NYT: As Senator Falters, a Democrat Rises in Virginia

[kskiska]

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 — From the start, the Virginia Senate race was an emblematic campaign for 2006: combat boots vs. cowboy boots, in the inevitable shorthand.

A highly decorated Vietnam veteran and former secretary of the Navy who opposed the war in Iraq (James Webb, Democrat) in an uphill battle against a paragon of sunbelt conservatism with national ambitions (Senator George Allen, Republican.)

But in the past month, ever since Mr. Allen’s demeaning reference to a young man of Indian descent at a campaign event, this race has become more than an intriguing clash of symbols; according to the polls, it is now truly competitive.

(snip)

In one of the sharpest exchanges of the campaign, Mr. Webb and Mr. Allen squared off on the war in Iraq on “Meet the Press” on NBC on Sunday, with Mr. Allen defending the Bush administration’s policy and denouncing the “second-guessing and Monday-morning quarterbacking” of the critics. “We’re going to need to do what it takes to succeed,” Mr. Allen said, when asked if he would support additional troops in Iraq, “because it’s essential to the security of the United States of America.”

more…
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/18/us/politics/18webb.html?hp&ex=1158552000&en=fe909db87711d9ab&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[LostInAnomie]

1. Pretty good article

eom

[Olney Blue]

2. K/R Virginia has gone "sour" on Allen, it appears.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Hey! At least he didn't call the kid a 'wog'! Give him some credit...

for "making up" 'macacca'.


NOT!

[ProgressiveEconomist]

4. For a change, Russert asked Allen some hard questions

on MTP. Too bad there wasn't more time to press the former Governor of Virginia on several issues:

--What did the noose hanging from a plant in his law office symbolize? The "good 'ole days" of lynching African-Americans?

--What are the names of his Allen's three children, and why do they match the names of some of the KKK's greatest antiheros, including co-founder Nathan Bedford Forrest?

--Did at the last minute Allen steal the already-printed veterans health amendment Senator Dick Durbin was about to introduce, and pass it off as his own work just days ago?

All these topics, including first-hand accounts for some of them, are covered in another excellent DU thread, at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2156858&mesg_id=2156858 .

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Great headline! K&R!

[rrasile]

6. Tell us George

I understand the Confederate flag in your office but old Tim didn't ask what importance the noose was to you and your staff. Maybe your family used it before. I think the people should know before we vote for you.

[Maryland Liberal]

7. Meet the Press = macacca

I couldnt believe my ears when Allen said he just "made up" macacca. I literally jumped off my couch and said "You Liar". How can anyone vote for someone who tells such a BIG lie??? This is GREAT news for us. Allen was probably the strongest GOP contender for Prez in 2008 - but now he's toast. I HATE it when a politician LIES through their teeth...

[gratuitous]

8. You jumped up and shouted "You liar!"

What did Timmeh do? Nod and look sage? Kiss Allen square on the lips for his forthright answer? Evince the slightest bit of doubt about Allen's lame excuse?

Of course, to be fair, Maryland Liberal is a private citizen with the awesome power of a modem; Tim Russert is a nationally-known television host and author, paid millions of dollars a year with a paid staff numbering in the dozens to produce his show. Russert can't be expected to know everything (or anything, apparently).