New Hampshire business leaders meeting
Webb discusses criminal justice reform, the economy, and national security at a meeting with New Hampshire business leaders on a trip to gauge backing for his potential presidential bid. When asked about his credentials:
I think we have some good stuff to bring to the table, and that’s what I want people to look at.
Webb says he has:
fought to take our broken criminal justice system into the national debate and out of the shadows.
On the economy:
This is a country where people want equality of opportunity and the result that their talents can bring. Those with assets and capital are doing well. Those without such things aren’t faring well, and the system must be right-sized.
He says he will decide “soon” whether to run or not.
Close to decision on presidential run
While visiting New Hampshire, Webb says he is close to making a decision on running for President, and he is weighing what it takes to mount a serious campaign. Mustering enough money is part of the consideration.
We don’t need a billion dollars but what we do need is to be able to come out here, make the case, have a viable campaign, and we’re looking at those things.
Webb says he is discussing his experiences, both in and out of government, and what he could bring to the race.
They’re looking for leaders that they can trust. That’s what I hear over and over again.
Esquire interview
Webb talks about being a writer and serving in government at the same time:
I view myself principally as a writer, professionally. Writing is what I will always do, no matter what. This side of things [government service] I feel obligated to do from time to time. I sort of unwittingly started this two-track career.
Iraq op-ed
Webb’s op-ed piece entitled Heading for Trouble: Do We Really Want to Occupy Iraq for the Next 30 Years? runs in The Washington Post.
The issue before us is not simply whether the United States should end the regime of Saddam Hussein, but whether we as a nation are prepared to physically occupy territory in the Middle East for the next 30 to 50 years. Those who are pushing for a unilateral war in Iraq know full well that there is no exit strategy if we invade and stay…In Japan, American occupation forces quickly became 50,000 friends. In Iraq, they would quickly become 50,000 terrorist targets.