Gore ticket presented back in '92.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James H. Webb, Jr. (106180), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex which appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade which detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search which yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
unless he could get Ellen....
Second choice would be Gov. Sebelius. Women who wanted Hillary to make history would be pleased and she's well-liked.
Webb is good if you want an attack dog - I think he'd be more effective where he is. Obama will need allies in the Congress.
The only better ticket would be:
OBAMA/DEAN
Oh, and by the way,
HILLARY SUCKS!!
For a sense of JIM WEBB'S *economic* Progressivism, check out
this 2006 editorial:
http://thecommons4change.blogspot.com/2006/11/s...
http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Jon_Tester.htm
I do not like Biden or Richardson. Wesley Clark is a much better choice, imo.
Jim Webb brings many positives to the ticket, but his gun issue (that he carries, or has an aide carry, a loaded revolver which, if I remember correctly from the Capitol security incident, was unregistered) is a negative but probably not much of one. If Webb is in favor of telecom immunity...not good.
Here's info of Webb on the issues:
http://www.ontheissues.org/James_Webb.htm