Webb: I Couldn't Speak Openly If I Were V.P.

In a heavy-on-the-substance interview on the Charlie Rose Monday evening, Sen. Jim Webb touched on a variety of political topics: his early opposition to the Iraq war, the passage of his 21st Century G.I. Bill, trade, and corporate responsibility. The frankness with which he spoke was driven home - tellingly - when the Virginia Democrat explained why he took his name out of Barack Obama's vice presidential running. In essence, he was concerned about his ability to speak openly.

"I was saying from day one I really wasn't interested," said Webb, once considered a frontrunner to be Obama's second in command. "People would ask me about this and I would say I have been in elected office for two years and I have a great staff around me and we are focusing on issues I can talk about openly, which would be hard to do if I were part of an administration. And there was so much speculation after my book was published and the primary had passed that I thought I would clear the air."

Reminded by Rose that his assets - an ability to reach working class Democrats and carry his home state of Virginia - were important Obama needs, Webb responded: "Both of those considerations are still doable to the extent that they are true with me campaigning with and for Sen. Obama wherever he wants me. I think Virginia is very much in play and I will do everything I can to help him out. But it is a life decision and being inside an administration is a totally different phenomenon then being in the senate in terms of speaking openly on certain issues. I'm happy where I am."

The Senator went on to predict victory for Obama and argued that, if time allowed, "the working people in this country" will "sit down, listen to what Barack is talking about," and "gravitate to his story."

"I have great affection for Sen. Obama and I think he has a truly good shot," said Webb. "I think he is going to win."

Watch Webb's full interview with Charlie Rose below.

Comments

[Destin]

Kind of odd for Webb to say what he said. I like him, but he must be naive about the current VP.

For example, Cheney speaks his mind openly all he wants, even swears on the Senate floor. It's just that Cheney has a tight muzzle on the press and we rarely ever get to hear anything of what he says.

[onelife1]

Ok we got it, you are not interested.

We've moved on, time for you to move on.

I like you Webb, but seriously we'll get over you not being VP.

I guess you miss being talked about in the media. So does McCain!

[barackobama4prez]

I think he's going to win too Jimbo!

[Prism]

How refreshing: a just-elected Senator who understands his responsibility to those who sent him there.
A tough talented experienced pro with a measure of humility in acknowledgeing he's not ready for the bigger stage, despite a stellar resume. Oh, that Obama would have taken a clue!

[OmnesOmnibus]

Webb would have been great if it weren't for those macho negative remarks about women in combat that continue to haunt him. Keep him in the Senate where he shows great promise. No on Wesley Clark, he's an inept campaigner. Reed is a smart guy and was right on Iraq, but he has no personality and is dull. Biden is a good possibility, he gives out great one liners and has credibility on foreign policy (although he has an embarrasing plagarism incident in his past), but Hillary's the best choice - and she's proved to be a great campaigner. Picking her would completely unite the party (well except for Jimmy Carter and Nancy Pelosi) and toghether their fundraising would spin heads. Hillary could hammer away at McCain, really get down and dirty. And so could Bill - a greatrole for him. Hillary's perfect for this. And she's earned it by about 18 million votes.

[Jules1]

He needs to speak his mind and for eight years ( I am sure ) he would not be able to do that, he will do great things in the senate.

[schicklett3]

Even if Jim Webb isn't Vice President, he will be in Senator Obama's cabinet.
Jim Webb is incredible, and his knowledge is needed in our political world.

[Querent]

You don't listen.

[TrueIndy08]

He would be a great VP.... oh well, now onto either Clark or Biden.... no HRC

[NotMcCain]

Clark would be great.

But looks like it will be Reed.

[TrueIndy08]

thats fine... he has good foreign policy cred.... works for me

[NoSpinTruthZone]

At least we can agree that neither one of us want an Obama/Clinton ticket. A Clinton/Webb, or Webb/Clinton ticket in '12 would be about perfect.

[SDunn]

Sorry but Obama is going to win again in 2012. Try Clinton/Webb 2016!

[TrueIndy08]

Webb... you can speak your mind as much as you like...

I really really wanted him for VP... oh well, maybe he will run for POTUS in 2016... Obama will serve two terms....

as long as HRC does not get the VP nod, I will be ok

[chrisbee]

I was so gunning for Webb to be VP. :/

[theblueAmerican]

me too, but at this point I think it will be the Governor Kaine of Virginia who will Obama's VP running mate. Have to put the South in play as well as working class Americans. HRC needs to be Senate Majority leader. If she campaigns agressively for Obama she will be rewarded as she should be. HRC is a great asset to the Democratic party.But she shouldn't be VP for a whole host of reasons. No one person is bigger then the party.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

A Clinton/Webb ticket in 2012 would be great! In fact a Webb/Clinton ticket would be even better imho.

The polls are already showing McCain's leading. It will grow larger as we get closer to election time and Ohio, PA, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, WV, etc... will vote McCain in...

So.. we might as well find a worthy candidate for 2012. Webb/Clinton would be my first choice, followed by a Clinton/Webb ticket as a 'not too bad at all' backup.

[Querent]

Whose polls are you reading? Or did you get those results from your invisible friend?

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Unfortunately my head isn't in the sand. News reports clearly stated his lead, sorry to burst your bubble of delusion.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Webb wouldn't be allowed to be open because Obama has a consistency problem. That would hinder and frustrate Webb tremendously.
There's a reason a moderate like Webb won't work with Obama.

I only hope that Clinton doesn't get the nod... I'd like to see her run in '12.

Here's to McCain!

[rmreddicks]

I have some disagreements with some of Senator Webb's positions, but by god this seems a fellow worth sitting and having a beer with.

[PATina]

Thank you Sen. Webb. While I understand it to be a great honor to be VP.... I also understand that as you have more latitude and can be more relevant and effective as a Senator.

[dayala]

Senator Webb, as a Virginian I am proud to have you as my Senator....you ROCK!