[UPDATE: Part I of the video is to the left. Part II is available here.]
Today at the Democratic GOTV rally in Annandale, Jim Webb gave the best speech I've ever seen him give. If he keeps doing this the next 10 days, he's not only going to win, he's going to win big. Ironically, one of the reasons for Jim Webb being on fire today was none other than George "Macaca" Allen himself, who has done the thing you should never do with a tough, fearless Marine like Jim Webb: piss him off by questioning his integrity. We've got Webb's speech on videotape, and will be posting it later on YouTube, but for now I'll just review what he said.
First, Webb declared that this is "one of the most vital elections of the last 30 years," one that "we have to win." Webb joked about how he was the only one on stage wearing a tie, at which point someone shouted at him to take it off. Webb responded, with perfect comic timing, that he could do that but it might start something and you know how he writes books and all... That comment got a great reaction from the crowd. It's great to see Jim keeping his sense of humor, despite the Allen campaign's vicious, below-the-belt, uncalled-for attacks. Second, Webb noted that he had gotten as far as he has in large part on the enthusiasm of volunteers, people "hitting the pavement" and working their butts off. This is exactly what we need over the next 10 days to ensure a Webb victory.
Third, Webb pointed out that he had always run an "affirmative campaign" on the issues. He quickly ran down his three main themes: 1) reorienting our national security policy and getting us out of the strategic disaster known as Iraq; 2) ensuring economic fairness in our country; and 3) standing up to the President.
Fourth, Webb told the crowd that he wanted to take a few minutes and respond to the Allen campaign's ridiculous charges. Webb accused the Allen campaign point blank of questioning his ethics, his character, and his professional writing career. In the strongest words I think I've ever heard Webb use in the past 10 months, he blasted the Allen campaign for crossing a line that should never be crossed. With his jaw clenched, Webb demanded of the Allen campaign, "Don't question my faith and don't question my character!"
Webb conducted a rapid-fire review of his writings, proudly noting the rave reviews for "Fields of Fire," "A Sense of Honor," "A Country Such as This," "Something to Die For," "Emperor's General," and "Lost Soldiers." Words like "masterpiece" and "powerful" and "remarkable moral statement" and "historical fiction of a high order" and "reminiscent of Joseph Conrad" rolled off Webb's tongue, as he spoke with great pride - deservedly so! - about what he's written. Let's face it, Jim Webb is a modest guy, but he's a great author and there are no two ways about it.
Fifth, Webb contrasted his own experience with George Allen's in a way that can only be called the brutal truth. Webb said something to the effect of (this is not an exact quote):
I've lived in the real world. I fought in a real war and I saw it ugliness while George Allen was hanging out at a dude ranch! I have written about what I have seen. That is the duty of a writer...George Allen might understand this if he read books. George Allen doesn't read books. Someone said that I've WRITTEN more books than George Allen has READ!
Webb talked about how, at various points in this campaign (the New Republic article on George Allen's sordid racial past, the "macaca" incident, the questions about his Jewish heritage), Webb refrained from commenting at the time. Why did Webb show such restraint? Because, according to Webb, he truly believes - unlike George Allen - that this campaign should be on the issues that matter to Virginians. But Allen has made smears his whole campaign. According to Webb, that's because "George Allen has nothing to report."
Webb then proceeded to rip into Allen even harder than before, charging (correctly) that Allen has no accomplishments, that Allen's been wrong on foreign policy, and that Allen's been "selling out the American worker to protect the interests of the powerful who have always paid his way!" Finally, as if any more proof is needed that the Allen campaign should never ever EVER have challenged this Marine's integrity, Webb blasted Allen as having "shown his true character." Webb added that the Allen campaign had people in it who were known for these kind of sleazeball tactics, but the fact is, "the fish rots from the head down!"
Webb concluded with a statement that people will be listening to over and over again. I didn't get it down exactly, but the gist of it was this:
Our government should no longer be in the hands of a small group of unprincipled, small-minded, power hungry character assassins.
