SOTU: Tough Dem response

Posted: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:41 PM by Hardball

By Chuck Todd

“If he does not, we will be showing him the way...”

That last line by Webb was one of the tougher Dem responses we’ve seen the last six years. It was confrontational; it’s not going to go over well with the folks in the West Wing.

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Comments

Jim Webb for President!!

Dana Maas (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:44 PM)

I think that Webb's last remarks were the Democratic Party saying "we're dissatisfied and now we have the power to do something about it". Congress exercising the power of the purse seems all the more likely now.

Jason Wolfe, Bowling Green, KY (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:45 PM)

Chuck, you know that Webb does not back from anyone. He elevated his stature nationally so that others now realize what those of us who pushed him to run knew - the man is a great leader.

teacherken Arlington VA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:48 PM)

I think the democratic rebuttal was very well presented. It was well organized and thoughtful. The closing remark was no doubt tough. But I do not think it was out of line. There have been may times when Mr. President has been confrontational, and some of these have been unwarrented.

Shyama (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:49 PM)

This is the kind of language the Democrats have needed for a long time. This was the best rebuttal the Democrats could have had thanks to Senator Webb.

Carl Pallone, Selden NY (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:49 PM)

Jim Webb needed his own 90s era NBA star to compete with the President. Perhaps another Georgetown center: Alonzo Mourning (and his replacement kidney) on universal healthcare!

Gerry, Fairfax, VA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:51 PM)

One of the BEST!!!!!

Pearlene Scott, Las Vegas, Nv (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:51 PM)

Bravo, for Jim Webb! Boy, how I wish he were the president at this point in time. Great speech. Not a wimpy democrat at all. He makes me proud to be an American, especially since I am not a democrat.

Chris Cheshire, Parker, CO (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:54 PM)

I think Webb was brilliant. Finally we have someone that can explain in the simplest of terms to the American public how to look at the Republican agenda with a more critical eye.

Orlando, Florida (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:56 PM)

Who cares about the folks in the West Wing? Totally useless bunch of people who have misled our president for way too long.

Al McMullin, Lawrenceville, GA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:57 PM)

perhaps mr. bush does need a little guidance from the democratic party. perhaps it might even take impeachment to make mr. bush understand that the majority of the american people want our troops out of iraq.

r. salazar los angeles ca (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:57 PM)

Anyone else get the feeling that Jim Webb is looking at a run for the Oval office in four or eight years from now? The guy came off as tough, honest, guided by common sense and, most importantly, sincere. Sounds like a future candidate to me.

Frank Bruno, Winthrop, MA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:59 PM)

You are now hearing from a real hawk -- no more chickenhawks. Also Jim Webb knows the difference between a Sunni and Shia and Kurd and a Doz. Do you honestly think Bush and Cheney can even name the provinces of Iraq. Real courage is looking straight at your own son and not recognizing him from his wounds and not falling apart in front of him. That is the kind of resolve and courage that Jim Webb has and the same courage my parents showed in 1968. Bush and Cheney don't have that kind of courage.

VICKIE CURTIN, VIENNA, VA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:59 PM)

Jim Webb spoke eloquently and decisively about the war in Iraq. He has the right to speak about the war and it's outcome. His father fought in WWII, he fought in Viet Nam and his son is now in Iraq. The President did go into this war wrecklessly, and continues to fight it wrecklessly. I hope the Democrats can make a difference and turn the tide.

Gail ALbers, Woodstock, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:00 PM)

“If he does not, we will be showing him the way...” Finally the Democrats appear to embrace the opportunity to convey a clear, strong and defiant message, which clearly identifies the deep differences in ideology between the White House policies and the will of the large majority of the people. Webb, empowered by his senate seat win, brings in a new generation of moderate Democrats, who take their mandate seriously enough to be prepared to take the bull by the horns. Let's only hope the rest of those representing the Congress majority will show the same determination and resolution in taking on the White House and Republican holdouts with popular or unpopular measures to fulfill the mandate awarded to them by their constituents in this past election.

