I thought Jim Webb would be a lousy choice for a guy who already has women problems. If I never have to read another argument (he's a sexist! he's reformed!) about Why Women Can't Fight, it will be too soon.

I suspect Webb wasn't going to get the nom and he knew it. Not because Obama cares about alienating women, but because Webb has his own power base.

It's my foily theory that I developed at TalkLeft about Wes Clark "moving on." I suspect the Obama folks were only too happy to shove Wes under the Greyhound when McCain started pushing the smear about Clark's statements. If you accept the premise that this campaign is about controlling the party, then no one from the Clinton wing of the party or who has their own power base (Clark fits both of these) will be on the ticket.

This is going to be the party of Obama, Daschle, Pelosi and Reid whether we like it or not. Neither Clark nor Webb comfortably fit in that mold, both are - in their own ways - all about challenging GOP framework especially on national security. These folks are all about proving the Democratic Party fits within the current framework.

So, as I said at Talk Left, I'm calling my shot. The VP nominee will be someone completely dependent on Obama and the current party leadership. He/She will not have a powerbase separate from Obama's. Otherwise they risk losing control of the party - if not now, then in 2012 or 2016.

I'm with BDBlue, it will be someone Obama can completely dominate, Daschle or someone like that.

But I don't think Webb welcomed the inevitable scrutiny of his wife's law practice. I don't know anything against her, just that Webb has consistently voted to protect her clients above the people of Virginia.

but BDBlue is right on.

But, please consider: this was also George W. Bush's strategy (find a VP who will never run for Prez, exile all but your own hand-picked stooges--even those who worked for your father, etc.) and look how super that turned out!

will be finding someone qualified for the job, who isn't far more qualified than he is.

Finding someone less qualified than he is will be impossible.

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“Just say NO! to Kool-aid.”

Shermanesque.

"Sherman...famously refused to become a candidate for president, saying "If nominated I will not run; if elected I will not serve.""

So you're thinking it's Hagel then?

Would Hagel say yes?

Your thinking on Kathleen Sebelius is solid, sadly.

Webb's wife works for Dykema Gossett, which represents Shell Oil, in particular in its bid for off shore drilling off the coast of VA Beach. If you look at Webb's personal financial disclosure statement on Open Secrets you will see she also represents Watson Wyatt which is notorious for its off-shoring work. Webb voted FOR the Peru Free Trade Agreement.

Webb's personal financial disclosure form also shows that he is represented by the William Morris Agency which is owned by TimeWarner. This explains why CNN gives him such great press and why Webb supports additional media concentration.

Webb is on the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Homeland Security committees. These assignments are in line with his well known interests. They also in line with his extensive investments in the energy and defense industries, Exxon, Halliburton, etc.

The will publicized Webb/McCaskill commission to look into defense contracting does NOT have subpoena power, so this commission will be meaningless.

It is another case of netroots getting excited about a "change" candidate without proper vetting and without asking specific quesitons about policy.

I never thought it would be Webb; he's not a natural born politican with global ambition rejoicing in glad-shaking. I met him on the trail and he's about as stiff and uncomfortable campaigning as anyone I'ver ever met.

Totally different when you meet him one on one with a person he trusts. He's engaging and brilliant and can quote a full Bible verse out of thin air.

All Webb wanted to do when he ran for the Senate was to make a difference in his tiny corner of the world, which he's already done through the GI bill. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't run for reelection.

Nope. It's Hillary or bust. Meaning I'll probably not be voting in '08.

since they met some time back, i always thought bloomberg would be a likely choice.

remember, the obama campaign and howard dean's "new" democratic party are setting up the democratic big tent, building the grand coalition to rule america for decades.

hence, the overtures to evangelicals (faith and abortion), to national security nuts (fisa), etc.

obama could use a republican for v-p who wasn't offensive to the former democratic core ("message to the base - stay home")

and who would also lure suspicious moderate republicans.