Wow. All I can say is, George Allen was lucky he wasn't in the room today with Jim Webb. If this had been a boxing match, Allen or any of his slimeball cronies would be on the mat, out cold, with emergency medical crews rushing to the scene. I can barely wait for the video of this amazing speech by Jim Webb!
P.S. The Jim Croce song, "You Don't Mess Around With Jim," comes to mind. Here's the refrain:
You don't tug on Superman's cape
You don't spit into the wind
You don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger
And you don't mess around with Jim, da do da do...
Looks like George Allen just tried to mess with Jim. Big mistake, George. Big mistake.
Part II now available.
Comments
I'm glad you repeated the high points (Catzmaw - 10/28/2006 5:36:09 PM)
because Mr. Webb was interrupted so often by applause and cheering I couldn't hear some of what he said. It was a terrific speech, very strong, and directly challenged George Allen for questioning his integrity and character. He had the gloves off for this one. After a very humorous moment (people around me actually yelled at him to "take it off", he methodically dismantled the issues issue (if you get my point), the character assassination issue, the dirty books issue, and then followed up with a knockout punch aimed at the entire rotten administration. From a rhetorical point of view it was an extremely well-crafted speech.
The DSSC Has Gotten Into This (PM - 10/28/2006 5:50:33 PM)
ALLEN ARREST RECORDS CONTROVERSY: ALLEN REFUSES TO RELEASE DOCUMENTS DETAILING HIS ARREST RECORD
Allen’s Multiple Arrest Warrants Could Have Been for Anything From Assault to Disorderly Conduct to Battery
October 28, 2006
By: Phil Singer, DSCC
Democrats are demanding that George Allen stop stonewalling and immediately release records addressing why multiple warrants were issued for his arrest in 1974 while he was a student at the University of Virginia. The court records of his arrests are missing but one of the few official documents detailing the circumstances surrounding his arrests is Allen’s application to the Virginia Bar Association. Allen has so far refused to release that information.
“Allen’s adamant refusal to release documents about his arrest record suggests that there’s more to this story and that he’s hiding something. Allen’s got a character problem and this stonewalling isn’t helping him any,” Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman Phil Singer said.***
Redskin loss? (Jeff B - 10/28/2006 6:55:13 PM)
The redskins lost the superbowl very close to the time Allen showed up on the warrents. Not sure is he raged out at the loss but I can tell you football coaches families lives revolve around win and losses.
make an ad from Jim on fire, please! (teacherken - 10/28/2006 5:38:07 PM)
Jim ha been reluctant to brag on himself. If Allen and Wadhams and La Civita have pissed him off enoughy that he WILL talk about his terrific record, game over. If Jim talks forcefully about his record, his military service, the press WILL cover it, and that is worth several millions in free advertising.
New AP Story has the highlights (PM - 10/28/2006 5:42:20 PM)
Webb swings back at Allen's literary criticism in Va. Senate race
By MATTHEW BARAKAT
Associated Press Writer
October 28, 2006
ANNANDALE, Va. -- Democratic Senate candidate Jim Webb on Saturday offered his most stinging criticism of the campaign against Republican Sen. George Allen, as Webb sought to defend himself from criticism of sexually explicit passages in his fictional novels.
"I have written about what I have seen and that is the duty of a writer," Webb said to 300 cheering supporters during a rally at a Fairfax County middle school. "Maybe George Allen doesn't understand that because I'm told George Allen doesn't read books."
Webb, clearly agitated by criticism of his novels, read a long list of positive reviews the books received at the time of their release.
***
Webb has generally been reserved in his campaign speeches, but not so on Saturday.
"I've lived in the real world, and represented the real world in my writing. I saw its ugliness while George Allen was hanging out on a dude ranch," he said.
He said Allen's most recent attack "has shown his true character" and said "government should not be in the hands of unprincipled, small-minded, power-hungry character assassins."
George Allen Never Saw This:
RE: Damn! (JPTERP - 10/28/2006 5:57:01 PM)
That AP story needs to get wide circulation. Jim absolutely rips rubberstamp George.
I can see the dam breaking.
Yeah, and Vietnam vets (Catzmaw - 10/28/2006 7:39:39 PM)
like the men in this photo PM posted will help sweep him out of office. Go Vets! Put one of your own in there and get rid of the ersatz cowboy.
