Webb: McCain Should 'Calm Down' on Using Military Service

[Donger]

http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/07/01/webb-mccain-should-calm-down-on-using-military-service/

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) waded into the debate over John McCain's military service Monday to say that the Republican should avoid using military service in politics.

Webb, a Barack Obama supporter, was on MSNBC's "Countdown" to talk about his G.I. Bill to increase education benefits for returning veterans which is now law. Webb criticized both McCain and President Bush for not supporting the bill. Then, unprompted, Webb weighed in on the debate over retired Gen. Wesley Clark's remark that "riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down" isn't "a qualification to be president."

"I think what we really need to work on over the next four, five months, and it goes back to the speech that Sen. Obama gave [Tuesday] and this little fight that I've been watching and that is, we need to make sure that we take politics out of service," Webb said. "People don't serve their country for political issues."

He continued: "And John McCain's my long-time friend, if that is one area that I would ask him to calm down on, it`s that, don't be standing up and uttering your political views and implying that all the people in the military support them because they don't, any more than when the Democrats have political issues during the Vietnam War. Let's get the politics out of the military, take care of our military people, or have our political arguments in other areas."

[recxjake]

McCain's main focus is not his military service... it became an issue when Clark made a fool of himself....

Then Clark does it again today! He just kissed any chance of being VP away....

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Vote2008/story?id=5283442&page=1

[dirk digler]

BRAVO Jim Webb and hopefully Obama VP

Also thanks to Jim Webb for getting the new GI BIll passed.

[recxjake]

BRAVO Jim Webb and hopefully Obama VP

Also thanks to Jim Webb for getting the new GI BIll passed.

I hope Jim Webb is the VP as well... the inexperience card will knock them out

Obama- 2 Year Senator
Webb- 2 Year Senator

[Baby Lee]

[url]Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) waded into the debate over John McCain's military service Monday to say that the Republican should avoid using military service in politics.
Anyone get a look at his footwear when he gave this upbraiding?

[Donger]

Anyone get a look at his footwear when he gave this upbraiding?

Rather audacious, isn't it?

[Taco John]

Footwear? Was he wearing Crocs or something?

[Donger]

Footwear? Was he wearing Crocs or something?

IIRC, he campaigned wearing his son's (a Marine) boots.

[penchief]

BRAVO Jim Webb and hopefully Obama VP

Also thanks to Jim Webb for getting the new GI BIll passed.

Agreed.

Did you see that sorry President Bush try to take credit for the GI Bill even though he threatened to veto it? Then he lumped McCain in with Webb as being instrumental in getting it passed when McCain, himself, opposed the bill. A perfect example of how the republican party is constantly distorting the truth. I guess it's like Faux News, if you tell a lie enough it starts to become true. Just call a republican a democrat if he does something you don't like and just take credit for something you opposed if it passes the peoples muster.

[dirk digler]

I hope Jim Webb is the VP as well... the inexperience card will knock them out

Obama- 2 Year Senator
Webb- 2 Year Senator

I disagree Jim Webb would be a great VP pick he brings instant credibility and would really help in Appalachia country.

Now I can't wait until McCain picks Romney as his VP because I got a ton of recxjake quotes teed up for that.

[HonestChieffan]

Obama surrogates are excellent. Damn you have to hand it to them. McCain has not used his service as a point of differentiation. He has not gone out with a bunch of surrogates bagging on Obama and the fact he was not in service...it has no point! So what do the Obo surrogates do? They bring it up, then show no respect for McCains service( or his sons service) then they have Webb come out and say Republicans shouldnt use military service as a talking point?

And look at the people falling for this shit!! Another thing Obo doesnt want to discuss!

[Adept Havelock]

Now I can't wait until McCain picks Romney as his VP because I got a ton of recxjake quotes teed up for that.

Did you copy them before he deleted them? :p

[little jacob]

prediction: by the end of the campaign, they will, by proxy, have accused mccain of being a war criminal. it's already being drawn up out there in the blogosphere.

[penchief]

prediction: by the end of the campaign, they will, by proxy, have accused mccain of being a war criminal. it's already being drawn up out there in the blogosphere.

Wait a second.....wasn't it republicans themselves (Bush campaign surrogates), who tried to smear McCain during the 2000 S.C primary by accusing him of committing treason as a POW? Better check yourself before you start predicting what others will do.

