Posted on 10/28/2007 2:00:56 PM PDT by freespirited
Just 10 months into his first term in elected office, James Webb found himself on the podium for one of the most coveted speaking slots in Democratic politics.
The freshman senator from Virginia delivered the keynote address to the New Hampshire Democratic Party at its annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner a week ago, a role that in recent years has been played by current and former White House candidates John Edwards and John Kerry. Two years ago the speech was delivered by Sen. Evan Bayh, who is viewed as a potential vice presidential pick next year....
Direct and withering when talking about war, Webb can be awkward when the subject turns to his political ambitions -- particularly the vice presidential chatter that erupted shortly after he took office in January.
"This is like the conundrum -- there's no good answer," Webb said, laughing nervously. "I'm not in any way actively interested in doing that. Nobody is asking me about it, either."
Webb's political appeal is based on the fact that the combat veteran, acclaimed novelist and former Republican figured out how to unlock a conservative state with an antiwar populism that spoke to small-town and rural voters as well as the Democratic base. As Democrats seek to widen their majorities in Congress next year, Webb is much in demand as a fundraiser and campaigner...
Observers are divided on whether Webb's bluntness will be an asset or a disqualifier when the eventual Democratic nominee picks a running mate.
"Nobody can remember a freshman making the national impact he's made on his party," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.
Presidential scholar Stephen Hess said, "At this point, where it's 100% speculation, there's nothing wrong with putting his name on the list." But he added: "He's an unguided missile. He'd be too unpredictable."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Mr. Loblaw hit the nail on the head. He’s as big a loon as the Kerry and Edwards creatures. I’m ashamed of my state.
TC
Pathetic that this is what Virginia wanted. . .or at least, voted for.
What idiots.
The Rats are crooning about "unlocking" a conservative state when Webb won by a margin of 0.38 pct. over George Allen. Webb won because The Washington Post kept repeatedly hammering Allen, particularly with regards to the "macaca" incident.
And, although largely unproven, I would not be surprised if there was voter fraud occurring in Northern Virginia, especially in Fairfax County--areas that have high illegal alien populations. And yes, illegals have been caught voting before.
The Rats unlocked nothing. If anything, they showed two things: that they can not win unless they masquerade as conservatives; and that the Republican establishment has neither the cojones nor the message to win due to its obsession with political pandering and the fact that it is simply not conservative at all.
Other Northern Va. Freepers, please correct me if I am wrong (or if you think that I am wrong).
The Best Case Scenario for us is to hold on what we won in 2004. But most likely we’ll lose a tossup state lik Virginia or Ohio which will ultimately tip the balance in the favor of the ‘rats.
The Dems are looking for someone perceived as conservative to give their ultra-liberal presidential nominee a boost. Unfortunately for them, that means they’ve got few to chose from. In Webb’s case, they can have one of the most conservative Dems in the Congress, but with it comes the image of meanness.
Republicans should be aware that Virginia was a conservative state. If you think Virginia will be a cake walk for Republicans again, you might want to see just how sad the state has become. It seems the state is being invaded by loons. Northern Virginia is now a left wing haven. I believe some little towns are competing with welfare being the gift. Some towns are food stamp friendly and others are rent free voucher friendly.
Senator “genitals”? haahaahaahaaha!
LLS
Webb will not tip VA - his approval rating is below 50%.
Lt. Dan ping.
I think Webb would make a great running mate for Rudy. Webb’s addition would make the ticket more conservative.
What aide will get to carry his loaded firearm to White House meetings?
Rudy is not stupid enough to entertain that thought.
Ohhhh, you meant Webb would be on the DEM ticket.
Never mind.
I think Hil might pick John Breaux to run with her.
Webb is a dick BUMP
I believe Hillary will pick Obama for her VP.
No! Not the man who wrote kiddie porn! The man with voted for DREAM act! The man who dumped at least one wife for a younger model!
Webb has much in common with Bill Clinton.. including a taste for younger women.
I doubt Hillary will pick him. She wouldn’t want Webb around to influence Bill.
And like Clinton, half of his appeal is manufactured out of thin air from the media.
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