The Case Against Jim Webb For VP

Kathy G:

First off, many thanks to Matt for asking me to guest blog. Matt has long been one of my role models as a blogger and I'm honored that he invited me here. If you want to read more of my stuff, you can visit my own blog, The G Spot.

Now on to my first post here, which I warn you will be looonnnggg.

A number of people I greatly respect have been touting Virginia senator James Webb as Barack Obama's vice presidential pick. Indeed, more than a few of my liberal male friends seem positively smitten with the man.

But I say, enough with the mancrushes already! It's true that Webb, a Vietnam vet who's been decorated with with two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, the Silver Star and the Navy Cross, is undeniably butch. But there are a number of reasons why he would be a terrible vice presidential pick.

Back in February, Ezra Klein made the case against Webb, and the reasons Ezra gave then still hold. For one thing, if President Obama wants to get anything done, he'll need a filibuster-proof majority in the senate. It would not be wise for him to choose a red state senator, because who knows if another Democrat could be elected to that seat? Also, as Ezra argued, the things that make Webb valuable as a "gadfly senator," such as his "brashness" and his "willingness to push the conversation forward," would be a bad match for the vice presidency, which would require him to "constantly watch his mouth" and not say anything that conflicts with the president's agenda.

Read the whole story: Kathy G

Comments

[Kache]

If we want a Virginian on the ticket, former Gov Mark Warner is a better choice. He's running for the other Senate seat. His poll rating in Virginia is around 80% positive - way above Webb's. And Warner has great administrative background that Obama lacks, something Obama does not mind conceeding to.

On the other hand, Obama doesn't need McTwirly claiming he chose Webb just to beef-up his foreign policy credentials. Once said, Obama would have a hard time getting past the perception. Indeed, most people who favor Webb actually do so because they think Obama needs to beef-up his foreign policy credentials.

I think Webb is great on the campaign trail. He has a compelling narrative explaining how he discovered he had been a Democrat all is life even though he's been born into a Republican family and had voted that way. It was an epiphany he had while researching Andrew Jackson for one of his novels. It is a story that hits Republicans square between the ears. "Republicans measure the health of a society at the apex of the pyramid, Democrats measure it at the base of the pyramid."

[rzan]

I do not like Jim Webb, and I am surprised that so many support him. He has been married three times and has made many anti-female remarks. I don't think women as a whole will go for him. Of course, I will vote for Obama under any circumstances. Also, it seems as if Webb is not really interested in the vice presidency. There are also those unfortunate comparisons between the Scotch-Irish and Afican-Americans; their histories are different, and their circumstances are different. I am not saying this to denigrate the Scotch-Irish poor in this country.

[PaigeInPhilly]

sorry bloggers...Im a WOMAN for WEBB for VP.

I was doing some research on what some WOMEN thought about Webb during his senate run..this is what Ive found so far:

November 7, 2006, 9:08 pm
Women for Webb
By Matthew Continetti

Apparently, accusing your opponent of misogyny will only take you so far. According to the CNN exit poll, women voters in Virginia supported Democratic challenger James Webb today by a margin of 53 to 46 percent. According to the poll, Republican incumbent George Allen won the votes of white women, 54 to 45 percent, but Webb overwhelmingly won the votes of nonwhite women, 81 percent to 18 percent.

In addition follow this link for other commentary of MILITARY women for Webb:

http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5203

Now think back...like 20 or so years...are YOUR views EXACTLY the same?..or has EXPERIENCE and TIME taught you something different.­..apparent­ly it did for senator Webb...and Im all for him...he would make a wonderful VP to Obama..period.

Obama/Webb 08

[Anciano]

Better to win the presidency with a strong candidate and to lose the senate majority than to lose the presidency and keep the senate majority.

[tonyrich]

No wonder she is losing the primary- she is nuts

[Crozier]

It seems, guest blogger, that the main reason for nixing Jim Webb is the fact that his seat would go to the Republicans in Virginia if he ran for vice president and won the election. A special election would be difficult to hold the seat. When LBJ won the vice presidency, he was replaced by Republican John Tower in a special election.

I believe that Jim Webb would like to remain in the Senate for the reasons that you suggested. I do believe, however, that he would try to dissuade Obama from choosing him. He is a man whom I would like, and it would be the type of individual Obama would want.

Also, the senator and I both speak tieng viet...vietnamese and both our children are part caucasian and part vietnamese. His wife was born and raised in Saigon. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

[republiscum]

MCsame is delusional just like Bush. Republicans are ANTI MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS...check this link out>
http://therealmccain.com/?utm_source=rgemail

[deweshk]

Some of us didnt know all these stuff about Webb whilst we blindly root for him for vice presidency. It is obvious Webb will serve a better purpose being in the senate instead. Seriously, there are a lot of good choices out there. Please, not Webb.