[dirk digler]

And look at the people falling for this shit!! Another thing Obo doesnt want to discuss!

I know you aren't talking to me because I have been one of the few if not the only person on this board who has consistently said that bringing up people's honorable military service should be off limits.

The funny thing is the same people that were bashing Kerry in 04 are now crying that McCain's record should be off limits.

You can't have it both ways hypocrites.

[dirk digler]

Did you copy them before he deleted them? :p

I better get on that. Thanks for the tip. :thumb:

[little jacob]

Wait a second.....wasn't it republicans themselves (Bush campaign surrogates), who tried to smear McCain during the 2000 S.C primary by accusing him of committing treason as a POW? Better check yourself before you start predicting what others will do.

i dont remember it, but that's another good point. by the end of this campaign, the democrats will also by proxy be saying mccain was disloyal because he participated in those propaganda videos under torture.

[penchief]

i dont remember it, but that's another good point. by the end of this campaign, the democrats will also by proxy be saying mccain was disloyal because he participated in those propaganda videos under torture.

I don't think democrats are going there. That has been the sole domain of republican party politics. I think democrats are simply trying to diffuse the myth that military service makes you more qualified to fight the war on terror.

[Baby Lee]

Agreed.

Did you see that sorry President Bush try to take credit for the GI Bill even though he threatened to veto it? Then he lumped McCain in with Webb as being instrumental in getting it passed when McCain, himself, opposed the bill. A perfect example of how the republican party is constantly distorting the truth. I guess it's like Faux News, if you tell a lie enough it starts to become true. Just call a republican a democrat if he does something you don't like and just take credit for something you opposed if it passes the peoples muster.

Big Bill taught the world that notion with Welfare Reform.

[Adam]

I like Webb's comments. Honestly, during the Republican primary he expressed his imperialistic views as if they were straight out of the mouths of soldiers in Iraq. Saying that their message to him has been "clear" that they wanted us to "let them win" this. Yet all the while those same troops were contributing many more funds to Ron Paul and Barack Obama. McCain repeatedly stepped up to the mic as if he were representing the troops personally, yet their own actions did not support his claims.

[Baby Lee]

I know you aren't talking to me because I have been one of the few if not the only person on this board who has consistently said that bringing up people's honorable military service should be off limits.

The funny thing is the same people that were bashing Kerry in 04 are now crying that McCain's record should be off limits.

You can't have it both ways hypocrites.

1. Never bashed Kerry on his military record, and indeed gave him a good deal of time to address allegations, until he never responded, creating a presumption of accuracy to them.
2. No one's saying McCain's record should be off limits, as outlined above, Dems both raised the issue of military service and BASHED the raising of the issue of military service.

[HolmeZz]

McCain has not used his service as a point of differentiation.

What planet have you been living on? During their dust-up about the GI bill, McCain basically said Obama had no right to question his stance because Barack hadn't served in the military.

McCain's first GE ad was also him touting his military service.

[Taco John]

I like Webb's comments. Honestly, during the Republican primary he expressed his imperialistic views as if they were straight out of the mouths of soldiers in Iraq. Saying that their message to him has been "clear" that they wanted us to "let them win" this. Yet all the while those same troops were contributing many more funds to Ron Paul and Barack Obama. McCain repeatedly stepped up to the mic as if he were representing the troops personally, yet their own actions did not support his claims.

THIS

[alanm]

Obama surrogates are excellent. Damn you have to hand it to them. McCain has not used his service as a point of differentiation. He has not gone out with a bunch of surrogates bagging on Obama and the fact he was not in service...it has no point! So what do the Obo surrogates do? They bring it up, then show no respect for McCains service( or his sons service) then they have Webb come out and say Republicans shouldnt use military service as a talking point?

And look at the people falling for this shit!! Another thing Obo doesnt want to discuss!
Don't you know it's only hypocrisy when Republicans utter such nonsense. Get with the program. :rolleyes:

[alanm]

I don't think democrats are going there. That has been the sole domain of republican party politics. I think democrats are simply trying to diffuse the myth that military service makes you more qualified to fight the war on terror.
Well, more so than being a lawyer. LMAO

[noa]

I hope Jim Webb is the VP as well... the inexperience card will knock them out

Obama- 2 Year Senator
Webb- 2 Year Senator

Yes, Webb is very inexperienced. He only worked on the House Committee for Veteran Affairs for four years. Then he was only an Assistant Secretary for Defense for three years and Secretary of the Navy for 1 year. Freakin noobs.

