Roll up your britches!

Sen Allen and Jim Webb spoke at the American Legion Convention on Saturday. Bob Gibson has this report. Now before we start lets look at the audience. 300 American Legion members. Jim Webb is a member. This should have been his house but as we read Gibson's report we see this was Sen Allen's house. The two spoke about our efforts in Iraq with neither candidate using the others name. They did allude to each other. Here is the kicker from Gibson:

At the close of Allen's remarks, Legion officers singled him out for a special ovation for supporting a constitutional ban on burning the American flag. Allen voted for the amendment, which the Senate rejected two weeks ago. Webb, who opposes the amendment on free-speech grounds, did not mention the flag amendment and received no comparable recognition, even though he is a legionnaire.

OUCH! That had to bite Webb hard. No ovation from his fellow Legionaries. Allen took a shot at Webb saying

"Rather than strategic plans to retreat, I believe we need strategic plans for success," Allen said.

"What is not helpful for the trust in and the credibility of America and our will to win are those who revel in the political world, the world of I-told-you-so, (saying) that we never should have gone," Allen told about 300 Legionnaires at a suburban hotel.
"Rather than political gamesmanship, we must unite Americans,"

I am sure that reeled Webb. In fact Webb sounds like he is on the defensive saying

"Anyone can say they believe in something. Talk is cheap, and when you put your life on the line, no one can deny that you do believe in something," Webb said.
Webb said the incursion into Iraq has damaged America's ability to respond to a more treacherous world.
"I've been greatly concerned that the invasion and occupation of Iraq have distracted our nation from its larger mission of defeating the forces of international terrorism and from our responsibility to face the serious strategic threats such as that of an emerging and ever more dangerous China," Webb said.
"Some in this room may disagree with that assessment," he said. "Those of you who have served and disagree, I respect that. But we all should agree that those of us who have concerns about the use of military force have a profound duty to speak out in a responsible manner."

Sounds like Webb is confused about who can speak out for or against the war. Webb should respect the standing ovation Sen Allen received while he sat humbled. Webb's only offense is 'I am a Vietnam Vet." I love the way he always throws China in the picture. When is someone going to ask Webb just what in the hell does he want our military to do about China? How does having our troops on secure green zones with airfields in Iraq hurt our dealing with China? That is what these Legionaries know and that is why Webb received no fanfare from them. Webb's so called military support is not there. When he stood up for flag burning I told you to go to the VFW's and spread the word. I have been talking to Vets almost daily and most are not supporting Webb's views on the war. They also wonder why he has changed parties time and again. I predict in the end the military vote will go to Sen Allen. Of course you can visit Raising Kaine and read one ANONYMOUS person who said they attended this convention. One? Roll up your britches it gets deep. Their story completely contradicts what the media reported. I don't buy the RK post for one minute. When it comes to anonymous VS Bob Gibson I will take Gibson. You can decide for yourself. It is kinda like the parade that Webb marched in and the one WW2 vet supported him. One? The bottom line here is Webb was not well received. Sen Warner, a military man also, was also there campaigning for Allen. I think our vets will support the veiws of Warner and Allen over Jim Webb. Did I mention Webb wrote a article back in......

Update- Tyler Whitley has this from the RTD. Jim Hodges has more from the Daily Press. Hodges reports that Allen spoke first as Webb watched. While Webb gave his speech Sen Allen spoke to the American Legion Auxiliary. Jim Webb was not invited to speak to the Auxiliary women. Another big ouch for Webb.

Technorati : George Allen, Jim Webb, Virginia Politics