Jim Webb: Don't Look At Me For VP
Barack Obama's vice presidential selection team has begun to ask potential candidates for information and documents, a signal that the formal vetting phase of the search process has begun.
Last week, members of the team gave Sen. James Webb of VA a list of what they needed to begin their investigation of his background and career. Webb refused, telling them that he did not want to be considered for the position.In a statement today, Webb disclosed that he had "communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."
Huffington Post has more, including Webb's full statement. Ambinder says that the Veepstakes are on people's mind on the other side as well:
Republicans close to the McCain campaign say that veepstakes supervisor A.B. Culvahouse has begun to vet between eight and ten candidates, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty of MN and Ex-Gov. Mitt Romney of MA.
I respect the guy but he only ran as a Democrat because the incumbent was a Rep - his voting record proves that.
I am glad.
He is a Blue Dog inside.
He would have been trouble for Obama. Webb has a history of sexism.
I applaud Jim Webb for knowing what he wants and sticking to his guns. It's clear that he is neither seduced by flattery or compromised by the illusion of power. He knows best where he is most valuable to the people which does not detract one iota from the fact that he is qualified to be a tremendous Veep; in fact, this degree of self-respect makes him an even more attractive potential candidate for higher offices down the line.
Kudos to Jim Webb! Bravo for knowing what YOU want and where you feel you can best serve the needs of the people who elected you into office. This is one strong, intelligent man.
Besides, we need someone like Jim Webb to kick serious butt when we even have more democratic representation in congress to begin defacto hearings and investigations on those Republican criminals who believe themselves to be above the law right now and who, due to having a majority in congress for 6 long years, are up to their yingyangs in corruption, filth, lies, and deceit. Jim Webb: Bring 'em on!
Our prisons will be filled with Republi-scums soon.
I could be wrong, and it wouldn't be the first time, but I don't see Webb as a team player. He doesn't seem like a guy who could play second fiddle.
Now that our fla. governor is engaged I thought that would put him on McCain's short list. Guess not.
osiris @ 3:
I live in VA and went to his campaign speeches. When he first starting running for the Senate, his main plank was he did not like the way the wars were being run and needed to be managed better.
All these politicians now days are so full of BS it's unbelievable.
Good decision. Jim Webb is a solid choice, however, ihe is best served in the Senate for now.
Oh yeah we're gonna' do this we're gonna' do that blah blah. . . .
Right sure you are.
Wise man.
I'm kind of glad. Webb's really needed at the Senate....I wish he could replace gutless Harry.
Left&Left @ 13:
At least Harry voted against FISA.
Webb is needed in the Senate to look into the Silencing of Whistleblowers about BushCo sidestepping FISA and other criminal acts against American Citizens.
Dale @ 3:
Trouble how? With the "base". Give me a break. The "base" has a bad case of "bend me over Barrack".
I just love the courage of conviction. Good luck on that FISA vote today.
Thank our lucky stars we won't have yet another war man like Webb joining the ticket. His entire life is dedicated to "supporting" those who murder innocent people. Sorry, simply because he's a veteran doesn't mean he's some kind of saint, on the contrary...
I'd like to see Dennis Kucinich. If people don't vote based on the veep, why not shoot for the moon and get a true Progressive in there?
I agree with his decision . . . he will be able to do far more in his position as Senator than he could as VP. His voting record is not perfect to say the least, but when he wishes to push a bill through he's extremely good dealing across the table and resulting in success.
come on !webbs a repig , hes another palosi , who weill sell out the dem party anytime the repigs tug on his jocky strapp, im not surprised you fell for his sthick, the repigs needed a candidate to win in o6 because the other ratbastard screwed up, with his makeing sport of that reporter, man americans will fall for anything,
Johnny2Bad @ 16:
Check out What is Being hidden in the FISA Investigations
Saloum @ 17:
And it seems you're perfectly happy to have brave men like Jim Webb do your fighting and dying for you. Have another Chardonnay on brave men like Web and these guys.
