Jim Webb, touted by the media hordes - and by, well, ME - as a potential Obama VP has bowed out of the race.
"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 bestThis comes as the Obama campaign has apparently begun the formal vetting process of its shortlisted candidates.
equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."
It's a little mysterious why Webb would choose to step aside at this point, but possible explanations include:
1) He felt he could be more effective in the Senate - considering we are likely to pick up the other VA Senate seat and a stronger majority this year, he may be looking forward to getting through some of his favorite legislation.
2) He didn't want to be vetted, for whatever reason.
3) Having run in 2006 he didn't relish returning to the heat of a campaign at this point (he's hinted at this himself).
4) The campaign may have signalled that he's not at the top of their list, and offered him this graceful exit.
Whatever the reasons, it leaves us with a slightly shorter list of VP prospects, but no more idea who the ultimate choice will be! The suspence builds...
2 comments:
Karin,
excellent post! I too was hoping--make that: really hoping--for Webb. I haven't seen too much analysis around this, but think your breakdown of top possibilities covers the probable waterfront. I may be in the minority (can't seem to find any polls on this and haven't gotten any buzz or swirl reports from friends in DC) but I'm pretty much in the "anyone but Hillary" camp, tho I'm also not of an Evan Byhe (sp?) fan - personally nice guy with a sweet wife but not as impressed with his politics, and not too excited about Biden anymore. Well, whatever happens it'll give us lots to talk about!
cheers (hope you guys are doing wonderfully!)
Susan
Susan! Great to hear from you. We are doing wonderfully (actually frantically as I'm preparing to leave for 2 weeks in the States very early tomorrow morning).
I trust Obama to make a good choice on this, but I'm fascinated by the fact I can't for the life of me work out who that choice will be!
I do think Kathleen Sebelius brings a lot to the table - mainly because she has been a consistently progressive Governor in just about the reddest state in the country and has stayed popular. Also, she's made tough decisions - including blocking construction of a heavily polluting coal fuel plant - effectively, and Obama seems to like her.
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