Thanks for the post, NoVa.  Seeing all this Webb support, I feel that I need to make sure that we all of us who support James Webb do so without taking anything away from Harris Miller.  He's a good man, a good Democrat, and while I must say that I hope Webb wins the primary, I hope we haven't seen the end of Mr. Miller.

Dannyboy:  I basically agree with you. Miller is a good guy who deserves a lot of respect for putting himelf out there and taking on George Allen when nobody else was willing to do so.  I also believe that a primary could be a good thing, if both candidates talk about their own positive vision for Virginia (and America) and focus their criticism on "Urban Cowboy" George Allen.  Finally, I believe a primary would allow Webb to introduce himself across Virginia, battle-harden him for the knock-down/drag-out against Allen, and flesh out his ideas.  That could all be good.  Frankly, the ONLY thing I'm worried about is $$$$$ - Allen's got gazillions (about the only thing he's got going for him).

Exactly what I'm trying to say, Waldo.  Let's keep this primary positive.  When we get to the GE...well, we'll see then, won't we?

I heard about this website, and that some participants may be "misguided" by James Webb.

I'm at a conference here in Virginia, and I am not a voter (out of state).  I would, however, like to offer my opinion if you are willing to read...

I was with the American Enterprise Institue a few years back (as a member only).  I am more a progressive, but felt the need to "broaden my knowledge, etc."  James Webb was beloved at AEI, and if you do a little research, you will find that he has been associated with Perle, Novak, and Wolfowitz.  He was, at least until recently, known as a real neoconservative and Clinton hater.  Mr. Webb often indicated his opinion of President Clinton in the 1990's, and made no hesitation to do so.  As a democrat, I found that repulsive. 

Several people who I recently spoke with had said that the RNC tried to get Webb to run for office, even after he dismissed Ollie North's argument against Chuck Robb.  However, the senior staff at the RNC were quick to dismiss the idea:  Webb was an oddball, someone that had peaks and valleys of emotions that bordered on the antisocial.  No kidding, that was the concensus.

That's what led me to ask some Northern Virginian's last night at dinner.  Two mentioned this blog site, one other laughed about the idea of Webb (also a former Marine), and a fourth one did not even know about this primary.  What is interesting is that all four are Moderate Republicans who do not really like George Allen (at least that is the feeling that I got).  However, all of us came to the conclusion that as much as Webb is a decorated Marine, it seemed too odd that he was running as a democrat. 

None of them seemed to like Allen or Webb.  One of them had met Webb previously and said that he was pleasant and sincere, but quiet and shy when talking in large groups.  Again, another odd opinion?

So, my opinion is that you all hold off your enthusiasm from someone you have either never met, or talked with for only a few hours.  Virginia is a very large state, and campaigns are very tough on candidates--especially those who have never stumped on a long campaign trail. 

Webb did do a little stumping in 2000, but that was for Allen.  Again, another odd thing...

Well, good luck--but be careful.  This whole Webb phenom seems too premature given his inexperience with state democrats in general, let alone navaigating through party and state-wide politics. 

This also smells of the draft Clark movement.  At the time, it seemed like a great thing (heck, I was even on board).  But that deflated because public opinion always trumps blogger perspectives.

Oh, and another thing.  Webb's behavior over the Vietnam Memorial turned out to be really bad for all of us vets who were in Vietnam.  I was all for Perot, Webb, etc. and their attempt to derail the Wall.  Sure, Webb was somewhat influential on seeing that an african american be depicted in a statue--but then so were all of us.  I know that Webb piggybacked on to that idea, which was ok because we now have such a statue.  But whenever I go down to the Wall, I am so glad I was wrong--and I am so glad congressional leaders stopped Perot and Webb from further embarrassing themselves.  Again, another odd thing...

Thanks for your time, and please forgive any spelling errors. 

 

Webb despises the neocons, and they despise him back.  Who at the RNC do you really think badmouthed him and called him an oddball?  They fear him, and for good reason.
People who have followed him for the last 20+ years knows that he is a man of strong principle, vast courage, and he will speak his mind without fear (unlike many others - and by the way look at what's happening to Dillard for backing Marsden).  He has incredible foresight into national and military issues, and the support of more than a handful of current Senators who want to see him win. 
As for the Vietnam Memorial, what's so wrong with fighting for the inclusion of the statue (and the black man on the statue which originally wasn't going to be there) in conjunction with the gash of the wall that is moving, but also echoes in its solitude, not pride, but grief and death.  It is an honor, but the statue is a wonderful addition.  He is STILL taking hits for speaking his mind then.
The coward should have signed his name - it most likely would have spoken volumes.
And if you've never heard Webb speak, prepare yourselves to be blown away.  He can motivate and impress a crowd like no other.