[jettio]

prediction: by the end of the campaign, they will, by proxy, have accused mccain of being a war criminal. it's already being drawn up out there in the blogosphere.

Exaggerate Much?

Obama whupped Hillary in the primary without even bringing up any of the Clinton scandals or pressing her on anything that would be difficult for her to talk about.

This latest brouhaha is just more and more of the McCain camp playing the crybaby as they do three times a week.

Hillary in the democratic primary is a lot tougher to beat than McCain, after 8 years of B*sh, in the general.

And you ought to remember that the Obama campaign is run by smart people. None of them are dumb enough to think that saying unfair things about McCain's military service would be useful.

You play with guns too much, the fumes have you paranoid and making up stupid accusations that make no sense at all.

You started out here with a more reasonable approach but it looks like you have started to lose your moderate tone and are just another one who spreads organic fertilizer.

[Smed1065]

i dont remember it, but that's another good point. by the end of this campaign, the democrats will also by proxy be saying mccain was disloyal because he participated in those propaganda videos under torture.

So he sucked as military person?

Country before ones self, IIRC.

He knew what he was signing up for when he signed that contract, oh only if in Bushes wars, I forgot.

[jettio]

I don't think democrats are going there. That has been the sole domain of republican party politics. I think democrats are simply trying to diffuse the myth that military service makes you more qualified to fight the war on terror.


Bob Schieffer ought to ask every GOP guest he has for the rest of the year why the GOP chose B*sh over McCain in 2000, when McCain was a shot- down fighter pilot and POW, and B*sh was a National Guard pilot who only flew training missions.

Bob Schieffer is a good guy, but he asked an argumentative question that makes an assumption that was flatly rejected by the GOP in 2000.

[jettio]

Obama surrogates are excellent. Damn you have to hand it to them. McCain has not used his service as a point of differentiation. He has not gone out with a bunch of surrogates bagging on Obama and the fact he was not in service...it has no point! So what do the Obo surrogates do? They bring it up, then show no respect for McCains service( or his sons service) then they have Webb come out and say Republicans shouldnt use military service as a talking point?

And look at the people falling for this shit!! Another thing Obo doesnt want to discuss!

McCain's first general election ad focused on his military service.

When Obama criticized McCain for not supporting Webb's GI Bill, McCain got all crybaby and made the point that Obama did not serve in the military.

I know you are not that bright, but I doubt that you have already forgotten both of those of those very obvious instances of McCain trying to "use his service as a point of differentiation."

I am not dismissing the possiblity that you are that stupid, but I also think there is an intent to be dishonest with all of the obvious misremembering and false claims that you make.

[jettio]

What planet have you been living on? During their dust-up about the GI bill, McCain basically said Obama had no right to question his stance because Barack hadn't served in the military.

McCain's first GE ad was also him touting his military service.

OOps. You already made this point.

[BucEyedPea]

I think McCain playing up his military service could hurt him with the anti-war sentiment of the public currently. He's a fool if he thinks a war message is winner. That worked in the GOP primaries...which had a poor turnout as it was demoralized over Iraq. That and having served by no means shows he has the mind to run this country which is more than war. There is no need to be at war with any nation states for the WoT. Heck, a leader of a spelunking crew would probably win it for us and therefore make a great president.

[patteeu]

I like Webb's comments. Honestly, during the Republican primary he expressed his imperialistic views as if they were straight out of the mouths of soldiers in Iraq. Saying that their message to him has been "clear" that they wanted us to "let them win" this. Yet all the while those same troops were contributing many more funds to Ron Paul and Barack Obama. McCain repeatedly stepped up to the mic as if he were representing the troops personally, yet their own actions did not support his claims.

The volume of military contributions to presidential candidates is low. Obama may have been the big fish, but it was a small pond compared to the ocean represented by the US armed forces.

[patteeu]

I think McCain playing up his military service could hurt him with the anti-war sentiment of the public currently. He's a fool if he thinks a war message is winner. That worked in the GOP primaries...which had a poor turnout as it was demoralized over Iraq. That and having served by no means shows he has the mind to run this country which is more than war. There is no need to be at war with any nation states for the WoT. Heck, a leader of a spelunking crew would probably win it for us and therefore make a great president.

The anti-war sentiment is as soft as a marshmallow.

