There's enough buzz about the possibility of some conflict with Iran, either US or Israel initiated that we have to take this very seriously. Once conflict starts, this could give McCain, with his military credentials, at the least, a claim to having better experience, even if his military experience consists of being a crashed pilot and prisoner and in graduating in the lowest one percent out of over 800 students at the Naval academy.
To balance McCain's dubious claim of military experience, Obama will have to bring in a VP with military experience. Jim Webb makes the most sense to me. As a Virginia senator, he'll reel in Virginia as a formerly red state turned blue. Born in Missouri, he could help Claire McGaskill bring in that state.
Also a Naval Academy grad, he received Superintendent's Commendation for outstanding leadership contributions while a midshipman.
First in his class of 243 at the Marine Corps Officers' Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, Webb served with the Fifth Marine Regiment in Vietnam, where as a rifle platoon and company commander in the infamous An Hoa Basin west of Danang he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts. He later served as a platoon commander and as an instructor in tactics and weapons at Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, and then as a member of the Secretary of the Navy's immediate staff, before leaving the Marine Corps in 1972.
Webb received his J.D. at Georgetown University Law Center in 1975. He served in the U.S. Congress as counsel to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs from 1977 to 1981. In 1982, he first proposed, then led the fight for, including an African American soldier in the memorial statue that now graces the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. In 1984, he was appointed the inaugural Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. In 1987, he became the first Naval Academy graduate in history to serve in the military and then become Secretary of the Navy.
When Webb leaves the senate to become VP under Obama, the Democratic governor of Virginia will be able to replace him with a Democrat.
Wesley Clark is another viable candidate, but I just don't see him as likely as Webb, since he was a strong Hillary backer and would probably not help to bring in any state.
Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as organizer of several conferences, including StoryCon, the Summit Meeting on the Art, Science and Application of Story and The Winter Brain Meeting on neurofeedback, biofeedback, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology. See more of his articles here and, older ones, here.
To learn more about me and OpEdNews.com, check out this article.
and there are Rob's quotes, here.
To Watch me on youtube, having a lively conversation with John Conyers, Chair of the House Judiciary committee, click here Now, wouldn't you like to see me on the political news shows, representing progressives. If so, tell your favorite shows to bring me on and refer them to this youtube video
My radio show, The Rob Kall Show, runs 9-10 PM EST Wednesday evenings, on AM 1360, WNJC and is archived on www.whiterosesociety.org Or listen to it streaming, live at either www.wnjc1360.com or here.
A few declarations.
-While I'm registered as a Democrat, I consider myself to be a dynamic critic of the Democratic party, just as, well, not quite as much, but almost as much as I am a critic of republicans.
-My articles express my personal opinion, not the opinion of this website.
Webb is an interesting and confusing man for sure. If you have heard him interviewed, of late he has been interviewed a great deal, I find him the most interesting in terms of his desire to be a writer. For that reason alone, he may choose not to be the VP pick. He likes the Senate because it allows him time to write. He views himself as a writer. Have we ever had a VP who writes? Maybe a VP would have time to write, I don't know. But Webb is also a conservative guy who would push Obama even further to the right if he chooses him, just my opinion mind you. Also, Webb may be a very good choice because of his military background and because of that all anti-war choices will really be off the table if he is VP.
We need more investigations of McCain's behavior while a POW. Lots of interesting information is coming up now about how he received privileged treatment because he broke within 2 weeks of his capture. Also, the anti-war among us need to remember that this guy was dropping bombs on civilians when he was a pilot which is a war crime. These things need to be played up more by people who have the information about it.
I would love to see Obama go more to the more progressive side of the party for his choices all around. It will be hard to vote for him this fall. He has made too many very bad and in my opinion again, terrible business and policy choices. May God spare him some relief from these kinds of practical choices and inject some real new vitality into his campaign. Along with some clear leadership vis a vis Iran.
by
Deborah Emin (17 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 68 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 9:21:45 AM
I'm with you in my heart, but practically, they're characterizing Obama as the most liberal member of the senate, even though it's not true. He needs a military man to balance him out against McCain. And he needs someone who will offer a good shot at helping bring in a swing or red state. Edwards showed he couldn't do that.
I met Webb. He's tough, but he's a good man, not a liberal, but literate, literary-- just being those things shows that his brain functions-- He's no neocon, that's for sure. I'd trust him to do a good job as president-- that he wouldn't be a sellout to corporations. He's someone with integrity.
by
Rob Kall (808 articles, 3923 quicklinks, 332 diaries, 1703 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:46:29 AM
Webb is exactly what Barack needs to balance the ticket. He neutralizes McSame's only strenth: the military; he will be a street fighter as Obama rises above it all with his message of bipartiship; he is a Southerner, a former Secretary of the Navy under a Republican president.
For me personally, it doesn't hurt that he is a fantastic writer of fiction (earlier in his career) and nonfiction more recently, and naturally, I respect this about Webb. If there is any kind of thinker you would want back up to the President, why not someone who writes and reads to replace a functional illiterate like Bush?
Only Edwards rates as high as Webb for the spot, since he is also a Southerner, plus his populist economic message is what is needed. He doesn't bring credentials for war and national security.
