http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspxBy Jonathan Alter, Newsweek senior editor Something unprecedented happened tonight, beyond the doorkeeper announcing, “Madame Speaker.” For the first time ever, the response to the State of the Union overshadowed the president’s big speech. Virginiaen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40272Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:10:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40272Jodi , Rushville, OhioAbsolutely, Jim Webb was a star. I hope the Democrats realize what a treasure he is to the party.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40274Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:11:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40274Kris WeinschenkerDidn't Steve Largent make a response to one of Clinton's SOTU addresses???? Anyway, I don't agree that Webb's response overshadowed Bush's speech. It merely provided a counterpoint that concentrated more heavily on the issue of Iraq, which the President was trying to downplay anyhow.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40286Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:13:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40286Kris WeinschenkerOh...and I don't think Webb will end up running for President, unless Iraq turns into a complete disaster in the next yearhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40292Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:15:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40292Fred Bidel, Nashville, TNI enjoyed this article about Jim Webb's comments. Jim Webb brought tears to my eyes and reminded me why I left my childhood land of Iran to come to the US and become a proud American citizen. He made me proud, he moved me, his comments enlightened me, and my Republican girlfriend and I were both unable to move while listening to his comments. He will HAVE to be on a Presidential ticket. It may not be now, or next week, but it will happen. Some people may think that Jim Webb is stiff and unsmiling. Perhaps. But he is himself, he comes across as a straight shooter, he is accomplished, and he is, in one word, "Real". That is more than one can say for many of the smiling and fluid politicians nowadays.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40299Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:17:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40299Joe Bob, Ravenna OHOh i dont think webb will run for president unless he thinks he can win, and evemn if he does he wont have the funds!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40302Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:18:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40302Joe Bob, Ravenna OHOh i dont think webb will run for president unless he thinks he can win, and evemn if he does he wont have the funds!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40307Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:20:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40307Joe Bob, Ravenna OHYea webb doesnt have the funds even if he wanted to run!!! With the amount it cost now to run i doubt many will have the money to be independt like ross peroa was along time ago! !!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 ELECThttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40312Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:23:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40312Fred Bidel, Nashville, TNI disagree with Mr. Weinschenker. Jim Webb totally washed off the glum which the President's speech left us to ponder. Both men looked at the same world. One reminded us to be fearful of everyone from Al-Queda to the people of Lebanon. The other pointed out what it means to be an American, and to shine as a democratic and honest nation of free stars among other proud nations. One speech lectured us, and the other lifted our spirits.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40313Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:24:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40313Ron Corvus Dallas, TexasI tell you what happened tonight: the Pro-War Democrats and Republicans squelched the Kucinich wing of the Democratic Party who wants to cut off all funding to this insane war. Stop The War Now! - video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9TYvv1uoDQ I'm sick of hearing Democrats talk about how the President has mismanaged the Iraq war, as if there was such a thing as "The Proper Way" to manage the Iraq War. There is no "Proper Way" to manage this war. That's like claiming there is a "Right Way" to break and enter into a family's home, and how to correctly kill the family members. Republicans foolishly accuse Democrats of having no war plan, as Democrats foolishly accuse Republicans of mismanaging this war. Both are equally ignorant and dismissive of the law and common sense. Both partys so-called "leaders" possess and exhibit arrogance of Grand Canyon-like proportions. I'm talking about the arrogance required to convince yourself that people you don't know and have never met, will do what you tell them to do, even though you're not there and have never lived or been there; but instead, you send your armed representatives to represent your arrogant orders, at the end of their machine guns. How in the hell can Democrats and Republicans believe that they can force Iraqis to be their own brothers' keeper? They can't, they haven't, and they never will. Just ask the British, who learned the hard lesson of "insurgencies" a hundred years ago. The United States of Amnesia. Congressman Dennis Kucinich has the right idea and the right plan for this horrific state-sponsored disaster. Replace U.S. troops with a U.N. Peacekeeping force, and remove the U.S. military bases from Iraq. The Kucinich Plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS6JyiAt0xg .r o nhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40320Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:29:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40320J. Riddle, Concord, CaliforniaJim Webb was to the point. There was no side stepping, or candy coating his position. The American people want straight talk. The American people voted this last midterm election, and was clear, without any question, that the Iraq war has turned into a huge debacle. So, Congress has to perform like Senator Webb by making a decision, a decision to start down sizing America's involvement in another country's civil war. