or (c) he's trying to make a dramatic point in a gratuitously vulger and offensive fashion. (And note the absense of the phrase "an artist.")
Webb's problem -- and I think it's a significant one -- will be that although people may accept the idea of a novelist senator, they most likely will reject one who traffics in this kind of borderline obscenity. I mean, come on--"The Tin Drum" handled this with more class!
How does one portray an incestuous homosexual pedophile without being vulgar or offensive?
Agreed. The "bits" were clearly not intended to titillate. Webb's bits are intended to titillate.