BlackFive

Any father has a right to feel testy about having a child in a combat zone, but James Webb comes off as a real jackass in this exchange with the President.

At a recent White House reception for freshman members of Congress, Virginia’s newest senator tried to avoid President Bush. Democrat James Webb declined to stand in a presidential receiving line or to have his picture taken with the man he had often criticized on the stump this fall. But it wasn’t long before Bush found him.

“How’s your boy?” Bush asked, referring to Webb’s son, a Marine serving in Iraq.

“I’d like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President,” Webb responded, echoing a campaign theme.

“That’s not what I asked you,” Bush said. “How’s your boy?”

“That’s between me and my boy, Mr. President,” Webb said coldly, ending the conversation on the State Floor of the East Wing of the White House.

I've seen quite a few clips of W asking folks about their kids who he has ordered into combat. In every instance he was the model of decorum and genuine concern. The left/Dems can say what they want about him, but any charge that he doesn't care deeply about military members and their families is complete BS. Webb ought to have the decency to put his politics aside and treat the President with some respect. He will have plenty of opportunities to air his opinions about the war and anything else he wants.