Webb's Kickoff Tour

I attended two of Webb's events today, Fredericksburg and Arlington.  Earlier in the morning was an event in Richmond, J.C. has the details here.

The Fredericksburg event was held at a very small local BBQ establishment.  The crowd of about 50 people totally overwhelmed the place, and people were spilling into the street.  I didn't go inside to hear Jim speak, but I could hear the crowd giving him a warm round of applause after some questions.

After the event, I spoke with Greg Scanlon from the Miller campaign and Hunter Pickles from the Allen campaign.  Both are in charge of tracking Jim Webb and videotaping his appearances.  I asked them what their title was in the campaign and suggested "Paid Stalker".  They both laughed, and Greg pointed out that contrary to recent Perservando attack on his attire that he was dressed appropriately today.  I concur, and both Greg and Hunter should get credit for being very polite in the way they do their jobs.

After Fredericksburg, I drove to the Arlington event and got there an hour early.  Volunteers were already in force waving signs and setting up. 

The event was awesome.  Read Lowell's account here.

What's amazing about this campaign is the people.  300 people to drive into Arlington on a weekday afternoon?  Unbelievable!

Let me put this into some historical context.  In 2000, about one month before the general election Chuck Robb had an event with all eight Democratic female Senators at the time, endorsing his re-election.  He drew 400 people, with every arm of the Democratic party completely united behind him.  Same location, same time of day.  Today's event drawing 300 during a contested primary is unheard of.

Harris Miller really should drop out.  This momentum is far too much for him to overcome.  The train has left the station. 

The campaign invited me to go on the Winchester-Roanoke part of the tour tomorrow and get some "Jeep time" with Jim.  I was planning to go, but I don't feel great tonight.  If I go, you won't hear from me until tomorrow night, if not, thanks to the campaign for inviting me.

Comments

[lenny]

Miller out, Webb always in. The good thing about Miller is he's helping Webb sharpen his message and hone his skills in preparation for Allen. I hope Miller drops out right before June 13.

Ben c'mon, go with Webb tomorrow. You are the ears of the local bloggers. Give him some local feedback on how he can improve his campaign. Go for us Ben, and fill us in today. We are looking forward to your excellent write up today on your trip to Roanoke with Webb, so don't let us down. Thanks.

[Dannyboy]

Ben, you better freaking be there! I haven't met your blogging ass yet, and I was expecting to this time. I missed you at Shad cause I was late. Don't skip out on this, boy. I came all the way down to Wakefield from Blacksburg because you told me it would be fun. You should come to Roanoke, and it'll be a blast. I plan on seeing you there, dude. Take an Advil before you go and get ready to party so hardy.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Sorry guys. I'm up and not feeling well. Should I be like Waldo and liveblog this headache?

[Will Vehrs]

NLS, sorry you're not feeling well. We'd love excruciating details of your affliction and as many expletives as you can muster through your pain.

How about some props to the Webb advance team? Sounds like they've done a great job. Who are they? Speaking of Waldo, they're not campaign monkeys, I assume.

[Virginia Centrist]

Ben -

You're completely right. This was impressive.

My advise for your sickness: Take some nyquil and just pass out the entire day. It's a winning plan.

[Virginia Centrist]

and by advise, i mean advice

[lelie Byrne is Ben Tribbetts Hand Puppet]

Don't worry about covering the tour Ben, Lowell will take care of it.

[Been There; Done That]

If your REALLY believe the "train has left the station," you need to help open the back door for the other guy: stop raising the "out" issue, diffuse the hostility, focus on the positive. Work the back channel. 10-14 days ought to do it, either yea or nay. Nip it before the ad buys.

[Webb Defeats Allen]

Will:

The Webb team is experienced, but dedicated to making the Webb campaign a bottom-up organization.

Volunteers are engaged and given lots of opportunities to make a difference. It's been great to see and fantastic to be a part of. This is the kind of campaign most Dems got involved in poltics for in the first place. It's just that good.

[Webb Defeats Allen]

BTDT: I agree 100%

[Anonymous Is A Woman]

Ben, if you're sick stay home. There will be other opportunities. On the other hand, if you leap out of bed feeling fine tomorrow, go and then blog.

[VAFeminist]

Wake up everyone. Instead of being obnoxious and obsessive about candidates, get to work on defeating the "marriage" amendment or it won't much matter who wins--you won't want to live in the Hate State, ie, the Commonwealth.