Jim Webb's Conference Call Tonight

1) Jim thanked everyone for their support, mentioned that he had just gotten off a plane and that he had been raising money all week so he could defend himself when Allen's campaign "comes after us."

2) Jim noted that George Allen liked to refer to him as a "rich Hollywood producer," and how funny he found that to be.  He also noted that "people who know me know where my loyalties have always been."

3) Jim pointed out that he is still waiting for answers from Allen to two questions Jim asked him during the Homestead debate.  First, why did Allen vote to raise his pay multiple times but block any increase in the minimum wage.  Second, why won't Allen introduce a GI Bill to give current veterans the same rights as World War II veterans?

4) Jim stated his view that this race was very competitive, that in every poll we've seen, George Allen has yet to poll 50%.  Jim declared, "They are in danger!"
5) Jim noted that "everywhere we have been able to go, we have won," even being outspent 3:1.  The challenge now is to get Jim's name ID up. If he does that, he'll win.

6) According to Jim's senior advisor Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, "if we get 48% of the vote in SWVA, Allen can't win."

7) On Monday, Jim met with James Carville, who warned Jim that Allen's campaign was planning a "huge negative media blitz after Labor Day," hoping to "knock us out."  That's why Jim is so busy raising money, so that he can defend himself against these attacks.  Jim hopes to have his own ads ready to roll the week after Labor Day.

8) The key to this campaign, in Jim's opinion, is support of the grassroots and "word of mouth."  Jim's favorite new slogan: "the best leadership money CAN'T buy!"  Along these lines, Jim will NOT change what he believes "in order to raise money or get a vote."

9) His campaign continues to run on three major themes.  First, realigning our entire national security policy.  Despite what the Bush Administration has been trying to say, particularly in the wake of Ned Lamont's victory in Connecticut last week, Jim declared that Iraq is NOT central to the war on terror. In fact, the Iraq situation is one of the reasons Lebanon blew up (Hezbollah is backed by Iraq's rival, Iran). 

Second, the campaign is focusing on economic fairness and social justice, including basic privacy issues (e.g., opposition to the so-called "marriage amendment").  Webb declared point blank that "the Karl Rove era is done."  Webb also declared that "we will not allow people to manipulate our emotions" in order to divide us. 

Third, the campaign is about reining in executive overreach, restoring checks and balances in the system (right now, we've got "one-party government"), and de-politicizing national security.

Webb concluded by briefly recalling how he had started on February 8 with ZERO dollars and ZERO staff.  He noted wryly that this is not exactly the way you normally run for the U.S. Senate.  Having said that, Webb confidently predicted that on November 8, "exactly 9 months to the day" after he entered the race, "there will be a lot of people who will be surprised" at his victory over George Allen.

Great stuff. Now, it's up to you.  Give generously to Jim Webb's campaign against George Allen.  Help take our country back.  Volunteer for Jim's campaign. Hold a house party next month.  Take the initiative in your particular area.  Don't wait; "be your own general" as Jim likes to say!  If we do all that, we'll beat George Allen and elect the next great U.S. Senator from Virginia.  Thanks.

Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign.  The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.

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