War (pammiekin - 10/28/2006 7:58:51 PM)
Photos like this one, trips to Walter Reed and more front page articles with photos of our soldiers in Iraq. That's what war is about. George Allen hasn't a clue.
Virginia Pilot Poll - Go Vote! (Tink - 10/28/2006 5:54:52 PM)
The Virginia Pilot online has a poll as to whether Allen's comments are within campaign limits. Go vote!
Thanks! DID YOU SEE THIS? (PM - 10/28/2006 6:17:28 PM)
Did the Allen camp really care how women were depicted?
The Allen campaign has been studying Webb's books for some time. In late August, the campaign compiled a 47-page report that listed all literary mentions Webb had made about sex, women, blacks, Jews, Catholics, the media and veterans. The report, a copy of which was obtained by The Virginian-Pilot, also contained grids dissecting the major characters in most of the novels.
That sounds rather gross to me. Can't you just hear LcCivita? "Let's see if he said anything bad about Catholics in his novels. And how about Jews too, and blacks."
Tink's link alerted me to this.
Allen Insults Us All (mickeyd - 10/28/2006 6:20:47 PM)
Way to go Jim. I can't wait to see a tape of the speech.
I have written a letter to some newspapers pointing out that Allen's phony tobacco chewing, cowboy playing, race baiting persona insults Virginians. His claims that an author's descriptions of sexually explicit actions of others, factual or fictional, somehow reflect the morality of the author is a claim so ludicrous that it insults the intelligence of Virginians. Either Goerge Allen is incredibly stupid himself, or he thinks Virginians are stupid and incapable of rudimentary critical analysis.
Allen's faulty logic would have to call in to question the morality of thousands of great novelists, playwrights, painters, and sculpterers.
amen (PM - 10/28/2006 6:24:56 PM)
Isn’t this just like the prudes who get upset that there are nude statues in the art museum?
much worse than them (Kathy Gerber - 10/28/2006 6:30:34 PM)
The folks you're talking about there don't pick and choose what "offends" them for political advantage.
How about the flag? (Arturo - 10/28/2006 6:48:18 PM)
Allen should be shocked by the Commonwealth's flag!
All of them were on fire (KCinDC - 10/28/2006 6:24:04 PM)
All the speakers were better than I've ever seen them: Jim Moran, Andy Hurst, Judy Feder, Mark Warner (made me sorry he'd dropped out for 2008, even though I hadn't been much of a supporter before), Tim Kaine (I didn't notice any distracting eyebrow this time), and of course Jim Webb. I hope they can all keep it up and get lots of exposure for the next 10 days!
awesome event (chiefsjen - 10/28/2006 6:41:55 PM)
this is my 3rd webb rally and by far the best one ever.
jim was on fire today and was fantastic with the supporters.
Sounds like a barn burner! (vadem - 10/28/2006 6:42:29 PM)
We grassrooters outside NoVA will have to wait for "film at 11", so hope we'll get that shortly. I'm glad to see him coming out like this. He sounded forceful and sure of himself and determined to defend who he is and what he's done. That kind of reaction will make a difference if enough people can see and hear it.
Thanks for the great write up. I'll be at the Richmond event tomorrow, but the venue won't lend itself to such a speech, so I have to live vicariously!
Chris when you had Jim Webb on your show you tried very hard to get him to talk about George Allen, which he refused. All he would talk about was the issues. Now that Allen has attacked his character you may just get a fantastic show now. If you want to see how a Marine fights listen to Jim Webb speeches now.
Try tuning into the blog site "Raising Kaine" to read and hear his speech at a GOTV rally..
Video Coming Soon!!! (Greg - 10/28/2006 6:49:57 PM)
I'll be posting video footage from today's event within the next hour or so -- it's currently uploading to YouTube from my PC.
In particular, I urge everyone to link to the footage of Jim's speech from other blogs and comments sections -- we need as many people as possible to see Jim talking about his writing in his own words.
Also, please forward the link via email. We need this video to go viral.
