In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits ("tempted to slug" Bush)

The Washington Post ^ | 11/29/2006 | Michael D. Shear

[ReagansRaiders]

The WashPo tells us today of a recent encounter between Sen.-elect Jim Webb and President Bush:

"How's your boy?" Bush asked, referring to Webb's son, a Marine serving in Iraq.

"I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President," Webb responded, echoing a campaign theme.

"That's not what I asked you," Bush said. "How's your boy?"

"That's between me and my boy, Mr. President," Webb said coldly, ending the conversation on the State Floor of the East Wing of the White House.

But that is only part of the story. The Hill takes it one step further:

Webb confessed that he was so angered by this that he was tempted to slug the commander-in-chief, reported the source, but of course didn’t.

[CharlesWayneCT]

He called himself a Reagan democrat, I wonder how he feels about Chuck Schumer claiming the Reagan philosophy is dead?

[CharlesWayneCT]

There were stories about this from his days as Navy Secretary, either nobody would talk publicly or the media refused to give anybody any coverage.

[Tarpon]

Well at least he didn't offer to demonstrate the kid trick in his book. Just goes to show what kind of person writes that trash, doesn't it. Rude and crude.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Bush asked him how is SON was, and Webb responded with what HE wanted, ignoring the question. Bush simply noted Webb hadn't answered the question.

You think Webb didn't regularly answer politely to his thousands of supporters who asked him how his son was doing?

Notice that Webb did not say "HE wants to be home", he said "I want him to come home". Maybe his son wants to serve out his time.

Note also that Webb's plan for Iraq wouldn't bring his son home, it would just redeploy him to another country to be "on-call".

[ARCADIA]

I agree with you. Though Webb could have simply ignored Bush's remark and said something like ... "Oh he's fine, wants to come home." By that token, Bush could have responded to Webb's initial comment with "I am sure they all do, is your boy okay though."

I think it shows how strongly everyone is feeling nowadays.

[ARCADIA]

I agree with you. Though Webb could have simply ignored Bush's remark and said something like ... "Oh he's fine, wants to come home." By that token, Bush could have responded to Webb's initial comment with "I am sure they all do, is your boy okay though."

I think it shows how strongly everyone is feeling nowadays.

[DakotaRed]

Did Webb forget that his 'boy,' actually a grown man, VOLUNTEERED?????????????

Is his 'boy' wanting to get out of Iraq? Somehow, I doubt it.

[DakotaRed]

When did Webb end being a disciplined Marine and become a tantrum-throwing lout?

When he decided to become a Democrat.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

All that crap he wrote in his novels should have served as a warning, but many thought that making a campaign issue of what he wrote in fiction was "unfair game."

"As a man thinketh, so is he," says the Bible.

Or, Garbage In, Garbage Out.

[Callahan]

My thoughts exactly. I bet his kid is a Republican.

[Callahan]

This guy isn't going to last. His routine might endear him to the moonbats, but the rest of America expects politicians to put their differences aside when it comes to interacting on a personal level. A Republican who acted like this would be crucified by the media but Webb gets a pass because he's a Dem. It won't last forever though. He's going to be isolated very quickly.

[Credo]

Webb only lasted as Sec Nav a little over a year. He left in some sort of weird pique. He really reminds me of being a Ross Perot type character where you don't where he's coming from.

I would not surprised if he leaves office early. He will not serve beyond 1 term unless his temperament changes.

[wmileo]

Senator Webb better watch his step or Ollie North will kick his ass again as he once did at the Naval Academy.

[LdSentinal]

it was Bush's smart ass response to the answer

Oh yeah. It was a real smart ass response./s

[LibLieSlayer]

Virginia will not be treated favorably among the Republicans in the Senate. Poor Virginia will lose their pork!

LLS

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

"That's not what I asked you," Bush said. "How's your boy?"

The President is being respectful and Webb gives him the equivalent of a verbal middle finger.

It's time Bush realizes that he has got to stop being nice to Democrats.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

it was Bush's smart ass response to the answer

How was Bush's reply "smart assed?" To me it was the perfect comeback and reminiscent of the old straight-shooter Bush.

[linn37]

I think the President handled it fine. I find Webbs retort and later comments comical. I think whoever is going to run against him should send agitators just to watch him blow.

[do the dhue]

I would say that Webb and the rest of the Demoratic Party is not willing to pay any price or bear any burden to ensure the success and survival of liberty.

[Chgogal]

I cannot imagine for one moment that Senator Webb's behavior in response to President Bush's polite question will go over well with the Marines in Iraq. Senator Webb and his staff acted disgracefully. Fortunately for you, Senator Webb will be hailed a hero by the Liberal Press and others thereby making Iraq even more dangerous for our Troops there.

I would be so much more happier if Senators and all other politicians remembered that what they say may embolden the enemies in Iraq targeting our Troops. All this ill tempered verbiage is not suitable at this time when our country is in need of thoughtful and wise leadership.