Huff Po: Webb's Audition: Blasts McCain, Assesses Obama's Appalachia Problem

[mod mom]

Webb's Audition: Blasts McCain, Assesses Obama's Appalachia Problem

June 5, 2008 10:15 AM


Jim Webb, one of Congress' fasting rising Democrats and a Senator believed to occupy a spot on Barack Obama's vice presidential short list, is slated to throw his support behind the Illinois Democrat on Thursday, introducing Obama at a rally in Bristol, Virginia.

And while the event is designed to help Obama appeal to a portion of the country -- Appalachia and, more specifically, Virginia -- that could prove crucial in the general election, in an interview Wednesday with The Huffington Post, Webb showed off the political attributes he brings to the national campaign table.

On several key domestic and foreign policy issues, the Virginia Democrat offered persuasive defenses of Obama, in the process taking swipes at his presumed Republican counterpart.

"John McCain's comment about Barack not having sat down recently with General Petreaus means nothing," Webb said. "If you know who to listen to, if you know how to make judgments, if you know how evaluate information, you can do that. I don't think Franklin Roosevelt was ever at the front in France during WWII in order to help end the war."

-snip

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/05/webbs-audition-blasts-mcc_n_105382.html

[BeyondGeography]

1. Webb's in the mix, no question about it

In fact, the only candidates east of the Mississippi who merit consideration in my view are from Virginia.

[MattNC]

2. excellent line

"I don't think Franklin Roosevelt was ever at the front in France during WWII in order to help end the war."

[Windy]

3. I think that Webb is the best choice. He will appeal to the south and appalachia

not to mention independents and cross over republicans.

He has a solid military background and a son who served in Iraq. He was a former secretary of the navy under Reagan.
He has fought hard against Iraq/Iran policies of the administration.

Not to mention that he would be an attack dog for Barack.

I say Webb should be on the shortlist!

[Eurobabe]

4. Damn, I wish I was home these days.

Where can I find out about Obama events? How far in advance do they announce his calendar? I will be on the East Coast in late June, I smell a road trip. :)

[mod mom]

5. you can find event located near you at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple

[frickaline]

6. I really hope they drop Webb, he is a divisive choice

bad record on women's issues. :(

[RaleighNCDUer]

7. That's OK, because Obama is just fine on women's issues. nt

[frickaline]

8. How does that make Webb's bad record ok?

I don't follow the logic there. I'd argue appointing someone as VP with a bad women's issues record would call into question Obama's support of women. Seems like something we don't need the GOP using against us.

[RaleighNCDUer]

9. The VP bolsters cred on issues where the president is weak.

That helps people who will say "he will turn to Webb on military matters". But if the president has his own cred on an issues, the VP's stance is immaterial.

And do you really think the GOP is going to frame an argument against Obama on his VP choice being weak on women's issues? Seriously. "Vote McCain - because VP Webb is almost as bad as he is!"

[frickaline]

10. Do you honestly believe all GOP attacks need to be direct? nt

[RaleighNCDUer]

11. Do you honestly believe that anyone interested in women's issues

would choose McCain/? over Obama/Webb? Or Obama/Anybody? It is not an issue. McCain, and his campaign, could not MAKE it an issue even if they wanted to - McCain is just so obviously much WORSE than any Obama/VP combination.

it is just silliness.

[frickaline]

12. I don't believe many women are interested in voting McCain

They are just crying wolf imo except for a few who were Republicans anyway.

However, that doesn't mean they will vote for Obama.

[mod mom]

13. Sen Obama has 100% approval rating from NARAL. He is looking for a VP who can

compliments areas where McCain could be seen as having an advantage or other aspects such as region. Sen Webb is well respected for his military record and he is from the southern swing state of Virginia.

[RaleighNCDUer]

14. Exactly. nt