It is good to see a politician with such honesty:
President Bush has pledged to work with the new Democratic majorities in Congress, but he has already gotten off on the wrong foot with Jim Webb, whose surprise victory over Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) tipped the Senate to the Democrats.
Webb, a decorated former Marine officer, hammered Allen and Bush over the unpopular war in Iraq while wearing his son’s old combat boots on the campaign trail. It seems the president may have some lingering resentment.
At a private reception held at the White House with newly elected lawmakers shortly after the election, Bush asked Webb how his son, a Marine lance corporal serving in Iraq, was doing.
Webb responded that he really wanted to see his son brought back home, said a person who heard about the exchange from Webb.
“I didn’t ask you that, I asked how he’s doing,” Bush retorted, according to the source.
Webb confessed that he was so angered by this that he was tempted to slug the commander-in-chief, reported the source, but of course didn’t. It’s safe to say, however, that Bush and Webb won’t be taking any overseas trips together anytime soon.
(emphasis mine)
I am glad Webb didn’t slug Bush, but it is good to finally see someone stand up in this way to Bush. Republicans had no problem taking shots at Clinton, one right after the other, but when it comes to Bush, we are supposed to treat him like some delicate little flower? Fuck that. Bush decided he wanted to play big boy and become a President. He decided he wanted the super-sized game of being a war time President. Now he needs to man-up and start facing the criticism he so deserves. Jim Webb has a son serving this country and has a right to ask questions. Bush has daughters who should be serving in Iraq, but instead are out partying and embarrassing us in other countries.