Chuck Hegel has been mentioned. He would be great, but would be cast as as traitor to the Repubs, and therefore to the country. He is smart enough, but not mean enough. It is going to take a pit bull to do this job. Somebody to make Chicken Hawk Cheney look like the Pansy he is. That's Webb.
by
Jay Farrington (13 articles, 2 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 159 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 9:45:57 AM
I wish picking a VP was about more than mathematics
I agree that this is what the conventional wisdom points as the solution to several of Obama's perceived problems however, it gives me pause that he needs to go this route. I just wish it weren't so and that we could find someone who is less militaristic in a time when we need to be less militaristic.
by
Deborah Emin (17 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 68 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 9:59:29 AM
Webb is also my choice for VP. He's sensible, no-nonsense, and has more relevant military experience in his little finger than McCain has in his whole smarmy body.
There are only two concerns. One, the women's vote could be iffy with Webb. He has said a few things in the past that many women, especially the angry Hillary crowd, could find offensive. Personally, I agree with the one I have heard mentioned most often - that women should not serve in the military in combat positions. Sorry if that offends, but there are just too many reasons to support that position that have absolutely nothing to do with sexism. Of course, Webb made the statement years ago, and has revised his official position slightly since then.
Second, being from the south like me, Webb has made remarks that people from other backgrounds have tried to construe as racist. They are not. Slavery is the shame of all Americans, and we in the south do bear more of it - simply a fact. But you can be proud of part of your heritage while hating other parts. Like being proud to be an American, but ashamed that the Constitution in its original form counted slaves as only 3/5 of a person and protected slavery.
Webb's strengths far outweigh his weaknesses, and if Obama chooses a different VP, he should appoint Webb to Secretary of Defense. Bill Richardson would be a good choice for Secretary of State.
Attorney General picks could be Sheldon Whitehouse or Pat Leahy.
And Obama could probably do himself a big favor by bringing back Admiral William Fallon and making him Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
by
JC Garrett (38 articles, 62 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 558 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:09:26 AM
I still have not heard one person discuss the concerns about how militaristic things in our world have become and why moving away from that position is either a good or bad idea.
by
Deborah Emin (17 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 68 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:19:28 AM
I agree that our culture has become too militaristic. Notice that it happened when people who never served in the military were in civilian positions that allowed them control over the military.
Webb loves America. He loves the military. And that is exactly why he would never use it to go to war unnecessarily. He opposed the war in Iraq before we went, and he has shown his contempt for George Bush and his chickenhawks time and time again. He wore a pair of his son's combat boots, who was fighting as a Marine in Iraq, every day of his campaign for the Senate.
And when all the other incoming members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, were kissing up to the President, standing in line to get their picture taken, Webb refused to stand in line. When Bush noticed the snub, he walked over to Webb and asked in his arrogant way:
"How's your boy?" Bush asked, referring to Webb's son, a Marine serving in Iraq.
"I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President," Webb responded, echoing a campaign theme.
"That's not what I asked you," Bush said. "How's your boy?"
"That's between me and my boy, Mr. President," Webb said coldly, ending the conversation on the State Floor of the East Wing of the White House.
Webb knows, and he will make sure that America's youth will NEVER be wasted on unnecessary, agressive war again, as long as he has a say.
by
JC Garrett (38 articles, 62 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 558 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:43:28 AM
I've heard Webb has too many anti-woman things in his past, although he's been trying to change that. Selecting him would be handing the Republican mega talking point slimers.
Someone like Fallon would be good, but Wes Clark, who is recognizable would be better.
I think he definitely has to go for someone with military or national security experience...not for me; for "them."
by
Sandy Sand (143 articles, 0 quicklinks, 198 diaries, 1385 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:33:13 AM
If Obama needs a VEEP with military, Clark is better than Webb.
AND: The Dems dont lose an almost certain Senate seat to a 2010 fill-in election, which could still go either way.
Someone above suggested VA has turned Blue. Not by much! ONLY Webb's personality (and macaca) pulled off that win in 2006. And without that, the Dems don't contriol the Senate.
The Senate, as it satnds, is a razor's edge. What the Dems need to do is INCREASE the Dem advantage, not jeopradize it.
Clark gives the Democrats two things -
1. A military presence
2. It keeps Webb in the Senate and helps build the Senate so that one day soon they have a 'cloture-al' Senate, one that can overcome GOP foot dragging and allow the business of repairing the government to go forward.
by
SteveGinIL (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 1:13:48 PM
IF YOU SAW WEBB INTERVIED A FEW WEEKS AGO ON 'MEAT THE PRESS', THEN YOU KNOW THAT KALL IS SPOT ON THIS TIME.
IN ADDITION TO THE RESUME KALL CITED, CLIP WEBB'S SIDEBURNS CLOSER, PUT A PAIR OF BIB OVEFALLS ON HIM, AND WEBB LOOKS LIKE ALL MY SOUTHERN RELATIVES.
