Virginia Sen. George Allen, left, and Democratic challenger James Webb, greet each other after a debate sponsored by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in McLean, Va., Monday, Sept 18, 2006. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Posted on 09/26/2006 7:14:07 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - Democratic Senate challenger Jim Webb declined to say definitively Tuesday whether he had ever used a common derogatory term to describe blacks, stepping carefully after watching his campaign rival confront charges of racism.
"I don't think that there's anyone who grew up around the South that hasn't had the word pass through their lips at one time or another in their life," Webb told reporters.
Webb referred to his novel, "Fields of Fire," which aides said includes occurrences of the n-word as part of character dialogue. But he added: "I have never issued a racial or ethnic slur."
Asked for clarification of his original answer, spokeswoman Jessica Smith quoted Webb as saying, "I have never used that word in my general vocabulary or in any derogatory way."
She declined to say whether he had ever used the word apart from when he wrote his book.
Webb fielded questions on the issue after two days of racially charged controversy surrounding Sen. George Allen (news, bio, voting record), a first-term Republican seeking re-election in what has become an unexpectedly close race.
A college teammate of the senator stirred controversy this week when he said that a generation ago, Allen frequently used the n-word when referring to blacks.
Ken Shelton, a receiver on University of Virginia teams quarterbacked by Allen in the early 1970s, also said his teammate once stuffed a severed deer head into a mailbox belonging to a family he knew was black.
"The story and his comments and assertions in there are completely false," Allen responded in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"I don't remember ever using that word, and it is absolutely false that that was ever part of my vocabulary."
Last month, Allen's use of the word "macaca" in referring to a Webb campaign volunteer of Indian descent caused an outcry. The word is considered an ethnic slur in some cultures, but Allen said he did not know that and had simply made up the word.
Webb has generally avoided commenting on the controversy surrounding Allen, telling reporters it was irrelevant to his attempt to illustrate differences in leadership styles.
Webb is the son of a military family, and he moved frequently during his childhood. Smith said he spent considerable time in the South during childhood summers because his father's family owned land in Virginia.
Webb campaigned during the day with John Edwards, the 2004 Democratic vice presidential candidate and a potential White House contender in 2008.
Edwards said the allegations lodged against Allen were "very troubling." He noted that the senator has denied them and said voters will have to decide for themselves where the truth lies.
Virginia Sen. George Allen, left, and Democratic challenger James Webb, greet each other after a debate sponsored by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in McLean, Va., Monday, Sept 18, 2006. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Jim Webb..."Born Idiot."
}:-)4
Based on the generally accepted principle that the ugliest guy always loses, Allen is in like flint.
""I don't think that there's anyone who grew up around the South that hasn't had the word pass through their lips at one time or another in their life," Webb told reporters."
Yikes! So, this is a common thing in the South? Geez! Is there a third party candidate running for Senate in VA?
If his dad han't let him hang around Senator Bryd none of this would have happened.
One has to wonder just what President Reagan saw or found out about Webb to fire him after 8 - 10 months as SecNav.....
Contrasted with:
"The story and his comments and assertions in there are completely false," Allen responded in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. "I don't remember ever using that word, and it is absolutely false that that was ever part of my vocabulary."
Now, which statement is absolute and which one seems to have something to hide?
Now, I personally think is a stupid manufactured event by the Dems without basis in fact about something NOT important to the citizens of Virginia at this time. BUT, since Webb's friends started this garbage...quite an interesting non denial he issued.
Webb doesn't really have to get himself all caught up in this...he can make "no comment" his answer when asked about Allen's troubles...
because he has the LEFT and especially the MSM doing the dirty work for him.
Every show of Hairball and CNN's Situation Room has a least 2 segments every day dedicated to this...showing the macaca video over, and over and over.
2006 AP stylebook
Chap. 2, candidates
Allen, George FELIX
Sec 3 "n-word, deerhead" article addenda
MANDATORY DNC STORYBOARD CHECKLIST (for ALL media):
Censor denials of other teammates: CHECK
Censor political background of alleger: CHECK
True, but at a certain point it loses its effectiveness.
Witness the decreasing value of Katrina references.
They've O.D.'d on this.
Sure, Allen helped continue the cycle a few weeks by mimicing Lott's apology tour, but Virginia is not Penn. Recycling this, engaging in a Jew hunt, and pulling racist ephithets out of thin air isn't going to get them a Senate seat. The advantage is still policy and incumbency. Allen has the edge in each.
In penn? This would kill Santorum, he doesn't have a voter to sacrifice. In Virginia not so much.
You are the second freeper to reassure me tonight (Mo1 was the other)...and I respect both of your opinions...I will try to not worry so much...
I am going to HAVE to quit letting my remote stop on MSNBC!!
Goodness, that man is short.
BUSTED, Ganymede. On another thread you said you voted for Allen. Do you live in Virginia or not?
Don't forget the marriage ammendment is on the ballot in VA in Nov. The last poll I saw had 68% in favor. I believe that so goes the marriage amendment, so goes Sen. Allen.
Hey! How is the baby and your lovely wife?
>"I don't think that there's anyone who grew up around the South that hasn't had the word pass through their lips at one time or another in their life," Webb told reporters."
Yikes! So, this is a common thing in the South? Geez! Is there a third party candidate running for Senate in VA?<
Well, Allen was born and raised in California, so you can go right ahead and vote for him with a clear conscience.
By the way, Ganymede, I hope you like felines...
Kittens, to be specific.
I didn't know that was on the ballot..that is good news, thanks.
"BUSTED" how exactly?
I voted for Allen in 2000. I did not know about his "history." He will NOT get my vote in 2006.
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