BLM -- you're right. First warning shot sent against Webb!!

[beachmom]

This is unbelieveable. So Bush being an asshole isn't the story. Webb being a "pain" and "unpredictable" is the story.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/28/AR2006112801582.html

It's about the story I put on the other thread, but I thought this deserved its own post. There is something so deja vu about this!! I'm just going to sample the veiled threats:

"There are going to be times when I've got some strong ideas, but I'm not looking to simply be a renegade," he said. "I think people in the Democratic Party leadership have already begun to understand that I know how to work inside a structure."

His party's leaders hope that he means it.

Top Democratic senators, including incoming Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) and Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), had invested their money and prestige in Webb before he won the party primary in June. His victory was also theirs, but now they have to make sure he's not a liability.

"He's not a typical politician. He really has deep convictions," said Schumer, who headed the Senate Democrats' campaign arm. "We saw this in the campaign. We would have disagreements. But when you made a persuasive argument, he would say, 'You're right.' I am truly not worried about it. He understands the need to be part of a team."

One senior Democratic staff member on Capitol Hill, who spoke on condition that he not be identified so he could speak freely about the new senator, said that Webb's lack of political polish was part of his charm as a candidate but could be a problem as a senator.

"I think he's going to be a total pain. He is going to do things his own way. That's a good thing and a bad thing," the staff member said. But he said that Webb's personality may be just what the Senate needs. "You need a little of everything. Some element of that personality is helpful."

Webb has tons of political capital, having won in a red state, so he's still getting fairly decent press. Plus his son in Iraq does mean a lot. But look at the way they're already going after him, like he has to behave himself. It's just ridiculous. Webb wants his son to come home!!! And that, to the Establishment, is a politically incorrect thing to say.

[JI7]

1. if he was a Republican they would call him a "Maverick"

stupid media shores.

but i really look forward to seeing Webb in the Senate. i can't wait for the Congress to get back into session and things to start up again. i love this time of the year but it seems like our govt just shuts down even if we have all these problems.

the 2008 threads are a drag and id on't feel like getting into some of this this early on. especially after i dealt with it the last time.

[blm]

2. In other words - Webb is not a coverup Democrat who can be led to go along

with those Dems in charge of the coverup wing of the party.

[sandnsea]

3. Love this picture

How long do you think they had to look to find one with his face all red AND a fist in the air? :eyes:

[karynnj]

4. It's sickening when you think of what they think the norm should be

While historicly, I thought the idea was to select statesman with honorable intentions to work to make the right decisions. They are willing to be quoted saying, "He's not a typical politician. He really has deep convictions." So, what does that make everyone else? From that perspective, it explains their inability to understand Senator Kerry.

I think you're right that Webb may sometimes be an interesting ally for Kerry, because when he agrees he is likely to stand by the courage of his convictions. I can see where they will likely understand each other better than either would understand the chusk Sumers of the world.

[ProSense]

5. "One senior Democratic staff member on Capitol Hill"

What a coward! He needed to remain anonymous just to say that? Maybe it would have come out a little more "polished" if he/she identified him/herself, but the point could still have been made.

[wisteria]

6. I am disgusted at our leadership. Human life means nothing -power is all.

Don't do anything that indicates you may have a real position on a serious issue.We don't really care about leading,being politically correct supersedes all else. Our fore fathers would be appalled.

Oh, and again the "anonymous insider" who doesn't want to be unidentified.
I hope Webb and Kerry team up and stick it to Schumer and Reid. I don't see Webb being politically correct when his son's life is on the line.
Maybe Schumer and Reid need to do a little hard time in Iraq.

[Firespirit]

7. They had better not cross Jim Webb

Lately, after he has shown what a progressive populist he really is, I have become very enamored of this guy. Disagreements of opinion are one thing, but he's one person I wouldn't want as an enemy. Reid and Schumer against Jim Webb, quite possibly with Kerry on his side? I wouldn't want to be in their shoes.

[karynnj]

8. Well, I know which two seem more impressive

I also doubt that Webb will be willing to play the quiet backbencher role that Schumer and Reid may think the answer.

[whometense]

9. oh. my. god.

did you see this??? http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_digbysblog_archive.html#116481360729619200

From The Hill http://thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/UndertheDome/112906.html

Talk about stunted social skills:

At a private reception held at the White House with newly elected lawmakers shortly after the election, Bush asked Webb how his son, a Marine lance corporal serving in Iraq, was doing.

Webb responded that he really wanted to see his son brought back home, said a person who heard about the exchange from Webb.

"I didn't ask you that, I asked how he's doing," Bush retorted, according to the source.

I've omitted Webb's response, which you are more than welcome to read about at the link, because I want to focus entirely on the unspeakable callousness Bush displayed here.

[whometense]

10. oops - sorry!

I just saw your other thread. :blush:

nevermind...