I received a press release from the Edwards campaign today. It praises Jim Webb's brave stand against the Bush Administration's Iran power grab (full text below the fold). It struck me as critically important beyond its face value.Webb is in the Senate doing what we sent him there to do: He's providing leadership. The Bush Administration appears to believe that Congress has authorized a war with Iran, and Webb is stepping up to specifically state the contrary.
That's leadership, and it's being recognized on both sides of the aisle.
That John Edwards would take the time out during his Presidential campaign to specifically praise Webb's leadership is worthy of pause and consideration. It identifies the quality of both Senators.
John Edwards here is shining the spotlight not only on one of the great military minds of our era, but also upon the new standard bearer of 21st century progressive populism. Edwards closely fits that same mold. So, while Webb has staked out his leadership on policy, foreign and domestic, Edwards is showing his understanding and praise for Webb's leadership in both areas as well.
A few weeks ago, I started considering the ramifications of a Clinton/Webb '08 ticket. In that post, I identified that it would mean 16 years of Democratic control of the White House with the economic policies transitioning from the triangulated policies of the DLC to the Populist policies of a Webb Presidency.
An Edwards/Webb '08 ticket would accelerate domestic policy back towards the most critical need in America today: re-dedication to the well-being of middle class Americans. An Edwards/Webb win would set up 16 years of a White House devoted to bread-and-butter Americans, which is precisely what we need right now.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2007CONTACT:
Kate Bedingfield
919-636-3163EDWARDS PRAISES WEBB BILL REQUIRING CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MILITARY ACTION IN IRAN
Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Senator John Edwards released the following statement today praising Senator Jim Webb for introducing a bill this week which would prohibit the use of funds for military action in Iran without congressional approval.
The threat of a nuclear Iran is one of the greatest threats to world peace today, but we must deal with this threat by being smart. It's impossible to trust President Bush to do that - his reckless Iraq policy has created a chaotic situation in Iraq and damaged America+ó??s moral standing in the world.
Congress has the power to stop this President from taking our country down another disastrous course in Iran, and they should use it now. President Bush long ago exceeded his authority in Iraq and needs to return to Congress for new authority to manage the withdrawal of the U.S. military presence.
"He certainly has not been granted Congressional authority to pursue military action in Iran and Congress should put him on notice that he must request authorization before doing so.
+ó??I applaud Senator Webb for standing up to President Bush and introducing a bill that sets a clear standard and reflects the will of the American people.
"No President should ever take any option off the table, but instead of focusing on military action, we should focus on the many steps in front of us that have not been used -- negotiating directly with Iran, getting our European allies to join us in offering an economic package to assist Iran in meeting its energy needs peacefully, and isolating Iran+ó??s radical leader.
America used to be the light that the rest of the world looked up to in times of crisis. We must stop this stubborn pursuit of foreign policy based on ideology, and return America to its place of moral leadership.-¥
US domestic policy needs to change.
Counting WV as a southern state(which in reality, it is), Edwards/Webb would win a minimum of 4 states in the South. Throw in OH and and you can even subtract PA and you're still talking about an ass whuppin'.
Personally, as much as I love him, I don't think even Jim Webb could make a difference with Hillary at the top of the ticket. She ain't gonna win a Southern state. With Hillary as the nominee, here we go again... That ridiculous 19 or 20 state strategy.
Webb, as a novice Senator has already shown more statesmanship and skill as a policymaker than most two term Senators. I think you are right to say let Webb be Webb. It is not outside his experience or capabilities at all to handle VP duties.
And Edwards is FAR more qualified than you give him credit for. He was ready in 04 and he is more than ready now.
I simple disagree about Mr. Edwards I don't see enough qualifications in his resume to support him for President. But I am willing to listen.
What do you thin of a Gore/Webb ticket
Plus, there's control of the Senate at stake here and if we go with you, just remember netroots arch enemy Joe Lieberman will win, so either way you're going to lose and you'll take the state and country with you. Do you really want that? Or do you want to expand the base we've got that we made with toil and tears?
All of these individuals would make good Senators.
That leaves Warner and what if backs out? Who are you going to put in Webb's place if Plan A,these three, fails?
Obama and Richardson are way ahead of the rest of them. If you want authentic, qualified, skilled politicians in one package I think that you have to go with Richardson or Obama. Alternatively, we can all go to Nashville and kidnap Al Gore and put him on the campaign trail.