I'll be the first to admit that I rarely post at Daily Kos. As a Blue Dog Democrat, I constantly find myself at odds with many of the things posted here. But there is something here that I've enjoyed reading recently: enthusiasm over Jim Webb. Webb's response to the SOTU speech as propelled him into Democratic Stardom, as well it should've. He's a smart, unbought, powerful leader with something that seems to be in short supply in our own party...a spine.
There's been talk about Jim Webb for the Presidency or Vice-Presidency. Let me just say up front that Jim Webb would be the best man for the job should he run. But let's be honest, he won't run. And besides, this race isn't about the best man for the job. In 2008, it's going to be about fads (Obama) or money (Hillary). After all, Obama has been in the National Field for what, three years? How does that prepare him on the National Security forefront? And Hillary...well, it's pretty obvious that she's a politician first...and second...and third. I like Edwards, but he hasn't shown me anything that lets me know he has a pair.
Jim Webb has the experience, even though he's only served in the Senate a matter of months. From 1977-1981, he was Council on the HoR Committee on Veteran affairs. From 1984-1988, he served in the Defense Department. And unlike anybody running (save Wes Clark if he runs), Jim Webb has looked down the barrel of an enemy's gun. He has risked his life for his country. He has jumped on top of fellow soldiers' bodies to protect them from grenades. You can guarantee that a man who has been through this will not send our troops to war unless there is no other alternative.
Save maybe Feingold, who I think was being overly-zealous with his movement for censure, nobody in our Government has truly taken the fight to the Bush Administration like Jim Webb. Remember when he asked Condi that question about Bush's intentions with Iran. Condi said she would get back to him in writing. Two weeks later, she didn't. Most other leaders would've just ignored it and let it go. Not Jim Webb. Jim Webb demands answers, and demands action.
"The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State
Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice:
During your appearance before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on January 11, 2007, I asked you a question pertaining to the administration's policy regarding possible military action against Iran. I asked, "Is it the position of this administration that it possesses the authority to take unilateral action against Iran, in the absence of a direct threat, without congressional approval?"
At that time you were loath to discuss questions of presidential authority, but you committed to provide a written answer. Since I have not yet received a reply, the purpose of this letter is to reiterate my interest in your response.
This is, basically, a "yes" or "no" question regarding an urgent matter affecting our nation's foreign policy. Remarks made by members of this administration strongly suggest that the administration wrongly believes that the 2002 joint resolution authorizing use of force in Iraq can be applied in other instances, such as in the case of Iran. I, as well as the American people, would benefit by fully understanding the administration's unequivocal response.
I would appreciate your expeditious reply and look forward to discussing this issue with you in the near future.
Sincerely,
James Webb
United States Senator"
Do you want to know who Jim Webb is? Tell me you're not inspired after watching this.
http://www.youtube.com/...
As a Virginian, I can honestly tell you that my Senator is fearless. Whoever we nominate for President in 2008 is irrelevant. Hillary, Obama, Edwards...they may be good politicians. But it is Jim Webb who will be the leader for our party, and our country, as we stride forth into the future. Whether it be from the Senate, the Vice-Presidency, or the Presidency, it truly doesn't matter. I firmly belive that there is no stronger person in Washington. He will always be the voice of reason, always be the muscle for the common man, and always be the heartbeat of the country.
I'll leave you with a quote from Jim Webb: a quote that we should pay attention to as a Party...and as a Nation.
"We face the world on our feet, not our knees. We were born fighting. And if the cause is right, we will never retreat."
-Jim Webb