After reading the upbeat story about Jim Webb in Alexandria, I wanted to let readers know about the standing-room-only and flow-onto-the-street gathering at the Floyd Country Store for Jim Webb and Governor Warner, who accompanied him. In the past, rural Floyd County has voted overwhelmingly for George Allen.The Floyd Country Store is in its second life as a weekend center for traditional mountain music fans. The Friday Night Jamboree draws huge crowds, especially in the summer, to listen to banjo, guitar, and mandolin pickers, and fiddlers playing pure forms of Appalachian roots music while stompers do their special, elaborate dance moves.
So, it was fitting that a man who has roots in Southwest Virginia was able to come home again to such as rousing reception. Webb joked that he had been in Floyd County before, but never dressed like thisGÇöpointing to his suit and tie.
IGÇÖm a Virginian, and IGÇÖve lived all over the state, including 15 years in NOVA, and IGÇÖve lived out of state, too. I love the CommonwealthGÇöeverywhere IGÇÖve lived in it, but, I have to tell Virginians who think this part of the state is not as progressive as some areas, that it is the kind of place that grows independent thinkers like Jim Webb. For example, this was not just an GÇ£everyone show upGÇ¥ rally yesterday at the store. There were abundant and delicious homemade refreshments by ladies who blushed as we complimented them on the melt-in-your-mouth desserts. While we waited for the Crooked Road Democratic tour to arrive, we were, you guessed it, entertained by a blue grass quartet and a little dancing. The people were warm and outgoing and truly showed hospitality that came from the heart; at the same time, they will tell you in a straight forward manner what is on their minds.
The crowd was genuinely enthusiastic to see its candidate for Senate show up with the former Governor. They were met with raucous cheers, and a few call outs for Warner to change his mind and run for President at some point. To warm up the crowd, former Virginia State Senator Madison Marye from nearby Shawsville, a Democratic icon, told funny vignettes in the old mountain storytelling style that reminded me of some of the Andy Griffith yarns.
Next up was Governor Warner, a definite crowd favorite, who lamented the state of the nation under Republican rule. He told the crowd that he was old enough at age 51 to be able to assess the condition of our country, and that the nation had never faced so many enormous problems at the same time. He endorsed WebbGÇÖs independence, and contrasted it to the rubber stamping Allen does for Bush administration policies.
I have been to several rallies for Jim Webb, and this was, by far, his best showing. Yes, he is a little stiff in public, but I am tired of voting for empty-headed personalities. Today, however, he was warm and outgoing with the crowd, staying around after his speech to talk and have pictures made with his fans. What impressed me and the other listeners was what he had to say about what he believes and will try to do for the citizens of Virginia.
He pointed out the unfairness of large corporations and the wealthiest Americans reaping the benefits of our economy while the middle class struggles and stated that he thought they should pay their fair share. He reiterated his theme of poor leadership in Iraq turning the situation into a quagmire, and he reminded us of the reason he is wearing the combat bootsGÇöas a tribute to his son who is now serving in the same war that Webb believes has no good ending.
I was pleased that he admonished the Allen campaign for their distortions of his views on taxes and same-sex marriage in their political advertisements. He took umbrage at his opponent for attacking his religious faith and lying about his positions. At the end of his speech, he told us again of his independence and his willingness to fight for what he thinks is right for all citizens. He said he conceded no part of the state to George Allen including Southwest Virginia, and he asked for our help. I left with renewed spirit to work harder to help him get elected, and I hope all who read this will do the same. We only have a few more days. LetGÇÖs challenge ourselves to get out of our comfort zone and help. Just show up at any Democratic headquartersGÇöIGÇÖm sure they will find work for you.
virginia is webb country.