Yeah, I'd have to count Jim Webb's victory in the Virginia primary as a victory of sorts for the netroots community. He was certainly outspent n by Miller, and his best press came from his ability to project what he is: a former Marine Officer, and a leader. In a fair fight, that's a hard image to beat, when you're getting outspent and trashed by "establishment" Democrats the road uphill has to seem longer than a 30 mile forced march with full pack. But he did it.
Miller is a worthy man, and certainly if Webb had not decided to toss his hat into the ring, a man that could have given George Allen a good run for his money. But Allen could have beaten up Miller with all the old republican chestnuts about liberalism ad nauseum, and it might still have worked. I don't know that Allen has that option to play against Webb, although I'm sure he'll try.
Webb's past, and his "conversion" from republican to Democrat make him an interesting paradox in this year's election. I know that the Rovian smear machine will go to any length to dishonor Webb's service in the Marine Corps (how long until they start questioning his service beginning with whether or not he actually graduated from Annapolis), right up through being SECNAV for Reagan (and a really good one, let me add). Webb has some elephant skeletons in his closet, but his willingness to stand up for the people of Virginia against Empty-suit Allen more than makes up for his past, IMHO.
George Allen had to have woken up today with a troublesome feeling. Virginians understand the military, and those who serve. He'll probably wince every time he has to drive by Quantico on his way to work for what will (hopefully) be his last days in the Senate. I don't think that operating from the swift-boat playbook will serve George of the Empty-suit too well in the months ahead. And he certainly can't run on his record of sucking up to that other empty suit who bears his name who has a 29% approval rating and hope for some coattails to ride. But then, this is George Allen, second-dumbest Senator in America we're talking about here so yeah, maybe hope springs eternal in that dim brain of his. You go, boy.
posted by Jo Fish on 06.14.06 at 12:18 PM
Comments:
great post Joe. As you know, I am a big fan of Webb. This is a big deal for Democrats. Webb can win, and Webb is a good man.
'cept he stood up for Navy and Marine folks and quit as SecNav. Marines never quit; formidable opponent; writes self-aggrandizing novels and all that. Yeah, sure. Just what we need, another angry, petulant, self-serving, vicious narcissist (standard issue Marine, don't forget the red-faced high blood pressure) as our lord and political savior.
R-
Lol, nice try. Empty rhetoric does not change the fact that Webb has a Navy Cross, Silver Star, and two Brone Stars with V. Plus tons of experience,and a great vision.
Webb will hit back hard. Not scared to get down in the mudd, as we saw in his primary with Miller. A good warm up.
The Repubs are going to use his leaving his position as SECNAV to paint a picture of Webb as a quitter. This theme is being develpoed everywhere. It is all they have.
My, my...somebody's bitter. FYI, Webb "quit" because he refused to go along with downsizing the Navy by Carlucci. But, sure, Allen's MUCH better with all his military experience...
posted by: Chesty on 06.18.06 at 12:35 PM [permalink]
Recognizing Allen for an empty suit is one of the most critical ideas out there.
However, labelling him as the second stupidest Senator is clearly being generous to Senators Hutchison, Cornyn and Coleman.
At least we don't have to debate the stupidest Senator :)
If the only way Dems can win is to go gaga over redneck military guys with a long record of backing conservative Republicans, while abandoning their own loyal party activists, then the one party system is complete.
If I lived in Virginia, I wouldn't vote. Thankfully I live in Oregon where real Democrats can run and win and extremist Republicans can't.
