In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits --WaPo

[Demeter]

In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits

By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 29, 2006; A01


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/28/AR2006112801582.html?referrer=email


At a recent White House reception for freshman members of Congress, Virginia's newest senator tried to avoid President Bush. Democrat James Webb declined to stand in a presidential receiving line or to have his picture taken with the man he had often criticized on the stump this fall. But it wasn't long before Bush found him.

"How's your boy?" Bush asked, referring to Webb's son, a Marine serving in Iraq.

"I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President," Webb responded, echoing a campaign theme.

"That's not what I asked you," Bush said. "How's your boy?"

"That's between me and my boy, Mr. President," Webb said coldly, ending the conversation
on the State Floor of the East Wing of the White House.

Webb was narrowly elected to the U.S. Senate this month with a brash, unpolished style that helped win over independent voters in Virginia and earned him support from national party leaders. Now, his Democratic colleagues in the Senate are getting a close-up view of the former boxer, military officer and Republican who is joining their ranks...."I'm not particularly interested in having a picture of me and George W. Bush on my wall," Webb said in an interview yesterday in which he confirmed the exchange between him and Bush. "No offense to the institution of the presidency, and I'm certainly looking forward to working with him and his administration. leaders do some symbolic things to try to convey who they are and what the message is." Webb...said he tried to avoid a confrontation with Bush at the White House reception but did not shy away from one when the president approached.

The White House declined to discuss the encounter. "As a general matter, we do not comment on private receptions hosted by the president at the White House," said White House spokeswoman Dana M. Perino.

[marmar]

1. I like Jim Webb more each day.....

I'd have troble showing any deference or respect to President Jackass too.

[acmavm]

2. Maybe, if Webb is lucky, he'll get another chance at Chimpy

after his trial.

[SpiralHawk]

3. WH spokesunit: "We will not confirm that pResident AWOL wimped out again."

As usual.

[WyLoochka]

4. We need a little more of this

from the other Dems: "I'm not particularly interested in having a picture of me and George W. Bush on my wall."

The Dems should follow Webb's lead and not clamor all around the little wannabe dick-tater to have their pics taken with him at the SOTU. Makes me ill when they do that.

[0rganism]

5. "former... Republican" -- is this confirmed?

I heard he was unaffilliated before 2006, and the Republican thing is a planted meme that goes unchallenged by lazy media whores.

But I may have heard wrong. :shrug:

[dsc]

6. He was in the Reagan sub cabinent (sec of Navy)

and endorsed both Allen and Bush in 2000. I don't know if people register by party in Virginia or not but if they do he likely did register as a Republican.

[Demeter]

7. Diss a GOP President Today!

A day without invective is a day without sunshine!