Wash Times Writer Won't Vote for Allen Now (PM - 10/28/2006 7:15:52 PM)
This Washington Times writer has had it with Allen. The guy writes also for NRO online on occasion. This is his last line.
What I know for sure is that is I can't now vote for Allen in good conscience.
Allen's 'Lolita' smear
By Scott Galupo
October 27, 2006
George Allen is an opportunistic philistine.
What other conclusion to draw from the senator's outrageous cherry-picking of "underage sex scenes" in his opponent James Webb's novels?
Just imagine the "war room" scenario: of campaign underlings combing Webb's books for naughty bits; of the "gotcha" smiles that lit up said underlings' faces as they informed their boss they had yet more ammo with which to outflank Webb from the left.
At first, Allen's aggressive push to peel off women from Webb's base of support -- which began with the unearthing of an article Webb had written that was argued (perfectly justifiably) against allowing women in combat -- was tolerable in a certain tactical sense.
This latest salvo would be silly, if it weren't so demeaning -- not to women, as Allen would very much like us to believe of Webb's fiction writing, but rather to the basic idea of narrative art.
This is an even cruder variation of the literal-minded smear that attached to Vladimir Nabokov after he published his brilliant "Lolita." Some readers refused to accept that someone who wrote in a fictional context about pedophilia did not approve of pedophilia -- or, worse, was a pedophile himself.
If, today, anyone is scandalized by what Webb wrote, that's their right -- and their folly.
Earlier this week I floated the scenario that if he wins Nov. 7, Allen might come out of the race an even stronger, steelier contender for the 2008 presidential nomination. This may or may not eventually prove true.
What I know for sure is that is I can't now vote for Allen in good conscience.
This outburst of Yahooism from Allen reminds me of the types of cultural pronouncements Stalin used to make. Note the other similarity between the two -- Stalin also was a bully who liked to humiliate people.
I'm starting to think that George Allen may be much more dangerous than we ever realized. Is his mind that simplistic and crude?
Here's What Is Obscene Mr Allen (Tink - 10/28/2006 7:34:51 PM)
Obscene:
2,811 American soldiers dead in Iraq.
40,000 wounded in Iraq - some permanently disabled
How many children killed in Iraq? They can't even count
And don't forget the callous Administration response to the victims of Katrina
Now those are some of the real obscene results that George Allen should be dwelling on.
Did Allen Appearing in Gods & Generals Make Him Pro-Slavery? (PM - 10/28/2006 8:15:41 PM)
A brilliant thought in a column by Bob Cesca, printed on Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.co...
Senator Allen, meanwhile, made a cameo appearance in the awful movie Gods and Generals ***. Gods and Generals, apart from being a preachy love letter to the Confederacy with an editorial pace making it seem only about two minutes shorter than the actual war, contained repeated instances of the word "darkies" to describe African-Americans while glorifying the generals who engaged in what technically amounted to an organized military and political insurrection against the United States. Senator Allen is seen in the movie singing the Bonnie Blue Flag lyric, "Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights, hurrah!" implying, in part, the right to own slaves. Senator Allen, when you boil it right down, portrayed a traitor against the United States. An insurgent, if you will.*** Yet few would be insane enough to indict Allen for this, other than his taste in writer/directors.***
A final note to anyone who's written about the atrocities of the Iraq War and who plans to one day serve in politics. Delete now -- especially if there's a chapter about Abu Ghraib containing the phrase "naked men smeared with feces forming a human pyramid." Who knows what brand of futuristic cyberwingnut will try to nail you on it.
Let Us Remember Allen's Contribution to the Arts (mickeyd - 10/28/2006 8:19:34 PM)
Allen made a cameo appearance in the made for TV movie "Gods and Generals." "Gods and Generals" was a paean to the Confederacy that contained repeated instances of the word "darkies" to describe African-Americans while glorifying the generals who engaged in what technically amounted to an organized military and political insurrection against the United States. Senator Allen is seen in the movie singing the Bonnie Blue Flag lyric, "Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights, hurrah!" implying, in part, the right to own slaves. Senator Allen, when you boil it right down, portrayed a traitor against the United States. An insurgent, if you will.