Pathetic.
harley @ 14:
You "one issue" people need to realize that no one will abandon Obama for McVomit or old Ralph on this one vote....even if we hate it too.
osiris @ 6:
Don't hold your breath.
harley @ 14:
Hear hear!
swampfox @ 19:
Here's how this quote would read if written by someone with a high school education:
Come on! Webb's a repig. He's another Pelosi, who will sell out the democratic party anytime the repigs tug on his jock strap. I'm not surprised you fell for his schtick. The repigs needed a candidate to win in '06 because the other rat-bastard screwed up with his making sport of that reporter. Man, americans will fall for anything.
Left&Left @ 22:
one issue? guess you forgot the patriot act! backpeddeling on iraq, being for nafta, ok to let the states control abortion, inlargeing the war in afganistan, ok with going after iran because they dont want the us and israel to dictate how they run thier country , if i was a corporationist id run him for president too,
swampfox @ 26:
The Fox abides.
Webb's popularity is only based on simple positions of rationality, expressed in the form of backbone Democratic leadership has yet to muster.
He is very much a Republican and although I give him credit for opposing BushCo, we should expect such sanity and lucidity from any sane American.
Re-engage your minds people, Jim Webb IS NOT who you want infiltrating positions of power within the Democratic Party, simply because he tells you what you (reactively and currently) want to hear. If you were to research his words and historical record, I doubt you would be supporting him. Do the work . . . and start by using your brain and the facts before you. The frustration is palpable . . . but that should never allow such an egregious compromise of thought or principle.
no, seriously @ 28:
Oh My God. ... "backbone" and "rationality". Yeah, we don't want any of that in the party.
Whew...Looks like we're safe. Obama is showing less and less of both everyday.
Left&Left @ 22:
[OK, Dr Matt. We get it. Why? Because this commentary is much like spam. So much so, that it IS spam-Sitemonitor]
Johnny2Bad @ 29:
[OK, Dr Matt. We get it. Why? Because this commentary is much like spam. So much so, that it IS spam-Sitemonitor]
Dr. Hussein Matt @ 30:
even the believers in obama like xoites say they will vote for obama but will be holding thier nose when they do it! ive said it before if your candidate stinks that bad , you have allready lost!
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Obama needs to name a Democrat as running mate.
There should be at LEAST one "Dem" on the Democratic ticket...
Dr. Hussein Matt @ 31:
Uh huh.
"Look, Senator Clinton is somebody who I've worked with in the past. We agree on 95%, maybe 99% of issues." -Obama
(By the way, get it right....I'm an Edwards cultist.)
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Fair enough. He'll get his chance today on the floor of the Senate....Let's see how he does.
Johnny2Bad @ 21:
You are trying to equate the war against Hitler's Germany and the war in Vietnam. Webb did not fight in WWII, as did Major Winters and his band of brothers. The war in Vietnam was another corporate adventure and a live testing range for military hardware. Nobody in their right mind would question Webb's bravery, but many people rightfully question the Vietnam quagmire.
Webb is a visionary. He sees the train wreck coming and takes a pass.
Johnny2Bad @ 29:
Smart people generally understand that reality can only happen by eliminating "if only" thinking.
We are here, so it's best (if you want to be taken seriously) to look at the path in front of you, instead of wasting time longing for something that has already been decided. Fool's folly.
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GET OVER IT OR GIT OUT.....WEBB IS A REPUB.......The obama fan club has learned well from their appointed leader on how to unite the party --- what the fuck --- if and when he and they give us four more republican years --- it will be on them and their hateful ways. Webb just said no thanks --- 'cause he can smell how clusterfucky the leadership is at the top of the democratic party. Webb and Clinton will be in the Senate hanging on for dear life and doing their best for their states....... would have been a good ticket, however --- CLINTON/WEBB 08 ..................a boy can still dream, can't he? or will that be not allowed if ya don't worship in the obama church?
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Call me when you're lookin for a Defense Secretary.
no, seriously @ 42:
Jeez. That's the old "if you're getting raped...just lay back and enjoy it" argument.
Homey don't play that.
Mickxotic @ 40:
This is simple. The poster said (above) Webb spent..."His entire life is dedicated to "supporting" those who murder innocent people." I assume he meant American service men and women.
That's way beyond the pale and deserved a reply that reminded him of how his comfort was secured and who did the securing.
Johnny2Bad @ 45:
"Homey" clearly misses the point regardless of whatever he "plays".
Who is really that cerebrally challenged? Context there, Einstein.