I think we might see Miller bow out before the primary. 

There is barely a mention of him in the blosphere....except in relation to Webb.

I hope he holds out until May or early June at least. ..we could use the exposure... so people get to know Webb (& Miller).

I'm certainly bristle at the prospect of this primary being in any way nasty, whether on the part of candidates or bloggers.  Were James Webb not in this race, I would wholeheartedly and eagerly support Harris Miller.  The fact that Webb is in this race in no way diminishes my respect for Miller or my desire to see each candidate treated politely and to have their ideas judged fairly.

I've heard that possibility floating around too, Gools, but I hope not.  Harris Miller is a good guy and deserves a fair shot.  Obviously, I want Webb to run for the Senate, and I would like Webb to use as little money as possible in a primary, but the exposure for both guys would be nice. 

Ah, let the anonymous smear campaign begin!

Riohard M.:  I agree with you to the extent that Webb is untested as a candidate, or as a Democrat.  I also agree that in the past he was a Republican.  And let's even say he's more of an "introvert" than an "extrovert."  To all that, though, I simply say: so what?  All I know is that I've met him and read about him (see "The Nightingale's Song") and think he's a brilliant, level-headed guy.

Also, I would point out that lots of people used to be Republicans, myself included.  Personally, I want them to join the Democratic Party, given that their party has moved far, far to the Pat Robertson right.  James Webb is more than welcome into the great Democratic Party of FDR, Harry Truman, JFK, and RFK.  Just as Ronald Reagan, a former liberal Democrat with some REALLY "odd" personality traits, was welcomed into the Republican Party and annointed as the Greatest President Ever by the GOP.

Anyway, the bottom line is that we're all human, we all have good points and bad points, we all have our moods. But I see nothing damaging in what you say about Webb, except that he's a human being with a fascinating, amazing life story.  Peaks and valleys of emotion bordering on the antisocial?  That's frankly outrageous; unless you have some STRONG evidence to back this statement up, I would not throw it around so lightly.  You know, some people say the same things about President Bush, or even much worse.  And there have been many rumors about George Allen's private life which I won't repeat here. I really don't think we want to go down that road, tearing people apart for their "personalities."  Let's keep this campaign about the future of America, and stop practicing the politics of personal destruction and ad hominem attacks. Thank you.

From what I've heard about Miller's speech this morning, I don't think he intends to go anywhere.  He'll be in this primary to the end, I think.  Good for him.  Even if he loses (which most analysts think he will), he'll have some name recognition for runs in the future. 

Also, I would point out that this is almost the same exact whispered smear campaign that was launched against Wesley Clark, who Karl Rove undoubtedly saw as George Bush's worst nightmare. It was bullshit then, and it's bullshit now.

Re: Antisocial

ummmm, he does have a creative side being the best selling author that he is.  That does require some solitude.  But doubt he would have gotten through the USNA, become one of the highest combat decorated Marines of the Vietnam War, come back and (after working for Carter) become a best selling author, and then get confirmed (yes - the confirmation process can be brutal) as Asst Sec of Defense in charge of all of the Reserves, and then Secretary of the Navy if he had antisocial/psychological issues.  The smearing is inevitable, but GET REAL!

Get the laundry truck. 

The right-wing smear campaing club has sprung a full blown "peein' their pants" leak over here.

CLEANUP ON AISLE 10!

We warned you before, "Richard".  You and your right-wing cabal took down Max Cleland, John McCain and John Kerry. 

YOU'RE A STREET GANG TERRORIST AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.  YOU DON'T REASON WITH GANGS OR TERRORISTS YOU, CRACK DOWN ON THEM. 

HAVE SOME BALLS AND STAND BY YOUR BULLSHIT OR DIE LIKE A CHUMP. 

I wonder of the IP address associated with your email and referral point to the PNAC or the AEI...

We'll be watching for you "Richard", when we track you to your roots, we'll make sure to warn the other Virginia bloggers about you.

If you want to identify yourself, your assertions will be considered.  Otherwise, troll begone!

