I just got back from a meeting between James Webb and about 30 people, sponsored by the Progressive Democrats of America. It was an interesting meeting, although short (1/2 hour). Webb was received extremely warmly, with a rousing ovation from the Progressives in attendance. Almost everyone in the crowd was wearing Webb for Senate stickers, and I talked to several people who were strongly backing Webb because they feel he's a) the true Progressive in this race; and b) he is the only one who can defeat George Allen in November. And, believe me, these people want George Allen gone from the U.S. Senate!First, James Webb gave 5 minutes or so of introductory remarks, during which he talked about how he "got started late" in part because he didn't like how much money impacted politics, and how much time he would have to spend raising it. Webb stated that becoming a Senator would "mean nothing to me unless I can maintain my independence on issues." He expressed his disgust at the impact of money on American politics. The crowd agreed with him wholeheartedly.
Second, Webb took questions from the audience. Not surprisingly, several were related to Iraq. One of Webb's chief points is that Iraq has been in conflict for "at least the last 4,000 years," and that it was a big mistake "putting the US in the middle of that region as an occupying power." Webb related how the United States actually supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, but how he was "the only person in the Reagan Administration who opposed" that tilt.
More broadly, Webb talked about how going into Iraq was the exact opposite of what we should have done after 9/11, which was to focus on "global terrorism." Right after 9/11, Webb noted, the world's sympathies were strongly with the United States. After our invasion of Iraq - which, Webb pointed out, had "nothing to do with the 9/11" - however, the world's feelings were "reversed." In addition, we've gotten ourselves into a "dual strategic mousetrap" in Iraq, both in the region (e.g., strengthening Iran) and outside the region (e.g., China has reaped a "windfall" out of this situation).
The bottom line on Iraq, according to James Webb, is this: 1) he sees the situation very similiarly to Jack Murtha, who Webb announced would be doing a campaign event with him; and 2) point blank, "the United States has no interest in the long-term occupation of Iraq." The latter, sadly, is something the Bush Administration has never said, and something they NEED to say. We also need to :get out of there without further destabilizing the region," but as quickly as possible. Great quote: "80% of Iraqis want us to leave, 72% of our troops want to leave, so let's leave!"
On health care, Webb talked about the Tricare military health plan, and how "what they're doing with Tricare disturbs me a great deal."
On social issues, Webb spoke of his overarching philosophy of "fairness." Along those lines, there is economic fairness and social fairness. Under current economic policies, the "people at the top are doing better than they ever have," but the people not at the top - well, that's another story. On abortion, Webb said "I'm with Roe v. Wade." On equal rights, Webb talked about how the last 50 years' focus was on race, and how the next 50 will be on social conditions independent of race. On gays, Webb said he's "having trouble with the [proposed Virginia] constitutional amendment" on marriage, especially the language in the last part. Webb is "for civil unions," as part of his belief that "no government should deny people the right to pursue happiness."
On the current state of democracy in America, Webb stressed the critical importanc of "Congress as a co-equal branch" of government. Webb also asserted that "this is not a monarchy."
Interesting meeting, and a fine job by Webb.