Jeez
dennis @ 39:
You're a little late Dennis. Webb saw the train wreck and smartly ran away from YOUR party. Also Dennis if you don't think these last eight years don't qualify as a "train wreck" you truly are lost.
Obviously acting VP's (and Presidont's) can not have children in active service during a time of War. /snark
Left&Left @ 50:
Like I said, L², he's a visionary.
Wesley Clark was my first choice for Veep. But after the McCain Media fabricated hysteria, will Obama still pick him? Apart from Bill Richardson, or perhaps Hillary, I don't have a clue who'll be Obama's running mate.
My prediction....
EDWARDS/WEBB '16
Don't look at Webb for VP? Given his last vote on FISA, I wouldn't even look at him for directions to the nearest rest room.
no, seriously @ 49:
I got your point. Such as it was. Could do without the pathetic invective you use to make it seem more important than it was.
Transparent.
Why do so many capable people NOT want to be Obama's VP (e.g., Strickland, Webb, Rendell)? Please explain.
Paul @ 54:
Good decision. Obama's in the stall next to ATT and Verizon...tapping his foot.
I didn't like Webb anyway. History of sexism, blue-dog, and he barely won his seat even after Allen's "macaca" moment. Has a very neanderthal-ish look about him too - like he'd be a real dick in person.
His response here is pretty dick-ish too IMO.
I don't get the Webb love.
Commentator @ 58:
I don't get the Obama love
I don't get the Obama love; please explain.
WakeUpAmerica! @ 56:
Exaggerating a touch? Please explain. Disregard. You "black clouds" will keep manufacturing fake negative angles about Obama until November anyway.
Considering his knuckle-dragging attitudes about women and his love for all things Confederate, this is good news.
Move on.
I'm not sure about Webb's overall support for other dems positions, (I mean he does have to keep a rather conservative constituency happy back home), but I'd put him in charge of veterans' affairs in a heartbeat!
Left&Left @ 60:
L&L - I thought you had gotten over troll feeding.
This is bad for Obama. Obama needs to pick up at least one state that went for Bush on '04. He might have had a chance in Virginia with Webb.
Is Obama perfect? Why does no one on this blog ever criticize him? Are people afraid to? What is it?
Left&Left @ 60:
What's wrong with black clouds? Why use that characterization?
WakeUpAmerica! @ 65:
Beat it. We (and I don't mean you) can have an honest critical discussion about our own guy without help from FreeRepublic members.
Buh bye.
WakeUpAmerica! @ 65:
You must not read this blog on a regular basis.
We also LOVE to criticize McSame, WakeUpAmerica.
He still has a chance of winning Virginia. Even if Webb was Feingold-esque, it would still be far too risky picking a first term Senator as running mate. Besides, Colorado, New Mexico and Iowa seem fairly safe bets at the moment.
Johnny2Bad @ 48:
Yes, perhaps the comment was a bit over the top. But - can you name even one conflict since WWII where our military was truly fighting for OUR freedoms and/or comforts? I am curious about that sort of "Freedom isn't free" mentality that has been used to justify every elective American military conflict since WWII. I WOULD agree with you that our military is SUPPOSED to protect our freedoms - but....
I could not recommend this blog as a place to engage in intelligent discussion. See you never.
I don't believe Wes Clark should be off the list for his remarks. His remarks were distorted by the Right and he did not dis-respect McCain's service. He stated a fact that being shot down did not give him executive or administrative experience. That is the truth. Also, at one time I heard Anthony Zinni's name mentioned. He was centcom commander in Iraq before Gen. Hoar and is widely respected. He was anti-War for all the sound and sane reasons and was very outspoken about Bush. He is a smart guy and an articulate speaker. Let's not forget Richardson. Please forget Biden. No Northeasterners if you want to make headway in the midwest and south. Biden has elite written all over him. How about someone like Waxman? Make him VP and charge him with cleaning up government and restoring our country to pre-Bush conditions.
xargaw @ 73:
Waxman...surely you jest.
Good riddance. These military dick heads should get the hell out of our government and go straight to hell!
They are all just insiders for the military industrial complex.
Good call by Webb on this one.
I actually got to see Sen. Webb speak at the Washington Press Club a few weeks back. LOL at all the people calling him a Repig, Repub, whatever. Read his book and get back to me. Extreme hackishness all over these comments.