Kevin: Just curious, but when you post your comments, why are you using http://www.miller2006.org/ as your URL? 

Also, you're telling me that every single Democratic blogger (except for Alice Marshall) in Virginia is "unpopular," and also that they represent just a few people even though they get tens of thousands of visits per day?  Riiiiighhht....

I lived that dream for 5 years and the bottom fell out.  Nothing against Mr. Miller, Kevin, but Virginia needs leadership.

Thanks for representing the Miller bandwagon.  Good stuff.

Miller as the Entrepreneurian Candidate

I'm not very impressed by most of the old politicians with war experience. The new guys just back from Iraq have a much better vision of what needs to be done, in my opinion.

It's time for the high tech people to bring this country back to the greatness it once was, not by killing people, but by giving them jobs.

It will take organizational and consensus building skills for this plan to succeed in the world.

Which skills would be of more use to us as a Virginia Senator?

Organizing skills for making war?

Or this? High Tech organizing skills, for creation and construction of new and innovative products, the whole world will want to buy from us and build for us.

The better way is to focus on entrepreneurship. It's about measuring what we do in terms of environmentally sound technological improvements for everyone and everything on the planet.

It's not about killing people and blowing up the world. It's about pollution free prosperity, not just for us, but for every one and every life form on our planet.

I still have not decided which Senate candidate for VA can help accomplish my goals and fulfill my visions, but for the time being, I am leaning towards Miller.

http://www.miller2006.org/

As shown above, only 93% of us support James Webb:-) If my political vocabulary is up to date, I believe that’s called a landslide.

Kevin:  Daily Kos is a national blog and gets hundreds of thousands of visits per day.  Virginia Democratic blogs are just that:  blogs about politics in one state, from a Democratic perspective.  The fact that they get a lot fewer visits than, let's say, http://britneyspears.com/, doesn't mean a hell of a lot. 

Besides that, Raising Kaine is NOT "neutral" in the Virginia Senate race.  We are a diverse group, but the vast majority of us (95%) are supporting Jim Webb for Senate.  Why on earth would we give "equal time" to someone we respect, but don't support, in this contest?

As Josh said, if you don't like what Raising Kaine has to offer, go start your own blog or read some of the other ones.  See the blogroll for suggestions...

Just giving equal time to Miller to keep things fair. If this is truly an unbiased website, there should be no problem with that, especially since there is a Webb bumper sticker posted at the top of this page.

When I see bloggers not ranked in the top 100,000 websites,  that fact gives me the impression they are "unpopular". But, to be more accurate and fair to the bloggers, I will change my description from "unpopular", to "not very popular." Except for Kos, today he's ranked 1654. Now, that's popular!

Of course, the only popularity contest that really matters, is the primary election day vote totals.

Oh, you are Josh. I've seen enough at this website.

I don't know why I am talking to you, you're probably watching me too! Let me know how I'm doing.

I am not in the employ of Mr. Miller. If you don't believe me, call them. Funny that you should ask to "keep this thing clean", because that is exactly what I am attempting to do.

Next, just because you don't use words like "Rethug", does not mean you don't use slurs on this website.

For this website to imply that Webb is a better candidate simply because a few unpopular VA bloggers endorse him, is a smear in itself. Kos, the only exception, did not directly endorse Webb over Miller, as was alluded to by your inclusion of his name with the bloggers.

Also, I find it very curious you do not criticize Josh for his smears and intimidating threats against Richard. Josh's behavior is appalling and could be illegal. Yet, you find his behavior perfectly acceptable because he is a Webb supporter.

It is disingenuous to claim, "We’re all excited to hear the ideas of Mr. Miller and Mr. Webb." From what I have read on this website, it is perfectly clear you have already decided to endorse Webb over Miller.

A few questions for you, Kevin.

1.  When you become a member of the "military industrial complex", do they give you a membership card?  Are there dues?  A secret handshake?

2.  We're all excited to hear the ideas of Mr. Miller and Mr. Webb.  It's just clear at first blush that Mr. Webb is a more compelling candidate across the Commonwealth and the only one of the two with a real chance of clobbering Senator Allen in the General Election. 

3.  I don't see how you can consider it a "Karl Rove imitation" to report on what the overwhelming majority of Virginia Progressive Bloggers are saying. 

4.  We've been Raising Kaine for a long time.  We've taken the Governor to task on a number of topics.  We've never been "approve[d]" by anyone but our readers. 

