Talking Points Memo & Top Story
Bad behavior in politics
Guests: Kellyanne Conway, The Polling Company & Maj. Paul Hackett, attorney
"At a post-election White House reception, President Bush spotted Senator-elect James Webb of Virginia and reportedly asked Webb about his son, a Marine corporal serving in Iraq. 'How's your boy,' said Mr. Bush. 'I'd like to get them out of Iraq,' answered Mr. Webb. 'That's not what I asked you,' the president replied. 'How's your boy?' Webb shot back, 'that's between me and my boy, Mr. President.' That was rude on Webb's part, and inappropriate, especially at the White House. We've invited Senator-elect Webb on The Factor, but he has not accepted. But I will say this directly to him: it's fine to dissent from the Iraq war and to believe the president is wrong to wage it. However, in a meeting like that there should be respect for the office of the president. You made a mistake, Mr. Webb, in not being gracious. Predictably, Bush-hating columnist Paul Krugman applauded Webb's action. But clear-thinking Americans realize that disrespecting people with whom you disagree is now out of control. Over the weekend a caller to C-SPAN told Jimmy Carter he is 'vile ... a racist ... and an anti-Semite.' That caller was totally out of line. We're all living in very dangerous times, and attacking people personally gets us nowhere."
The Factor was joined by Maj. Paul Hackett, a former Marine who defended Webb's encounter with President Bush. "Webb's response didn't sound disrespectful. It's our White House - he's the president, he's not the king. He works for you and me and every other taxpayer in America." But pollster Kellyanne Conway decried Webb's discourtesy. "When you're invited to someone's home, you must be somewhat deferential or you don't go. This was a White House reception, a kind gesture to the incoming majority party." The Factor pointed out that Senator-elect Webb was not obligated to attend the reception. "Webb could have said nothing and walked away. If he had done this before the election, he would have lost. People do not want that kind of incivility toward their elected leaders."
Mr. Hackett said Senators Charles E. Schumer of New York and Harry Reid of Nevada, the same party leaders who he said persuaded him last August to enter the Senate race, had pushed him to step aside so that Representative Sherrod Brown, a longtime member of Congress, could take on Senator Mike DeWine, the Republican incumbent.
Webb should have stayed home is right. He certainly had no problem freeloading did he.