I just watched Jim Webb's appearance on Countdown. If he can hold it together, and have

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

a productive term or two in the Senate, I want him to be the nominee whenever it's possible. I think he has the potential to eclipse the whole crop of current candidates, and I think there are some very good ones among them.

I know this is a redundant sentiment but I just had to post this thread.

Aside from having possibly THE best biography and resume around, he's one of the very few to consistently say what needs saying, in strong terms, and not mince words. He's a LEADER. Even among Congressman, Senators, and Governors, real leadership is a rare quality.

I hope he's got a good plan for this Senate term to put those leadership skills to productive use.

I am SO glad to have contributed to this man's campaign.

And, as much as I've despaired over the state of the Democratic Party recently, it speaks very well to have chosen Webb to give the SOTU response. SOMEONE aside from us recognizes the potential of this man.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. I don't.

I like the speech, I like his stance on the war, but I don't trust him. Maybe a VP spot.

[WI_DEM]

7. why don't you trust him?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. He's a conservative, former GOP.

He's right about the war, of course. But that isn't saying much.

[hippiechick]

2. ...you do know he's a former GOP'er, right ?

:shrug:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

3. Yes.

[WI_DEM]

8. of course some say that about Clark even though he wasn't

but he did vote, apparently, for Reagan and Bush I, but he's pretty progressive. I think people have the right to change.

[hippiechick]

14. Webb was Sec of the Navy as a (R)

I'm not sure why you brought Clark into this discussion?

:shrug:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

16. Because Clark was a guy who had voted, I think, for Reagan, etc. etc.

He is tarred with the same brush--he must be some kind of Republican Trojan Horse who can never be trusted, even if you agree with what he says and prefer his views and leadership style to the "name brand leading candidates".

[poiuytsister]

4. I was thinking the exact thing

as I was watching him on Countdown.

[illinoisprogressive]

5. I read an article that I agree with. Webb would not be happy as a prez or vp

he is independent and wouldn't like being leashed as presidents and vp's are. Secret Service everywhere, no freedom of movement, having every second planned out. No. Webb would be miserable. He's a free roamer and independent.

[burythehatchet]

6. You raise a good point. He is an intellectual, but a regular guy

thus his appeal.

[Crunchy Frog]

10. You see where the problem is with this.

Already in this thread, people are starting in with the "but he's Republican" shit.

Let's remember that the most successful Republican president was a former FDR Democrat. If the Republicans had been as purity obsessed as many of the Democrats are, they would never have had Reagan for their president (and his presidency was a tremendous boon to his party, even though it was catastrophic for the country and the world).

I will never rule out anyone because of their former political affiliation, as long as I believe that they are genuine in where they are now.

[PassingFair]

11. I asked a republican if he had listened to the "democrat" response

to the SOTU, the guy had the NERVE to tell me that he could only
stomach a few minutes of Webb, because....wait for it.... he said Webb's













HAIRLINE bothered him!

I was flabbergasted.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

12. I am sure this guy would be willing to suit up, go to Iraq and take a bullet for his emperor, who

has the hairline he prefers.

Sadly, many Americans really deserve the leadership they get. Too bad the rest of us do not.

[Guaranteed]

18. So many hairlines have brought us to war...

But, let us not forget how they have brought us together...

[Midlodemocrat]

19. Remember last year? And all the comments about Tim Kaine's

eyebrow? As if that made a whit of difference to the message he was stating.

[hedgehog]

20. How about Gephardt's eyebrows?

I really think he was never taken seriously as a Presidential candidate mainly because his sandy eyebrows so typical of a red head practically vanished on television.

[salin]

13. He introduced himself to the country in the most impressive fashion

That was an amazing response.

[hedgehog]

15. We need leaders in Congress, not just the White House

There was a time when both parties fielded an impressive bench in Congress. I could listen to hearings on the radio and identify the players just from hearing them. It wwas great to garden in the summer - like listening to a baseball game! If we could do that again, it would be the needed balance to the Imperial Presidency.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

17. I agree that this balance is needed, but we desperately need to wrest the

"imperial presidency" from the Republicans.