[BucEyedPea]

The anti-war sentiment is as soft as a marshmallow.

Only in the opinion of those who think the Matrix is real.

[little jacob]

The anti-war sentiment is as soft as a marshmallow.

this election won't be about the war. that's why obama feels he can flipflop on it.

it will be about the economy and nothing else.

[jAZ]

Like I said before, I don't blame the GOP surrogates from trying to make this into a story and try to hurt Obama, but jezus people.

The reality if far different that the spin on this.

It's almost cartoonish to watch these people negatively paraphrasing Wes Clarke's statement.

This clip from TPM has his exact quote followed by the endless distortions of it throughout the rest of the day.

Clark called him a hero for his service, but said that he was never a executive in the military, never ordered bombs to be dropped and in using the language of the host, said that his time as a POW is not a qualification to be President.

Just thought I'd share this for a few laughs.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRwsk56lN44"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRwsk56lN44" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[BucEyedPea]

this election won't be about the war. that's why obama feels he can flipflop on it.
I see there's another who believes the Matrix is real

it will be about the economy and nothing else.

The economy is related to the war which is now about starting another one with Iran which is spiking oil prices which began to drop. War affects faith in supply aka scarcity and leads to price hikes to conserve usage in the event of the conflict limits access to supplies even if we buy more from Canada. So this affects energy prices which affect the economy unless you believe the Matrix is real.

The congressional elections were just a short while ago and was about just getting us out of Iraq. It didn't happen and so there is widespread disapproval now with the dems who ratings are lower than Bush's who's are at an all time low. I know someone who talks to people all around the country and they are disgusted...and none are enthralled with either candidate.

I also see repeated polls that reflect what this person has seen in his conversations the American people do not like the direction this country is moving in. That includes the war and a potential war with Iran.

[little jacob]

The economy is related to the war

the $167 billion just approved, some of which will not go to the war itself but things like the GI bill and other projects, is only 1.2% of last year's GDP of 13.8 trillion. and if anything, wars often spur economies in the short term not drag them down.

what is hurting the economy is the fact that real estate had been overvalued for 10 years, banks were caught up in their easy credit conditions, and energy prices are high independent of the war effort due to growth in asia, the weaker dollar, and supply pressures.

i know that doesnt fit with the pretext you are working from but that's too bad i suppose.

[BucEyedPea]

the $167 billion just approved, some of which will not go to the war itself but things like the GI bill and other projects, is only 1.2% of last year's GDP of 13.8 trillion. and if anything, wars often spur economies in the short term not drag them down.

what is hurting the economy is the fact that real estate had been overvalued for 10 years, banks were caught up in their easy credit conditions, and energy prices are high independent of the war effort due to growth in asia, the weaker dollar, and supply pressures.

i know that doesnt fit with the pretext you are working from but that's too bad i suppose.

Sorry, but I am in the crowd that stands with most Americans on this war, the economy, immigration and the general direction of this country by just not liking the results. But those numbers are meaningless to us because we go by direct observation and what things cost. And we don't like how it is.

Besides what is an obvious righty using Keynesian ( socialist) statistics for like GDP? You do know that framework is about constant stimulus to encourage spending, so GDP mainly measures spending. It doesn't measure savings the basis of true wealth and economic development and which fuels real private sector investment and growth. Politicians manipulate those numbers all the time too to make things look better. Inflation is more like 10%, bankuptcies are on the rise and people are more in debt as is our govt.

And as for energy being due to the dollar, what do you think has caused a weakened dollar? Inflation. You do know that govts usually fund their wars with inflation; that the US govt has inflated it's way out of every war save the Mexican war. That war helps an economy is one of the greatest myths ever. A myth created by govt. It's a perfect example of the "broken window" fallacy. It favors certain industries only those the govt buys from. War also shakes confidence in oil supplies, especially when it's dealing with two of the world's biggest suppliers. I mean come on use some critical thinking.

And what do you think led to the artificial housing boom? Inflation and more money in circulation as well. That's what that does, too much money in circulation creates a false sense of wealth that distorts market signals and leads to malinvestments ( spending) and speculators ( real estate) which must be liquidated at some point which leads to the bust. Here we are right now. This is no different than the Clinton dot.com boom. It IS standard Keynesian economics—a self professed socialist who believed in the constant utopia generated from spending.

