Jim Webb Launches Presidential Exploratory Committee

Lost in the shuffle over President Barack Obamas actions on immigration, this week, former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., announced he was forming an exploratory committee as he looks at running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016. A graduate of the Navy Acaemy and a decorated Marine who saw service in Vietnam, Webb served as an assistant secretary of defense and as Navy secretary under President Ronald Reagan. Webb upset then-U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., in 2006 but chose not to run for a second term.

Is it possible that our next president could actually lay out a vision for the country, and create an environment where leaders from both parties and from all philosophies would feel compelled to work together for the good of the country, despite all of the money and political pressure that now demands they disagree? Webb asked. As one who spent four years in the Reagan administration but who served in the Senate as a Democrat, I believe it is possible. It is also necessary. We desperately need to fix our country, and to reinforce the values that have sustained us, many of which have fallen by the wayside in the nasty debates of the last several years. I hope you will consider joining me in that effort.

Over the past few months, thousands of concerned Americans from across the political spectrum have urged me to run for president, Webb added. A constant theme runs through these requests. Americans want positive, visionary leadership that they can trust, at a time when our country is facing historic challenges. Theyre worried about the state of our economy, the fairness of our complicated multicultural society, the manner in which we are addressing foreign policy and national security challenges, and the divisive, paralyzed nature of our government itself. Theyre worried about the future. They want solutions, not rhetoric. I share every one of these concerns.