By GottaLaff
(this is a still, not a video, btw)
Virginia Sen. Jim Webb's decision today to voluntarily remove his name from the pool of people being considered as Barack Obama's running mate came as a significant surprise to those closely monitoring the veepstakes.
"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," Webb said in a statement released by his office. "Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."
That's pretty close to Sherman-esque and represents the second serious contender to take himself out of the vice presidential sweepstakes before they ever got under way. (Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland removed himself last month.) [...]
So, why did he do it? [...]
Those familiar with Webb's thinking argue that his success in passing the G.I. Bill of Rights earlier this year confirmed for him his ability to serve as a bridge over the partisan divide in the body and convinced him that he could make the most difference in the Senate.
Webb said as much in his statement. "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," he said. "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."
The other major reason for Webb's decision could well be that he knew that he would almost certainly have to withstand a re-examination of of his past controversial comments -- on affirmative action and women's role in the military -- that his campaign operatives effectively beat down during his 2006 race against Sen. George Allen (R).
I have said as much in posts and comments.
In making a decision between continuing what has been by most measures a very successful first term and facing that sort of potentially rough vetting, it makes sense that Webb chose the course he did.
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