Jim Webb Blasts Lindsey Graham About Iraq

Posted on July 16, 2007

Senator James Webb (D-Virginia) easily sliced and diced Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) on Meet the Press yesterday. Graham was insisting that everything is great in Iraq and that the troops themselves all believe the war can be won when Webb threw cold water on Graham's fantasy by pointing out the cold, hard facts. Webb, who was Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan, is very unhappy about the extended troop rotations that are destroying morale and having terrible effects on military families. Webb knows this subject well: he was a decorated Marine who served in Viet Nam and was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts.

The conversation turned to Iraq and Graham demanded to know whether Webb had been there. Webb said, "I've covered two wars as a correspondent. I have been to Afghanistan as a journalist."

Graham then asked, "Have you been to Iraq and talked to the soldiers?"

Webb responded, "You know, you've never been to Iraq, Lindsey." Webb pointed out he's been there seven times and added, "You know, you can see the dog and pony shows. That's what congressman do. Why don't you go look at the polls, Lindsey, instead of the seven or eight people that are put in front of you when you make your congressional visit?"

Webb was referring to the poll mentioned in a devastating article in The New York Times which reveals the fast-fading support for the war from military families and the soldiers themselves.

It's time to face reality here. Senator Webb has boarded the Reality Train. Senator Graham is still waiting at Fantasy Station.