Luigi Colazzo, Secaucus NJ (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:01 PM)

Impeachment? YES and CONVICTION for Bush and Cheney.

Al McMullin, Lawrenceville, GA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:01 PM)

Webb's response was measured, smart, personal, strong, patriotic and necessary. I can't imagine that his remarks would offend any American who cares about this country, their children, or their future. Rather, I feel that he bolsters hope. The Democrats would be wise to put him out front more often. His might be the one voice that could whip the President into shape on Iraq.

L. Gabriel, Winooski Vermont (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:02 PM)

Not since FDR has a democrat spoken so clearly and forcefully about the class warfare that has divided our nation and jeopardized our democracy. Kudos to the new Senator from Virginia.

Tim Brown (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:03 PM)

A well presented, well crafted message. It was not strident or aggressive in my opinion, and certainly not when contrasted with the smirking arrogant tone that the President often uses to delivers his messages. The Democratic party used discretion and limited the scope of the response and employed a reasonable tone. A fantastic first effort for Webb who has once again proven the priceless value to be found in a multiplicity of perspectives.

Jean Harsen, Tuckahoe NY (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:04 PM)

I thought Webbs response was exactly what you would get from any Democratic leader because it doesn't matter what Pres.Bush says they'll disagree. When they should be standing behind him and showing support but of course they always take the low road and thats why they will lose in 2008

Jack, La Quinta, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:04 PM)

The dems could not have picked a better man for the response. That was NAILS.

Anodyne (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:05 PM)

I agree with Al McMullin and the sooner the better.

BL Gardner (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:06 PM)

Another brave Democrat emerges. Could Jim Webb be preparing to throw his hat in the 2008 election along with the countless other Democrats?

Andrew, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:08 PM)

Get Some! Jim!

Gary Schear, Bozeman, Montana (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:08 PM)

Jim Webb was wonderful! Clear, concise, and absolutely on the mark both about the war and about the economic disparity in this country. And he mentioned New Orleans, which this President DID not do! This is a man with real moral authority, and I would love to see him run in 2012. But before he does that, i'll be watching him to see how he votes on policy issues. What a great choice by the Democrat"ic" leadership to respond to the SOTU. I was listening to Bush's speech primarily to see Webb's response. I was not disappointed. (And Chuck, who cares what the West Wing thinks? The rebuttal was more for the American people than the President.)

Joy Williams (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:12 PM)

It would be great to have someone like Jim Webb as president. He understands that the middle class workers are falling behind corporate greed. He also seems to know how to correct the problems in Iraq.A real down to earth Virginian/American.

Jeff Moran (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:12 PM)

Finally, thoughtful, clear, concise. Gosh someone who can make a tough point without being disagreeable.

Mike Malley (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:14 PM)

It's about time the Dems got "confrontational"! Of course, if this was Bush speaking, based on the last 6 years of MSM wish-washiness, it would be called "strong" or "bold" would it not? Our MSM is still clinging to Bush's raft, so to speak, in it's choice of words even now...

Mark Pitocco, Louisville, OH (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:17 PM)

To Sen Webb,Sen Clinton and Speaker Pelosi where's the beef??? while i agree that the war in Iraq is a mis-guided mess exactly what is the democratic plan?? being negative is easy...what we need is a concrete alternative to this debacle...P.S. 92,000 new soldiers will only take some pressure off the reserves & national guard which will soon be severly undermaned due to the enormous burden they have faced in this war..if we are to continue to fight a "global war" on terror we will need to at least double the current conventional forces

ric stoliker (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:19 PM)

Oh No, someone told the truth and did not pull any punches and it did not go over too well in the West Wing. The Democrats are finally getting a little press coverage and the yes men (Republicans) in Congress are no longer running the place. This really is bad news for the President

Pat Burke VA (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:21 PM)

Webb gave a pretty good speech. His position on the way forward in Iraq pretty much echoes mine.

Kris Weinschenker (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:34 PM)

Clear, straight, well said. I hope the West Wing hates it. It's called honesty, what a good percentage of Americans crave. And what we haven't had in a long, long time.