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40326Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:34:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40326joeIf the president ddn't unilaterally spend 400 billion on this war and spent it on an alernative energy to eliminate our dependence on the middle east wouldn't future gerations much rather foot that bill?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40328Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:35:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40328Josh Kim, Provo, UtahSenator Webb makes me proud to be a former Marine(2001-2005) and proud to be an American.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40345Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:43:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40345Arthur Cooper, Randolph, NJMr. Alter's description of Webb as a conservative democrat is ridiculous. Webb is already on record as favoring wealth redistribution ... this can better be translated as taxing so-called rich people. This would prove disastrous for the economy and will do nothing to address the disparity Webb sees as so unacceptable. As for the war, Webb did not overshadow the President. He won't support the new strategy which is his right ... however, he and the democrats will not show the President the way ... for all I can tell, Webb towed the liberal line ... fast withdrawal. You have to be a liberal to see Webb's response as overshadowing Bush's speech. Conservative background, yes. Conservative Democrat? Crazyhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40349Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:47:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40349T T, OhioWhat a GREAT response from Jim Webb. Finally, a Democrate I can relate to. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40358Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:58:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40358Mike Muhammad, Philadelphia, Penna.Congressman Jim Webb gave an American Strenghtening Response to President Bush's State of the Union Adress. The Democratic Party is gearing the United States Congress up to fulfill it's duty and mission which is to direct this Nation into a destined prosperous perpetuity. It took a decade of runaway ruthless Repubicans as the majority party to almost trash and bankrupt the nation in this great era of technological advancement and global enterprising relations. America's healing has begun and our future is promising if we can expect the Republican Party to work as diligent as they did when they where in the minority; that was a time of accomplishment for this nation. Now we can benefit for the Republican Brilliance and stop suffering from the Republican Arrogance!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40360Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:59:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40360Julian Maltese, Santa Monica, CAThe SOTU address was brilliant... in that there were no choices for a complete loser other than the ones he made. "Crossing the aisle." "Bipartisanship." In the past, his handlers wouldn't have a clue that this was the only place to go. Bush read the script pretty well. For once, he gulped and swallowed his usual arrogance. As a leader, he is toast. Not because of the Democrats being the majority, but because of his own party, which watches him head off into the sunset so that they have at least a prayer of getting reelected in 2008.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40387Wed, 24 Jan 2007 06:31:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40387Jill Bryant, Ventura, CAYay, Senator Webb! What a great, moving, real speech. I was just going to watch for a minute and couldn't stop. It was wonderful and made sense and everything I could hope for from the Democratic party response. (Apparently some here disagree - can't please everyone although Mr. Cooper's comment made me laugh. "...the disparity Webb sees as so unacceptable." Yep - some of us see the loss of an American middle class as unacceptable and dangerous to the health of the nation, by the way.) I think a lot of us will be watching Webb from now on.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40512Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:37:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40512John Cook, Blue Ridge, TexasI'm glad to see such spirited responses. Looks like America may be waking up from it's long sumber in Hooterville.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40529Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:07:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40529Gwen, Veyo, UtahThe SOTU - promises, promises! Where has Bush been for the last six years on health insurance for more people, energy solutions, and other items that affect our own people? What about New Orleans? Now that he is facing a Democratic Congress, he has suddenly decided on working together? The past predicts the future, and he may promise many things but will follow through only if it suits his own plans. He may suddenly be realizing that his legacy needs some help. Webb spoke as someone who has been there (war) and done that (fought for our country) and spoke of the military history of his own family, now being carried on by his son. And where are Bush's daughters? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40666Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:00:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40666AnnaCatherineAfter 6 years of politcal babbling and trying not to offend, Sen. Webb in 8 short minutes changed all that. Talk is cheap, but I believe he meant it. Finally a guy who's 'been there'. He's planning to show them the way. I can't wait. Thanks, ANNAhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40675Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:05:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40675Mary Lou Czupek, Plainfield, ILCongress has the power to stop the escallation in Iraq and they should use it because that is what the people voted for in November. This country belongs to the people, not George. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40886Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:50:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40886Steph, Arlington, VAThe man can't even read a teleprompter without looking like a typewriter...and we're talking about the presidency? He barely was elected in Virginia, to insinuate that he would have a chance on a national ticket is just plain ludicrous. Why is there even a Dem response to the SOTU? The speech is required by Congress - it isn't a political or campaign speech - it is required (whether it's a Rep or Dem prez), so equal time is kind of moot, isn't it? Seems to me, there is enough response (from both sides of the aisle) from those at the capitol dome (and, arguably the press' commentators) to "balance" the President's announcement about the state of our country.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40908Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:25:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40908Faye ThompsonA great president will not let pride get in his way if he has our great nation in his hands. The people voted Mr. Bush in and it is time that he listened to the American People. The American people are tired of our young soldiers dying in Iraq. These BOYS are our future generations and they have families just like Mr. Bush does. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40915Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:30:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40915Gary Gapinski Lasalle IllinoisA picture is worth a thousand words seeing the democrats sit there like a bunch of bumps on a log every time the word victory was used showed there true colors as to how much they want to win this war. Poll the people on how much the people believe them and the media and there monday morning quarterbacking has undermined our troops and helped the enemy!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40925Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:38:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40925Sue, Greensboro, NC The Socialist Sin Party's Benedict Arnold Brigade is on the march. Our founding fathers must me turning over in their graves at what traitors we have elected to congress. Stab your country in the back all for political power. I wouldn't trust the Sin Party to protect a doghouse.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40933Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:43:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40933Tammy FlipstyanThis great President laid it on the line - do we want to defeat terrorism or do we want to continually be fearful of the next terrorist attack - which will continue to come if we back out of this war.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40936Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:47:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40936Ed, Los Angeles, CA Jim Webb has eloquently proved what H.L. Mencken wrote many years ago. Read it. "As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." H. L. Mencken, Baltimore Sun, July 26, 1920 http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40951Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:08:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40951Dave, Torrington, CTI did not listen to the Webb "equal time" response. I do not believe that "equal time" is required for the SOTU address. It is "required" that the president give a report "from time to time" on the state of the union. Whether or not those that hear it think it is political - guaranteeing them "equal time" is about the most whiny, whimpy, "that's not fair" kind of junk that turns me off to the Democrat party. Rodney King should be your poster boy. We CAN'T "all just get along". No matter how badly you want it to happen.....it ain't happenin'. Equal time should be reserved for political campaigns - as it was intended (albeit badly intentioned) - not for any and all utterances of the "whomever" is in power party. So....whatever Webb had to say has nothing to do with the SOTU...it only serves to stroke the Democrat's bruised sense of fair play.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40954Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:12:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40954Kevin Murphy, Lake Mary FLI'm sick of people who play this Democratic/Republican thing like it's rival Sports teams when they discuss anyone talking ill of the President. I'm happy that men like Webb have the courage to simply tell him what he needs to hear. Yes, you are the Commander in Chief, but your will is not Infallible Mr. President. Thats why we have checks and balences. and your getting checked on a daily basis now.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40955Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:13:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40955Bill Bailey"Madam Speaker" was a great opening but it was all downhill from their except for the Prsident's more conciliatory tone which needs to backed up by performance in the real world. His optimistic past predictions have been mostly wrong and he offers no compelling reasons to believe him now. He claims to know what will happen if his strategy is not followed which, on its face, is like the bettor who, having lost on 100 horse races, is now sure he has a winner. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40976Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:35:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40976D. H. StrongPresident Bush proved last night that he is not going to listen to the American people, but go his own way as he has done since he became President. That is not a President...it's a dictator and that is not acceptable to a democracy. He keeps saying that he wants all the world to be a democracy, but he isn't practicing what he preaches. Maybe Webb has finally gotten the Democrats on the right track and they can work together as a whole. Let's hope so!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#40985Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:45:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:40985R W Johnson, Olathe, KSThe only one who has come along the past 6 years speaking 'for the people' is Senator Jim Webb. Without question he speaks from the heart and know of what he speaks. I do not believe he will pull a John McCain and spend his time seeking which side of the fence grows the greener grass.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41003Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:55:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41003NJJim Webb's speech, in my opinion, was nothing more than a vehicle for the democrats to convey their dissent for the war in Iraq, while at the same time, avoiding their previous mishaps. Let's not forget that this administration has created an atmosphere on the hill, in which, anyone in congress or otherwise, runs the risk of looking "unpatriotic" or scrutinized by the rest of the country. Hilary, Pelosi, Biden, and the rest of democratic caucus have too much riding on this thing to take any chances of becoming a 20-second sound-byte for the GOP to rile up their base. That said, I do think Webb's speech ultimately was more effective in reaching the sentiments of the populace, who are tired of Bush and his stale rhetoric.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41026Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:16:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41026Patricia R. Field, Denver, COOh, how refreshing to see a Democrat that does make you stop, pause, listen, reflect, and cheer! Yes, I do see on here that some disagree, but isn't it wonderful that now we are back to being able to disagree without being labeled "anti-American?" I loved his straightforward, no-nonsense delivery of a very well written speech, and I could not agree more about losing the Middle Class (I was one, and am no longer and struggling in my mid-50's just to survive!). When "they" say the economy is so great, I and many many people here in Denver say "WHAT!?" We know of no one who is doing well, and Bush has squandered billions while our own infrastructure, not to mention one of our valued cities, has gone by the wayside. We have crumbling bridges and roads, DMV offices consolidated to the point of total inconvenience, schools that are ineffective, libraries with reduced hours. I could go on, but you get the picture. I hope someone steps up and comes up with a workable plan to right the wrongs. Proud to be an American.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41047Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:36:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41047j. gonzalezThere is only one word to describe for Bush and Cheney: DELUSIONAL! Somebody get these people some psychiatric help, quick!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41063Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:51:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41063Dan Johnson, Portsmouth, VASomeone about stated that the SOTU address was brilliant. This guy is in a State of Denial just like the President. There is no excuse for the VP, he is just plain evil.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41085Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:07:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41085DallasNE, Omaha, NEPicking Webb for the response has all the earmarks of Nancy Pelosi. What a great choice. And did he ever deliver. Beyond Iraq, he also hammered on the economic distribution saying that he is reminded of the old Robber Baron days and he showed a matrix to back it up. This is, of course, much the same as John Edwards "two Americas" stump speech but with the twist of a changed matrix. It is hard to find fault with anything in Webb's speech. But whether it was Pelosi or someone else, they could not have made a better choice.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41097Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:19:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41097Greg McClure, Lompoc, Calif.Jim Webb, you're the man! Plain and simple, read the comments on MSNBC and it's 95% positive. I never thought a former Republican and Reagan era Secretary of the Navy could show me something...but this man is the authentic, real deal. He looked at me, past the camera, in the eye and firmly spoke the Truth. Capital "T." Quoting past Republican presidents, spotlighting the hollowing out of our country's middle class, promising to "show the way" to our lame-duck president. Greatest 8 minute speech ever. EVER! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/23/40231.aspx#41121Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:45:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:41121bob ...remsen another liberal ...playing with our national security ....dangerous minds ...and to think they we;re raised when we fought for civil rights only to see them abandoned by the same people who fought for them ....