What does this "artistic" expression say about Allen?
What kind of books could George Allen write? (demnan - 10/28/2006 8:25:35 PM)
Maybe he could write a forward for "My Pet Goat" and the idiot President could read that.
Virginia Pilot poll (Silver Fox - 10/28/2006 9:41:19 PM)
As of 9:30 pm 1,800 people have voted in the Virginia Pilot poll and guess what, boys and girls? It's 26.44% for Allen's slimy tactic BUT it's 72.83% AGAINST. When I voted and first looked at the results several hours ago, 1,192 folks had voted and it was 37.58% pro versus 61.41% against. Looks like there's a tsunami rolling right at Allen and I hope this indicates that a wave of disgust is building that's going to sweep him right out of office!
Finally! (libra - 10/28/2006 9:49:23 PM)
The tape was enough to make this dyed-in-the-wool atheist sigh:"praise be the Lord" :) Jim Webb's honor is what turned me into a *Webb* voter (from your generic "mostly-Dem" one)... But, the last couple of weeks, I've been fretting and began to wish that Jim would show less honor and more hutzpah, because "playing nice" wasn't gonna get anywhere, with a determined invader who dripped mud and crap as he walked, in the other corner...
I'm glad Jim has finally had enough :)
PS. In today's NYTimes (behind the pay-for-it firewall, alas), Maureen Dowd informs us that Allen is no longer called "George Macaca Allen" in the DC circles. It's now "George Macacawitz", in recognition of his equal-opportunity dislike of all minorities.
Just thought y'all might like to know...
This video... (phriendlyjaime - 10/28/2006 9:56:19 PM)
if every Virginian saw this video, Jim would win 85-14. I cannot even believe I am so lucky to have such an amazing person vying to represent my state. If Virginians are smart, they will vote for Webb.
Make it so... (Greg - 10/28/2006 10:24:25 PM)
The "share" function on YouTube is awesome.
Let's see if we can get this counter on YouTube up to 200k over the next week!
Allen will end up losing because he got Webb mad (GeorgeAllenVa - 10/28/2006 10:02:12 PM)
enough to finally share his own personal story and feelings. I've never heard Webb so passionate and so good as today. Ten more days of this, and George Allen's career is toast.
Webb and Today's Rally (seamusotoole - 10/28/2006 10:09:55 PM)
How proud I am of Jim Webb today. My husband and I have been there with him since before the Primary. His character and integrity amaze me. He is the Real Deal for sure. There's not one thing about this man to dislike. I am glad that he lambasted Allen's campaign today for their latest sleasy attack. This administration sure isn't one for the highest intellect and reading doesn't top their list. Jarding and Webb hit the nail on the head. Webb speaks of the realities of war and the trauma of war. My husband and I were married for ten months when he shipped out as a 2nd Lieutenant. He landed in Vietnam right when the Tet Offensive started. I didn't know where he was for four weeks as everywhere he was supposed to be, was hit. I can't even imagine what he went through as a 22 year old young man. Allen and his ilk doesn't have a clue as to what war is. All they know is to send our young men and women off to a foreign land and war. They can't even give them proper protection. How many of our young people are dying in Iraq? How many are being maimed for life? They don't have a clue!!!! I agree with Jim Webb maybe you ought to serve your country in combat rather than on a dude ranch. After the rally I again hit the pavement. I intend to hit the pavement everyday between now and Election Day. Jim Webb doesn't need to pay his people to put out signs and drop his lit. They're doing it because they believe in him and know he will serve the citizens of Virginia well, if elected. Veterans of Virginia UNITE!!!!
You know what it is to serve your country....get out the vote. James Webb cares about our veterans and will fight like hell for them.
Another Allen Mistake ... (catbird - 10/28/2006 11:49:16 PM)
I met Jim Webb last Spring in Roanoke, VA. He said then that he would not run a smear campaign but would defend himself against unfair attacks, smears and lies.
Well, Allen has really stepped in it. He now knows the meaning of "born fighting".
Thank you, Jim! You make me feel proud to be a Virginian.
George Allen makes me embarassed.