Lark Kephart, Huntsville, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:34 PM)

I can see him in 2012 as President! What a well versed tough strong and all those great adjectives we use to describe...."Right ON!"..Webb was riveting, clear spoken and someone I could trust and know he would protect me....just like you know he would really protect and love our country...WOW..I have not been moved by someone in politics since I don't know when...this "war" is not like any we have had...we all walk around like nothing is happening out of the ordinary and that our babies are dying or coming back broken. When my husband came back from Nam...it was hard..I was young and hardly knew how to handle it..anyway...

Sandy (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:36 PM)

why is it that we inpeeched President Clinton for a "private" matter and nobody is talking about doing the to this president? after all he has lied, missuse the office and broken the laws of this country...criminal prosecution for this person should be in the agenda of anyone who wants my vote next round of elections.

Horacio Garcia wheeling, Il (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:36 PM)

Jim Webb: A STAR IS BORN! His references to the corporate executive rip-off and its' negative effect on the economy was right on! Also, his references to comparing the Iraq War to Eisenhowser ending the Koren War, and Roosevelt regarding the "robber-barons" and class issues was excellent!

Susan, Santa Rosa, California (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:37 PM)

I felt that while Senator Clinton's response was accurate and well answered, Senator Obama provided us with a poor response to some "well-fed" questions. Senator Clinton provided a sound and confident response as a presidential candidate. Shortly thereafter, Senator Obama struggled a great deal with his response, which was disappointing coming from a historically profound speaker.

Chris Crumrine, Lexington, KY (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:39 PM)

When all is said and done there is still one problem that 220,000 or more new troops might be a solution but frankly where are they going to come from? Help from other countries around the Gulf is the only way that could be done and problem is some of them are Sheite and others Sunni. Still our coming up with enough new troops is just not feasible. And sending less than 1/5 that number is too little, too late. wtrthat inyghgulfOther . to

Louis, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:42 PM)

Jim Webb finally and emphatically gave voice to what Americans have been saying for the many years: The middle class workers are tired of carrying the load for the modern day robber barons. We are intelligent enough to know that this war cannot be won by sending more of our citizens to be killed and injured. The American people have had enough of deception and fairy tales. The last election demonstrated the mandate of the people, not just that of the Democrats. George Bush was elected to lead this country in a manner that reflects the values and and addresses the issues that concern the American people; not to follow his own agenda. Kuddos to Mr. Webb for stepping up to the plate! We can only hope that others in Congress will follow his example.

Deb O'Vadka (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:43 PM)

Come on Democrats do something and stop bashing. Thats why you guys got in office, the Republicans will be back in next election if you don't do something soon.....

Finman (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:44 PM)

As a mother of a beloved son and daugher in law serving in the US Navy, I applaud Jim Webb for conveying the reality of this war and the the recognition of its costs. I am terrified daily for my children. I am a patriot, a proud American, and yet, I am not willing to sacrifice them for the that is self serving. I will be glad to support Senator Webb in "wshowing them the way ".

Robin Harkleroad, Locust Grove, Va (Sent Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:45 PM)

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Jim Webb! The clearest, most powerful Democratic response I have heard in years. Finally, as a Democrat, I feel that my voice has been represented. The issues and points being made around our kitchen table were brought to the nation tonight through Jim Webb. Thank you again and may God watch over and protect your dear son.

Diana Schantz (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:00 AM)

Oh boy, Finman, thanks for the flame. Like the Republicans have not gotten us into this mess with full control? Besides that Pelosi has accomplished everything she wanted in less than 100 hours. So there.

Alma, Natchez, MS (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:01 AM)

A rather arrogant and cocky response - I am sure Mr. Webb's response will be greeted with joy primarily because of his last line - Mr. Macho - he doesn't have a clue what to do in Iraq; and none of the other gas bags do either. The one aim is to demean the President no matter which way you do it. Oh, yes, guys let's all get civil - civility and democrats - that is an oxymoron. All these comments are enough to make one start taking nexium . . ..gracious God, forgive us ...oh, I am sorry, I referred to " God".

