Webb Seen as a Potential 2008 Running Mate

Washington Post ^ | 10/28/07 | Shalaigh Murray

[freespirited]

Just 10 months into his first term in elected office, James Webb found himself on the podium for one of the most coveted speaking slots in Democratic politics.

The freshman senator from Virginia delivered the keynote address to the New Hampshire Democratic Party at its annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner a week ago, a role that in recent years has been played by current and former White House candidates John Edwards and John Kerry. Two years ago the speech was delivered by Sen. Evan Bayh, who is viewed as a potential vice presidential pick next year....

Direct and withering when talking about war, Webb can be awkward when the subject turns to his political ambitions -- particularly the vice presidential chatter that erupted shortly after he took office in January.

"This is like the conundrum -- there's no good answer," Webb said, laughing nervously. "I'm not in any way actively interested in doing that. Nobody is asking me about it, either."

Webb's political appeal is based on the fact that the combat veteran, acclaimed novelist and former Republican figured out how to unlock a conservative state with an antiwar populism that spoke to small-town and rural voters as well as the Democratic base. As Democrats seek to widen their majorities in Congress next year, Webb is much in demand as a fundraiser and campaigner...

Observers are divided on whether Webb's bluntness will be an asset or a disqualifier when the eventual Democratic nominee picks a running mate.

"Nobody can remember a freshman making the national impact he's made on his party," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.

Presidential scholar Stephen Hess said, "At this point, where it's 100% speculation, there's nothing wrong with putting his name on the list." But he added: "He's an unguided missile. He'd be too unpredictable."

[smonk]

if obama wins the nomination and puts webb on the ticket, wouldn't that be something? not only would you have two senators on the same ticket, you would have two freshman senators on the same ticket.

I think we could flip a coin for both GOP slots and still win in that scenario.

[Norman Bates]

Hedging his bet, he was. I honestly never thought Allen was lose. He certainly has no one to blame but himself.

[Norman Bates]

Here ya go:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1739730/posts
(Final tally - 11/16)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1735208/posts
(Senate officially lost)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1735190/posts
(VA precincts still out)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1734501/posts
(Isle of Wight Co. flips election to Webb)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1734374/posts
(2006 election live thread [MONSTER])

[Gopher Broke]

His porno writings about parents having open sex with their kids might resurface here and harm him....unlike it did in the Senate race

[dixiechick2000]

IIRC, the NOVA Arabs voted overwhelmingly for Webb, despite the shortcomings in his personal life.
But, I don’t think Webb won by as much as you say.

Obama said today that he wasn’t running for VP, but we know how that goes. ;o)

In any case, I think she will choose someone more to the center.
The Marxist needs some balance on the ticket for flyover country.

[Mr Apple]

Arabs voted overwhelmingly for Webb,

Yes, that's my concern. I can't find the original article I had read, but I remember it stated that Webb received 50,000 Arab votes.

But, I don’t think Webb won by as much as you say.

Right. The totals are here in this thread, but what I'm really interested in finding is that original article. Thank you for your reply.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[ReagansRaiders]

Don't concentrate on Webb's porno fiction. It is so disturbing the media can't even cover what it contains. There is a TON of stuff to legitimately hit him with on the issues -- like how he has been wrong on virtually every major foreign policy issue of the last 25 years.

[Osage Orange]

I think she will avoid him because he would move the ticket to the left.

WHAT?

How can you go farther to the left than a Saul Alinsky disciple??