RaisingKaine.com is not authorized by any candidate.
Paid for and Authorized by Raising Kaine PAC.

5.  I don't appreciate you slurring Republicans with the term "Rethugs".  When Republicans betray the public trust, when republicans destroy the planet, when republicans fill the halls of government with cronies and corruption, when Republicans tear down the consitution, when Republicans lie to the world, when Republicans flip-flop on issue after issue and undermine the very foundations of our American heritage, when republicans strong-arm the media, the courts, the nation into ignorant, cowardly and greedy shadows of true American Greatness, we clearly state it without the use of epithets.

6.  I do hope you're not in the employ of Mr. Miller.  If so that would show a deeply troubling and saddening turn in what promises to be a high-minded and ennobling primary race between two strong Democratic leaders. 

Let's keep this thing clean, folks.  There's too much at stake for panic, disorder, mean-spiritedness or impolite nastiness.

How could the bloggers and voters of Virginia have already made a choice when most of them don't know the names of the two candidates?

You show eleven bloggers as endorsements. How is that overwhelming endorsement for Webb?

It's bad enough we have to endure lying Rethugs, we don't need lying Democrats too.

Your obvious propaganda crap almost makes me want to vote for Miller. But until I learn otherwise, I am willing to give Webb the benefit of the doubt and assume he had nothing to do with your lying website. Please stop with the Karl Rove imitation!

You have your doubts about Miller. However, he plans to zone in on matters such as bringing broadband to a wider swath of the United States, building a more high-tech health care system, training a broader pool of high-tech American workers and fostering a rise in telecommuting.

http://www.miller2006.org/

Webb on the other hand is suspect of being a member of the military industrial complex.

By the way, I doubt Gov. Kaine would approve of your dishonesty or unauthorized use of his name. He does not yet support either candidate. My suggestion is for you to shut down this pathetic and dishonest propaganda website immediately!

As I've said before, I'm endorsing Miller but I'm keeping the blog neutral.

And if anyone thinks Miller will drop out because "There is barely a mention of him in the blosphere," well, no, not likely.

The blogosphere is its own beast, but it is not the party (trust me, I've had to explain what a blog is to many, many party leaders).

I liked what J.C. Wilmore said: "The primary campaign will be an interesting contest pitting the party-savvy young professionals against the older tech-savvy grass-roots activists. Both will emerge smarter and better for the experience, and the primary winner will inherit many skilled workers from his competitor."

I have seen nothing so far that challenges that perception.

Kevin,

I believe that Mr. Webb is the better candidate, because of his credentials, his experience, his heroism and what I see as his superior chance to beat George Allen in the general election.

I'm not alone in that assessment.

If you have a contrary view, feel free to start your own blog and join Alice Marshall in supporting Harris Miller in the Primary.  I'm afraid it'll be a lonely fight, but that doesn't mean it's wrong.

As for how I treated "Richard", I treat any and all anonymous bloggers with unsubstantiated attacks the same way:  like gang member terrorists.  You don't reason with them, you crack down on them.  That's what Kerry should have done with the Swiftboaters, and that's what anyone who cares about fairness in government should do whenever they run in to this kind of junk.  "Richard" may or may not be a real person.  We don't know.  We do know that whoever he is he was making anonymous accusations against James Webb, a War Hero, public servant, and Emmy Award winning journalist.

To any and all anonymous attackers we say "put up or shut up."  That's just what I said to "Richard".

Mr. Miller is a good man.  I've met him.  He's smart and has 30 years invested in the Democratic party.  We need more like him in the Democratic party in Virginia.  Mr. Webb, however brings something special to this race.  Mr. Miller may surprise us, but I stand by this belief:  While many Democrats may listen to Mr. Miller, all Virginians will listen to Mr. Webb.  It's that simple.

What do we kknow about Peace and the worth the Republican Stte Committee places on electing a Republican in this District? Or do the Republicans have such a majority in the Assembly that, with complicit conservative Democrats, they have such a margin they don't want to waste money on Peace?

Hey, if anybody can find or has that picture of Thelma Drake falling asleep at the BRAC meeting, can you post a link?  Or, send it to me by e-mail at dandalf_the_blue@hotmail.com.  Make sure you tell me where you got it.  Thanks!

Ha ha.  Yeah, he has been strangely silent recently.. :)

Where's Jonathan Mark?