Joseph, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:02 AM)

THE DEMS RESPONSE WAS TOUGH FIRM AND NEEDED!!!!!!!PLEASE, TAKE INTO THE FACT THAT INHUMANE MAN HAS NO RIGHT AS THE PEOPLES VOICE!! HE LOST THE ELECTION TO GORE, BUT WITH DADDY'S TIES TO BIN LADENS FAMILYS OIL AND WITH POWER AND CORRUPTION, STILL COULDNT WIN HE HAD OVER 1,000,000 VOTES MYSTERIOUSLY DISSAPPEAR AND HAD THE ORDACITY TO PROCLAIM HIMSELF PRESIDENT BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE!!! BUT SERIOUSLY MISTAKEN WITH BY AND FOR THE CORPORATION OF HALIBURTON, SISTER COMPANY OF KBR ((A.K.A)) VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY ((A.K.A)) CEO ((A.K.A)) POLITICAL PLOTTER WITH PLANS TO UNCOVER CIA OPERATIVES THAT DISAGREED WITH HIS VIEWS!!!! THEN THE 2ND ELECTION WHEN BUSH LOST AGAIN AND KERRY WAS GOING TO HAVE A RECOUNT BUT WHEN THE CORPORATE DOLLERS OF BUSH'S BUSINESS WITH BINLADEN AND CHENEY'S HALIBURTON PAYD KERRY TO CONCEDE DEFEAT!! THE MONEY OF THE EVIL INFLUENCED A COUNTRY'S FATE BY SEALING IT WITH BUSH'S PROFITABLE WAR FOR HIM, CHENEY AND THE OIL PRODUCERS (( A.K.A)) BIN LADEN'S FAMILY!!! SO A VICIOUS CIRCLE OF SPEND AND DEFEND COULD TAKE PLACE!!! PLEASE PEOLE COME OUT IN FULL FORCE TO GET A CLEAR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE ELECTED WITH OUT QUESTION AND CORRUPTION BY THE BUSH PARTY!!!!

Joe Bob, Ravenna OH (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:05 AM)

Webb was clear, concise, powerful. FINALLY a Dem tells it!

Deborah Zeller (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:28 AM)

the man made an 8 minute speach and now we want to elect him president, its this kind of crap and ignorance that is tearing this country apart...........

Linda Prescott (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:38 AM)

Bush needs to be to be removed from office! He and Cheney failed to turn Iraq into the worlds biggest shell company. The one thing that saved the Iraqi's and thwarted this plot was their racial hatred toward each other. Who would have thought hate actually producing a semi positive result in that it stopped a madmans pursuit of greed. This was never about Iraq's freedom or our security and anyone who bought those lies I really feel sorry for. This war was always about a small group of greedy old men. Who saw the removal of Saddam as a chance to make more money than God. While the nation sat around mourning 9/11 victums and the latest private killed in action. Bush Cheney and their friends have done just that what do they care about three dollars a gallon for gas. The stock porfolio they have has gone throught the roof over the last four years. I'd be willing to bet they've added a combined total over "100,000,000 to there respective bank accounts.

Jason Clifton Park, N'Y (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:53 AM)

No, Linda. Webb has served his country as a young combat Marine, as an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Veterans Affairs, and as Secretary of the Navy. He has spoken forcefully on important issues for years. That's why people want him in the government. By contrast, uhhh Bush...pampered privileged brat...hid in the National Guard...avoided going to Vietnam...a drunkard...served as Governor for 5 years and then somehow became President.

Josh Kim, Provo, Utah (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:03 AM)

Jim Webb didn't mention the role of Israel in our current mess. Other than that, good speech. Wonder how long until they buy him?

Demetrius Marcellus Napoleon Jackson (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 8:30 AM)

Webb stated that measuring the economy is like looking at something with "two sets of eyes". leaders of business are profiting now more that ever under the Bush era, yet more wage workers suffer. How does one measure the economy? Unemployment may be down yet workers are being underpaid and overworked now more than ever. Middle class is suffering and Bush has no intention on helping...

Jay Woods, Jackson, MS (Sent Wednesday, January 24, 2007 3:07 PM)

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