By R. Brownell
More Media Time
With chatter of Jim Webb possibly dropping out of the race for the Democratic ticket and news of a possible Biden run, there is a lot of focus on Webb’s possible announcement that he may in fact decide to run as an independent candidate. This run could help him greatly since he has not performed well amongst progressive voters in the polls and was not given adequate speaking time during the first Democratic debate in October. By running as an independent, it would surely put Webb in a unique category amongst the media since he would truly be his own man instead of a political party sacrificial offering.
No Need to Consider Liberal Politics
With the open socialists in the race and others dropping the term”liberal” for “progressive,” Webb represents the Jack Kennedy Democrats in a party where even appearing somewhat moderate or conservative is political suicide. Sticking by his principles, which have typically gone against the Democrat grain, Webb won’t have to worry about running to the left during the primaries, only to have to appear as a moderate for those precious independent votes come the general election. By running as an independent, Webb can be himself, and not what the Democrats expect him to be.
Revitalize Reagan Democrats
Democrats weary of Clinton and fearful of Sanders have only the option of failures O’Malley and Chafee. Webb represents an older Democrat Party, more in line with the Kennedy Democrats of the 1960’s and Scoop Jackson era. This brand is reminiscent of the Reagan Democrats who leaped over the fence to become Republicans. By embracing this disenfranchised electorate, Webb will put himself in a position to garner support from Republicans disappointed with their eventual nominee, and from Democrats who don’t support whatever disastrous suicide pill of a candidate they are offered come 2016
America Needs A Third Voice
Third parties play a vital role because they focus on issues not in the mainstream and manage to hold the other two parties accountable for their stances. By running against the GOP and the Democrats, a popular Webb campaign will put the two other candidates in the hot seat. That is, so long as Webb were to get a high enough percentage in the polls to make an impact on the debate stage.
Attack Hillary
With the GOP poisoned with the mainstream media’s cries of partisanship and other arguments meant to shield Clinton from attacks, it will be harder for them to attack a former Democrat if Webb were to launch political attack ads or criticisms of her. By running as a 3rd choice, Webb would most likely hurt her chances of an electoral victory versus a Republican opponent if he were to gain ballot access in all 50 states.