I saw a Bumper Sticker the other day I want to mail to Bob Marshall.  It said:

"FOCUS ON YOUR OWN DAMN FAMILY"

Nuff said.

Great bumper sticker, Jen.

I disagree. Allen should keep to his roots, it will be easier to wip his azzzz.

Gools, that could be VERY useful if Allen tries to swiftboat Webb.  Hold on to that link man, it could be very important.

At this point, all I'm asking for is a civil, yet engaging Democratic primary, with all guns trained on Allen.

He won't be immune...but I dare them to attack his military record.  Webb got upset when they attacked McCain, Murtha, and Kerry.  What do you think he'll do if they attack him? 

Hallelujah, Jenny.  And bloggers whose egos remain in-check.

Again, how about when military service meant nothing -- when Bill Clinton was the candidate?

I would love for someone to explain the difference.

All of a sudden, military service is the key to a candidacy.

Before, it meant nothing.

Explain.

Bill Clinton did not call his opponents "cowards" and "unpatriotic". He did not discount the military leadership of either of his opponents. His campaign was based on how there was a better way to improve America's economy. I was pointing out that Allen will inevitably use many of the same tactics as the swift boaters used to discredit John Kerry on James Webb.

Allen just can’t claim to be strong on defense, because he’s not.

  The Navy Cross is the highest award for valor given by the Navy, before the Medal of Honor.  If I am not mistaken, this award has to be cleared by the Secretary of Defense to be awarded....I.E. it is not given without being earned, & it is not given out freely.  Very few, Very few ever earn this award.

James Webb's Navy Cross Citation:

Webb, James H., Jr.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. D, 1st Bn., 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Date of Action: July 10, 1969

Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to First Lieutenant James H. Webb, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex which appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade which detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search which yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Source:
http://www.homeofheroes.com/verify/1_Citations/07_RVN-nc/nc_19rvn_usmcS.html

Secretary of the Navy, is a unique, powerful, and grave assignment, reserved for prominent statesmen of historical renoun:

Secretary Robert Smith 2nd SecNav also served as US Attorney General and US Secretary of State.

Secretary Paul Hamilton 3rd SecNav also served as Governor of South Carolina.

Secretary Smith Thompson was also a Supreme Court Justice.

Secretary Samuel Southard also serves as New Jersey Governor, Senator and President pro-tempore of the US Senate.

Secretary John Branch served as governor of North Carolina, Senator from North Carolina and the Territorial Governor of Florida, before a formal Governor was elected under a state constitution.

Secretary Levi Woodbury was Governor of New Hampshire, Senator from New Hampshire, US Secretary of the Treasury and an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Secretary Mahlon Dickerson also served as Governor of New Jersey and Senator from New Jersey.

In addition to serving as Secretary of the Navy James Paulding was one of the most prolific authors of the antebellum period and a personal friend and collaborator with Washington Irving.

Secretary Edmund George Badger was a Whig Senator from North Carolina.

Secretary Abel Upshur went on to serve as Secretary of State.

Secretary Thomas Walker Gilmer served as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it's widely considered that his untimely death delayed the annexation of Texas.

Secretary John Mason served as Secretary of the Navy two times and was also US Attorney General.

Secretary George Bancroft is one of the nation's greatest historians and commissioned President Lincoln to handwrite one of the 5 known handwritten copies of the Gettysburgh Address.

Secretary William Ballard Preston served as a US Congressman, and submitted the resolution of succession which made Virginia a part of the Confederacy.  He served as a Confederate Senator.

Secretary William Alexandar Graham served as a Senator from and Governor of North Carolina and was a Candiadate for Vice President from the Whig party.

Secretary John P. Kennedy was a Congressman from Maryland.

Secretary Isaac Toucey served as Governor of and Senator from Connecticut.  He also served as US Attorney General.

Gideon Welles was Secretary of the Navy for the entire Civil War and his naval blocades were integral to the Northern victory.

Secretary John Davis Long went on to serve as Governor of Massachusetts.

Secretary William Henry Moody served as Attorney General and Associat Justice of the US Supreme Court.

Secretary Charles Joseph Boneparte (a direct descendent of Napoleon) also served as US Attorney General.

Secretary Victor H. Metcalf served as a congressman from California, and also as Secretary of Commerce and Labor under Teddy Roosevelt.

Secretary George von Lengerke Meyer served as US Postmaster General.

Secretary Josephus Daniels served as US Ambassador to Mexico.

