In the eye of the "beholden": analyzing Allen's first swiftboat attack

By: Rob
Published On: 6/29/2006 12:01:22 PM

In the wake of the dueling press releases over the past few days, some aren't understanding (perhaps on purpose) where Allen's swiftboating occurred.

Webb's swiftboating accusations come from Allen's ludicrous claim that Webb's decision to not support the GOP attempt to amend the Bill of Rights was because he is "beholden" to the Democratic senators that endorsed him, not because of the respect Webb gained for the flag while defending it.
I'll analyze in the extended text...
To explain his decision to oppose the Anti-Free Speech Amendment, Webb's campaign said the following:

Jim Webb has great respect for our national flag and great respect for our Constitution, and is proud of the many contributions his family has made in defense of both. Like many combat veterans such as General Colin Powell and former Senators John Glenn and Bob Kerrey, he does not believe it is necessary to amend the Constitution in order to protect the dignity of our flag. This is yet another example of deliberately divisive politics that distract Americans from the real issues that are facing our country," said Kristian Denny Todd, spokeswoman for the Webb campaign.

So, Webb explained his rationale as having to do with his military service - highlighting the respect he gained for the flag and Constitution when defending both and his agreement with fellow combat veterans.

Allen disagreed with Webb's reasons:

James H. Webb, Jr. continues to demonstrate he is totally beholden to the liberal Washington Senators who dragged him across the line in the Democratic primary," said Dick Wadhams, campaign manager for U.S. Senator George Allen's reelection campaign.

So, according to Allen, Webb is opposing the Amendment as a favor to the Democrats that endorsed him, implying that Webb's service-based reasons were hogwash. In other words, Allen is questioning the worth and value of Webb's service, doubting that he could gain such respect for the flag through combat.

And that's exactly what the Webb camp said in response:

[T]he Allen campaign, through Wadhams, implied that Webb's position in support of the Free Speech Amendment to the U.S. Constitution amounted to a political act and not a defense of our Constitution, which Webb fought for and for which he was highly decorated.

And there you have it.  Swiftboating was traditionally left to the surrogates while the GOP campaigns kept their hands clean.  Looks like Allen's campaign decided to get its hands dirty right away.

Comments



Jardin generated national press coverage. (loboforestal - 6/29/2006 12:17:39 PM)
Wadhams probed Webb's defenses and got clobbered by Jardin.  For zero dollars the Webb campaign generated national press.  The real swiftboat offensive is coming later.


I think you're right (Eric - 6/29/2006 12:29:36 PM)
but it may be a little too subtle for a real Swiftboat attack.  To me the Wadhams attack is more about one of the plays in their playbook: Call 'em Liberal.

Of course this is obvious from use of the L word in the response.  But I also think that they're more focused in that area (and the flipflop) right now while they dig for the perfect Swiftboat attack. 

Make no doubt, it'll come.  There isn't a Democratic Veteran they won't smear.  But they just haven't found the angle yet.



the attack ad we haven't seen yet... (William - 6/29/2006 1:02:40 PM)
...but Dick Wad certainly has in the drawer is how Webb publicly called out Kerry, wouldn't shake his hand, then made up with him right before the primary just for the endorsement.

I think that's what's coming.



I thought yesterday made a few things clear? (Bubby - 6/29/2006 2:02:14 PM)
People should not be ascribing motives to Mr. Webb's actions.

James Webb formally stepped back into the Democratic Party in 2006.  Two boots hit the ground; and by-gones are by-gones.  In my part of Virginia that's what a man of integrity does after the fight is over.