WP,pg1: In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits

[DeepModem Mom]

In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits
By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 29, 2006; Page A01


James Webb, Virginia Democratic senator-elect, says he's "not looking to simply be a renegade." (By Melina Mara-The Washington Post)

...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.

If the exchange with Bush two weeks ago is any indication, Webb won't be a wallflower, especially when it comes to the war in Iraq. And he won't stick to a script drafted by top Democrats.

"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. (But) leaders do some symbolic things to try to convey who they are and what the message is."...

***

Webb said he has "strong ideas," but he also insisted that -- as a former Marine in Vietnam -- he knows how to work in a place such as the Senate, where being part of a team is important....

***

Webb has started to put himself out front. On "Meet the Press" last week, he dispensed with the normal banter with host Tim Russert to talk seriously about Iraq and the need for economic justice in the United States....

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

[KingFlorez]

1. I hope the Democrats call Rummy to testify before the Armed Services committee

Can you imagine how entertaining it would be to watch Jim Webb grill him? That would be something to see.

[calimary]

4. From your keyboard to God's monitor.

I hope so, too!!! I hope to enjoy watching him grill a whole LOT of people...

[Old and In the Way]

2. He didn't run to be a back bencher there.

He's going to be playing a very prominent role....he's not particularly awed with the surroundings and he's got a helluva lot more real world experience than most of his colleagues. He'll enjoy taking point against this administration, I think.

[blm]

7. Interesting that he's already stepping on some toes - truthtellers generally do.

.

[Nite Owl]

3. I like this guy

he is just what the Senate needs and not being a 'backslapper' is a positive not a negative. I'm sure I disagree with him on some issues but heck I don't even agree with myself sometimes! I guess he seems open, honest and sincere. Hope he doesn't lose that and become just one of the elite who thinks of the Senate more than the people.

[Eurobabe]

5. Quote "he's a pain?"

GOOD, just what you complacent idiots on the Hill need, a swift kick in your COLLECTIVE ASSES!

Get 'em Jimbo!

[bklyncowgirl]

6. Mr. Webb goes to Washington

I'm really starting to like this guy.

[Leilani]

8. I Love This Guy!

He won't play games, he won't backslap, but he'll tell the truth.

[Boo Boo]

9. In the days after the election, Webb's Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill

went out of their way to make nice with Bush and be seen by his side. House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sat down for a lunch and photo opportunity with Bush, as did Democratic leaders in the Senate.

Talk about spin. It was the President that was going out of his way. Bush invited the new leadership to lunch at the WH, and he played up the "working together" angle for all it was worth. It was a show. It was Bush's show. Webb's colleagues were not going "out of their way."

:eyes:

[Rowdyboy]

10. I believe its called "speaking truth to power"

Jim ought to be good at that.

[Straight Shooter]

11. He is a fighter.

Gravitas. It ain't no game to Jim Webb. He's in the Senate to make a difference for the people.

Virginia is my home state, and even from as far away as Oregon, I feel proud that he represents the great state of Virginia.

:patriot:

[DeepModem Mom]

12. Remember his book title/campaign slogan: Born fighting! nt

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

13. For the first time since 2000, I have a representative in Washington

Before that it was Eric Abramhoff Delay Cantor, George Macaca Allen and John Warner.

I liked Webb from the first time I heard him speak. I'm grateful he's in the Senate.

[oxbow]

14. As a fellow Virginian, I feel good about Webb

This is a guy who will challenge not only the idologies, but the very power structure of our palm-greasing, cloak and dagger style of governing. He won't be out there trying to score political points for himself or his party, but actually trying to get things done! Plus he has a son in Iraq; how many other senators can say that?