Secretary Edwin C. Denby was a Congressman from Michigan and a key figure in the infamous "teapot" scandal that rocked the Harding Presidency.

Secretary Curtis Wilber left his position as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court to serve as Secretary of the Navy where he established the naval air force.

Secretary Claude Swanson took the position of Secretary of the Navy after serving as Governor of and Senator from the great Commonwealth of Virginia.

Secretary Charles Edison (son of the great inventor) went on to be elected Governor of New Jersey.

Secretary Frank Knox was a Republican Vice Presidential nominee.

Secretary James Forrestal went on to be Secretary of Defense.

Secretary Robert Bernard Anderson served as Secretary of the Treasury.

Secretary Thomas S. Gates Jr. was Eisenhower's Secretary of Defense.

Let's not forget Secretary John Connally, who went on to become Governor of Texas before heading the US Treasury.

Secretary Paul Nitze is most famous as the primary architect of Cold War military policy for Presidents Truman Through Reagan.

Secretary John Chafee was Governor of and Senator from Rhode Island.  His son, Lincoln assumed his seat after his death in 1999.

You may be familiar with the career of Secretary John Warner who has been our Senator from Virginia since being elected in 1979.

Secretary Sean O'Keefe ran NASA until he retired last year to serve as Chancellor of Lousiana State University.

-------------------

So, "Hanover"...

I'm just wondering if there's a job on the planet that being Secretary of the Navy DOESN'T qualify you for.

Any guesses?

My concern is that both Democratic candidates have to answer some questions to the party faithful.

Secretary Webb will have to give a good answer to primary voters as to why he endorsed Robb over North, then Allen over Robb, and now wants to challenge Allen.

Meanwhile Mr. Miller is going to have to explain why he contributed money to some House GOPers and offer an appealing vision toward getting rural/military support without losing urban/progressive voters.

I think both concerns are legit and both candidates, from my reading of the papers, are smart enough to answer them.

Josh, that was quite a list.  Mind if I borrow some of that information if somebody asks the same question?

Danny,

All that info was taken from Wikipedia.  You feel free to slice and dice.

I think it merits a blog entry.  Don't you?

Josh

Scott:

It looks to me like James Webb is positioning himself as a crusader against the Imperial Presidency.  He has no stated position on verified voting, as yet.  I wouldn't be surprised, however if you were to find a champion for your cause in James Webb.

Keep asking questions.  Keep looking at this man.  He keeps his own counsel, and it's a wise counsel at that.

Josh

What a bunch of koolaid swilling cultists you  Raising Kaine boys are. Freaked out by a guy who can carry a weapon, carry it well and push paper aound Navy with ineffectual bliss. Sure, Webb has LOYALTY:  to the Navy and himself. Period. Loyalty to Democrats: the crass opportunist never supported another candidate but the oh-so-perfect self. Oh, yeah...Loyalty...like the time he supported George Allen.  But WEBB's a HERO!!! Oh, give it a rest, your heaving emotions are just annoying. Oh yeah, Lowell, we really understand that we're supposed to leave our brains in a trust until the GREAT ONE finally figures what the hell he's going to cherry pick domestic policy to best suit his pollsters. Sure, that shows a whole lot of passion for the issues. Face it, Webbs just a mesmerizing force over pathetic geeky boy bloggers left hyperventilating over a "real man." As for real convictions...Webb's just another plastic cowboy.

Great.  James Webb was a great hero.

No one disputes that.

What I do dispute, is that anyone with credibility used the words that NoVa Democrat quoted -- "cowards" and "unpatriotic."

I would like to know who said those things

Please provide quotes and citiations.

Or, does it make you feel better to think those things were said?

If so, go back to democratic underground, where they thought that Karl Rove was going to attack the Super Bowl.

Those allegations against Robb were from his term as governor -- which was many years before the 2000 election -- and as I recall, the Allen senate campaign stayed away from them and never mentioned them.

If I can be proven wrong about that, please provide the newspaper accounts.

I was around Virginia in 2000, and those issues never became a campaign issue -- so that assertion is a red herring and indicates a misunderstanding about how many years had passed between Robb's term as governor and his career in the senate.

Also, Robb had a military resume, as does Webb.  That alone does not a candidate make.  I would caution against jumping up and down in hysteria about a candidate having a military record.

Again, as I recall from the 2000 senate campaign, Allen never questioned Robb's service.  Allen beat him fair and square.