[JimR]

Did you read the other article, "In defense of Webb"? Provides a little more balance.

[GravitonX]

The strongest argument for Jim Webb is that he would be one hell of a wingman. You can even see the guy charging through the gates of Hell to engage a battle. However, how would the guy do on the stump? Is he a good debater?

You want someone who is quick but doesn't get rattled, e.g. Al Gore, Cheney. You want to avoid someone who will completely sink you, e.g. Admiral Stockdale. And, you want to avoid someone who would get completely overmanuevered, e.g. Quayle, Ferraro.

[Trueheart]

The choice of VP candidate should be based on that person's ability to become President in the event that something happens to incapcitate Obama, and not about that person's ability to help win a particular constituency in order to win an election.

[JimR]

Actually, it should be based on both. And Webb fits the bill in both cases.

[pointpetre]

I agree with the issue of the danger that Webb's seat in the Senate could fall to the Republicans. However, I disagree on the other points. I think Webb would be an excellent vice president and would not pose a problem in terms of public conflict with the president.

Yes, he is brash and outspoken, but he is also sensible and loyal.

[2liveNdie]

I agree, but doesn't the V.P. preside over the senate?

And losing a senate seat falls in comparison to winning the White House!!!

[Kache]

The VP merely casts a tie breaking vote. For all other functions he's neutered in his roll in the Senate. His main opportunity in the Senate to effect legislation lies in the opportunity to jawbone with Senators. The VP would not figure into whether the Senate is filibuster-proof.

[KISSman]

Some of the reasons cited for Webb not being a supposed good choice are the very reasons he would be a good choice.

The fact that he is a moderate Democrat is one of his strengths on the ticket. The Reps are going to paint Obama as this uber-liberal all the way through to November, but by choosing someone like Webb, the entire ticket can't be labeled as such.

Secondly, I wouldn't be worried about Jim Webb's senate seat at all. If Webb can help deliver us the White House, leaving a senate seat up for grabs would most certainly be worth it.

Obama NEEDS Virginia -- period. He's going to need to need a state like that because he ain't getting Florida. Webb will help a lot with Virginia.

Yes Webb has downsides, but most candidates probably have some downsides. Webb has a lot of upsides as well. His military background will help fill a void that Obama will lack against McCain. When he has a guy on his ticket who has been in the military and cites reasons why this war is a mess and a mistake, it will only help bolster Obama's argument.

Hillary cannot and should not be the VP candidate. At this point, I don't think his supporters could stomach such a thing. I know I couldn't.

[rajoro]

If we can get beyond Hillary, Jim Webb is the only candidate that can attack McCain on national security in a way that can shut him up! A war veteran who is a real hero and has administrative experience as former Secretary of the Navy for the right wing God, Reagan. The fact is McCain uses his POW story to show his opponents they haven't paid the price, Webb makes McCain look like what he was and is, a near do well pilot shot down on his first mission. He never had to lead men and face down an actual soldier and take a bullet like Webb did. Webb is also the key to Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky, he is Appalachian after all.

[Crozier]

I would like to associate myself with your remarks....rajoro

[HamletsMill]

I also agree.

[rajoro]

I am vomiting as I think and speak! Jim Webb is perfect but I don't see us avoiding the very bitter pill of Hillary! If she loses outright with 2210, then the news cycle will make her a memory and people will move on. If not, the convention fight isn't an option, and the very serious option is this question, How can Obama unify the country and the world if he can't unify his own party?

"Team Of Rivals " by Doris Kearn Goodwin, is the one book Obama said he would bring with him into the Oval Office if he had to chose. The book is about Lincoln choosing his political rivals as his VP and cabinet. I hate the idea of it and I know Bill and Hillary can't be trusted. They must agree publicly to what Lincoln made his team do in private. That is they can argue behind closed doors but once the President makes a decision they must line up and support it publicly. Bill should be made Middle East envoy and get his Nobel Peace Prize, with a final agreement between Israel and Palestine. Hillary can beat up the congress and make them fall in line, and make domestic policy her bailiwick.

[FlowerGirl]

There are several great choices:
Obama/Gore could happen. It would be great.
Obama/Hagel is another winner.
Obama/Webb isn't bad.
Obama/Sebelius is fine.
Obama/Politano would work.
Obama/Richardson would be strong.
Obama/Dean would excite folks.
But we do not need any DLC types. No generals, please. And definitely no divisive politicians.