Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
WEBB for VP
Regardless of who gets the nomination for the Democrats Virginia Senator would be the ideal VP candidate. His major asset is a military background that would neutralize McCain. Webb is a wounded former Marine platoon leader and commander in Vietnam and was Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan Administration. He is an ardent opponent of the war in Iraq, which, among other things, he sees as destroying the US army.
In addition, he is an economic populist, sensitive to working class concerns.
Finally, and sadly, because demographics do count, he is a white male and this group has tilted toward the Republicans for quite a while.
If Webb became VP the democratic Governor of Virginia would replace him withy another Democrat and so his elevation would not reduce the number of seats controlled by the Party.
Comments (8)
I think that Webb might be too angry to be Obama's running mate--doesn't fit very well with the hope message. Also, I would be very hesitant to lose a Democratic senator in a red state. The next election could easily put a Republican in his place, and Senate votes are so close that it's important to get every vote we can.
Interesting that Webb hasn't endorsed anyone.
February 19, 2008 2:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
It bothers me that Webb voted for FISA with telecom immunity.
It bothers me that Hillary didn't show up to vote on that at all.
Has anyone asked her to explain that?
February 19, 2008 2:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
No one is perfect. But if winning in November is critical Webb can be very helpful with constituencies that Obama and Hillary can't reach.
February 19, 2008 2:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seconded
February 19, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I too have been disappointed with Webb's record on civil liberties this year.
February 19, 2008 2:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just had this conversation last night privately. It's hard to imagine it being anyone other than Jim Webb if Hillary is the nominee. I still wonder about Janet Napolitano if Obama is the nominee. But I agree, Webb would be a strength on either ticket. He also spearheaded the letter and legislation that took on Bush in terms of aggression towards Iran in spite of the questions of voting pointed out here.
February 19, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hell.
Naw.
That guy is more right of the Clinton's. I'll never understand what the so-called "netroots" saw in him and I'll never will. But I can not get behind an Obama/Webb ticket. It was bad enough having to vote Gore/Lieberman.
February 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
People have to realize that the Dem VP won't be Cheney---a co-President. Unless Clinton or Obama are assassinated the VP is not all that important so not being happy with everything any VP nominee stands for is not relevant. The VP can add perhaps 2 percentage points historically to the vote total of the ticket and in a close race that could mean something, particularly if Webb can effectively challenge McCain's military expertise--and he can. Plus Webb is a pit bull.
February 19, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment