Wow, what a night. I mean, what else can you say when you're in a room with 1,000 Webb supporters, all there to see and hear General Wesley Clark, actor Michael J. Fox, and soon-to-be Senator Jim Webb? Photos will be coming later, but for now, here's a report.
Wes Clark kicked off the rally. He talked about we should welcome everyone "whose heart is in the right place" into the Democratic Party. He urged everyone to vote for "one of the greatest men ever to stand for the U.S. Senate - Jim Webb!" He asserted that we now live in a time of "unique crisis," and that it's "time for America to come together."
According to Clark, we are "overstretched," government doesn't have a plan, and Congress "doesn't have the courage to ask the right questions." The country is suffering after 6 years of Republican rule. As a consequence of this "leadership," failures and corruption abound. Enough is enough! We need people who can make a difference in life, people like Jim Webb.
Clark talked about Webb as a person who "didn't grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth." Instead, Webb did it "the tough way," working his way through the US Naval Academy and the Marine Corps. Webb proved himself under fire in Vietnam. Webb has been a man of action. Webb has served when the country called. And Webb has taken all his passion, plus the lessons he learned, to create great books like "Fields of Fire." In Clark's opinion, we all owe Jim Webb a great deal for his writings. Now, Webb's going to take that courage, that "born fighting" spirit, and he's going to fight for America. All of which is why, Clark concluded, we need to elect Jim Webb on November 7!!!
Jim Webb spoke about the tremendous energy of his volunteers, who have carried him from 30+ points down into the lead. Now, with "4 days and a wakeup" left to go, everyone needs to work on getting people out to vote.
Webb pointed out that when he started this campaign, he made a vow that he wouldn't change what he believed in to get a vote or to raise money. And he has lived up to that vow. He has run a positive campaign, with a focus on issues that matter to America. He has not allowed himself to get dragged into the gutter by his opponent. And people are thanking him for running a positive campaign. "Just look at our ads," Webb challenged the crowd, and try to find a single negative one out there.
Webb talked about how, for the past 6 years, we have suffered so much "bullying" from people who simply want to stay in power. They have opposed scientific research, including stem cell research, in a way that makes THEM the ones who act like it's 1806, not 2006. Luckily, Michael J. Fox had the courage to setp forward and talk about the value of scientific research. And Fox has continued talking about this, despite the bullying of people like Rush Limbaugh, who should know a little bit himself about prescription drugs. Webb related that his mother was in a nursing home, and that he'd "love to be able to talk to her but I can't." That's just one example of why we need stem cell research.
Michael J. Fox thanked Jim Webb, "the next Senator from Virginia." Fox said that he was out supporting candidates who support stem cell research, and opposing candidates who oppose it. According to Fox, "America's about hope." That's why "the idea of restricting one of the most promising areas of research is so short-sighted." This is an example of less-than-compassionate conservatism. Fortunately, Fox is "not going away." Nor, Fox stated, are the millions of American suffering from terrible diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Sadly, Senator Allen voted AGAINST stem cell research. That's just one reason why "Senator Allen needs to hear from you!" The thing with stem cell research is that it uses embryos that would be discarded anyway in order to save lives. According to Fox, "I can think of no better affirmation of the culture of life" than that. Even if it takes years, we need research to start now, with the full support of the federal government. And every one of you MUST show up on election day and make your voices heard. You owe it to yourself, to your family, to your friends and neighbors. Vote for Jim Webb for U.S. Senate on November 7!
[UPDATE: More great photos here, courtesy of Cassie Arnold.]
hey were energized!!!!
I am looking fwd to monday, clinton at market square alexandria, then the voteing day
take a look.
A LOT of young people in the ballroom--which was great to see. Makes sense--no matter where you are in life, you WILL be affected by one of these diseases (if you haven't been already.)Your parents, your spouse, children or other loved one. We ALL have a stake in this issue.
Just this morning I talked with a good friend who lives in Miami. She has been watching her mother slowly die from Alzheimers/Parkinson's disease for several years now. This looks like the final week for this once vibrant, funny, bright woman. When I told my friend about where I was going this evening, she was nearly in tears.
"Webb's going to win, isn't he?" she asked me several times, seekng assurance. "He HAS to win."
Webb is 100% right. It's these yahoo anti-science, anti-inteligence, anti-common sense Republicans who are the ones stuck in 1806.
The crowd reeked of enthusiasm and encouraged all three of these men as the spoke. It was wonderful to see. Wesley Clarke is so impressive and he spoke from the heart. Jim Webb was relaxed, laughing and grinning. He connected with the crowd and they roared with approval. Michael J Fox made some jabs at Rush - but with humor - there's not a mean bone in him. He spoke of those dealing with dreadful diseases and spoke on hope, science, and possibilities of cures. He was spell binding and heartbreaking all at the same time. I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes. What courage this man has. He made clear he is staying in the fight and not going anywhere.
These three men washed away all the cynicism that has been building in me in this election. What remarkable men. What a night!
I think about how far we have come from the St Paddy's Day parade in Alexandria--and now Bill Clinton is coming to Market Square in Old Town for JIM WEBB!!! It's so amazing, I can't quite believe it.
Long weekend ahead of us, folks. GOTV! GOTV! GOTV!!!
And thank you for supporting Jim Webb Mr. Fox. God speed - I wish you a long and prosperous life.
PS: Limbaugh is out of control. But hasn't he always been?
All I have to add is Rush Limbaugh = Biff. "What are you lookin' at, butthead?"