Thread: Breaking news, Jim Webb takes himself off Obama's VP list

Breaking news: Now, Jim Webb takes himself off Obama's VP list

Jim Webb, the Virginia senator and former Republican who packs his own heat most places, has withdrawn himself from consideration as Barack Obama's Democratic vice presidential running mate.

In a statement released moments ago, Webb said: "Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and thVirginia Sen Jim Webb listens to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at a June rally in Virginia. Webb takes himself out of VP consideration with Obama July 7, 2008is country.

"Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."

Webb joins Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland as firmly removing himself from consideration as the Democratic No. 2. Strickland, you may recall, was and presumably still is a staunch supporter of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and helped deliver a lopsided Ohio primary win to her column this spring.

Strickland, whose Buckeye State will be crucial in determining the presidential winner Nov. 4, was equally unequivocal: "If drafted, I will not run; nominated, I will not accept; and if elected, I will not serve. So, I don’t know how more crystal clear I can be," he said in early June.

Webb had once been considered a leading candidate to seek the Democratic presidential nomination himself but took himself out of that running too. His vice presidential potential stems from his proven political crossover appeal in another important state that has been trending Democratic in recent elections.

His statement today also said:

"A year and a half ago, the people of Virginia honored me with election to the U.S. Senate. I entered elective politics because of my commitment to strengthen America's national security posture, to promote economic fairness, and to increase government accountability.

"I have worked hard to deliver upon that commitment, and I am convinced that my efforts and talents toward those ends are best served in the Senate."

Webb also promised to campaign hard for the Democratic presidential ticket this fall.

For the complete text of Webb's statement, click on the Read More line below.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Getty Images

The complete text of Sen. Webb's statement follows:

"Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President.

"A year and a half ago, the people of Virginia honored me with election to the U.S. Senate.

"I entered elective politics because of my commitment to strengthen America's national security posture, to promote economic fairness, and to increase government accountability. I have worked hard to deliver upon that commitment, and I am convinced that my efforts and talents toward those ends are best served in the Senate.

"In this regard, the bipartisan legislative template we were able to put into effect through 18 months of work in order to enact the new, landmark GI Bill will serve as a prototype for my future endeavors in government.

"This process, wherein we brought 58 Senators from both parties to the table as co-sponsors, along with more than 300 members of the House, gives me renewed confidence that the Congress can indeed work effectively across party lines and address the concerns of our citizens.

"At this time I am also renewing my commitment to work hard to make sure that Senator Obama wins both Virginia and the presidency this November. He is a man who speaks eloquently about our national goals and calls for the practical solutions that must be put into place to obtain them. I will proudly campaign for him."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washing ... -webb.html

Webb was Obama's only chance to have a VP with enough experience to go against McCain, wasn't he?

Originally Posted by miguelina

Webb was Obama's only chance to have a VP with enough experience to go against McCain, wasn't he?

As far as I'm concerned he was also our only chance of a democratic VP having amnesty and DREAMACT stopped dead in its tracks. I'm willing to bet that he and Obamination could not come to an agreement on those two issues, thus Webb's withdrawal.