Increased ww demand is not tracking with the price increases either. It's gone way past that. And stagflation was brought about due to the Vietnam war too.

Don't forget that there have been a lot more off budge outlays for this war that's not on record. As well, it is obvious that the loss of a greater amount of American lives and maiming and destruction of men's souls are things one can never put a price on.

i know that doesnt fit with the pretext you are working from but that's too bad i suppose
Are you talking about yourself?

[jAZ]

They bring it up, then show no respect for McCains service...
Are you lying here or did you not ever bother to watch the Wes Clark interview?

[little jacob]

Sorry, but I am in the crowd that stands with most Americans on this war, the economy, immigration and the general direction of this country by just not liking the results. But those numbers are meaningless to us because we go by direct observation and what things cost. And we don't like how it is.

so basically no amount of measurement or facts are going to dissuade you.

i guess i should have left you on ignore after that edit and lie stunt you pulled a couple weeks ago

[jettio]

Like I said before, I don't blame the GOP surrogates from trying to make this into a story and try to hurt Obama, but jezus people.

The reality if far different that the spin on this.

It's almost cartoonish to watch these people negatively paraphrasing Wes Clarke's statement.

This clip from TPM has his exact quote followed by the endless distortions of it throughout the rest of the day.

Clark called him a hero for his service, but said that he was never a executive in the military, never ordered bombs to be dropped and in using the language of the host, said that his time as a POW is not a qualification to be President.

Just thought I'd share this for a few laughs.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRwsk56lN44"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRwsk56lN44" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

I have to say that Clark has a little too much ego, and not enough political sense.

I think he just DQ'd himself from the VP spot.

If Obama feels compelled to ask a former Clinton supporter, I think that Evan Bayh might be okay if Rendell, Strickland, or Hillary are not the choice.

Like I said before, the only answer to the question about McCain's qualifications are that he has not added many qualifications since the GOP rejected him in 2000.

He is the same guy that the GOP tossed aside in favor of B*sh in 2000 except that he is older, much older looking and he has compromised many of his principles.

[dirk digler]

so basically no amount of measurement or facts are going to dissuade you.

i guess i should have left you on ignore after that edit and lie stunt you pulled a couple weeks ago

LMAO A No0b like you puts someone on ignore? what a ****ing pussy. If you can't take the shit here then leave. This aint for the weak hearted.

[mikey23545]

You started out here with a more reasonable approach but it looks like you have started to lose your moderate tone and are just another one who spreads organic fertilizer.

YOU are taking someone to task about not being moderate?

LMAO

[BucEyedPea]

so basically no amount of measurement or facts are going to dissuade you.
Whose facts? I just challenged yours with other facts. I consider your facts false.

i guess i should have left you on ignore after that edit and lie stunt you pulled a couple weeks ago

Yeah I lie....it couldn't have been a valid misunderstanding could it? :hmmm:
I didn't call you any names or attack you or anything. But feel free. It will save me time posting.

[Garcia Bronco]

Not only does McCain's service better qualify him to be Commander-in-Chief on the US Armed Forces, but Jim Webb pounded his service to better his chances to win his election against George Allen. I can certainly see why he'd run this rubbish up a flag pole. Had he not been running against George Allen, I would be sorry I voted for him.

[Taco John]

I wish I'd never even knew the word Macaca existed.

[Garcia Bronco]

I wish I'd never even knew the word Macaca existed.


He was so dumb for saying that. Had he not, I think he would have cleaned the floor with Webb.

[BucEyedPea]

He was so dumb for saying that. Had he not, I think he would have cleaned the floor with Webb.

Webb is a much better guy all around. I'm glad he won. He's really just an anti-war R who ran as a D anyhow.

[Taco John]

He was so dumb for saying that. Had he not, I think he would have cleaned the floor with Webb.



I feel sorry for anyone who had to endure that whole election cycle locally...

[Garcia Bronco]

Webb is a much better guy all around. I'm glad he won. He's really just an anti-war R who ran as a D anyhow.

Maybe, but Jim Webb has his faults too.

[BucEyedPea]

Maybe, but Jim Webb has his faults too.

They all do as do the voters.

[penchief]

He was so dumb for saying that. Had he not, I think he would have cleaned the floor with Webb.

George Allen was nothing more than an empty suit with a polished image. I think George Bush is even smarter than George Allen. I'm glad to see phonies like Allen get bumped before they can do any real damage.