Underground Pirate @ 75:
the reason you've ever heard the phrase military industrial complex was because Ike warned of it.
Webb may have some skeletons in his closet he doesn't want to give up. Simple as that. I like Bill Richardson at this point. My objection to Hillary on the ticket is fading, too, but I just don't think it necessarily makes much sense to have an east coaster on the ticket. But Barrack could definitely give Hillary a project and have her unleash her bulldog tenacity on it.
Maybe he saw Obama's stance on FISA and realized he was a fraud?
WakeUpAmerica! @ 56:
The vice-presidency isn't a very attractive job to many politicians. The Hill asked the 97 non-presidential candidate senators whether they'd be interested in the job and got a wide variety of responses, many negative. See here.
Note that Sen. Webb's position has been consistent.
we need him in the senate. i would like to see him on the campaign trail........
Left&Left @ 60:
Last night on Air America, David Bender (guest-hosting for Rachel Maddow) made a well-stated and passionate plea for all us Progressives to stop criticizing Obama. Look, Obama's not perfect. Would there ever be a perfect candidate ? We should--rightly so--cast an objective and critical eye upon our candidates, questioning them, and holding them up to high standards. But the point being made was that THIS IS OUR GUY, our Party's candidate, and this is not the time to splinter ourselves up and criticize him ! Save the criticism for AFTER he's President. Right now, the alternative is McSame, and do we want that ? No! So--let's support our guy and get these cabal of thugs out of office !
You people are fools if you cannot see why Webb would have been the perfect VP! !!
1. He was born in Missouri and currently represents Virginia (two large swing states)
2. He has more military credentials than John McCain (as a marine he received a Navy Cross, a Silver Star, two bronze stars, and two purple hearts; afterwards he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by none other than the Reagan Democrat hero… Reagan; his son is currently a marine and has served in Iraq, and he was against the war in Iraq from the beginning)
3. He is an Appalachian redneck (he will bring in more white working class individuals than any other VP candidate could ever dream of)
4. He authored the modern G.I. Bill (his presence will be a continuous reminder that McCain’s “support” of the troops is little more than hollow rhetoric… also McCain will be unable to pull that “I served so I know better than you what’s best for the troops” bullshit with Webb).
5. He is not a Washington insider (his newness to Washington would perfectly compliment Obama’s call for a new kind of Washington politics).
If you think that Obama is going to win the presidency by taking by taking on a super -liberal VP you are delusional!!!
Like it or not anyone who is to be president has to win over the 40 something percent of moderate/somewhat conservative swing voters. Unfortunately - this means not occasionally making nice with right leaning individuals.
If you take an all or nothing approach to politics, you will more often than not end up with nothing… this one’s to important to do that again.
McCain please please please take Phewlenty from MN then maybe we can get a good governor.
Frank Dufek @ 80:
Wow. Would Webb also consider HIMSELF equally fraudulent? You Obama haters are really reaching the levels of delirium.
Good. Webb never did it for me and perhaps he is right about his ability to be more effective where he is. How about Rachel Maddow for VP? She seems to make perfect sense about %99.99999 percent of the time (as long as she's not being scripted)...
Damn, I wish Russ Feingold was in the picking. Now there's a man who could be ushered beautifully into the presidency and a man of principal to boot!
Johnny2Bad @ 21:
Hey, Webb didn't die for me. He didn't fight for me. He did NOTHING to make my life better. He killed innocent people in the name of fraud. That's something to be tried for, not celebrated. He's a war-mongering Republican in Democratic clothes.
Jim @ 89:
WTF is you're problem?
Webb was trying to make sure the horrors that took place under Mao didn't take place in Vietnam.
That's why he served there.
As for his not making your pathetic life any better you seem to be ignorant of his keeping Bush from apointing cronies while Congress was in recess by keeping it in session on his own.
You also forget that he took the majority away from the GOP and kept an insane racist from being a Presidential candidate.
He also authored the new GI Bill but chances are you hate that bill since to you the teenagers that signed up because there wasn't any work to be found in their town and are right now pined down in a war they don't even want to fight are nothing but baby killers to you aren't they?
You're kind make liberals look bad.
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