THAT'S A GOOD THING FOR EVERY COMRADE THAT WANTS TO DEFEAT MCCAIN, END THE WAR IN IRAQ, STOP A WAR IN IRAN, PRESERVE REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE, RESTORE OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND RUN THE WAR CRIMINALS OUT OF DC. SO DON'T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN.
FOR COMRADES THAT CAN'T GET BEHIND SUCH LOFTY GOALS, THERE'S ALWAYS IMPEACHMENT AND NADER TO RETREAT TO. JUST SAY, "DAMN THE TORPEDOS, FULL SPEED ASTERN.
by
James Cordray (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 56 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:43:28 AM
You may be right, Jim Webb would be a good choice considering everything. I personally like Caroline Kennedy but I respect Webb, and I don't respect very many politicians.
Stirling
by
Lord Stirling (24 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 133 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 11:47:42 AM
I don't know much about her, but from the little I've seen, I'm impressed. We have to think of the election in 8 years and preparing for that. you know the vp is going be running then.
I don't think progressives should be running to the middle with a military man. We tried that with Kerry and it didn't make any difference. The pro military conservative trashed him anyway. Progressives need to go with someone who clearly speaks for and articulates progressive values the best. Stop running to the imaginary middle.
The idea that we need someone with a military (authoritarian values) background to capture some of the middle who value authoritarianism, I don't buy. The question should be who articulates progressive values the best; Caring, empathy, community, justice, equality, responsibility, etc.
Have you seen the new Obama ad? The essence is about values. Mentions them 3 times in 1 minute.
I did a video search and there's not much out there about Caroline. There's not enough video of her to get a real sense of who she is and her oratory skills. Especially articulating progressive values.
She is on the Obama VP selection committee. Hard to believe she would pick herself.. even though Dick Cheney did.
by
Edwin Rutsch (61 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 151 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 8:11:02 PM
There has NEVER in the history of our modern election system been a candidate whose campaign has been funded by more of the American citizenry than Barack Obama. He not only explicitly refuses to take the big money from special interest PACs and big lobbyists, on the DAY AFTER he became the nominee he took control and told the DNC that they were not to take not ONE THIN DIME more from them either.
You will not find another modern politician who is the presumptive general election nominee, who would EVER have done something as bold as that.
Obama's not perfect, but you'll have to do better than that if you want to criticize him compared to ANY viable presidential front-runner in the last 50 years.
by
JC Garrett (38 articles, 62 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 558 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 2:36:19 PM
WHERE DO YOU THINK RON PAUL GETS HIS MONEY FROM THE MOON PEOPLE, YOU DON;T SEE RON PAUL TAKING AT CRF OR APACK, AND REASSURING THE GLOBAL ELITE THAT HE;S A PLAYER. GIVE ME A BRAKE OBAMA IS A GLOBALIST PAWN.
by
RICH SHA (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 106 comments)
on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 1:48:04 AM
BECAUSE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE PICKED HIM, OR DID HE COME OUT OF THE GLOBAL ELITES BAG OF TRICKS. REPEAT YOUR BULL ENOUGH TIMES AND NOW EVEN YOU BELIEVE THIS CRAP.
by
RICH SHA (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 106 comments)
on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 1:57:34 AM
Ron Paul has some very good ideas. I respect him. He also has a few ideas that I consider to be whacko. That wouldn't necessarily stop me from voting for him if any of this year's Republican candidates was facing him in a general election.
But he is not a frontrunner, and there is no chance of him being elected this year.
I think it's great that Paul's campaign was funded by the people instead of big-money special interests. Which means that YOU should think it's great that Obama has done the same thing, only a lot more people donated to him.
It's ridiculous in the extreme for you to try to make the claim that Obama was somehow chosen by bigtime establishment groups to be the frontrunner. Nobody even knew who he was until he gave his speech at the convention. That's when everyone who heard him took notice. It was pure inspiration and hope that he stirred in the American people that got him where he is right now, even in the face of seemingly unscalable odds.
His rise has nothing to do with big corporations or secret associations. The people themselves have chosen. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work? How can anyone argue with that?
by
JC Garrett (38 articles, 62 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 558 comments)
on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 8:32:11 AM
Why does everyone want to steal Democratic Senators when every vote in the Senate is so important?
Webb barely freaking won that seat in 20o6. The chances of losing that seat grow exponentially if Webb becomes VP. Won't the seat be up for an election for a partial 6-year term in 2010, if Webb is replaced by Democratic Governor Tim Kaine's fill-in appointee?
Why does everyone want to jeopardize what has been built up?
Grab a Governor instead!
The obvious one, Bill Richardson, has had some trouble with his mouth, but VPs tend to do that, anyway. But his Hispanic vote getting has massive appeal. And his straight-shooting is admired by independents if I am not mistaken.
by
SteveGinIL (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 1:02:58 PM
Webb is for whatever the controlling power is in Washington. When Republicans were in charge he was a Republican. When he was in a Democrat strong hold, he was a Democrat. Sorry I personally met the guy when he claimed to be Republican supporter and then when he claimed to be a Democrat during the Clinton years.
He is the perverbial kiss ass.
He was Sec Nav. under Ronald Reagan.
by
Gallaher (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 608 comments)
on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 2:08:32 PM