Was it not that long ago that Bill Clinton's lack of military experience was considered irrelevant -- by Democrats?  Remember when it didn't matter that Bob Dole had WWII service?

Suddenly, Democrats are hawks?

The relatively new Democrat tendency to freak out about a candidate because he or she may have a background in the military is -- in my view -- an obvious recognition that this is a weak point in most voters' view of Democrat candidates.

(Does Paul Hackett ring a bell?)

I think it's great that Webb was Sec'y of the Navy.  I think his record of service is admirable, commendable and completely worthy of the thanks of his country and a grateful people.  I myself am thankful for his service.

That doesn't make him a senator.

I know I risk being banned by the open-minded people at RaisingKaine.com for not offering like-minded commentary ... but, geez.

How about a little historical perspective -- at least going back a decade or so?

Not to mention, Warner would get a huge boost if he helps bog Allen down or Webb win. Possibly mire than Kaines win did because it is a federal election. Kaine put him on the map Webb winning would put him at the top.

ace:  You'd have to ask Alice...got me!

Richmond: If that's the best Allen can come up with, the chickenhawk is toast.

(I wouldn't be surprised if you start hearing that soon...) I'll be rooting for Webb.

But did he really EARN those purple hearts?

Someone explain to me why Alice Marshall is so opposed to Webb? She used to have a direct link on this blog too. Is there some kind of fight? :)

oh well..

I'm on board too: George Allen won't be able to so much as give James Webb a dirty look without me (and the rest of you) jumping on his neck.

The Kaine campaign was the prototype of the blogged campaign.  The Webb campaign will be our masterpiece.

Danny -
true.... we will have to be much more on the ball to pickup on subtle BS from Allen.

All in all this should still be a Kaine vs. Kilgore esq. election. Like Kilgore, Allen has nothing to run on. His only real tool is to go negative and that will be risky at best against Webb. The only advantage Allen has is that he is the incumbent in a pinkish-red state. As long as Webb’s war position isn’t successfully characterized as cut-and-run we should do very well.

LOL...........Ben

I'm all for exposing lies and bullshit...

I consider it to be a hobby of mine...

Dannyboy: Exposing lies and bullshit? That's exactly what Raising Kaine, Waldo Jaquith, NoVADem, and the rest of the Democratic blogosphere are here for!! :)

Hmm...point taken.  People were able to pick that one out.  However, I doubt Allen's bullsh*t will be as obvious as "He wouldn't execute Hitler" and a cartoon Kaine eating everything.  Allen is much better than Kilgore at being sleazy, so all I'm saying is that we have to be ready to call him out on it.

IO think Kaine winning proves VA's stance on Bullsh*ting in campaigns.

Webb will have a credibility advantage, but Allen will have the bullsh*t advantage.  You see, James Webb is an honest man, and will run an honest campaign.  Allen if full of bullsh*t, therefore his campaign will be bullsh*t.  The problem is that sometimes people don't know when they're being given bullsh*t.  That's our job.

It seems to me that Webb endorsed Robb because he was clearly better than North, and he endorsed Allen because he thought Allen was better the Robb.  Remember, Robb was under allegations of infidelity and attending cocain parties.  Webb seems to be the kind of guy who will do what he believes is right.  He doesn't think about political consequences; I like that in a candidate.

As for Harris Miller, he was a lobbyist.  There is nothing wrong with lobbying GOP members, he was doing his job.  However, are we sure we want to nominate a lobbyist when the Democrats major qualm with the senate is the power of lobbyists?  As for Miller getting rural/military support away from Allen...lets just say that's highly unlikely.

Auntie Entity:
At least you put a name up there. 
"Kool-aid swilling cultists?"  Dude, I hate Kool-aid.  I would never swill it.  And my mom warned me not to get involved in cults.  The last one I got involved with had a lot of people trying to cut their hoo-hoos off.  Bad idea.  As for Loyalty, I really don't want a guy who is loyal to Ted Kennedy and Barbara Boxer.  I want a guy who's loyal to Virginia.  Call me crazy, but I thought that's what the seat is there for.  You know, representing the people rather than the party. 

As for Plastic Cowboy...when you walk up to Webb and say that to his face, then you can say that without me (and everybody else) blowing you off.

Until then, why don't use logic in your arguments?  It's much better for attracting people to your cause.  Just some friendly advice, that's all.