When I got to Virginia on March 9, which was two days after Jim held a press conference in Richmond and if I am not mistaken a day after the Colbert Report, I had no idea how this campaign would shape up. But one thing I knew was I was going to work for a real leader and it would not be politics as usual. And in the last two plus months it hasn't been. Before I got to Virginia, I remember Kristian Denny Todd sending me the link of the picture from the RK website which showed all the amazing support Jim had at the St. Patrick's parade. Steve Jarding called me every day, including early Sunday mornings, saying "you won't believe the support Jim has, you won't believe how many grassroots supporters he has." Okay, I said, I will believe it when I see it.
My first event was the Gerry Connolly event, where I met many of Jim's supporters. I felt like I knew all of you because I couldn't count the number of people who told me they made calls into Oklahoma while I was working there in 03/04 for General Clark -- wow did you guys make me feel like I belonged here. Then winning the straw poll in such a huge way -- something I was told was literally impossible because DON'T FORGET you are in your opponents back yard. I had to admit I was nervous, everyone there would agree, we didn't have phones in the office, we couldn't do much outreach via the official campaign, so how were we expected to win the straw poll. Well, the Webb supporters showed them.
And we have continued to show them. We've all worked really hard, we have amazing endorsements, amazing grassroots support and great events. But to be honest, sharing an office with Steve Jarding hasn't been easy (yes, I am looking for sympathy). He talks loud and constantly is complaining that his computer doesn't work. Then he goes & gets injured (don't ask). I am rising above it.
Beyond that, I am proud of what the whole Webb Team has accomplished. Really proud. People said, "You can't do it." You said, "Oh, but we will." And you did! The reality is that the only way you win an election is to build a bigger list. It is all about the direct connections. We are building our list with vision; they are building their list with attacks.
Here we are, two weeks out, and the choice couldn't be clearer. Do you want more of the same lobbyist-written legislation and cookie-cutter proposals, without the ability or leadership to push through real meaningful proposals? Or do you actually want to help people who are in need and to face where we are as a Commonwealth and as a nation.
This morning in Richmond, Delegate McEachin said, "Jim Webb believes that the current leadership in Washington has failed the American people and all of those around the world who count on our leadership. He believes it is the responsibility, the moral obligation of anyone in leadership to stand up to failed corrupt policies, not sanction them like George Allen does." I think he summed it up very well.
Admittedly I am not from Virginia; I am from Iowa (don't tell George Allen). When I moved to Virginia I called my dad and told him about Jim Webb. My dad, a tried & true Republican (who caucused for McCain in 2000) said, "He won't win." I said, "Why dad?" "Because he should win," he said. "Because people like him don't get elected."
I am here and you are here because it's time to change that mentality. We can elect people we believe in and who we trust to stand up for our values. We deserve more. And I can promise you this; my dad won't be caucusing for George Allen!
But this self analysis is clear, logical, straight forward ... Mr. Jim Webb has proven to be as good as the words he writes, is honest to the themes he projects and inspires great confidence in the very people who support him..... your fabled grassrooters. Jim Webb has answered a call ... and he has allowed his followers to answer this call as well. In an oblique way you could say he has demanded it ... that the Webb for Senate supporters take part ... a really Big part in making democracy work. Afterall LIBERTY is calling.
I can't think of any figure on the political scene (or it's fringes) which could inspire such a "movement". But Jim Webb has. Amazing isn't it Jessica ... oh but then ... there is .....maybe ... some one else who can inspire a movement ...
I'll leave you to guess his last name .... but his first name is Bruce. ...
Let's send Mr. Webb to Washington .... it might become the grist for a new book and you could be in it!! Chow Bella!
Jim Webb is the right man for the right job at the right time.
Someone else on RK (I don't remember who) quoted the perfect adage:
'When the student is ready, the teacher appears.'
We're very glad to have you join us from Iowa. Since George Allen prefers to spend his time in Iowa rather than Virginia, how about we exchange him for you and call it even?? 8-)