About 5 am, I toddled downstairs for coffee and always the optimist, turned on NPR for "good" news. First off the bat, a NPR pundit interviews Jim Webb. Finally, a strong spokesperson. Transcript not up - but here's my transcript. Anyone who listened care to chime in.
First question: What IS the Democratic plan for the War? That is what you ran on. Now that your party is in office, IS there a plan out there?
ZZZIINNG goes my morning brain. But wait.
Jim Webb: I've heard this often from the media - we don't have a plan and I ran and won solely on the War. This is not true. I ran on class issues and the war in this country between the wealthiest and our middle class. As to the war, let's emphasize the people who started this war have no plan. (interruption about the feckless planless Dems)
Webb: Let me finish. (well that woke me up) Yes, I was one of the first speaking against an invasion. Then goes on to list his resume as to national defense. (It's damn good.) Discusses how's he's written extensively. Then discusses the war and diplomatic solutions and that we will leave.
Talks about how we're going back to the 1880s. (the incredulous reporter with scorn in her voice: the 1880s? (talk about elitism).
Webb: Let me finish. Yes -- and goes on to describe the similar wealth disparity and comparisons between now and the 1880s. He's got the figures downpat.
(Talks over her again) Yes, we will have a minimum wage increase when she tries to imply by her tone it's a tired old theme. And he said it forcefully.
Reporter: Well, we're out of time (and damn it he controlled the interview in her voice)
I swear she hung up on him and I barely heard his good bye thank you.
Then - the NEUTRAL panel. Mara Liasson says firmly: well, he's signing on to the Baker plan. (please Mara - make sure you give no credit or credence to the Democrats. it would so disappoint me.) Follows a dispirited discussion about the Dems and their narrow win (with the help of republicans) oh yes, and Sen. elect Webb won because Allen misspoke.
Note to NPR. Get Sen. Obama on tomorrow - he'll go along with you. I heard just before this segment he's been saying the Dems better prove themselves now.
I didn't really follow the Virginia race and knew little about Sen. elect Webb but I am impressed - he's forceful; he's used to giving orders, not taking them from the media or anyone else and he's way smart. Whoever recruited him -if this is any indication of his stewardship - THANK YOU.
UPDATE; I have a doctor's appointment so I'm gone now. some commentators disagreed with my take on the interview. I said "my transcript" and I knew you guys would listen and make up your own minds. I do not hate NPR as centerdem suggested. I'm disappointed in them - more like it. This interview with Webb energized me to find out more about the man. I am frankly tired of the way the media is now playing our win -- as though there aren't new guys in town - there are!