The VP pick for Obama: Jim Webb

[MarkWarner08]

What does Obama need?
1. Military expericen
2. Foreign policy savvy
3. Understanding of the Middles East
4. Someone who can help him win in VA/NC
5. A pugnacious vet who can rip John McCain apart

The man who can deliver for Obama is Jim Webb. A Vietnam war vet turned Navy Secretary under Reagan turned swing state Senator.  Webb also oozes testosterone his presence on the ticket would add a much-needed macho boost for the Democratic Party. Webb's military heroism would inoculate from backlash when he attacks John McCain.

Webb also adds the right experience to the ticket. His knowledge of Iraqi history is simply unparalleled in the U.S Senate. On Meet the Press and other pundit shows he's dominated his Republican jousting partners. He wouldn't be cowed in a debate against whomever the GOP nominates for VP.

[MarkWarner08]

For VP, Webb is a non starter.

Please explain why.

[MarkWarner08]

For VP, Webb is a non starter.

Please explain why.

Simply put

Obama first term Senator + Webb first term Senator  = non starter

Webb meets the white male requirement that Obama will require for a running mate, however, Obama as well requires someone with more elective political maturity than Webb has.

Webb is not a particularly likeable politician.  He can be brash and blunt. 

As well, he has written controversial articles about women in the military and women in combat in the past, which may come back to haunt him as the VP candidate.  Not that I agree statements made so many years ago should have any bearing on a campaign, however, some might.

Webb is a strong proponent of gun rights, and could therefore be at odds with much of the Democratic base.

Obama does not need the controversy in his campaign of being politically inexperienced and of having a politically inexperienced running mate, nor the potential controversy of having a running mate whose past views on women in the military and in combat may be viewed as sexist by some, nor the potential fall out of having to defend a running mate who is a pro gun advocate.

All considered, I believe Webb is a non starter to become the running mate for Obama. 

Thanks for listing your reasons.

First, Webb has a vast amount of experience in government, which would eviscerate the anti-experience argument.

Second, Webb is a political pugilist, his muscular tone will help O'bambi reach white males.

Third, George Allen spent millions on TV ads replete with the supposedly misogynist quotes form Jim Webb. The commercials were so effective that  scandal-plagued Allen narrowly won reelection. Oh wait, that never happened!

Fourth, Webb's gun rights support will help Obama, who's too restrictionist on this issue, moderate his profile.

Fifth, Webb's controversy have passed the media's statute of limitations. They're no longer revelant and would barely be covered by the press. His attack-dog posturing would repel the charges if they were repeated by the media.

Finally, Jim Webb is the one politician in America with enough military credibility to directly attack John McCain. That will be a crucial asset in the GE.

[MarkWarner08]

Finally, Jim Webb is the one politician in America with enough military credibility to directly attack John McCain. That will be a crucial asset in the GE.

I think this is the key reason why Webb will be near the top of the list of VP options for either Clinton or Obama, should McCain be the GOP nominee.  Not only does Webb have his own military experience, but his own son is an Iraq War vet (as is McCain's son).  Sorry to put this in such cold political terms, but that has such enormous propaganda value that I'm sure it would give either Clinton or Obama something to think about.

Joe Biden's son is soon to be put on active duty as well and will be deployed by the time of the election.  That makes them pretty even.

Beau Biden?

[MarkWarner08]

You make a good case for your man.

Perhaps you should send your ideas to the Obama campaign.

But does the nod go to Webb?  My opinion, no.

But who knows, you could be on to something.

Thanks. I have a feeling the Obama camp is too insulated  to accept advice from a fledging Oregon politico.

[MarkWarner08]

With Obama as the Democrat presidential candidate, he really needs a southern running mate. In the past 30 years, the only successful Democratic candidates have been southerners (Carter, Clinton). I believe that Obama would need a southerner in order to bring some southern EC Votes into play.

Who would be a better fit for Obama, Easley or Webb?

[MarkWarner08]

Sorry, Social Darwinist, I don't know either Easley or Webb well enough to give you an opinion on that. Webb's previous experience in the Reagan Administration I think would be enough to offset his lack of Senatorial experience. I don't know where Webb stands on the issues and whether he agrees or disagrees with Obama on issues that they each consider fundamental. Given the number of ECVs held by Florida, it might benefit Obama to look for someone from there.

Great points. Welcome to the forum, Smid. If I knew half as much about Aussie politics as you do about American politics, I'd be a very happy man.

[MarkWarner08]

Now that McCain has a 99% of becoming the GOP nominee, this thread has become even more relevant...

[MarkWarner08]

Tough guy Jim Webb could help Democrats stave off a disastrous showing with white male voters. Webb's unique understanding of Scots-Irish voters and his ability to relate to rural voters will help Clinton or Obama in states like West Virginia, Missouri, and, of course, Virgina.

Webb's military valor is an unquestionable asses to either Clinton or Obama, both of whom have no military service. Webb would balance a ticket that will be headed by O'bami or the woman.


Republicans are petrified at the prospect of this guy in a VP debate.