Jim Webb and the 'loose cannon' meme

I mentioned Jim Webb as a VP candidate at another discussion board. Another member, whose progressive credentials are impeccable, used the term 'loose cannon' to describe Webb, but hasn't since qualified that remark.

A Google search turns up many references to Jim Webb as a 'loose cannon,' but aside from a stance against women in combat earlier in his public-service career, I didn't find any statements that would turn vast swaths of Americans against the Democratic campaign. In fact, most of the 'loose cannon' references that I checked never gave any examples either.

Who can give some examples of why Jim Webb deserves the moniker of 'loose cannon?' For my part, I'm continuing to support his candidacy as VP, unless I see compelling evidence that he would hurt the ticket.

a temper wouldn't surprise me. The ability to control it wouldn't either, unlike gramps. ;)

in situations like the following:


http://thinkprogress.org/2006/12/05/bush-webb-son/

At the very least, I would have been tempted to tell Chimpolini to go Cheney himself. The fact that Webb stood his ground with The Giggling Murderer raised his stature in my eyes inestimably.

Wonkette has some really funny stories about Jim Webb if you search his name there

(from his wikipedia)
"Terse exchange with President Bush
On November 28, 2006, at a White House reception for those newly elected to Congress, Webb declined to stand in the line to have his picture taken with the president, whom Webb often criticized during the campaign. The president approached Webb later and asked him, "How's your boy?", referring to Webb's son, a Marine serving in Iraq. According to Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia, aides warned the President to be "extra sensitive about talking to Webb about his son, since Webb's son has had a recent brush with death in Iraq."<28> Webb replied "I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President." Bush responded, "That's not what I asked you. How's your boy?" Webb responded, "That's between me and my boy, Mr. President." The Hill cited an anonymous source who claimed that Webb was so angered by the exchange that he confessed he was tempted to "slug" the president, but of course did not<29>. Webb later remarked in an interview, "I'm not particularly interested in having a picture of me and George W. Bush on my wall."<30>

In response to the incident, some conservatives criticized Webb, including George Will, who called Webb a "boor" and wrote, " already has become what Washington did not need another of, a subtraction from the city's civility and clear speaking."<31><32> Others, such as conservative columnist and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan, reserved their criticism for Bush, writing: "I thought it had the sound of the rattling little aggressions of our day, but not on Mr. Webb's side."<33>

"pit bull" quality that would compliment Obama's calm demeanor but it does make me a bit nervous.

The second problem is that he wrote some steamy sex novels that almost cost him the election against Macaca man. I really believe that if it wasn't for Allen's gaffe, he would have won.

I like him, I would support him. But I worry that he has a few anger issues.

that they tell the truth even if it's not what people want to hear. They are people who aren't afraid to speak their mind. I remember reading something about Webb putting Bush in his place when Bush asked about Webb's son who was serving in Iraq at the time, Webb resenting that his son was having to risk his life for an unnecessary war. If this is being a loose cannon, then I applaud it. The candidate I was supporting during the primary, Joe Biden, was often referred to as a loose cannon, and he was the most honest and straight-forward speaking candidate of the bunch. Webb would make an excellent choice for VP.

I'm curious to see what examples are offered, because I've never understood the "loose cannon" thing.

for that matter, I've heard people swear that Michelle Obama grew up in a filthy rich family.

certainly helped reinforce this. He chose to be confrontational instead of professional. Also is his refusal to go along with some of the DNC's suggestions in running his campaign. They REALLY wanted him to mention his son in combat and to make an issue of it, and Webb flat out refused to say a word about him.

In other words, he really doesn't go with the party line. This is a real positive, I think. But it also can fuel perceptions that he is a loose cannon in the sense that he really can't be controlled or guided. He's gonna do what he wants to do and will say what he wants to say.