In addition to the fine photo montage, here's Mr. Stanton's report on the event (bolding added by me for emphasis):
Update: The event was a huge success much like the VA Beach one earlier in the morning, in all about 50 people showed up in Hampton (on Easter weekend). The fact that Jim can schedule events three days in advance that were not previously scheduled or organized by a local Committee and can get 50+ people to show up speaks volumes to his popularity. Special thanks to Marker 20 Restaurant for donating the room and the food. -Corey
I had the opportunity to meet and listen to James Webb, candidate for US Senate from Virginia. It was my first opportunity to really get a sense of the man, who he is, what makes him tick and why he is running for the US Senate seat in Virginia.
It was the first bout of the year with a little hot and steamy weather in Hampton Virginia Saturday afternoon. James Webb was making the rounds in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The Webb advance man told me they had a great crowd of over 100 for a breakfast in Virginia Beach. Webb was scheduled to visit a local watering hole to do a meet and great shortly after 3 PM before moving on the Chesapeake that evening. Right on cue, Webb walked in to work the room of 30-40 people before making his remarks and taking questions. His remarks touched on the basic themes of the campaign. He injected some very funny lines along with serious points on the issues throughout the 90 minutes. His campaign will center on:
Refocusing America's foreign and defense policies in a way that truly protects our national interests and seeks harmony where they are not threatened.
Repairing the country's basic infrastructure, which has eroded badly over the past decade, and developing more creative ways to assist disaster-stricken areas such as those in New Orleans and along the Gulf coast.
Reinstituting notions of true fairness in American society, including issues of race, class, and economic advantage; and
Restoring the Constitutional role of the Congress as an equal partner, reining in the unbridled power of the Presidency.
This first part of the event focused on Iraq. He took obvious pride in the op-eds he wrote in the summer/fall of 2002 against the need to fight this war. He talked about the difference between a preemptive action to defend our nation+óGé¼Gäós interest versus this doctrine, just renewed, of preemptive war of regime change and occupation. He believes Congress abrogated their constitutional duty to declare war, if we were going to wage a war on Iraq. He emphasized the need to rein in the expanding presidential power grab of Bush/Cheney.With many of his family member+óGé¼Gäós currently active and veterans of Iran and Afghanistan, he won a huge round of applause with +óGé¼+ôIf you don+óGé¼Gäót think you can be critical of the current civilian leadership in the Pentagon and not be a patriot and support the troops, just ask members of my own family+óGé¼-¥. Webb highlighted some endorsements from some of the Generals currently speaking up. I hope this will be an open events as I would love being present for the formal endorsement of Webb by Williamsburg+óGé¼Gäós General Tony Zinni in a few weeks.
Webb talked of the need to care for the national infrastructure. Katrina was not only a failure of the government to respond, but a failure of planning and investment on things like those levees.
He brought a libertarian perspective to issues of civil liberties and the social wedge issues. +óGé¼+ôThe government+óGé¼Gäós right to intrude ends at your front door, unless there is a compelling interest shown by the state. That makes him pro-choice, pro-gay marriage and pro-gun.
There was a wide ranging give and take on these and other issues with those in attendance. The budget, immigration and energy were brought up. Webb was forceful and eloquent in making his positions clear. He did not parse words or deflect where he articulated positions on issues that may not resonant with democratic activists. He seemed the ultimate pragmatic intellectual in dealing with many issues. "It is time for +óGé¼+ôReagan Democrats+óGé¼-¥ to come home to the Democratic Party."
The final reflection I have is this. When asked about the email circulating that makes him sound anti-affirmative action and minority, there was a perceptive anger that boiled just under the surface. The energy in the room rose quite a bit as he prepared to respond. He began by saying he is an opposition researcher+óGé¼Gäós dream candidate; having written so many books and opinion pieces through the years. Anyone can take 10 words or a sentence he has written and misrepresent and twist it. He spoke with such passion that is exactly what has been done to him. He chose to articulate and differentiate between affirmative-action for African-Americans who need to overcome the legacy of slavery and other diversity programs that he also supports. His only point was there are many poor non-minority kids from poverty stricken regions like Appalachia in America in need of inclusion in the mix.
I must admit that I have not seen someone running for office with more passion and energy. He is a man of great intellect. He wants to beat George Allen out of a profound sense of Patriotism and to right the wrongs of George Bush and his rubber stamp (97% for Bored George Allen) Republican Congress. I look forward to +óGé¼+ôsizing up+óGé¼-¥ Harris Miller in the near future. It was quite a well spent Saturday afternoon.
The Daily Press take on the event is available here.
George Allen is in trouble.